Shetland Islands - Hidden Scotland

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Shetland, an archipelago situated northeast of mainland Scotland, is renowned for its rugged coastline, rich Norse heritage, and vibrant wildlife. The islands offer dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and historical sites, including ancient brochs and Viking relics. Shetland's unique culture, lively festivals, and natural beauty make it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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Interesting news from Shetland Islands

Giant puppets to parade across the sands at St Ninian's Isle

A carnival of twelve-foot puppets is heading for the tombolo at St Ninian's Isle this month, and the organisers want folk to join in. It's the work of local artist Alex Purbrick, who's spent months running workshops to build the puppets and their costumes, with a music score from the children of the Bigton Collective and dancers from the Shetland Community School of Ballet. The figures are drawn from island folklore. Gryla the ogress of the wild hills, her consort Flukler the wizard giant who lived on Fetlar, a njuggle called Nessa, and the Norse serpent Jormungandr. Straw-clad skeklers too. Purbrick took the idea from a Cornish collective, The Lost Giants, who've been doing this for thirty years. The free parade runs 2-4pm on Sunday 28 June. Around 50 to 60 people have already had a hand in it, and they're after a few more, including, as Purbrick puts it, "two strong folk" to be the legs of the giants.

Peatland Restoration Projects Underway in Shetland

Two major peatland restoration schemes have started on Shetland’s west side, covering 45 hectares at Murraster and 77 hectares at Herra on Yell. Managed by Shetland Amenity Trust with support from NatureScot, the work involves blocking erosion gullies, re-profiling peat hags and redirecting water flows. The projects aim to restore vital habitat, improve water quality, boost biodiversity and lock in carbon. Local employment is already rising with machine operators being trained in advanced restoration techniques. The sites are targeted for completion by spring 2026.

Ancient Toys Go on Display in Shetland Museum

A new exhibition at Shetland Museum reveals how children in the Neolithic and Iron Age learned through play. Play in the Past showcases miniature stone axes, toy millstones, gaming boards, dice, and even a child’s carved sword—offering a rare glimpse into the lives of Shetland’s earliest young learners.

Over 4,000 Years of Shetland History to Be Inspected

A major conservation programme is set to begin in Shetland this July, as Historic Environment Scotland undertakes detailed masonry inspections across six of the islands’ most significant heritage sites. The work will focus on structures over 1.5 metres tall, with experts using scaffolding, rope access, and elevated platforms to assess the condition of ancient stonework. Sites include Clickimin Broch, Mousa Broch, Jarlshof, Scalloway Castle, Fort Charlotte, and Muness Castle. Each holds clues to more than 4,000 years of human history. The inspections will help shape future repair and conservation work, ensuring these exposed and weather-beaten sites remain safe and open to the public.

End of an Era as The Shetland Times Ceases Local Printing After 150 Years

After more than 150 years of printing on Shetland, The Shetland Times has produced its final edition on island soil. The long-standing newspaper, recently acquired by Highland News & Media, will now be printed in Dundee and flown into Shetland for distribution. The move ends a significant chapter in local journalism, with the family-run press operation in Lerwick closing after generations. While printing has moved, editorial operations and the paper’s bookshop and publishing arms will remain on the island. The shift marks a logistical change, but for many in Shetland, it represents the close of a deeply familiar tradition.