Key facts about Shetland

• 100 or so islands make up the remarkable Shetland Isles archipelago.
  
• Lying to the far north of Britain, they are in fact closer to the Arctic Circle than they are to London, and the islands' capital, Lerwick, is nearer to Bergen than it is to Aberdeen.
  
• In spite of this northern latitude the islands have a temperate, if breezy, climate due to the proximity of the Atlantic Gulf Stream.
  
• The islands enjoy long summer days where the sun never seems to set, but in the winter daylight hours are very short.

History & Culture

Evidence from early settlers, through the Bronze and Iron Age, to the Pictish and Viking eras is incredibly well-preserved. Standing stones and ancient houses, burial chambers, and chapels are all easily accessible to visit on the islands. Archaeological highlights include Mousa; the only example of a complete ‘broch’ in the world, and the famous Norse settlement of Jarlshof with records of human occupation going back over 5,000 years. The impressive Shetland Museum documents the islands history and is well worth spending a few hours in.

 

Things to see and do

Shetland’s natural rugged beauty and magnificent coastlines are ideal for an activity holiday with walking, cycling, fishing and diving all well-catered for here. The islands’ unique and outstanding geology has recently earned them the right to become a "Geopark", and Shetland is committed to preserving and raising awareness of its rich heritage. The rocks tell a fascinating tale spanning almost 3 billion years of natural history.
As well as the "Mainland" visits to other islands are a must, including Unst, the most northerly populated island in the British Isles - the Muckle Flugga Lighthouse lies at the tip of the island, and the only thing that lies between here and the North Pole is the tiny rocky outcrop of Out Stack.  In a place full of prime bird watching locations, the island of Ness is one of the most spectacular, and not to be missed. Remote Fair Isle, now owned by the National Trust for Scotland has an internationally renowned Bird Observatory, and has Special Protection Area status for its diversity and density of seabird populations. As well as offering the opportunity to see the ‘broch’ (some 13m high, and incredibly well-preserved, Mousa offers a great vantage point to view the local wildlife. In Shetland you are guaranteed to see seals all year round. Otters are a little trickier to spot, but with some patience there is a good chance. Occasionally Orcas, dolphins and harbour Porpoise make an appearance off shore. Shopping in Lerwick will offer up a great range of local arts and crafts, including the famous hand knitted textiles, homemade soaps and beautiful hand crafted jewellery.

Travel to and around Shetland

There are daily ferries from Aberdeen, and regular connections with Orkney. There are also good links by air with Edinburgh, Inverness & Glasgow. Well-maintained roads, frequent inter-island ferries and bridges make Shetland really easy to explore by car.

McKinlay Kidd holidays in Shetland

We offer a selection of short breaks to Shetland, ferry based or flydrive as well as a two centre holiday with Orkney. We would also be delighted to tailormake your own Shetland holiday.