Discover the Shetland Islands

The Shetland islands lie to the far north of Scotland, past John O' Groats and the Orkney islands, almost halfway to the Faroe islands. Yet, despite their northern latitude, the climate in this far flung island group is surprisingly benign; it rarely gets too cold and unfortunately, never overly hot either. It has been said that Shetland doesn't have a climate - just weather. Often you can experience weather typical of all four seasons in one single day. But perhaps that simply adds to the charm that is Shetland.

There are 15 inhabited islands among the overall list of Shetland islands. Some are little more than large rocks, or skerries, as they are known to local people. The entire archipelago consists of approximately 100 island, large and small. The largest of them by far is Mainland. This is where the majority of the 22,000 people live. The main town is Lerwick, situated roughly in the middle of the islands on the east side on a north/south axis, sheltered by Bressay, one of the larger islands.

Untouched landscapes abound everywhere. Untouched and unspoiled coastal scenery allows for perfect sea bird watching; the islands have some of the best sea bird colonies in Britain. Nature and wildlife are everywhere; otters can often be seen playing through the seaweed and among the rocks of the breakwater constructions at ferry terminals, and Shetland ponies, that potent symbol of the islands, can also be seen everywhere living in their natural environment.

The islands are all connected to Mainland, and in a few cases, to each other, by an inter-island ferry service system. It's an extension of the road in many ways, and as the fares of these particular public services are subsidised by Shetland Islands Council who govern the islands, it's a very inexpensive, and occasionally free way to see all of these beautiful northern isles.

To the north lie the three north isles of Yell, Unst and Fetlar, the second, third and fourth largest islands in the Shetland group. They are all distinct and individual in their own way. Unst is the most northerly inhabited isle and has "the most northerly in Britain" just about everything. Yell has great music, fine storytelling and always a warm welcome, and Fetlar is known as The Garden of Shetland for its fine fertile ground, and also claims to be the first Location of the Vikings in the west foot.

The Shetland Islands are truly unique experience. Those who are to significant places and buildings, nature and wildlife, the incredible opportunity to bird-watching, and much more, you can return it vowed to see it again. And they do well year after year. Shetland is now a modern place, with excellent transport links by air and by sea. Come and see for yourself that little piece of Britain with his name and positions of the Nordic countriesevery-friendly welcome every time.