Dr. Andrew Jennings is a dedicated scholar based in Lerwick, the picturesque capital of Shetland. Embracing the rich cultural heritage of the region, he actively participates in local traditions such as rowing in the yoal team and engaging in the vibrant Fire Festival. His love for the outdoors is evident through activities like dog walking and embracing the untamed Shetland weather. As the program leader for MLitt Viking Studies, Island Studies, Orkney and Shetland Studies, and Highlands and Islands Literature, Dr. Jennings draws inspiration from the unique Nordic cultural inheritance and the rugged beauty of Scotland’s northernmost islands.
Dr. Jennings’ scholarly pursuits centre around the Early Medieval History of the Scottish Islands, with a specific focus on place-names and the era of Viking influence. His doctoral thesis, ‘Gael and Norse in Western Scotland c.795 to c.1000’, reflects his deep expertise in this area. Additionally, his research extends to Island Studies, exploring the North Atlantic and Baltic islands, the history of the North Atlantic from 500-1200, Norse Mythology, Folklore of the Northern Isles, Gaelic Culture, and the captivating history of Shetland.
