subject: A short guide to the Shetland Islands [print this page] What do you know about the Shetland Islands? If answer is exclusive to ponies, then it could be time for you to find out more about one of Scotland's best kept secrets.
Did you know that Shetland has 6,000 years of civilisation? Or that the islands have more than 1,600 miles of coastline? In essence, Shetland is a walker's paradise. It has the nation's most diverse wildlife and unspoilt landscapes.
Actor Ewan McGregor once said that if Scotland had the weather, nobody would holiday abroad, and never is that statement truer than when looking at the stunning views and walks that Shetland has to offer.
Despite sharing the same latitude as the southern tip of Greenland, Shetland has temperate weather throughout the year thanks to its location in the Gulf Stream's warm waters. And it's to these waters that a wide selection of coastal wildlife is attracted, including seals, otters and over one million seabirds.
Near Sumburgh airport, which welcomes flights from all of Scotland's big cities, are also two of the country's most important archaeological sites, Jarlshof and Old Scatness.
Among the things you can do in Sheltand are taking in the local music, often led by a fiddle and accordion, or taking a boat tour from Unst to the brilliantly named Muckle Flugga and along the cliffs or Hermaness for an alternative view.
Key places and buildings worth visiting on your stay include Cunningsburgh, Fort Charlotte, Lerwick Town Hall, Muness Castle (the most northerly castle in the United Kingdom) and Scalloway Castle.
If you think you'd like to visit Shetland, take in Muckle Flugga, and enjoy the wildlife and walks, why not check out flights to Sumburgh and stay in a Sumburgh hotel?
