With its rich Norse heritage, beautiful beaches, stunning coastline, lighthouses and wildlife galore, Shetland has something for everyone.
IF YOU’VE been to the Shetland Islands, you’ll know just how magical this part of Scotland is with its vast, open spaces, imposing skies and an atmosphere you’re unlikely to experience anywhere else.
An archipelago made up of around 100 islands, Shetland’s incredible landscapes have to be seen to be believed and it’s no surprise that it was named one of Europe’s top destinations by Lonely Planet a couple of years ago.
From exploring the pretty capital Lerwick with its quirky lanes to spotting seals, otters, orcas and feisty Shetland ponies, an array of wildlife and learning about its Viking heritage and, you’ll never struggle to find things to do and see here.
A highlight for many is walking to St Ninian’s Isle via one of the finest sand tombolos in Europe. It’s one of Scotland’s most-photographed beaches and once you’ve seen it in person you’ll understand why.
In recent years, however, Shetland’s star has shone even more brightly on the wider stage thanks to the popular BBC TV series Shetland, starring Douglas Henshall as DI Jimmy Perez. Intrigue and murder tend to follow the policeman wherever he goes but often it’s the scenery that steals the show in this crime drama.
The line of 60 degrees latitude cuts through Shetland’s south mainland while Shetland is on the same latitude as parts of Alaska, it is warmer due to the Gulf Stream. Directly to the east lies the Norwegian coast, with Shetland actually closer to Bergen than Inverness.
Interesting places to visit include Shetland Museum & Archives in Lerwick which explores Shetland’s heritage and culture and Unst, one of the islands, where you can see the remains of Viking longhouses – some have been excavated – and a full-size replica of a Viking ship. Unst, as well as Bressay, Whalsay, Yell, can be reached by ferry.
The Norse heritage and culture is celebrated every year with the annual fire festival, Up Helly Aa, in the capital – it’s a quite a sight to behold as Vikings roam the streets of Lerwick at the annual fire festival, Up Helly Aa.
Nowhere in Shetland is more than 5km from the sea. In summer, when there are 19 hours of daylight, the sunsets are spectacular with the Northern Lights an impressive sight at other times of the year.
So, what are you waiting for? NorthLink ferries depart all year round, in both directions, on the Aberdeen-Lerwick route while there are regular flights with Loganair from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.
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