Shetland Isles Holidays Websites Festivals Scotland

Shetland Islands Culture & Heritage - Shetland Wildlife, Music, Ponies & Yarn

The Shetland Islands are a cluster of over one hundred islands huddled together in the Atlantic Ocean between Orkney, Iceland and Norway. Just fifteen of the islands are inhabited with a population of around 22,500. To list some of the bigger Shetland Islands are Mainland, Bressay and Noss, Whalsay, Out Skerries, Fetlar, Yell, Unst, Papa Stour, Foula and Fair Isle. Out Stack is the most northerly of the Shetland Islands and Fair Isle is the most southerly.

The Shetlands are a cultural hub and an incredibly rich wildlife sanctuary in an often hostile natural environment. The Atlantic Ocean pounds the coastline and the islands act as a refuge, stopping off point and breeding ground for thousands of birds and animals. During the summer months the islands come alive with flower-rich machair as well as the seals, otters, dolphins, whales and bird colonies sheltering in the coves and cliffs of the islands. The islanders have long been renowned for their rich artistic culture with traditional music and singing playing a central role to social life on the islands.

Shetlanders have much more of a cultural connection to Norway than Scotland or mainland Britain. Much of this has stemmed from the 600 years that the Shetlands were a province of Norway, but in more recent times the collaboration between Shetland and Norway during World War II has engendered a longstanding mutual bond and respect. While Norway was occupied by the Germans hazardous journeys from Shetland were made by the Norwegian resistance who managed to ship arms and resistance workers into the fjords of Norway often in winter under cover of darkness. These sailings became so regular that they were called the "Shetland Bus". It was a well kept secret with coded messages being passed via BBC news broadcasts. The "Shetland Bus" museum on Main Street in Scalloway tells the story of these perilous times and the bravery of those taking part. Scalloway Museum, Houlland, Scalloway, Shetland ZE1 0UL. Tel: 01595 880608. Open May-Sept Mon 9.30-11.30 am and 2-4 pm, Tues-Fri 10 am-12 pm and 2-4.30 pm, Sat 10 am-12.30 pm and 2-4.30 pm. Admission free.

A Shetland Bus Memorial has also been erected by the Shetland Bus Friendship Society in memory of those who lost their lives in some of the journeys that came under attack by the enemy or the fierce Atlantic storms.

Up Helly AA

The last Tuesday of January sees one of the biggest celebrations in the Shetland calendar. Up Helly Aa fire festival, the largest in Europe, is believed to date back to pagan Norse rituals at the cremation of great chieftans and to mark the return of the sun after the winter solstice.

These days it is planned in secret throughout the year by hundreds of locals to celebrate Shetland history and its inhabitants' skills and spirit. Much of what takes place on the night is based around a flame-lit procession through the streets of Lerwick by heavily disguised locals with different elements of the ritual heralded by rockets exploding overhead, a Viking long ship being dragged through the streets to the shore, culminating in the torching of the long ship when it's pushed out to sea.

Parties go on through the night where squads perform acts at every hall, dance with at least one woman at each hall, down a dram and snatch some mutton soup and bannocks. This goes on throughout the night so don't expect any sleep. The next day is wisely a public holiday! It's one of the busiest times of the year so book your accommodation early if you're planning to visit.

Shetland Music, Folk & Fiddle Festivals

Music is at the heart of Shetland social life particularly fiddle based music, some of which stem from Norwegian roots. Festivals and events on Shetland reflect its importance and the richness of local talent. Shetland Folk Festival is highly regarded as being one of the must-see festivals and it's certainly the most northerly folk festival in the UK. It's been going since 1981 and was organised to celebrate Shetland's own unique fiddle tradition and rich musical heritage. It has grown over the years and includes formal and informal concerts, workshops and sessions going on into the night showcasing artists from the Shetlands as well as visiting performers. It is usually held in the first week of May of each year and remarkably it's largely organised by volunteers and is non-profit making event. Check the Shetland Folk Festival link right for up-to-date information on the forthcoming Festival. It seems sleep is not an option!

Throughout the year there are other festivals including the annual Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival. This usually takes place over four days in mid-October and showcases musicians from all over the world with the emphasis on traditional Scottish Dance music. Venues are dotted all over the Mainland with its finale being the Grand Dance where a host of bands play for a huge audience taking part in one of the biggest traditional dances to anywhere in the UK. Weblink right for more information.

Shetland's Fiddle Frenzy is another celebration of one of the islands traditional instruments. It's aimed at highlighting the talent and culture of Shetland fiddle based music while offering opportunities for students and visitors from all over the world to learn how to play or refine their skills with some of the top fiddle players and teachers. The remit of the Frenzy also brings in other aspects of Shetland culture such as storytelling, fiddle making, traditional dance, local crafts and trips on a Viking long ship. Weblink right for more information.

An up and coming festival is the Guitar Festival which has only been going since 2005. It started in honour of "Peerie" Willie Johnson, an internationally renowned Shetland musician. It covers all aspects of guitar. Contact Shetland Arts on 01595 743843 for more information.