Shetland, or the Shetland Isles (never say “the Shetlands”!!) is Britain’s most northerly archipelago, situated some 200 miles north of Aberdeen, and lying closer to Norway than the Scottish mainland. There are sixteen inhabited islands in total, the largest of which are Mainland (linked to Muckle Roe, Burra and Trondra), Yell, Unst, Whalsay, Bressay, and Fetlar. Smaller, more remote islands include Fair Isle, Foula and the Out Skerries. The human population numbers some 22,000 inhabitants, in a land area of approximately 570 square miles, while the coastline is about 1700 miles long, intersected by many deep inlets or voes. The highest point on the islands is Ronas Hill, at an altitude of 1480ft, and wherever you happen to be in Shetland you are never more than three miles from the sea.

The climate is oceanic, with long, mild-ish winters, and short, cool summers. Even in mid-summer, it’s unusual for temperatures to reach as high as 20°C. Wind and cloud are the most common weather characteristics. Rainfall totals about 40 inches per year, and there is some precipitation on most days, but the summer months are a little drier on average. Fog is fairly common in summer, and can disrupt air travel.

The Drongs at Eshaness

The high latitude means that the Northern Lights are frequently observed on the long winter nights, while in mid-summer there is almost 24 hours of daylight – a period known locally as the simmer dim.

The main industries in Shetland are oil and gas, fishing and fish farming, sheep farming, knitwear and tourism.

Culturally, there are strong Norse influences, and these are most evident in the place names and distinctive Shetland dialect – and this heritage is famously celebrated at the festival of Up Helly Aa in January. Folk music, particularly fiddle playing, is very popular throughout the islands and there is an annual international folk festival every spring. Summer is the time of the sailing and rowing regattas, and the sheep dog trials, which are always major social events in the community.