People often ask if we get a lot of snow in Shetland. The truth is that varies, and while snow isn’t uncommon during the winter months, there's not always huge amounts. But in January 2024 Shetland experienced heavy snow over several days leading to unexpected school and college closures and travel disruption. While disruptions to day-to-day life are far from ideal, a blanket of snow certainly looks pretty and brings out the best of Shetland's community spirit.
The first flakes began to fall on Sunday night. Blown in on a strong north wind, they moved horizontally, seeming to fly past without making contact with the land at all. But by the next morning, hills were dusted white and schools closed.
Forecasts warned of a polar low to the north of Shetland. Such areas of low pressure can bring sudden severe gales and heavy snow. I watched clouds build on the horizon, the sky darkening with their approach.
Braced against the wind I walked up the hill, stopping for a moment to watch some Shetland ponies. The herd were gathered together, their heads down, bums to the wind, the way the breed has braced against storms for centuries. I am always amazed at the incredible hardiness of our ponies. Their double coat is wind and waterproof, the covering of ice crystals proof of its insulation.
When I work as a tour guide, one of the first questions guests ask is if we get a lot of snow? I describe how our island climate is shaped by the warmer waters of the North Atlantic drift and although we do occasionally get snow, it doesn’t usually last long. So I was surprised when it snowed more the next day and the day after, especially when the forecast predicted more to come.
Events like this always bring out the best in our island communities. The Facebook group for the area I live was filled with requests for and offers of help.
The sky, which always feels immense here, took on shades and textures like I have never seen before. Dark heavy clouds, their edges gilded gold carried the swirling patterns of distant snow. Shades of grey, purple, blue and turquoise formed an every changing tapestry of weather and light. Familiar shapes of rock and hill were changed, their edges softened by snow.
Large drifts formed as snow blew across the landscape. Although snow ploughs and gritters worked hard to keep roads clear, many were unpassable to all except pickups and even some of those were getting stuck.
Events like this always bring out the best in our island communities. The Facebook group for the area I live was filled with requests for and offers of help. Neighbours checked on each other and folk were quick to assist any vehicles that were encountering difficulties on the road.
Groups of children in survival suits went sledging, their screams of excitement filling the air. Snowmen began appearing in gardens.
My bairns were desperate to build the biggest snowman they could but the powdery quality of the snow made it tricky. The usual technique of rolling a snowball until it was the required size wasn’t working. So we improvised, using our sledge to carry piles of snow to a central part of the garden and building up from the ground.
‘Snow friend’, the name Finn close for our creation is still standing almost a week later and I fear we have grown rather attached to him. The snow was, however, perfect for sledging. We went to the hill several times, getting braver and choosing faster routes, while an ever shifting sky promised more snow.
Check out our Winter page, to find out more about life in Shetland during the colder months.