Hi,
I'm Abby and I'm here again with the latest 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.
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.
Please also feel free to get in touch with questions and comments via Twitter or Facebook – we would love to hear from you. If you're thinking, "I could live in Shetland" – put that thought into action and get in touch with Move Shetland and subscribe to their newsletter.
Since we last spoke…
The other week I visited Sumburgh Head and was delighted to discover the puffins have returned and yay! Puffincam is LIVE! Cameras have been established to show different aspects, both inside and outside the burrow, cross fingers we will see the laying and hatching of an egg - compulsive viewing! Top tip: join the friendly RSPB guides for a 'Date with Nature' daily 11-4 from mid-May - great fun for all the family.
It's superb to be so close to nature, to be able to roam off the beaten track and enjoy wildlife up close and personal and it's wonderful to share images of our beautiful islands and its magnificent natural heritage…
Photo Competition Winners Announced!
Congratulations Tim Stenton for winning a fantastic 7-day photography holiday from Shetland Wildlife! His stunning photo of a common seal won first prize and will definitely make you smile! In second place: Andy Elliott - he sent a sublime image of a great Mountain Hare and wins a delicious Shetland hamper. In third place: Jo Davies - who's stunning shot of a Gannet mid-flight is captivating. A signed copy of Shetland Nature Diaries written by Shetland Nature Festival patron, Simon King, is winging its way to you. This year's entries reflect a real passion and affection for the astounding variety of Shetland wildlife - a BIG thank you to everyone who participated in this year's competition. There's many ways of seeing Shetland wildlife - from day trips and tours with world-renowned experts to a gentle ramble close to home. Discover, as Simon King does on each visit to Shetland, '…a surprise encounter around every bay and over every hill' and don't forget your camera!
Discover creative soul at The Shetland Gallery, Yell
I hopped on the ferry to Yell - my mission: beachcombing at award-winning Breckon Sands after visiting the brand new arts hub: The Shetland Gallery - owned by artist, Shona Skinner and her husband Alan. A warm welcome awaited and a comfy sofa beckoned, however, I was too busy viewing a fine selection of high quality contemporary Shetland art to sit down. Emerging and established artists are showcased, including one of my favourite creatives - Mike McDonnell - his quirky wood constructions and sharp wit never fails to amuse and Ruth Brownlee's dramatic seascapes always mesmerise… The island of Yell is easy to reach, it's also remote enough to be different and this gallery is an exciting place to discover the creative and very unique soul of Shetland's arts and crafts. (The Shetland Gallery is located at Sellafirth Business Park and open from Tuesday-Saturday 11am to 5pm and Sundays from 2pm to 5pm. The gallery website will be online soon - I'll keep you posted!)
Send me Fetlar and Whalsay top tips and holiday suggestions please!
Have you visited Fetlar or Whalsay? If so, I would love you to get in touch. Send top tips for a great day out to: info@promoteshetland.com I'm off to visit 'The Garden of Shetland' and the 'Bonnie Isle' very soon and will share my adventures in forthcoming newsletters. In the meantime, the lovely team over at Shetland Wildlife has sent in 5 handy holiday tips:
- Book interisland ferries in advance
- Take your binoculars and camera everywhere
- Try the Spiggie Hotel for the best choice of real ales
- Follow the country code at all times
- Take a night time trip to Mousa to see Storm Petrels
Many thanks Shetland Wildlife!
Get Broch booking for 2012!
A trip to the uninhabited isle of Mousa - an RSPB reserve and home to a magnificent Broch, has to be on the 'top ten things to do in Shetland' list. You may remember I went on an evening trip to see Storm Petrels. WOW! To see the 'Alamooties' fly across a moonlit sky and circle the ancient tower - their distinctive song ringing out across the island was one of the highlights of last year's many Shetland adventures! A day trip is also a spectacular wildlife extravaganza (look out for Harbour Porpoise and Arctic Terns) and a chance to explore the island and ascend the Broch - what a view! It's therefore brilliant to hear that the Mousa ferry will continue to operate with three local men at the helm and the previous owners, Tom and Cynthia Jamieson, after 41 years of memorable trips and great customer service, can have a well deserved rest. My top tip for this excursion: book well in advance!
WIN a textile treat from Aamos Designs!
Congratulations to April's prizewinner Ms Deborah Prior from Nottinghamshire - a silver starfish necklace from Made by Shetland is in the post! This month's prize will delight devotees of textile design company, Aamos Designs. Emma Bain has created a stunning Moorish clutch purse marled with paintbox hues.
This contemporary classic will add serious impact to everyday outfits and would look fabulous teamed with a sage hand woven Moorish scarf - available to purchase from Emma's online shop. If you'd like to learn more about Emma's work - make time to visit her studio - featured on the Craft Trail and situated in the picturesque fishing village of Scalloway. Emma is also running Spring Craft workshops - they're very popular!
See you soon!
Abby
PS The razzle-dazzle Shetland Jazz Festival, featured in the March newsletter, is happening 8th - 10th June at various venues across the Isles with a headline performance from the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. Tickets are selling fast - get booking here!
Monthly Offers
Shetland Wildlife
The No.1 choice for mammal waching, birding, wildlife photography, botanical & walking holidays in Shetland. 20 years of experience and 40 holidays to choose from! ATOL. 9151.
Wilderness Scotland
Join us for an unforgettable walking journey to Shetland, gain a privileged insight to the rich cultures and unique history as you explore the dramatic landscapes of these special islands
Belmont House
A magical venue for your holiday - this superbly restored Georgian house sleeps up to 12 in a stylish interior for self-catering holidays. Offers a total experience for the discriminating guest.
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The team at www.SHETLAND.org
Contact
Telephone us on +44 (0)1595 98 98 98;
Email us at info@shetland.org;
Or write to us at: Promote Shetland, Shetland Museum & Archives, Hay's Dock, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0WP, United Kingdom