Scalloway is the ancient fishing community of Shetland but now second in line to Lerwick in that industry. It's a typical little fishing town lying on the west coast of mainland facing the Atlantic Ocean and the worst that these seas can throw up. The main catches of the port are now haddock, whiting and cod as against the old herring bonanza which has now died out. The town is home to the North Atlantic Fisheries College sited on a feature overlooking the harbour and this seat of learning contributes much to the community as a whole.

The town is dominated by a castle built by Earl Patrick Stewart at the beginning of the seventeenth century. The rather imposing structure is now a ruin but it doesn't take much imagination to see that it was quite a building in its day. It is said that it was built using forced labour. The designer was the same man who drew up the plans for the Earl's Palace on Orkney.

Being a fishing port Scalloway has that colourful look which attracts artists and canvas to make these paintings which seem to adorn the walls of galleries, cafes and shops. Anyone who has ever enjoyed some time in a sea town will know what I mean and Scalloway is no exception.

The town was, during the last war, a supply centre for the resistance movement in Norway and this is celebrated in the little museum with displays and relics. A good reminder of the bravery of the people involved and one not to be missed.

To the north of Scalloway lying in the region known as West Mainland is the tiny village of Walls with its natural harbour. The village has a museum devoted to local finds and Shetland knitting which everyone at some time in their lives has had an acquaintance with. The village boasts one of only two hotels in the region the other being situated at Wormadale.

Other places sited in West Mainland are Burrastow, Sandness, West Burrafirth, Aith, Bixter and Weisdale.

Papa Stour to the north west of the region is famous for the band of young people from all over who settled the island during its population crisis. Most couldn't hack the conditions and left but the remainder stayed on to master the environment and now the island's future seems secure. A ferry service to the island runs from West Burrafirth on a daily basis in the summer months proving the popularity of the place.

Fishing, cycling, rambling, ancient sites, birdwatching and trekking can all be enjoyed.

For eats the local establishments provide good fayre.
Hotel, restaurant and café services are available.

Travel is by bus or car.
For tourists from abroad the nearest airport is Sumburgh and on by bus or car. Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Wick all connect with Sumburgh.

Ferry services are to Lerwick from Scottish mainland ports, Aberdeen and Scrabster. European ports Torshavn, Seydisfjodur and Bergen serve Lerwick.

A Tourist Board Brochure is freely available from this site.

Comments or photos to improve this page most welcome.

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