Andrew Jennings

Dr. Andrew Jennings is an Associate Professor in Island Studies at the University of the Highlands and Islands' Institute for Northern Studies, based in Shetland. He specializes in Early Medieval History, Norse Studies, and the cultural and linguistic heritage of Scotland's Northern Isles. Jennings leads the MLitt programs in Viking Studies, Island Studies, and Orkney and Shetland Studies. His research focuses on Norse place-names, Gaelic-Norse interactions, and the socio-cultural history of Shetland. He has published extensively on topics like Viking Shetland, folklore, and island resilience. Jennings is a member of multiple scholarly societies, including the Royal Historical Society and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. His work bridges academic research with community engagement, as seen in projects like HerInDep and the Norse and the Sea initiative.

Education:

• MA (Hons), University of Edinburgh
• MSc, University of Stirling
• PhD (Gael and Norse in Western Scotland), University of Edinburgh

Research Themes: Norse and Gaelic cultural interaction, island identities, place-name studies, and Shetland's historical continuity. Recent projects include the HerInDep study on heritage in depopulated areas and investigations into Viking-age Shetland's governance and seafaring.

Grants & Projects:

• HerInDep: Heritage in Depopulated Areas (AHRC-funded)
• Norse and the Sea Project
• Institute for Northern Studies' interdisciplinary research collaborations