Hi,
I'm Abby - the author of www.shetlandmylove.com and I'll be bringing you monthly Shetland happenings, information and holiday suggestions.
If you are considering a visit to Shetland, please do not hesitate to contact us for holiday planning advice using either the contact form on the website or by phoning +44 (0)1595 98 98 98.
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June is alive with the sound of birds singing well into the summer evenings, rose-pink thrift (banks-flooer) carpets the landscape and fills the air with a honeyed scent. It is the time of year when Shetland experiences "Simmer Dim". Increasing daylight – almost 19 hours, affords long evening walks and the occasional game of midnight golf! Planned activities can be made late afternoon in the knowledge there are many hours left in the day in which to enjoy our beautiful islands. When I was a child I always wished the day would go on that little bit longer, to be able to play outside for just one more hour – since moving to Shetland my wish has come true. Simmer Dim allows me to experience the perfect day for that little bit longer…
The perfect day
The afternoon brought the bluest of skies, azure waters and just a breath of wind – ideal weather to walk the stunning Culswick Circular. I ambled past the Methodist chapel, sturdy planticrubs (plant shelters) and old kale yards. Past ruined crofthouse and over a narrow causeway to a small hill crowned with ancient Culswick Broch. I was greeted by dazzling views – Foula, silver in the distance. Intoxicating. As the evening light became golden, I made my way back home. Famished, I stopped for dinner at Voe - succulent rope grown mussels, plump in a white wine sauce, accompanied by a chilled glass of vino. Delicious. Find out more about walking in Shetland or request a free copy of our brand new walking guide.
The perfect day awaits!
Fair Isle - an island adventure
A Ranger, holding a Wryneck, met me off the plane. The bird's head moved in a snake-like way - I was enchanted! Welcome to Fair Isle! An idyllic haven, situated between Orkney and Shetland, famed for its knitwear, Bird Observatory and a Spanish Armada Shipwreck – Fair Isle is not to be missed. I stayed at the new Bird Observatory: fabulous food, social bar, modern ensuite room, and knowledgeable, helpful staff. Walking the island I spied Puffins at play, meandered past whitewashed crofts, met local craftspeople, and learnt about Fair Isle's natural heritage from resident guides. Pop over for the day or for as long as you feel. A green jewel in the ocean. A true island adventure.
Pitch perfect
Unrestricted access to 100 islands, over 1600 miles of coastline, scenic inlets, dramatic cliffs and natural harbours. Shetland's historic links with the sea have shaped a special marine culture and infrastructure, and facilities are excellent. None more so than scenic Burravoe Marina, Yell – your very own coastal retreat far from the high-summer crowds. Burravoe offers first-class amenities: laundry, showers and WCs - housed in a funky nautical building - the roof is a boat! Pitch your tent for £2.00 per night or bring your mobile home (£10.00 per night). Keep an eye out for otters and orcas, dig your toes in Yell's golden sands, slip a mackerel on the barbie and enjoy a refreshing bottle of White Wife (Shetland's local ale!) Fall asleep to the sound of the sea and the gentle clink-clink of the boats.
The livin" is easy!
A treasured prize
May's competition offered the chance to win 2 tickets for the North Isles Nature Cruise with Simon King. This month we're offering a treasured prize! In 1958 a young schoolboy discovered a rich Pictish treasure hoard of silver jewellery, and other objects, buried in the ruins of an old chapel on St Ninian's Isle. Shetland Jewellery produces replicas and adaptations of the stunning designs found, and this is your chance to win a beautifully crafted St Ninian's Isle Treasure Pendant in sterling silver. Each piece of gold or silver jewellery is created in their workshop, located in picturesque Weisdale, from start to finish by the same crafts person, ensuring the highest quality. The competition will be live on our website on 1st June.
Meet the maker - craft trail leaflet
February's newsletter featured a post about Shetland's first ever Craft Trail, launched by Shetland Arts and Crafts Association. The high quality leaflet, with a map and details of all the participants, is widely distributed, and is also available as a PDF download here. Look out for the distinctive Craft Trail signs as you travel around the islands – a wonderful opportunity to "meet the maker" and learn about their creative process – an unforgettable Shetland keepsake.
BBC Radio 4: "White Nights"
"At first, the hanging body seems to be a straightforward case of suicide. Shetland detective Jimmy Perez recognizes the victim – a stranger with amnesia who disrupted a local party the night before his death…Then another body is found…Perez knows he must break the cycle before another death occurs. But this is a crazy time of year when night blurs into day and nothing is quite as it seems..." "White Nights", the second book in the Shetland Quartet, written by revered novelist Ann Cleeves, will be broadcast as a Saturday Play on BBC Radio 4, July 2nd at 2.30pm. A powerful and compelling murder mystery; White Nights is an excellent read and I can't wait to hear the radio adaptation with Shetlander, Steven Robertson playing Jimmy Perez. Not to be missed!
Follow Promote Shetland on Facebook
We have now launched a brand new Promote Shetland Facebook page. Find out what Team PS are up to - where we've been, what we've seen and much much more! Lots of photos, lots of chat and we'd love you to join in the conversation too. We're here to answer your queries, help you with your travel plans and make your stay in Shetland as memorable as possible.
See you soon!
Abby
Psst want to know the story behind the boat that forms the roof on the Burravoe building? Meet me over at Promote Shetland's Facebook page and I'll reveal all!
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 Promote Shetland