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Shetland Islands

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The Shetland Islands [1] are an archipelago in Scotland. Composed of over one hundred islands, of which fifteen are inhabited, Shetland is located more than 100 miles North of the Scottish Mainland. Today, the local economy is very dependent on the fishing industry and public services. Although there is limited evidence of its presence, the North Sea oil industry is still important and tourism, agriculture and knitwear are also part of the economic picture.

Contents

[edit] Islands

Map of the Shetland Islands
Map of the Shetland Islands

[edit] Towns & Villages

[edit] Towns

  • Lerwick - the largest town and main port.
  • Scalloway - the historic capital of Shetland

[edit] Villages

[edit] Other destinations

[edit] Understand

[edit] Talk

Although Scottish English is commonly spoken, Shetland has acquired its own linguistic slang, mostly due to its diverse history and Norwegian roots. Common examples include the word "peerie" instead of the more traditional Scottish "wee," and other indiscrepencies. Keep an ear peeled for them.

[edit] Get in

The main transport links to Shetland are to and from the Scottish Mainland.

[edit] By sea

  • Northlink Ferries provide a daily passenger and vehicle transport service between Lerwick andAberdeen which also calls in at Kirkwall in Orkney up to twice a week depending on the time of year. The ferry service is an overnight crossing, so bringing along a pillow, blanket, or optimally, a sleeping bag, is a good idea. Kip up in the various couches around the lounge if the provided airline-style reclining seats are uncomfortable, or book a cabin beforehand if you're feeling rich. As this is technically an ocean crossing, it can get rough at times. Fall asleep before hitting open waters to alleviate seasickness. This is by and far the most accepted means of getting to the islands, even among locals. Traveling times are divided into two seasons; travel during the winter seasons for optimal fare charges. Be aware that because they hold a virtual monopoly over transit between the Scottish mainland and the Islands, they won't be flexible or forgiving if you need to change your travel plans even with advance notice, and can be downright bureaucratic when it comes to customer service.

[edit] By air

[edit] Get around

[edit] By sea

The inhabited islands are served by regular ferries, operated by Shetland Islands Council.

[edit] By air

Loganair operates flights from Tingwall Airport (10km from Lerwick) to the islands of Foula, Out Skerries, Papa Stour and the Fair Isle, as well as Sumburgh to Fair Isle and Whalsay to Out Skerries services.

[edit] See

Shetland Ponies Shetland is home to a number of unique domesticated animals, including the Shetland Ponies. You might need the connections of a local friend to get close to one, but if given the option, it is not to be missed. Shetland ponies are short, stout horses with a rotund stomach, measuring waist-high to an average human even when fully grown. Despite their diminuitive size, they can be quite ornery, and have a tendency to push you around instead of allowing you to lead them.

Clickimin Broch A well-preserved broch thousands of years old, this ancient circular structure can be found on Lerwick jutting out into a loch. Although this is best done with a local who is familiar with the broch, be sure to peep into the maze of passageways and tunnels that lace the interior of the stone walls.

Shetland Museum and Archives A very modern museum providing a detailed background of the Shetland islands, from its volcanic conception up till the present day. The museum provides a very hands-on experience, from the interactive touch panels to the grain you can literally grind to meal. Make your way through the museum from the very bottom all the way to the top for an in-depth history lesson. Check out the exhibition hall for any unique events or even a glimpse of Shetland's modern art.

[edit] Do

The Shetland Folk Festival Every May. Concerts and random assemblages of musicians in halls and pubs all over mainland and the outlying islands. The range of music on offer is truly eclectic - local, European and the Americas commonly appearing together in one programme - and the atmosphere is unique - long tables of concertgoers of all ages crammed into village halls,with concerts running well into the night(and night falls late in Shetland in May!)

Sea Kayaking Seasonal

[edit] Eat

Some of the better eating options in Lerwick include Monty's bistro, the Olive Tree (daytime only, in the Toll Clock Shopping Centre), the Queen's Hotel and the Peerie Shop Café. There are a couple of good curry houses, two places doing Chinese and Thai and several takeaways, including excellent fish and chips. Outside Lerwick, from north to south, some possibilities include the St Magnus Bay Hotel, Eshaness Café, the Booth at Hillswick, Busta House Hotel, the St Ninian's Isle Café and Spiggie Hotel.

[edit] Drink

In Lerwick, the best place to sample local music and simultaneously imbibe is upstairs in the Lounge Bar, where there are regular sessions.

Out of the town to the north there are several places to visit for a drink including the Mid Brae Inn (Brae), Pierhead Restaurant (Voe), and the century old St Magnus Bay Hotel (Hillswick).

[edit] Stay safe

Shetland is a relatively safe place. The main hazards, if you stray off the beaten track, tend to be Bonxies (Great Skuas) and Scooty Alans (Arctic Skuas), which will dive-bomb you if you stray anywhere near their nests. Hold a stick above your head, but more importantly move out of their territory.

[edit] Get out

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