The Shetland Islands
The crossroads of the North Atlantic
It is their geographical location as the crossroads of the North Atlantic which gives the Shetland Islands their importance both historically and ecologically. Lying midway between Norway, Britain and the Faroe Islands, they were a staging post for the maritime traffic which plied the North Atlantic; equally they benefit from seas around them being rich in nutrients, so supplying the needs of the whales, dolphins and seabirds which make the islands their home in the summer months. Of equal importance are the major archaeological sites such as Jarlshof. The whole tapestry is interwoven by the strong Norse Heritage of the islanders and their music.
Lying far to the north of Scotland, Shetland is much bigger than you would imagine. It comprises over 100 islands, of which only 14 are inhabited, and stretches some 100 miles from the southern tip of "Mainland" up to the island of Unst which has Britain's most northerly everything!
In mid summer it never really gets dark - there's just a short time when the sun dips below the horizon before re-appearing. In the isles it's known as the "Simmer Dim". At this time of year it's the natural history of the islands on which we concentrate and our holiday includes a trip under the dramatic cliffs of the island of Noss with its tens of thousands of sea birds - Puffins, Gannets, Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Razorbills and Shags all filling the air with a cacophony of sound.
Meanwhile, on the island of Mousa Storm Petrels take advantage of the darkest time to change nesting duties and we'll go out to the island to enjoy this thrilling experience - the birds nest in the walls of the famous Mousa Broch. We'll visit Sumburgh Head where it's possible to get really close up views of Puffins and we'll call in at the remarkable archaeological site of Jarlshof. Up in the far north we'll visit Fetlar to enjoy the delightful Red-necked Phalaropes and we'll experience Britain's most northerly everything on the island of Unst.
