About Shetland

Roots…

Come and experience the warm, genuine welcome of Shetland, the beautiful and wild group of islands set like jewels in the far north sea whose dramatic and striking scenery will enchant you and warm welcome of its people charm you.

Revel in the distinctiveness of Shetland, whose culture is certainly unlike that of anywhere else. Shetland roots lie deep in Viking heritage with islands littered with old Norse names and remains. Trows (trolls), Selkies (seal folk) and Norse Warriors people the myths of Shetland history and winters are warmed by the Up Helly Aa festivals in which the burning of Viking Longboats gives way to nights of revelry …

The Victorian stained glass window in the Town Hall in Shetland’s capital, Lerwick, celebrates Viking history and the many archaeological sites – including the sites at Jarlshof, Mousa Broch and Scatness allow fascinating glimpses of peoples inhabiting Shetland up to 5000 years ago. Norse influence drenches all aspects of modern Shetland, from place names and fishing tackle to local dialect.

Visit the ruins of the castle of the wicked Earl Patrick Stewart. Eat in a Hanseatic Trading Post. Visit a restored crofthouse or watermill.

The sea – in Shetland you’re never more than 3 miles from it – also plays a continuous and important part in the past and present of Shetland. Sea wrecks litter the coastline. Fishing, as well as crofting, was a traditional mainstay of life with the menfolk braving the sea and the womenfolk tending home and croft. And the sea, which bore folk away from the islands, as well as providing bountifully for them, has also given Shetland a network of family connections across the continents with strong communication links. Because of the many trading links over the centuries Shetland has absorbed numerous cosmopolitan influences into its culture and has consequently achieved a strong sense of its own identity. NEXT>

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