See Shetland Differently

Depart Aberdeen early evening on the overnight ferry, giving you a chance to enjoy dinner on board before retiring to your cabin.

You arrive in Shetland’s capital, Lerwick, at 0730 so with plenty of time to start exploring today. Get under the skin of these remote, Northern islands from the outset, in the company of a local tour guide.  You will spend the day visiting some of the main attractions – both natural and man-made – in the south of Shetland. The exact itinerary will depend on your interests and the weather, with options including the beautiful St. Ninian’s Isle and its unusual “tombolo” sandy beach, the ancient settlement of Jarlshof, and Sumburgh head, a nesting place for puffins until early August.

Your accommodation in the South Mainland

Set in the tranquil village of Bigton on the picturesque west side of the island, your guesthouse is perfectly placed for touring the South Mainland of Shetland. Five minutes walk from St. Ninian’s sands, with many more unspoilt sandy beaches close by, you will be spoilt for choice and how better to enjoy your breakfast than by feasting on the beautiful, unrestricted views of St. Ninian’s Isle and westward to Foula.

A day to explore at your leisure, perhaps taking a short trip on the passenger ferry to visit impressive Mousa Broch, an Iron Age round tower and one of the best preserved prehistoric buildings in the world. For something rather different, you could follow a craft trail, popping in to galleries and wee shops, where you will find traditional items, such as fair isle knits, or more contemporary textiles. Or you could take the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Ann Cleeves’ Shetland crime dramas, recently filmed on location by the BBC.

This morning you will enjoy a unique and spectacular wildlife experience. Thousands of birds nest and feed in the Noss Nature Reserve, and seals laze on rocks beneath the cliffs or nose around the boat. Your guides on board will share their in-depth knowledge aboard the vessel while you tour the spectacular cliffs of the world famous bird reserve. Afterwards, drive north for the first of two ferries to the most northerly inhabited island in the British Isles, Unst.

Your accommodation on Unst

The house has won many awards for its architecture and is described as “one of the best preserved neo-classical Georgian houses in Scotland”. Views stretch across the Bluemull Sound towards the islands of Linga, and Yell which can be enjoyed from the Drawing room. Relax in the comfort of the house and explore the gardens at your leisure. Dinner is served by candlelight in the house and enjoyed communally with your fellow guests.

Your host will take you on a short tour of the island today. There’s plenty to explore on Unst – from a reconstructed Viking longhouse to the Shetland Ales craft brewery and Foords’ Chocolates, where you can sample the delights made on the premises. Don’t forget to stop and admire/photograph the famous Unst Bus Shelter – complete with carpet, comfy seats, TV and themed decorations – one of Britain’s most quirky attractions – it even has its own website and visitors’ book!

Retrace your steps back via the island of Yell to the Shetland Mainland and your next hotel not far away in the northern village of Brae.

Your Hotel in Brae

Set on the edge of a village overlooking a peaceful bay, the original, historic building dates from 1500’s and has benefited from many tasteful additions throughout the centuries. Low ceilings, winding corridors, steep steps and sloping floors all add to the characterful ambiance of the place which, rumour has it, includes its’ very own ghost. Guests comment on the friendly welcome and traditional service they have received here and the hotel even has royal connections: Queen Elizabeth once took afternoon tea in the library. Less regal guests can enjoy meals in the hotel bar or restaurant, both of which offer high quality, locally-sourced produce. All the bedrooms are individually decorated and named after the surrounding isles, and have views of the bay or the gardens, complete with trees – a rare and welcome occurrence on Shetland.

A final day to explore at your leisure. If you are interested in recent history and stories of great bravery and heroism, head into Scalloway, with its Scandinavian-style painted houses and fascinating museum about the “Shetland Bus” – the secret wartime operation supporting the Norwegian resistance.

Journey back to Lerwick for the overnight ferry to Aberdeen. The holiday can also be arranged as a fly-drive, with flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen direct to Sumburgh and car hire included on the islands.