WELCOME to the online edition of the Shetland Visitor magazine.

The magazine is produced in the hope that it will help you to enjoy your stay in Shetland by giving details of travel, accommodation, shopping and services, activities and events, as well as some information on the islands, their history, people, wildlife and culture.

EMERGENCIES: Police 999; Ambulance 999; Fire 999; Coastguard 999

Medical
Gilbert Bain Hospital 01595 743000

Lerwick Doctors 01595 693201

NHS 24 (24-hour health help service) 08454 24 24 24

Chemist Shops & Pharmacies
A.L. Laing 01595 692579 or 01595 693502

Boots the Chemist 01595 692619

Travel

Sumburgh airport 01950 461000 (not 460100 as in printed edition)

NorthLink Ferries 0845 6000449

SHETLAND may be one of the remotest parts of Britain but the islands are easily accessible with daily sea and air connections from and to the British mainland throughout the year. Lying 957km north of London, 360km west of Bergen, Norway and 1123km from Reykjavik in Iceland, Shetland’s 100 scattered islands (15 of them inhabited) lie at a crossroads of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and are a popular and convenient stop for cruise ships, yachts and commercial shipping.

A varied range of accommodation is available throughout Shetland, from Fair Isle in the south to Unst in the north, from a basic self-catering camping böd to a luxury fully serviced apartment. Whether you stay in a lighthouse keepers’ cottage or a self-catering croft house; a hotel, guesthouse or bed and breakfast in the town or country; or a hostel, outdoor centre or camp site, you should receive a warm, friendly and helpful service.

Shetland is a very special place around midsummer. There’s no darkness, just the twilight that we call the ‘simmer dim’. Not surprisingly, it’s a time when celebrations of one kind or another have traditionally been held. Recently, we’ve revived an old tradition, the Johnsmas Foy. Johnsmas, on 24th June, was the time when the Dutch fishing fleet used to arrive in Shetland for the summer season.

In Shetland you’ll find a surprising and increasing selection of good, fresh produce available, either to purchase for cooking yourself, or prepared for you in one of the varied selection of ‘eating-out’ establishments.

From fishmongers, butchers, confectioners and the local dairy to crofters, market gardeners, chip shops and restaurateurs, local suppliers offer plenty of choice to stop you going hungry.

SHETLAND can boast a wealth of talented knitters, craft makers, artists and photographers who are engaged in producing various quality items for both the local and tourist markets. Work is available direct from the makers or from local shops, websites, craft fairs, markets and gallery outlets. Exhibitions also take place at various venues where you can browse work from both local and visiting artists.

ON the trail of heritage centres, museums, history groups and cultural exhibitions you will discover the magical story of Shetland, its history, its people and traditions. The network provides an insight into the lives and livelihoods of the islanders from prehistoric times to the present day. From static displays and interactive presentations to live dance, music and craft demonstrations you can sample the Shetland story at venues throughout the islands.

TO GET the most out of a holiday you should try to fit in a trip with a guide who knows the local history and folklore, or the best places for wildlife watching, trout angling, walking or just sight-seeing, both on land and from the sea. A selection of the available trips and tours are highlighted here. Most can be booked through the Visit Shetland office at the Market Cross in Lerwick (Tel. 01595 693434), who will also be able to give details of other operators.

THE Shetland pony is undoubtedly one of the most well known of all equine breeds and no one could come to Shetland without noticing them. Although many on the hills (scattalds) would appear to be ‘wild’ they all belong to someone and in the winter months and at foaling time are moved nearer home…

Specially-built modules which will form the bulk of the new Mid Yell Junior High School will be shipped to the isle this week.

WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR SHETLAND

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 at 11:14

HEADLINES

TODAY: MOSTLY DRY THOUGH CLOUDY
TONIGHT: RAIN SPREADING NORTH
TOMORROW: BRIGHTER AFTER RAIN, BREEZY
DAYS 2-5: RAIN, SHOWERS AND CHANCE OF GALES
DAYS 6-10: MOSTLY DRY, COOL E’LY WINDS

Shetland MSP Tavish Scott will meet the transport minister tomorrow to discuss the impact the Scottish Government order for NorthLink to save fuel by lengthening its journey times without prior consultation will have on the isles.