Visit Shetland Places

Welcome to Visit Shetland Places
The Walkfo guide to things to do & explore in Shetland

  

Shetland Places Overview: History, Culture & Facts about Shetland

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Shetland history

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Scandinavian colonisation

Orkney and Shetland was colonised during the late 8th and 9th centuries. Vikings used the islands as a base for pirate expeditions to Norway and the coasts of Scotland. The islands converted to Christianity in the late 10th century.

Increased Scottish interest

From the mid-13th century onwards Scottish monarchs increasingly sought to take control of the islands surrounding the mainland. This strategy eventually led to an invasion of Scotland by Haakon Haakonsson, King of Norway. After the stalemate of the Battle of Largs he retreated to Orkney, where he died in December 1263. His death halted any further Norwegian expansion in Scotland.

Absorption by Scotland

In the 14th century, Orkney and Shetland remained a Norwegian possession, but Scottish influence was growing. The islands were pledged by Christian I as security against the payment of the dowry of his daughter Margaret, betrothed to James III of Scotland. As the money was never paid, the connection with the Crown of Scotland became permanent.

18th and 19th centuries

The islands were badly hit by the potato famine of 1846 and the government introduced a Relief Plan for the islands. By the late 19th century 90% of all Shetland was owned by just 32 people. Between 1861 and 1881 more than 8,000 Shetlanders emigrated.

20th century

During World War I, many Shetlanders served in the Gordon Highlanders, a further 3,000 in the Merchant Navy, and more than 1,500 in a special local naval reserve. In total, Shetland lost more than 500 men, a higher proportion than any other part of Britain. A Norwegian naval unit nicknamed the “Shetland Bus” was established by the Special Operations Executive in the autumn of 1940.

Shetland economy & business

Fishing

Mackerel makes up more than half of the catch in Shetland by weight and value. There are significant landings of haddock, cod, herring, whiting, monkfish and shellfish.

Energy and fossil fuels

Oil and gas were first landed in 1978 at Sullom Voe, one of the largest terminals in Europe. Taxes from the oil have increased public sector spending on social welfare, art, sport, environmental measures and financial development.

Farming and textiles

Farming is mostly concerned with the raising of Shetland sheep, known for their unusually fine wool. Crofting, the farming of small plots of land on a legally restricted tenancy basis, is still practised. Crops raised include oats and barley; however, the cold, windswept islands make for a harsh environment.

Media

Shetland is served by a weekly local newspaper and online newspaper. Radio service is provided by BBC Radio and commercial radio station SIBC.

Tourism

Lonely Planet named Shetland as the sixth best region in the world for tourists seeking unspoilt destinations. Overall visitor expenditure was worth £16.4 million in 2006, in which year just under 26,000 cruise liner passengers arrived at Lerwick Harbour. Tourism dropped significantly in 2020 (and into 2021) due to restrictions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quarries

Brindister: 60°06′52′52″N 1°12′57″W / 60.114475°N 1.215874°W. Scord: 60.142287°N 1.261629°W Scalloway 05 Sullom: 60°26′24″N. 1°22′56″W 1°.382306°W – -1.439953°W Vatster: 60.12′46″ N 1°13′15″ W / 60.212887° N 1.220861°W W.

Transport

Transport between islands is primarily by ferry, and Shetland Islands Council operates various inter-island services. There are plans for road tunnels to some of the islands, especially Bressay and Whalsay; however, it is hard to convince the mainland government to finance them.

Shetland etymology

The name Shetland may have been derived from the Old Norse words, hjalt (‘hilt’), and land (‘land’) Another possibility is that the first syllable is derived from an ancient Celtic tribe. In early Irish literature, Shetlands is referred to as Insi Catt — “the Isles of Cats”

You can visit Shetland places with Walkfo Shetland to hear history at Shetland’s places whilst walking around using the free digital tour app. Walkfo Shetland has 2 places to visit in our interactive Shetland map, with amazing history, culture & travel facts you can explore the same way you would at a museum or art gallery with information audio headset. With Walkfo, you can travel by foot, bike or bus throughout Shetland, being in the moment, without digital distraction or limits to a specific walking route. Our historic audio walks, National Trust interactive audio experiences, digital tour guides for English Heritage locations are available at Shetland places, with a AI tour guide to help you get the best from a visit to Shetland & the surrounding areas.

“Curated content for millions of locations across the UK, with 2 audio facts unique to Shetland places in an interactive Shetland map you can explore.”

Walkfo: Visit Shetland Places Map
2 tourist, history, culture & geography spots

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Shetland historic spots	Shetland tourist destinations	Shetland plaques	Shetland geographic features
Walkfo Shetland tourism map key: places to see & visit like National Trust sites, Blue Plaques, English Heritage locations & top tourist destinations in Shetland

  

Best Shetland places to visit

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Shetland has places to explore by foot, bike or bus. Below are a selection of the varied Shetland’s destinations you can visit with additional content available at the Walkfo Shetland’s information audio spots:

Visit Shetland plaques