Shetland - An Introduction

Shetland is…well, where should we start?

It’s an archipelago, a vast tapestry of islands, some inhabited, most not (except by seabirds and seals, of course). It’s been part of Scotland since 1469 but has nothing but Norse names because it was part of a Norse Earldom for over 600 years before that.

Before the Vikings came, it was inhabited for as long as 4000 years. Those folk remain mysterious. They left no placenames, no marks on the language, which is Scots with a Nordic lilt, and many Norse words, even today.

What they did leave is an immensely rich archaeological heritage. After a very early period before all the woodlands were consumed, they just had stone to build with, and stone endures. We can find Neolithic buildings, bronze age buildings, and beautiful Iron Age wheelhouses. And many Brochs, whose very function is unknown and will remain so, thought the debate goes on.

That’s not all, though. It’s Hem. Folk who have moved as far away as New Zealand will be asked” “You’ll surely manage a trip Hem shortly”. And it’s home to 23000 of us, old Shetlanders like me, with family roots going back to the distant past and to new Shetlanders, like my wife and many of my friends, who have moved here, loved it and stayed. All are welcome, they just have to take part.

Hem, as well to our huge seabird colonies, living and nesting in the most spectacular scenery, to all manner of other birds and wildlife, and to a great deal of Weather! I could carry on. 

The best thing you can do is get in touch, then visit Shetland, and I will show you properly what Shetland is.