8 reasons why the Shetland Islands are unique
I’ve been lucky to visit the Northern Isles over a dozen times and spend proper time in this heaven on earth. Lucky too to have friends there who keep me up to speed on all the comings and goings in these fascinating archipelagos. The Northern Isles are not just fascinating, not just scenic, not just remarkable. The Shetland Islands are utterly, spirit-soaringly, unique. Here are eight reasons why…
Up Helly Aa in Shetland is perhaps the most famous, a riotous celebration of Shetland’s vibrant Viking heritage and the influences that still burn on today
1. Archipelagos Ahoy!
When I tell people that Scotland boasts over 800 islands, they are almost universally surprised it is so many. When I tell them over 100 of those isles lie in Shetland they are blown away. Their thoughts of trying to quickly ‘do Shetland’ soon dissolve. There is nowhere like Shetland anywhere else in the British Isles and that is a sheer joy as it gives you an almost endless choice of islands to visit. You can – and many people do – have a brilliant trip sauntering around the Shetland mainland, but there is a whole archipelago to explore beyond that. Shetland is an island gift that just keeps on giving.
2. Vibrant Viking Heritage
England’s east coast, Ireland and Scotland’s west coast tease you with touches of Viking heritage, but for the real deal you have to hop on a NorthLink Ferry to the Northern Isles. It is here you can wander all alone with Viking ruins on remote beaches in Unst in Shetland, even visit a Viking museum on the same island, complete with a replica longship and Viking dwellings. The Viking influence pulses palpably on Shetland and is celebrated rather than just namechecked.
3. Unique traditions
Shetland Islanders don’t have to toy with new-fangled festivals trying to re-create past glories and resurrect distant culture. Not when they have their own cultural shenanigans that are deeply rooted in their heritage. And in time. Up Helly Aa in Shetland is perhaps the most famous, a riotous celebration of Shetland’s vibrant Viking heritage and the influences that still burn on today. Come in January and you’ll never forget seeing the squads in action and the fiery night skies.
4. Critical World War Roles
It is no exaggeration to say that both World Wars could have shaped up very differently without the involvement of the Shetland Islands. And I’m not just talking about the brave local souls who served and sacrificed. Shetland had a critical involvement with the heroic Shetland Bus, which supplied materials and aid to occupied Norway. However I was also stunned when I checked out a wee shed next to the lighthouse museum up at Sumburgh Head. An information board told me about the embryonic radar efforts made here. One day operators picked up a large trace coming across the North Sea. They alerted their superiors and a massive German air raid on Scapa Flow in Orkney was averted. It could have been Britain’s Pearl Harbour.
5. Sensational walking
The Highlands are rightly famous for hiking, but on Shetland there are lovely walks aplenty too, with my favourite the spirit-soaring hike around the Hermaness National Nature Reserve. They’ve put in handy boardwalks to ease you over the moorland. The reward are bonxies en route and puffins in summer on the cliffs. With views across to Muckle Flugga, the most northerly point in the British Isles, this is a walk you’ll never forget.
6. World-class food and drink
The Shetland archipelago bursts with unforgettable local produce. We’re talking those plump mussels from the clean waters of the voes and superb lamb and beef. On the drinks front Shetland Reel Gin is a star alongside the excellent beers from Lerwick Brewery. You’ll love tucking into delicious food and drink after a day of sightseeing in Shetland!
7. Northern Lights and stars
There is simply no better place to see the famed Northern Lights, or the aurelia borealis, in the British Isles. The northerly climes and the low light pollution make spotting the multi-coloured ‘mirrie dancers’ (as they are called locally) easy, bring the heavens alive in a way you will never forget. Even if they don’t show, the Northern Isles are world-class for stargazing – here you don’t just look out for planets. We’re talking bountiful shooting stars, visible meteors and a fully filled in night sky that boggles the mind. Wild Skies Shetland are a community project in Unst that aim to help people make the most of the remarkable skies, “day and night, summer and winter”.
8. NorthLink Ferries!
Getting to the Northern Isles is all part of the fun with NorthLink Ferries. It always feels romantic forging out of Aberdeen’s busy harbour to join the dolphins that often leap around just outside on a journey to another world bound for Lerwick in Shetland. And it is no ordinary journey as you can quaff a gorgeous pint of local ale, and dine on Northern Isles produce. Or watch a movie, shop, look out for dolphins (and whales) or just enjoy the night sky. The scenic sailings between Shetland and the Scottish mainland, are always a joy.
By Robin McKelvieRobin McKelvie is an award-winning travel writer and broadcaster who has been published in over 200 magazines and newspapers worldwide.
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