George Nelson
| Born | 7 October 1901, South Califf |
|---|---|
| Died | 31 December 1976, Edinburgh |
| Elections | 3 (2 won) |
| Bayanne | Genealogy page |
George Maxwell Nelson M. B. E. was an author, farmer, builder, taxi driver, and County Councillor for Burra between 1964 and 1970. He was the author of The Story of the Tingwall Kirk and he also built Herrislea House Hotel.
Biography
He was the second child of George Nelson (b. 27 September 1867, South Califf) and his wife Agnes Henderson (b.11 August 1868, Dunrossness. He married Catherine Ann Jane Jamieson (b. 22 October 1905, Scalloway) on the 16th of January, 1924. They had three children, Agnes Margaret, Elizabeth Ann and George Thomas Nelson.
Prior to moving to Tingwall, the Nelson family were resident for generations at Brough (Bressay), their surname being originally Neilson.
In his book Traditional Life in Shetland, James Nicolson wrote of George: "His death in December 1976 robbed the islands of one of their most noted authorities on all aspects of traditional life."
He unsuccessfully contested the 1950 Tingwall County Council election.
Political Career
| Year | Election | Council | Votes | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Tingwall County Council By-Election August 1950 (Tingwall) | Zetland County Council | 106 | Not elected |
| 1964 | County Council Election May 1964 (Burra) | Zetland County Council | 99 | Elected |
| 1967 | County Council Election May 1967 (Burra) | Zetland County Council | Unopposed | Elected |
