To me, the thing about the Shetland Islands was not much. Not much excitement, not much hubbub, just not much of anything which held a charm all of its own.
Cemeteries are along the coast as many residents are fishers and wish to reside by the sea. Windswept turf and peat bogs scattered with sheep, sheep on the left, sheep on the right, and from time to time a Shetland pony. Roads are narrow and everyone seems to know almost everyone else.
Community is an integral part of the island and more than 50 community centers flourish with activities for young and old alike. The people are very friendly and approach life at a casual and relaxed pace. A traveler passing through can easily realize their life might be a bit more harried and peaceful solitude here helps one inhale and calms a soul.
Shetland is around 106 miles north of Great Britain and 143 mi)es west of Bergen, Norway. It covers an area of 567 square miles and has a coastline of 1,679 mi)es long. From north to south, it's about 70 miles long and is about two and a half hours to drive. Shetland has about 23,000 in population.
On a clear day in Shetlands during summer one can enjoy about 19 hours of daylight but if you are from more southern regions you might want a windbreaker to fend off the oceanic breeze. If you are a cold weather fan your average summer temperature is around 35 degrees so you might enjoy yourself. And if golf or fishing are your enjoyment in life this may be the spot to travel to for you.
A visit here at the right time of the year affords great views of the northern lights as they dance across the night skies. Unfortunately, my visit did not coincide with that delightful event.
The island has one airport which can only be flown into on good days. At times there could be a three-day delay due to heavy fog that will delay arrival or departures. Emergencies can be flown out by helicopter when necessary. I was astounded that to get from one side of the island to the other we drove across the airfield. A yellow flashing light indicates one should wait for the airplane to land or take off. If it’s a flashing light the airplane has right of way.
Lerwick is the main town and port of mainland Shetland and hosts a population of just over 7,000. The city is a charming mix of old and new; history and history in the making.
We had asked a local where they would eat; as always I wanted to experience what the locals considered “their favorites” and upon recommendation, we stopped into a local restaurant after a walk about town to enjoy the sites and shops.
While I traveled through the British Isles I will admit that in Lerwick I enjoyed the most savory and flavorful lunch on the trip and I even pondered that this might have been the best hamburger I have ever experienced in my life.
Number 88 offers everything locally sourced; vegetables, cheese, meat, mead, and alcohol. The flavor was immensely enjoyable. These taste buds danced a delightful jig all of their own. Traveling abroad one realizes just how over-processed the food in the United States is overdone. And with all the over-processing the flavors and riches of foods have diminished the flavors and is truly a shame.
Being a remote island they tend to be as reliant on their skills and resources as much as possible and this heightens the freshness of meals presented.
After walking about the town we stopped for some locally made ice cream (another delightful richness not ruined by over-processing). Walking through the little shop in which the ice cream was sold was an experience as well.
I was enchanted with the milk dispensers and wished I could take their creamy richness with me as they reminded me of days when I would walk out to the barn and watch Grandpa milk Daisy.
Shetland truly is for anyone who wants to unwind and enjoy the relaxed pace that brings a sense of peace to mind and body.
Some areas are challenging for people with disabilities other areas are accessible. I would recommend research based on whatever your limitations may be.
LINKS:
https://www.shetland.org/
https://www.visitscotland.com/places-to-go/islands/shetland