Find out more about intriguing Shetland - its rich history and culture, islands and wildlife - with our Shetland blogs.
In January, one of the darkest months of winter in Shetland, fires are lit to celebrate the islands heritage. Up Helly Aa is the biggest event in Shetland, and is one of the most compelling reasons to visit. Find out the history of the event and what happens on the day here!
Jarlshof is an archaeological site located near the southern tip of the Shetland Mainland. It offers not just a glimpse back into prehistoric life as Skara Brae in Orkney does, but shows a settlement shaped by 4,000 years of human occupation. The very first people to reach Shetland probably landed not far from Jarlshof 5,000…
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,…
