Find out more about intriguing Shetland - its rich history and culture, islands and wildlife - with our Shetland blogs.
Kergord in Wesidale is the location of the only substantial woodland in the Shetland Islands. The trees were planted between 1909–21 by Dr. George Munro and form a 8 to 9 acre mixture of conifer and deciduous trees which survive extremely well despite enduring harsh weather during winter. Kergord now attracts woodland birds and ornithologists…
Rerwick beach, located in Dunrossness, is a popular spot to stop and take photographs. Travellers on the Scousburgh to Bigton road (on the west side of the South Mainland) can get excellent views of both Rerwick bay and the beach at Spiggie. The panoramic image above shows Muckle Sound – Rerwick bay is to the…
Scalloway Castle is a stunning building, built over five years, starting in late 1599, it was one of the most prestigious buildings in Scotland at the time. It also has a colourful history tied to the brutal Stewart family. Orkney and Shetland were under Norwegian rule until the islands were gifted to Scotland in 1468….
The New Shetland Museum and Archives are located on the waterfront of Lerwick at Hay’s Dock, and were opened in 2007 by HM Queen Sonja of Norway and the Duke & Duchess of Rothesay (Charles and Camilla). A fascinating place to spend time in, the display galleries are split between two floors. The ground floor…
Shetland Ponies are quite distinctive and are thought to have lived in Shetland since the bronze age. Later breeders crossed the native ponies with ponies imported by Norse invaders. The islanders domesticated the resulting Shetland Ponies. The harsh climate of Shetland, and scarce food (Shetland Ponies thrive on a diet of heather) have made Shetland…
Sumburgh Head is a 100m high cliff located at the southern tip of the Shetland Mainland. It is a jagged rocky spur, and at the top is Sumburgh Head lighthouse, which was built in 1819 by Robert Stevenson. Cars can reach halfway up to the top of Sumburgh Head and there is a car park…
Tingwall parish is 19 miles long and 10 miles wide, located in the centre of the Shetland Mainland and includes the settlements of Scalloway, Whiteness, Veensgarth and Gott, and the Vallafield housing estate. Tingwall extends from the Atlantic at Scalloway, to the North Sea at Rova Head and includes the formerly inhabited islands of Hildasay,…
The rugged and exposed headland of Eshaness is perhaps the finest place to the best of Shetland’s geology and coastal scenery. Popular with walkers, this area also sits on the site of an ancient volcano.
Found at the northernmost part of the UK, Muckle Flugga is a small jagged isle found just north of Unst in Shetland. Perched precariously on top is the UK’s most northerly lighthouse, built in 1858.
