The Shetland Islands which was originally spelt Zetland, has been inhabited as far back as 1500 BC. The Shetland Islands were first explored by its neighbours of the Orkney Islands, which is as close as 280 kilometres. This archipelago has a total population of 21,900 thousand which is distributed across Shetland's 15 inhabited islands.

A visit to the Shetland Islands will have you learning a lot about other cultures and in particular you will be able to learn all about Norwegian folk music, Scottish reels while listening to some traditional music. The official language of the Shetland Islands today is Scottish English the island's language has evolved from traditional Viking's language of Pictish to Old Norse to just Norn.

Getting to the Shetland Islands is easy with regular ferries running from the mainland as well flights flying into the islands of Foula, Out Skerries, Pap Stour and the Fair Isle. The Shetland Island's boasts many fine restaurants and bars with many popular places to hang out with the locals.

Climate

Find Out About The Climate In The Shetland Islands

The climate of the Shetland Islands is typically temperate with cool, bright and showery summers . Winters are mild and dark with February being the coolest month. April through to August are the best months to visit with the sun shinning more often during these months especially from mid May to mid July where the sun only sets for a few hours in the far north. Fogs are common during the summer months especially on the east coast. Winters can be long with strong winds, sleet and snow rarely lasting for long.

Geography

Geographical Information On The Shetland Islands

Scotland's Shetland Island's is located north east of the Orkney Islands with over 100 islands in the group with approximately only 15 of these being occupied. The largest islands are Mainland, Yell, Unst, Fetlar, Whalsey, and Bressay with mainland being the main island. The Shetland Island's are 960 kilometres north of London and has a coastline of over 1450 kilometres with very few places being out of sight of the sea. Shetland Island has a landmass of over 1294 square kilometres and a population of over 21,988.

Festivals and Events

Discover What's On In The Shetland Islands

The Shetland Islands has something on all throughout the year from folk to music festivals. If your a music fan then the Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival is a must see. Held annually over four days in October the festival attracts musicians from all over the world and is mainly centred around Scottish dance music. In Shetland's town of Lerwick on the first Tuesday of January each year the town comes to light with the sub-Arctic bonfire called Up-Helly-AA. The event is filled with Shetland history all night festivities and is something not to be missed.