Welcome to the Visit.Shetland.org newsletter for November 2010, which we hope will inspire you to come up and visit us.
Shetland makes Top 10 Tourism Regions in the World
Shetland has been listed as one of the top regions in the world to visit in 2011. Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2011 singles out the 'last untamed corner of the UK' for special praise, advising "adventurous travellers to step this way".
Lonely Planet 's Tom Hall commented: "This year's picks for Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2011 reflect the passion for discovery that our readers have. It's no surprise then that we've singled out a little-known but beautiful and rewarding corner of the UK as a must-see next year".
Lonely Planet's Top 10 Regions 2011 are:
- Sinai, Egypt
- Istria, Croatia
- Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
- Cappadocia, Turkey
- Westfjords, Iceland
- Shetland Islands, Scotland
- Great Barrier Reef & Whitsunday Islands, Australia
- West Coast, USA
For more great reasons to visit Shetland, read our other stories below.
First-Class Shetland Lamb
Shetland lamb is 'food as philosophy': born, reared and finished in Shetland - its quality is appreciated by world-class chefs and first-class butchers. Lean, succulent and tender, with the unique flavours of heather, wildflowers, herbs and seaweed - an exceptional dining experience is ensured.
A Shetland seasonal speciality is Reestit Mutton soup. Traditionally the mutton is steeped in brine, hung in the rafters, and lightly smoked by the peat fire. After time, the salted Mutton, and tatties, are made into a heart-warming soup; accompanied by buttered bannocks and a wee dram or two; served to the 'first-fitters' on New Year's Day as they visit each house welcoming in the New Year with family and friends. Why not celebrate the festive season in culinary style too?
Keeping The Shetland Dialect Alive
Just as the true flavours of Shetland can be tasted in our lamb, the history of Shetland life is reflected in our dialect. This unique dialect has both Scottish and Nordic roots, and is an essential element of Shetland's distinctive heritage and culture.
If you want to find out what we sound like in conversation, you can! Shetland ForWirds is a site dedicated to promoting and celebrating Shetland dialect. Listen to the mellifluous tones of Shetlanders, from across the islands, as they talk of their lives, read poetry and sing traditional songs. Find out about our folklore and mythologies - there are plenty of tall stories to amuse! Drama, prose, literature - there's something for all ages, from bairns upwards. We hoop efter hunsin trow wir website, you'll want ta join wis in helpin keep Shaetlan alive.
Sprickle an' Peester
Does the excitement of Christmas make you Sprickle an' Peester?! Don't worry! It's Shetland dialect for 'wriggle and squeal with delight', and the title of the Christmas Exhibition at Bonhoga Gallery. Designers, artists and makers from across the UK, and Scotland, come together and showcase their work at this stunning converted 19th Century Mill, located in Weisdale.
Imbibe mulled wine, savour delicious mince pies and the fruitiest of fruit cakes. Be enchanted and enticed by the superb range of gifts and ornaments assembled - delight in the festive atmosphere and satisfy your decadent desire for affordable Christmas treats! The exhibition opens from 20 th November to 23rd December. Late nights are planned for 1st December, 8th December and 15th December (until 8pm). The café, gallery and shop will be open, so, make time to visit Bonhoga, and Sprickle an' Peester your way to Christmas!
Shetland Craft Fair
If you'd like to meet our resident artists and makers from across Shetland, there's no better place than the annual Arts and Crafts Fair, held at the Clickimin Leisure Centre, Lerwick from 12th - 14th November.
Come along and meet our talented community of creatives - view both contemporary and traditional pieces, and learn more about the makers and the work involved. If you can't get to this event - no problem! Take a moment to browse the Shetland Arts and Craft website, where you can view a range of woodcraft, jewelry, knitwear, textiles, fine art, photography, home and fashion accessories. Contact details are supplied, and shipping anywhere in the world is easy as. Purchase a keepsake inspired by Shetland's dramatic scenery, heritage and culture - designed to be cherished for generations to come.
Mini Textile Tours for 2011
Experience a short break with a difference - join Andy, and his team, from ASF Shetland, on a specialist textiles mini-tour of Shetland. Visit artists in their studios, take part in knitting, spinning, felting and weaving workshops, attend talks about Shetland's heritage with local experts, meet with textile curators - indulge, over the 4-day period, in your passion for textiles, and discover the hidden Shetland.
The daily itinerary offers an opportunity to go behind the scenes and gain access to Shetland's creative industries, both contemporary and traditional - a rare and exciting opportunity. Feast on moreish local produce, relax, and join us in 2011 for an exclusive Textile Discovery Tour.
Europe's Largest Fire Festival
Don't forget Up Helly Aa - Tuesday, 25th January 2011. Europe's largest fire festival and the merriest all night party on the festival calendar! Close your eyes and imagine darkened streets - over 900 men marching around Lerwick in Viking regalia and flamboyant costumes - flaming torches held aloft - embers like tracers flashing across the night sky, songs of old carried on the wind, and the procession ending with a burning Galley destined for Valhalla!
A sight to behold! More about this festival in the next newsletter, however, in the meantime, stop imagining and get booking! People travel from across the globe to celebrate this wild event- definitely not to be missed, or forgotten!
Shetland on 'Grand Tours of Scotland'
Shetland will be appearing on BBC One's 'Grand Tours of Scotland' on Wednesday 10 th November at 19.30 with a repeat on Sunday 14 November on BBC2 Scotland.
Viewers outside Scotland will also be able to see the programme via the BBC iPlayer. See Paul Murton arrive in Lerwick on a sailing yacht and explore mainland Shetland before heading south to Orkney.
See Us at Destinations 2011
The Promote Shetland team will be exhibiting at 'Destinations: The Holiday and Travel Show' in February 2011 and would be delighted to see you.
If you want to come along and see the stand or pick up some information about Shetland please read the following details about how to claim FREE tickets.
To claim complimentary tickets to attend The Times presents Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, please visit www.destinationsshow.com or call 0871 230 7141* and quote 'DE7L'.
*Calls cost 10 pence per minute from a BT landline. Calls from other networks or mobiles may vary. Whilst your tickets are complimentary, a booking fee of £1.40 applies per ticket. Maximum 2 complimentary tickets per order. Must be booked in advance, box office closes 2 February 2011 for London and 2 March 2011 for Birmingham.
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