Shetland

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Shetland is one of these places that is a must to visit , at least once in your life. To the mainland UK visitor or European traveller, the Shetland way of life is a completely different and enjoyable experience and can only be appreciated by coming here , no number of books or brochures can possibly act as a substitute.

The similarity between Lerwick and Bergen in Norway is not coincidental. Bergen is as close to Lerwick as any Scottish Mainland city so it is hardly surprising that some Shetlanders see themselves as Norse rather than British or even Scottish!

Historically, Shetland was ruled by Viking Denmark for 600 years before being gifted to Scotland as part of a dowry in the late 15th century. But this archipelago of over 100 islands, lying 222 miles west of Bergen and nearly 400 miles north of Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, is still Norse in character and very independent.

Although renowned as awesome warriors, the Vikings from Shetland were, at home, law abiding citizens adhering to the laws of their parliament, the "Althing" which met on an islet in Tingwall Loch. They were peaceable fishermen and farmers, and generally settled around the coast overlooking sheltered bays. The "Up Helly Aa" Festival every January pays homage to Shetland's Viking past and attracts many thousands of visitors every year to see this truly "Shetland" experience.

The Vikings were far from the first settlers on these islands. A visit to Jarlshof near the Airport at the foot of Mainland gives evidence of many different residents. Here, settlements were built on the remains of previous settlements, century upon century, until hidden by the ravages of time and weather - just waiting to be rediscovered. At the end of the 19th century a wild storm uncovered some massive stones and the archaeologists did the rest. They found evidence of a time capsule - an entire village dating back 3,000 years. 15,000 visitors are attracted to the multi-period archaeological treasure 'Jarlshof' annually. Other legendary sites include Mousa Broch (a World Heritage Site), on the Island of Mousa, and Clickimin Broch, surrounded by a Loch of the same name, on the outskirts of Lerwick.

Today, the Shetland Islands are a magnet for more temporary visitors. Arriving by sea from Aberdeen, Orkney, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Denmark and Norway, and by air to Sumburgh Airport , visitors to Shetland will be enthralled with its 5,000 year history, its ornithology and wildlife, its music and culture, its fishing, walking and cycling opportunities, and its people and warmth.

Ancient Shetland had Scalloway as its capital but with the growth of Lerwick, this mantle was eventually seized by what is now Shetland's largest town. For visitors wishing to capture the history of these islands, the Shetland Museum in Lerwick (with over 30,000 visitors a year) should be the first stop.

Lerwick has a superb natural harbour. Dating from the 17th century, it was a popular trading port for Dutch herring fishermen. Merchants built their own piers and warehouses known locally as "lodberries". By the turn of the 20th century Lerwick was one of the busiest fishing and oil ports in Europe.

Unlike many parts of the Scottish Mainland that have seen "remote" settlements disappear as its peoples move to the busier towns, Shetland has retained healthy rural communities on islands such as Unst, Yell, Fetlar, Whalsay, Bressay, Papa Stour Foula and the Fair Isle - a bird sanctuary owned by the National Trust for Scotland. All have excellent ferry links to the mainland and some to each other - ideal for island ferry hopping and discovery trips. Even the Mainland has its remote parts especially the North Mainland. One of the reasons for the stability of these remote settlements is the Shetland economy greatly strengthened by North Sea Oil and the development at Sullom Voe, now the biggest oil and liquified gas terminal in Europe. This has also given the islands the financial ability to develop other industries such as tourism.

But apart from the Vikings and earlier settlers, the 30,000 gannets, the 140,000 guillemots, the 250,000 puffins, the 300,000 fulmars, the otters, the ponies, the superb island scenery, the naturally friendly people and their musical and social culture, what else attracts visitors to these islands? How about the long summer days with the sun shining for 19 hours, where you can play golf at midnight? The feeling of absolute escape and freedom? The air that bathes you so you sleep like a baby? Or the long winter nights and the dramatic Northern Lights?

For an area of only 550 square miles, the Shetland Islands offer a rich tourism product with excellent accommodation and attractions throughout its 95 mile length and 47 mile width. Shetland. A seduction for the senses and soul.