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The Shetland Islands are the northen extremities of what are the British Isles, nowadays called the United Kingdom. It was not until 1707 that the Shetlands officially became part of Britain through the Act of Union although some islanders still don't see themselves as British, preferring, if it were possible, to be back with their Scandinavian brothers.

During the time of Macbeth the islands were under the control of Norway but there is some belief that Torfinn of Orkney and Caithness held sway throughout his escapades with that king. Torfinn was related to the King of Norway as well as Malcolm II of Scotland so perhaps he did have a certain suzerainty to the isles as mentioned. We do know that he played out an important role in the history of the north and may well have been the man who killed, or at least witnessed the killing of, King Duncan at Pitgaveny near Elgin. The men of Shetland would almost certainly have been involved in some of Torfinn's escapades if not as subjects then allies.

The Islands were excellent safe havens for adventurers like the Vikings whose prowess with the longboat was renowned in that the populations of Europe just never knew when or where they would turn up. They used their boats like the nobles used their castles though the Vikings had the mobility that the land locked nobles never had. They could sail far up rivers in their shield protected craft knowing if things got bad they had the mobile 'castle' to return to and British history can vouch for that over the years. Eventually as the mainland kings built their own fleets to counter this never-ending threat but catching the Norsemen was another matter. Not a few expeditions to sort out these warriors in their Shetland or Orkney havens ended in disaster.

Today the islands have a much more peaceful and hospitable manner with tourists and holiday makers being made most welcome. The weather is not as bad as one would think for the gulf stream ensures a healthy climate with summer rainfall no more than Devon to the south of England.

There is much to do and see with museums, castles, ancient sites, festivals, cycling, walking, climbing, birdwatching, boating, diving, trekking, fishing and golf all there for the enjoyment of visitors.

There are many hotels, guesthouses, caravan and camping facilities available at varying cost.
For eats there are many good establishments from hotel to cafes and takeaways serving excellent local produce.

All the islands are served by ferry services and some by air.
Travel on the islands is by bus, coach, car or bicycle.

Ferry services from mainland Scotland are from Aberdeen to Lerwick.
Ferry services from mainland Europe are from Torshavn, Seydisfjodur or Bergen to Lerwick.
Air services to the island's main airport, Sumburgh, are from either Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness or Wick.

A tourist board brochure is freely available from this site.

If anyone has any comments or photos to enhance these pages please contact us.