The story of a Shetland summer

Shetland is my favourite place in the world. I may be biased since I was born and raised here, but nowhere is more welcoming and homely. As I prepare to enter my fourth year at the University of Edinburgh I am thrilled to be home for the summer.

Being back allows me to reconnect with friends and family I haven’t seen in months while also enjoying the breathtaking sights and experiencing the magic of a Shetland summer all over again. This post lists some of my favourite activities, and I hope to create even more wonderful memories before I head back down the road!

The annual Voe Agricultural Show is one of my favourite events of the year. I’ve been nearly every year since I was born, and it never gets boring. With so much to see, from the crafts hall to the excavators, there’s something for everyone. The sun was shining, which made it all the better.

Once the park closed its tents at 7pm, there wasn’t long to wait in the warm evening sun until the hall opened at 9pm for the Voe Show Dance. It's great fun and The Dead Pans covered a mix of rock, pop, country, and more, keeping everyone dancing and chatting until the end.

The bright weather and good company made for a nunforgettable day and night in Voe.

During lockdown, one of the most popular Shetland walks was the trek to Roesand, also sometimes known as Zoar after the nearby house.

The beach in the North Mainland is not visible from the road. You need to walk carefully through a field to reach the cliffs, where a stunning beach view greets you. There is a rope which can be used to climb down to it, but we weren’t quite brave enough to attempt it!

I never went to Roesand in lockdown, but it was always on my list. I’m glad I finally got to experience the magnificent views.

It was likely the windiest and rainiest day of the entire summer when my family and I visited Haar Sauna, but that didn’t spoil the experience! We had planned to plunge into the freezing sea anyway, so the rain didn’t bother us. In fact, after warming up in the sauna, I think we were even cosier than those bundled up in their waterproofs!

Haar Sauna is a portable sauna set up at the St Ninians Isle tombolo, and it was wild to see people dashing into the massive waves in just their trunks and swimsuits! Our plan was to sit in the sauna for about 10 minutes, then make a quick run into the sea before heading back into the warmth of the sauna. It’s supposed to be great for mental and physical health. It worked wonders and I went home feeling incredibly relaxed and sleepy. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and refreshing experience.

It’s a rare treat to see the russet cliffs of Muckle Roe from the sea, but I was lucky enough to take a trip out on my dad’s boat to visit the sea caves and Da Hams. Along the way, we spotted seals, and seabirds including puffins and were treated to a gorgeous sunset. Muckle Roe, with its striking red cliffs and breathtaking views, is one of my favourite places, whether seen by sea or land. If you’re interested in experiencing Shetland from the water, be sure to check out the Trips and Tours section.

Visitors to Shetland are often pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of food. Despite the many options in Edinburgh, I often find myself craving a plate of tattie skins with cheese sauce from Busta House, or some fish and chips from the local chippy.

What truly sets Shetland’s food apart is its freshness, especially the fish. Most menus feature a great selection of seafood, and that’s because it’s practically straight from the sea. This commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients makes the food in Shetland so exceptional.

‘Essykert’ is the Shetland word for a bin lorry or a garbage truck, and it’s also the name of a rising young grunge/heavy metal cover band in the isles. They played their second-ever gig in my local pub, the MBI, and were nothing short of incredible.

There was a fantastic turnout, and even though I don’t usually listen to that genre of music, I really enjoyed their set. It was a fantastic night, offering the perfect mix of catching up with friends and discovering new music.

Shetland’s first-ever Rising North Festival was a huge success! Over the weekend, from Friday to Sunday, it showcased a diverse array of live music that catered to all tastes. On Friday night, local pubs hosted free performances, followed by a variety of ticketed events throughout Saturday, both during the day and into the evening. The festival wrapped up with another free gig on Sunday at the arts venue, Mareel. In total, over 30 bands took the stage across those three days. There was truly something for everyone.

Here’s hoping the Rising North Festival will become an annual celebration of Shetland’s vibrant music scene!

It is well known that Shetland is relatively ‘treeless’, but there are a few places which are home to walkable plantations. My favourite woodland is the Kergord Trees, around 25 minutes from Lerwick by car. Whenever my friends and I are in the mood for a walk on a rainy evening, this is our go-to spot thanks to the cover of the trees. The area is fun to explore, with its ferns and multiple swings adding to the charm. There’s even the intriguing remains of a peerie (Shetland word for ‘small’) house nestled among the trees.

I have made so many memories this summer while being home, it’s going to be tough getting on that plane to Edinburgh in a few weeks!

Check out our list of 10 great things to do in Shetland during the summer.