Where is shetland island

Summers are relatively dry, with much of the rainfall falling during winter storms, when the seas can be huge. The average wind speed of Force 4 is part of the reason that Shetland is such an attractive place for wind turbines. When there is a beautiful sunny day, there are few places like it. More than 5, archaeological sites across Shetland hint at a long history, with evidence of human activity here as far back as 4,BC. Between and AD, brochs were built near the sea across Shetland — hollow stone roundhouses that may have been defensive fortresses or the Iron Age equivalent of stately homes.

In the ninth century, Shetland was colonised by the Vikings, the start of a long Norse and Scandinavian influence, even after the islands were reclaimed by Scotland in the 14th century. Today, the Norse influence can be felt not just in Viking sites like the famous Jarlshof settlement near Sumburgh Airport, but in its place names, many of which are derived from Old Norse.

Hence, while Shetland is a welcoming and outward-looking place partly thanks to centuries of sea trading , it also has its own identity and folk culture, from folk music to myths about trows, the Shetland answer to elves.

Shetlanders often see themselves as Shetlanders first and Scots second, and have tended to vote differently to the Scottish Mainland, voting Liberal or Liberal Democrat in every election since No, not at all. While Shetland does have strong connections with its heritage and nature, the islands are also forward- and outward-looking, welcoming outside influences and fresh ideas.

Events like the Shetland Folk Festival or Wool Week celebrate ancient traditions, but are really about modern trends in folk music and textiles. This is a normal modern society, connected to the Scottish Mainland and the world by fast broadband and regular flights. One of the biggest appeals is the wildlife, from photographing otters or rare red-necked phalaropes to fishing for halibut around the Muckle Flugga lighthouse at the edge of the British isles.

There are kayaking trips around the islands, and boat trips galore — whether to see the broch at Mousa, the diving gannets at Noss, or to take a cruise to the remote isle of Foula. Shetland attracts enthusiasts — bird-watchers, artists, photographers, wild swimmers, textile obsessives and so much more — especially to world-renowned events like the Shetland Folk Festival or Shetland Wool Week.

With its wild seas and huge skies, Shetland is a true escape. Many people who move to Shetland report their lives becoming busier than ever. There are clubs and classes for everything from archery to yoga and tai chi, with golf courses, sports pitches and a clay-pigeon shooting range. There are state-of-the-art leisure centres across the islands, especially at Clickimin in Lerwick, with its pool, health suite and squash courts, surrounded by football and rugby pitches and an athletics track.

And there are always films, gigs, art shows and other events at the Mareel cultural centre, the Bonhoga art gallery and other spots across Shetland. Shetland is one of the best places in Europe to see bird life and sea mammals.

Yachting is another popular pastime, especially in summertime, with sailing regattas held regularly. There are also a wide array of galleries where you can view and purchase visual art made by talented locals. Find out more about the outdoors and leisure on VisitScotland. Situated around miles north of Aberdeen and miles west of Bergen, Norway, the Shetland Islands are the most remote part of the UK, but are surprisingly accessible thanks to regular ferry and air links.

The tight-knit, diverse community, abundant natural beauty and unspoiled environment also make this a highly desirable place to live. Although there are over islands, only 12 are inhabited, so whether you are a full-time or seasonal resident you can expect properties to be priced at premium in more urbanised areas with quick access to local amenities. The Shetland Islands Lying roughly miles off the north east coast of Scotland, the Shetland Islands are the northern-most tip of Scotland.

Population: 23, approx. Five Fascinating Facts: 1. Shetland boasts an ancient civilisation that predates the Vikings and the Picts, with Neolithic archaeological sites which date back to BC 4. The Shetland Isles are located around km 93 miles closer to Norway than they are to mainland Scotland 5. Find out more about working in Scotland Transport: Getting around Shetland is easy.

Created with Sketch. Combined Shape Created with Sketch. It is a land shaped by the sea from dramatic, sculpted cliffs to tranquil sandy bays. This nutrient-rich sea has fashioned much of the islands 5, year history. It is a land of many contrasts — rugged hills and flower-strewn meadows; large new houses and traditional crofts; ultramodern ships and small boats which can trace their ancestry back to Viking times.

Islands which are distinctly Norse in character yet part of Scotland. The Shetland Islands lie scattered some km north of the Scottish Mainland. The capital, Lerwick is km from the Scottish port of Aberdeen and only about 29 km more than this from Bergen in Norway and Torshavn in the Faroe Islands.

The degree line of latitude lies across the South Mainland of Shetland, passing through the small island of Mousa with its famous broch. There are over islands ranging in size from the large island of Mainland to the numerous small skerries and islets along the coast. The distance from Sumburgh Head, the most southerly tip of Mainland, to Hermaness at the most northerly tip of Unst, is about km. North of Unst lies Muckle Flugga with its lighthouse 59m above sea level; the most northerly inhabited island in the British Isles.

Fair Isle is 24 miles 39 km south-west of Sumburgh Head and lies mid-way between Shetland and Orkney. Despite its northerly latitude, Shetland enjoys a pleasant, temperate, oceanic climate with average winter temperatures comparable to those in western Britain and the annual average rainfall is less than mainland Scotland.