Discover the charm of Papa Westray (Papay) in Orkney, one of Scotland’s most remote and historic islands. From Neolithic ruins and stunning coastal walks to incredible wildlife spotting and the world’s shortest flight, Papay offers a unique adventure for history buffs, nature lovers, and curious travelers alike.
From family gatherings and youth trips to creative retreats and outdoor adventures, discover why Bridge End Outdoor Centre makes the perfect base. Planning a group getaway can be tricky—especially when everyone wants something different. You need somewhere spacious, welcoming, and well-located, with enough flexibility to suit a variety of interests. Whether you’re travelling with extended family,…
Nestled at the end of a winding country road just outside Vidlin, Kirkabister is a beautifully restored traditional cottage overlooking the sheltered waters of Vidlin Voe. New to Shetland’s self-catering market, Kirkabister has been thoughtfully brought to life by owner Lynsey, whose attention to detail is seen throughout. Sleeping up to eight guests, Kirkabister is ideal for families or groups…
Think Shetland is just a remote outpost? Think again. This northern archipelago has been a vibrant crossroads of cultures and trade for centuries. Once a stronghold of the Viking world, Shetland remained under Norse rule until 1469 and still carries echoes of that legacy in its place names and dialect. The islands have played host to everything from Hanseatic traders and Spanish Armada shipwrecks…
For many people visiting Shetland, a trip to one or more of the outer isles is always on the itinerary, and in Shetland, visitors are spoilt for choice. With 16 inhabited islands, 15 of them available to visit – nine by inter-island ferry – it can be tricky to pick which one to explore. This week, I will show you why you should visit one of the lesser-explored islands, and this blog focuses on…
A huge thank you to everyone who has booked a travel consultation with me—I’m now fully booked! I’ve absolutely loved helping you plan your Shetland adventures, and I can’t wait to see your trips come to life. If you missed out this time, don’t worry! I’ll be reopening bookings in autumn, so keep an eye out for updates. In the meantime, happy trip planning! I look forward to chatting with more of…
10 Things to Know Before Visiting Shetland! Planning a trip to Shetland? Here are some key things to keep in mind: Book accommodation early – 8-12 months in advance is best! 16 inhabited islands – Choose wisely based on what you want to see. Two seasons: summer & winter – Spring & autumn are fleeting! One base is enough – No need to move around to see it all. Cruise ship days are busy – Plan…
I’ve always been drawn to northern places; perhaps it’s the familiarity or the sting of cold air on red cheeks, or possibly it’s the comparisons that can be drawn between my northerly place and another. Whatever the reason, the North Atlantic region and those areas that share a space on the latitude line with us fascinate me. I’ve ventured to Iceland, Faroe and the far-flung St Kilda archipelago…
The older I get, the more I crave experiences that ground me, that allow me to truly connect with the natural world. I find myself increasingly seeking spaces that offer respite from the constant hum of digital noise and the demands of modern life. Believe it or not, but I spend most of my days sitting at a computer – not the open spaces and horizons that you see on my Instagram stories! So, when…
The Clift Hills are a series of low-lying hills (200-300 metres) that rise from Clift Sound. Royl Field (293m) is the largest of these hills and the second largest in Mainland Shetland (and the third largest in Shetland). During the Second World War, a de Havilland Mosquito Mk VII “DZ642” of the 627 Squadron, Royal Air Force, crashed on Royl Field on 22nd November 1944. The Clift Hills dominate…
Happy New Year, and thank you for coming back here to read this first blog of 2025. Who can believe it’s 2025? We’re a quarter of the way through this century. Crazy. We had a fine festive period, very quiet, yet slowly productive in the nicest possible way. The betwixmas days brought a period of settled and still weather – unlike last year’s relentless 80mph winds that were driven in on violent…
In 2020, just before the world as we knew it drew to a standstill, my husband and I went to New York. We spent five days exploring the city and ticking off all the ‘must sees’ from the list. I spent months planning the trip in a notebook, and while we were there, I kept a little diary of our time. We did all the main attractions: Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, the Flatiron Building,…
Despite its relatively small size, Shetland has an incredible number of cultural heritage centres, supported by a willing army of volunteers who are passionate about recording the past, telling and sharing Shetland’s history, and celebrating the stories and folklore of the islands. Shetland has a strong storytelling tradition, and much of its cultural heritage has been preserved, meaning there’s a…
From your journey here to the most accessible venues, accommodation and tours for your stay, we’ve worked with Ability Shetland to put together a guide to accessibility in the islands.
Shetlanders have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and a make-do-and-mend attitude that has allowed them to thrive and the 18th and 19th centuries saw some of Shetland’s greatest contributions to modern medicine. In the 18th century, smallpox would tear through communities here, killing up to one third of the population, and one man, John Williamson, made a tremendous contribution to the…
After years of meticulous planning, research, and exploration, we are thrilled to announce the forthcoming release of our travel guide to Shetland. With stunning colour photographs and more than 250 pages brimming with useful information and insider tips, Shetland, Your Essential Travel Guide, is a labour of love, born from a shared dedication to showcasing the islands' natural beauty, intriguing…
When you imagine Scotland, you think of quiet glens, river valleys, forests, gorges, lochs, and whisky that flows like water from tumbling burns. This is Moray Speyside; it’s a romantic image punctuated with visions of tartan-clad highlanders, heather, and ‘wild haggis’. It is liberally peppered with at least 50 malt whisky distilleries, making it one of the best-known regions, if less explored.…
The Shetland Isles, a remote and captivating archipelago located in the North Sea, are a hidden gem waiting to be explored. If you're an avid caravanner looking for a unique adventure, taking your caravan to Shetland is a fantastic idea. With stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, Shetland offers a one-of-a-kind experience that you'll cherish forever. In this blog post, we'll…
Brydon Thomason is a Fetlar-born Shetland naturalist who has spent decades in Shetland’s landscapes, photographing and observing the incredible wildlife of our islands. Brydon is also the owner of Shetland Nature, who run wildlife holidays and guided tours throughout Shetland, and this latest book showcases his incredible archive of photographs, along with his insights into the seasons which, as…
Lying about 20 miles west of Shetland, Foula is one of the UK’s most remote islands, and arguably the most isolated of any island in the UK. With a population of about 35, many thousands of birds, and five square miles to explore, Foula has an ‘edge of the world’ feel and will leave a lasting impression on those who visit. Sitting alone in the vast, often unforgiving expanse of the North Atlantic,…