Chris Cope examines the dilemma that he and other graduates face after college or university: return to Shetland or stay away?

THE SHETLAND landscape has been described as a living archaeological landscape. No matter where you go in Shetland there are reminders of the past; from 5,000-year-old burial cairns on lonely hilltops to the trading lodberries of 17th century Lerwick.

The earliest known settlers lived in the South Mainland about 7,000 years ago, and were very dependent on the sea for food. The first people whose bones have been discovered here were buried in a stone cist in 3,200BC.

THE SOUTH Mainland is the area running from Gulberwick, just outside Lerwick, to Sumburgh Head. If you arrive in Shetland by plane you’ll land at Sumburgh Airport, at the south tip of the Mainland, and work your way north. This article is written in the opposite direction, from Lerwick heading south, but whichever direction you’re…

The two North Mainland-based theatre groups, Splinters Youth Theatre and Ronas Drama Group, both have big birthdays this year. Splinters is 30 and Ronas has reached its half century. Both groups put on plays at Sullom hall last night. Here, ROSALIND GRIFFITHS looks back at their histories.

Smoking Citroën

There’s a new rally car lookalike about to go on the market in the UK based on Citroën’s DS3 hatchback. It’s not just a cosmetic makeover either. There’s a major power boost at the heart of it and the rest of the gear has been upgraded to cope.

Good luck Berzerkers! The fruits of a long winter’s labour finally come together today as Brydon Anderson of Eshaness takes his place as head guizer in the Northmavine Up-Helly-A’.

I’ve never seen Up-Helly-A’.
The name is strange, outlandish –
For who could take time off
In the middle of a busy life?
Such a time of year to have it.
Shetland in January!

This month’s Shetland Life contains a wealth of articles to appeal all ages, ranging from topical comment and local history to recipes, photography and a children’s section.

The new interpretive board placed at Clickimin Broch by Historic Scotland showing cosy family scenes has come in for criticism from various quarters for being historically inaccurate.

Shetland Amenity Trust chairman Brian Gregson may be brought before Shetland Charitable Trust to answer claims that his organisation refuses to be open with the public.

WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR SHETLAND

Thursday, 29 July 2010 at 11:25

HEADLINES

TODAY: PATCHY DRIZZLE, BRIGHTER SPELLS
TONIGHT: CLOUDY, SOME DRIZZLE
TOMORROW: SOME BRIGHTNESS, RAIN LATER
DAYS 2-5: RAIN THEN SCATTERED SHOWERS
DAYS 6-10: CHANGEABLE

What’s on in Shetland in July 2010

What’s on in Shetland in August 2010 and on