25 reasons to move to Shetland

By Promote ShetlandDecember 31st 2024

Why not make 2025 the year you move to Shetland? With thriving communities, life-changing career opportunities, and an array of fantastic festivals and activities, the islands are a fantastic place to call home. Here are 25 compelling reasons to consider a move...

1. The strong community spirit

At the heart of Shetland lies its incredible community spirit, a force that binds the islands together, from the tiniest communities to the vibrant capital of Lerwick. This spirit infuses every aspect of life, from the warmth of welcoming sports clubs and lively social events to the dedication of local hall committees and larger organisations like the Shetland Charitable Trust. It’s a community-driven ethos that brings to life cherished traditions, supports local projects, and powers iconic festivals and volunteer-led events like the spectacular Up Helly Aa fire festivals.

2. Your proximity to stunning scenery…

Shetland boasts around 1,700 miles of dramatic coastlines, pristine beaches and beautiful landscapes. You won’t be far from stunning scenery wherever you are in the islands. If you love the outdoors, it’s like an adventure playground with spectacular cliffs, sandy shorelines, or heathery hills.

3. ...and closeness to the sea

Situated where the Atlantic Ocean meets the North Sea, you shouldn’t be surprised to learn you’re never more than three miles from the sea in Shetland. That gives ample opportunity for exploring the shoreline, hopping into a boat or kayak, or diving in for a swim.

4. A rich and fascinating culture

Shetland has been inhabited for millennia, leading to a deep and interesting culture blending Pictish, Norse and Scottish heritage. The Norse influence is evident everywhere from the placenames to the Scandinavian-style housing, the Shetland dialect, and, of course, our spectacular fire festivals. But we’re also a dynamic and forward-looking part of Scotland. Our culture continues to develop, influenced by modern sectors like renewable energy and the space industry.

5. The incredible music scene…

Shetland is renowned globally for its traditional fiddle music, which blends global influences into a distinct style. But Shetland music is about much more than trad. Our thriving music scene boasts numerous bands of varied genres, and many gigs and festivals throughout the year enable people to let their hair down and enjoy great music. From acoustic to zydeco, you’re likely to experience it in Shetland!

6. ...and the chance to learn an instrument

Whether it’s piano, guitar, fiddle or drums, anyone wishing to learn an instrument, especially youngsters, couldn’t ask for a better opportunity than that offered in Shetland. Music is so central to the islands’ identity that dozens of talented musicians offer their services as tutors.

7. There's a sport for everyone...

Sport is a big part of life in Shetland, bringing people together in friendly competition. Islanders regularly participate in team sports, including football, hockey, rugby, netball and volleyball. There are well-established leagues, as well as county representative teams competing nationally and internationally. Shetland is home to excellent clubs for sports such as athletics, triathlon, swimming, golf, badminton, squash, table tennis, clay pigeon shooting and more.

8. ...and excellent recreation facilities

Shetland is lucky to have an excellent network of eight leisure centres with pools, and sports pitches across the islands, making it easy to get involved in sports and recreational activities wherever you live. There are well-maintained pitches in many islands, including an undercover 4G pitch in Lerwick, an outdoor hockey pitch in Brae and an all-weather football pitch in Whalsay. Lerwick is also home to a 400m athletics track. Golfers can take their pick from 18-hole and 9-hole courses in Lerwick, Asta, and Whalsay (recently cited as one of the best in the world!).

9. Endless outdoor adventures

Shetland's landscape and surroundings offer excellent opportunities for outdoor pursuits, whether a brisk walk or more adrenaline-fuelled pursuits like coasteering or free-diving. Water sports include rowing and sailing, with regattas held through the summer. Or you can hop in a kayak and explore the coastline and spectacular caves.

10. Career opportunities abound...

Shetland’s diverse and thriving economy means there are excellent career opportunities in varied locations ranging from space to the seabed! A new spaceport in Unst is expected to lead to hundreds of jobs across the supply chain. Engineers are in high demand in burgeoning sectors like offshore wind and clean energy, and to service the maritime industry. The aquaculture sector requires everything from marine scientists to qualified skippers (incidentally, working in some of the UK’s most spectacular coastal locations). Meanwhile, the public sector, including the local authority and NHS, offers an array of rewarding careers with plenty of progression opportunities. (You can see the latest public sector jobs on our Current Vacancies page.)

11. ...and you can easily work remotely

Shetland has a strong digital infrastructure, including high-speed broadband, which means if your job is desk-based, you can easily work from home and connect with people all over the world online.

12. There's great potential for new enterprise

There is a huge amount of untapped potential in Shetland. The most valuable sector is the fishing and aquaculture industry, but energy, agriculture, tourism and hospitality all play a significant role in the islands’ economy. There are opportunities in all these sectors and more, including the professional services sector, which helps keep Shetland businesses thriving.

13. It's a wonderful place to raise a family...

Shetland is often celebrated as a fantastic place for children to grow up because of its small but thriving communities, easy access to wide open spaces, and an abundance of clubs and societies for young people.

14. ...and the education system is top-class

Children not only get to enjoy the benefits of living in an island community, but the education system is also good. From tiny village schools to large settings like Anderson High School in Lerwick, learning is at the heart of Shetland’s communities.

15. You can see amazing wildlife...

It’s no exaggeration to say that in Shetland people and nature co-exist in harmony. From shy otters and nosy seals popping up for a look while you wait for a ferry to an array of exciting seabirds coming to Shetland each summer to breed, you don’t have to look far to have an amazing encounter with nature. The moorland is scattered with hardy sheep year-round, as well as our beloved Shetland Ponies.

16. ...and even encounter an orca or two

Locals and visitors alike get most excited by our spectacular sea life, particularly the returning orca families who hug the shoreline in pursuit of seals for supper. There’s even a Facebook page dedicated to sightings. Watching these magnificent creatures from the coast is a breathtaking experience.

17. Take part in spectacular fire festivals...

Shetland is known worldwide for its annual Up Helly Aa celebration in Lerwick, which takes place on the last Tuesday in January, but did you know we have several more fire festivals throughout the winter months? There are 11 in total across the islands between January and March and you can get involved, either taking part in a torch-lit parade or volunteering at one of the community halls.

18. ...and attend one of the world's best folk festivals

Every spring, Shetland welcomes talented musicians from all over the world for its prestigious annual folk festival. One of the highlights of our cultural calendar and organised by a dedicated team of volunteers, concerts are held throughout the isles over one weekend, culminating in Foy concerts on Sunday night. Expect plenty of impromptu jamming sessions, revelry and a chance to celebrate the isles’ rich and varied musical heritage.

19. Study and learn new skills

The University of the Highlands and Islands Shetland campus provides a range of programmes, from marine science and environmental studies to creative industries and heritage. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated support, and the chance to take part in world-class research in areas like aquaculture and renewable energy.

20. Drive on stress-free roads...

Driving in Shetland is a joy, offering views at every turn and roads that wind through dramatic and unspoiled landscapes. With little traffic and well-maintained routes, journeys are relaxed and rewarding, whether you’re exploring rugged coastlines, picturesque villages, or rolling hills. Every drive feels like an adventure, with the chance to spot wildlife, discover hidden beaches, or simply soak in the tranquillity of the open road.

21. ...and have the best commute to work

Forget gridlocked traffic and long delays; in Shetland, your journey might take you along quiet coastal roads, past rolling hills, or even on a ferry ride with stunning sea views. With no rush-hour chaos, commuting in Shetland leaves more time to enjoy life and arrive at work feeling calm and inspired.

22. Eat delicious produce...

Shetland offers an abundance of fresh, high-quality produce that reflects the care and tradition of island life. From ocean-fresh fish and shellfish to excellent lamb, beef, and seasonal vegetables, the islands provide a rich variety of local flavours. Dairy farms produce milk, butter and cheese, while local eggs are often sold in shops or through roadside ‘honesty boxes.’ Adding to the charm, Shetland’s cake fridges – stocked with homemade cakes and treats – offer a sweet taste of the islands’ community spirit.

23. Live in a thriving port town...

Living in Shetland’s capital, Lerwick, offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and vibrant community life. It’s a hub of activity, with a lively harbour, independent shops, and cosy cafes, all set against the stunning backdrop of Lerwick Harbour. Despite its bustling atmosphere, Lerwick maintains a relaxed pace of life, making it a welcoming and rewarding place to call home.

24. ...or one of our beautiful, inhabited islands

Of course, if you fancy a slice of more rural life, you can always move to a village or hamlet on the Mainland or one of Shetland’s outlying islands. The archipelago is made up of over 100 islands, 15 of which are inhabited. Each island is unique, blending community life, traditional industries like fishing and crofting, and a deep connection to Shetland's history and natural environment.

25. Because it's a safe and peaceful place to live

Shetland’s exceptionally low crime rate makes it an attractive place to live, offering peace of mind and a sense of safety that’s hard to match. Despite being the setting for a popular crime drama, real-life Shetland is far removed from the fictional mysteries of the TV series. Residents enjoy a close-knit community where trust and neighbourly support are part of everyday life. This safe environment allows children the freedom to explore and play, while adults can relax knowing their surroundings are secure.

Plan your move to Shetland

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25 reasons to move to Shetland in 2025