Situated right in-between tourist giants like the Scottish Highlands, the fjords of Norway, and the otherworldly Iceland and the Faroes, the Shetland isles don't really get a lot of attention other than by cruise ships stopping on the way to the aforementioned destinations. But in my opinion, they are very special; a gorgeous set of remote, windswept islands in the North Sea, largely untouched.
I spent three days exploring the islands, having got the comfortable overnight ferry from Aberdeen. Using Lerwick as a base, we went all the way up to the northernmost settlements in the UK on Unst, down towards the southernmost top at Sumburgh Head, and all the way across to the unbelievably beautiful Northmavine. The roads are actually in great shape despite being windy and narrow. Lerwick, the capital, is actually a decently sized town with all the amenities and services any regular town in the UK would have. Travelling across the islands, so often would you just turn a corner and an amazing view would just reveal itself. Some people may find the almost complete lack of trees barren, but I found it made for some stunning and unique landscapes.
The islands have a unique blend of Nordic and Scottish culture. All of the village and island names are very obviously derived from Norse and are reminiscent of place names in Iceland or Norway. The flag is a Nordic cross with the Scottish colours. The language spoken - other than English of course - is a distinct dialect of Scots with a hefty Norse influence. You'll also often find those coloured wooden cabins so common in Scandinavia dotted around. It really does feel like you're halfway between Scotland and the Nordics.
All in all, I would absolutely recommend coming here for more than just a stop on the way to somewhere else. What a truly special and unique place!
The locations in the photos:
Calder's Geo, Eshaness
Cliffs at Eshaness
Braewick
View near Roe Sand Beach
Sumburgh, view of Sumburgh Head Lighthouse
Crofthouse Museum at Dunrossness
St Ninian's Isle
View of Sumburgh from St Ninian's
Dunrossness
Shetland Pony at Dunrossness
Jarlshof Archaeological Site
Puffin at Sumburgh Head