Welcome to the Visit.Shetland.org newsletter for December 2010, which we hope will inspire you to come up and visit us.
If you are considering a visit to Shetland, please do not hesitate to contact us for holiday planning advice using either the contact form or by phoning +44 (0)1595 98 98 98.
New Online Shop Launched
Christmas is just around the corner, but don't worry - there's still time to buy unique gifts for your loved ones from the new Shetland Museum and Archives online shop. Local crafts and textiles; many designed exclusively for the Museum, are now available to purchase.
All of the products are inspired by Shetland's heritage and culture and the Museum and Archives collection. Items on sale include: arts and crafts, jewellery, model boats, postcards, clothing, and an extensive book collection for young and old alike.
So get online and indulge in a silver Shetland lace cuff for mum, a Burra Bear for the bairns, a Laird's candlestick for dad and a wooden cut jigsaw, depicting ancient maps of Shetland, for the uncles and aunts – sure to keep them busy! Whatever you choose - your special keepsake can be shipped worldwide.
Alternatively, if clicks and bricks aren't your thing, phone: 01595 695057 and items can be purchased over the phone.
Shetland Is Location for New Film
'Stunningly beautiful, magnificent landscape', said Jim Brown of Shetland. Jim is the Director of the forthcoming Shetland movie - Between Weathers; due to start filming 2011. The film tells of the fictitious island - Fustra (Fetlar) and one man's struggle to save his beloved home from depopulation, using a video blog.
He little realises the power of the internet and fun and games inevitably ensue! Visit the Between Weathers website, read about the project and view the outstanding gallery of Shetland images, accompanied by the mesmerising track - Myrakle – music from the innovative and unique Shetland group - Bongshang. A real Christmas treat.
Christmas Spree Concert
Shetland is renowned for its music and folk love to celebrate the festive season in style! Island ingredients for a great night: music, dancing, laughter, chat and a glass of your favourite tipple with new friends and old. Add a heaped tablespoon of glad tidings, and before you can say 'Rudolph the Reindeer' - Christmas Spree Concerts are ready to serve on December 10th and 12th.
Musicians from home and abroad will be banishing the 'bah humbugs' and whipping up a musical storm. Shetland super-group Fullsceilidh Spelemannslag and Shetland fiddler Kevin Henderson will be amongst those distributing plenty of Christmas spirit and Yuletide cheer.
You may not be able to hitch a lift with Santa to these gigs, however, you can listen to local artists, via their websites, and spice up a cold wintry night with fine Shetland tunes.
New Webcam Page Now Live
Bing Crosby might have been 'dreaming of a white Christmas', but with Promote Shetland's webcams, providing live streams at locations across the islands – you don't have to dream - you can view Shetland in all it's festive glory; wherever you may bide! The webcams have been 'refreshed' and its with great delight that we can bring you a new and improved service.
There are a variety of streams to inspire and enthral i.e. live webcams of Northmavine, Fetlar and Lerwick, time-lapsed recordings of Hay's Dock and Mareel, videos of the Round Britain Race and Northern Lights, or simply relax by a roaring fire and listen to 60-North FM. Why not join us via webcam on Christmas Day, and discover if Shetland experiences, as we did last year - a truly magical winter wonderland?
A visual feast not to be missed.
Photo Competition Winners
Shetland is a photographer's paradise and you may recall we held a photographic competition requesting “...breathtaking and original images which reflect and portray the outstanding wildlife Shetland has to offer...” Hugh Harrop, world renowned photographer and owner of Shetland Wildlife, awarded first prize to Juan Sola and second and third prizes to Josie Jamieson and Anthony Marston.
Thank you to everyone who participated - the entries were of a very high standard and it was incredibly difficult to choose the final 3 images.
Up Helly Aa
Don't forget about Up Helly Aa! Have you booked to see this amazing fire festival yet? If not, make haste and organise those travel arrangements now! Plans and preparations are afoot for a spectacular 24-hour party.
The Galley is being prepared, the Jarl is shining his breastplate, the Squads are practising their dance routines. Songs are being sung, beards are being grown, and, in secret chambers, the Committee whispers the contents of the Bill.
Keep in Touch
The Christmas holidays may be fast approaching and it's a busy time of year for all of us, however, we'd love you to keep in touch via our Facebook site, when you have a spare moment that is!
Shetland stories, photographs, comments and queries are all greatly appreciated by our growing network of Shetland fans and the team at Visit Shetland.
In the meantime, Deborah, Andy and Misa wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy and joyous New Year.
See you soon!
Feedback
We would welcome any comments you have about this newsletter, or about the www.SHETLAND.org site.
Also, if you have any enquiries at all about Shetland we would be more than happy to assist you. Please contact us using any of the methods listed on our contact page.
Thank you again for taking the time to read this newsletter and please feel free to forward it to anyone else who may be interested in Shetland.
The team at www.SHETLAND.org
Stanes of Stofast