A Year in Shetland - Islands of Opportunity

Part of NYCTW's Virtual Visits series in partnership with VisitScotland
From the tranquil days of spring to the stunning drama of the Up Helly Aa fireball festivals held in Winter, Promote Shetland guides us through a year in the life of these truly unique and magical islands. Join us for a fascinating journey through Iron Age Sites, Viking heritage and some of Scotland’s most spectacular land and seascapes.
For now, travel is not permitted. This series is intended as inspiration for future visits only. Please follow all current government guidelines to protect yourself & others.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Never mind making me want to visit, it's making me want to live there......fascinating part of the UK, and the only part I have not yet been to....

[@derekking5386]

Ive been, its even better than you think

[@tammyangelapavia]

I lived in Shetland for 7 years in 1976 in virkie and I loved it and wished we never left

[@krisjohnson-proctor355]

This is a stunning vid, thank you. I adore Shetland, having visited my sister there many times. A truly stunning place and culture 🙏

[@carlworrall]

On a good day scotland is the best place to live in the world, but good day's are very rare :) even when it's raining we go out with shorts on thinking it's summer

[@williamshirkie9401]

Beautiful I have fallen in love with Shetland , our plans are to sell up and move to Shetland

[@goldilocks913]

How wonderful! I really hope you have done it 👍

[@GM-jt3sh]

Thank you Jon. I'm looking forward to visiting Shetland in August/September 2023. In the meantime I enjoy the Shetland Webcams and chat forum.

[@angge4261]

When I have watched anything about Shetland, it has taken my breath away. Absolutely tugs at my soul. (Even the TV series Shetland, lol!). I have discovered my great grandfather and grandmother on my mother's paternal side, came from there, and have traced back to the 1700s, and everyone further up (down?!) the tree also comes from there. On my father's side, absolutely Scottish (lowlands). So interesting. I've only ever been to Edinburgh. What I would give to visit Shetland, and some other isles, and Scotland more thoroughly. Fantastic watch, is this piece.

[@thewealthyest]

Wow, what a beautiful place on this planet. This video is astonishing, I was mesmerized by the beauty, history and culture. I want to see more, please make another video and share about the ruins and it’s history. I can’t wait to come visit💜💙💜💙. Kathleen, San Diego, California.

[@myvidlocker]

What a beautiful video! My family came to the USA from Scotland almost 200 years ago and I have a strong calling to return and experience it. We spent a wonderful week a couple years ago in Edinburgh, but really want to head off the beaten path, to the North, and experience your islands. Thanks so much for your video. It is now a must for me.

[@laurabrawner9072]

Can’t wait!! Absolutely gorgeous; on my bucket list for sure!!!

[@FayeDale-r7f]

Interesting documentary. My husband and I visited Shetland Sept 2022. When we visited Scalloway museum my husband purchased the Shetland Bus book, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

[@foxgloverose4788]

Wonderful video! I had no idea what a treasure trove Shetland is for history lovers and its spectacular scenery! ! The fire festival is a powerful and awe inspiring first look at your home! Beautifully done!

[@ljubachambers]

Very interesting and beautiful documentary. Thank you for making this video.

[@arturgrabowski2845]

How I miss Shetland and its people ! Last time over there I have been from April 2011 till Marz 2012!

[@MrAlexzilla1993]

I'm going to shetland today and now I'll now five words they say 🙂

[@Jckay2003]

We spent a week there in 2019. The experience still lives inside me. In addition to the island beauty and history, the people of Shetland will always be in my heart -

[@zigababnik8780]

The accent is gorgeous, whit those thrilled 'r' and you can clearly hear Nordic influences. How are the opportunities for the EU citizens to live and work in Shetland?

[@erikatowle8695]

Breathtaking!!!🔥 Someday I will visit the land of my ancestors 🤟

[@veronicaroach3667]

I would come for a visit if I could - such a beautiful place & culture. I love that you are keeping the Viking history alive and everybody looked so happy & thrilled to be doing that enactment ! Thank you for your great video !

[@junqingshi4007]

I really miss Shetland! I traveled here in the summer of 2022 and it was an unforgettable memory. Thanks for your amazing video :)))

[@HernetheHunter121]

A wonderful video. Thank you for sharing. We are so looking forward to another return trip. ❤️

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Stunning.❤

[@YuriTechTricks]

you are very talented in making great video,,, your editing skills are awesome

[@ravenstormchild6491]

On my bucket list…thank you so much.

[@iAMmanadu]

Absolutely brilliant! Can’t wait to come

[@scottravagnani4490]

what a great video, thank you

[@brucemackenzie4952]

Thank you so much for this what a wonderful place.

[@jilltammen9275]

We just returned from visiting Shetland. This is so true to the island's beauty!

[@jaclynallen9660]

Very nicely done!!! Beautiful!

[@annregnu1257]

Awesome Video! I can‘t wart to visit Shetland one day 😍

[@mariGentle]

Fantastic video ❤

[@Micazasdebandito79]

This is an amazing video thank you.

[@nantravels]

Fabulous video. Thank you!

[@patrickpirelli7897]

What a beautiful place closest I've been to the shetlands is John o'groats last year we did 7 months travelling scotland in are camper and loved every minute of it

[@emmiewilson5024]

Such a beautiful , peaceful and well put together video . Thankyou😊

[@ТатьянаФедяева-к1э]

From Estonia,Thank you what a great video.Beautiful.

[@janemarriott3389]

Oh, thank you!

[@chrisp267]

Very good video! I also loved Shetland when I was there 5 years ago with my family. Unfortunately only for one week.

[@politicallycorrectredskin796]

Also, proil is still a Swedish word, I think. They spell it 'pryl' now, but it means the same as the Shetland word. In Norwegian 'pryl' means getting beat up, though. Languages are weird.

[@guiaceleste]

Really nice video youre editing is good

[@kiwikazza1]

Most enjoyable

[@Liquid_Alchemy]

I was reassured that there was a glimpse of goodness still left in the world @8:25

[@gmcallsuk]

Unfortunately the central mainland has now been turned into an industrial site with 103 wind turbines with more to come. At 165 metres in height there is nowhere they cannot be seen from spoiling the 'breathtaking views'

[@lindablanthorn7787]

Nice video ❤

[@algard8811]

Are there jobs for foreigners who want to live in Shetland?

[@adventure.shetland]

Absolutely!

[@adventure.shetland]

Oh man, really did me dirty with that thumbnail 🤦🏻‍♂️😂

[@davidhansell7012]

Nice video, very visual; but can't we hear the islands, instead of the annoying music?

[@rayconabeer6920]

Coming in late July from England with two jabs

[@christrickett3291]

If you can still walk.

[@politicallycorrectredskin796]

It is a little weird that there are no trees. Is it the wind?

[@anodyne57]

My relatives there told me yes, the wind doesn't help. In early days of settlement, 1000's of years ago, there were trees and they were all cut for building structures. Now, anything that gets planted is totally exposed and has a tough time surviving the winter winds, which can be very intense. There are "trees" though, I identified some, but they were sheared at chest level as a hedge, lol.

[@glynthomas7213]

The wind Shetland is no more than mile wide , Atlantic on one side North Sea on the other. Very often blowing a gale , that with the salt air makes for no trees . You will experience horizontal rain and lean into the wind as you walk along , yes beautiful scenery and solitude to be found.

[@Chris-bd4lh]

My tips on visiting and enjoying your stay in Scotland are - Do not venture out of the main Tourist areas - Avoid Falkirk at all costs. Since the SNP took control of Falkirk Council crime has increased esp anti sociAl behaviour, hate crimes are RIFE, Alcoholism is also Rife as is Domestic Violence (both male and female abusers), if you are a victim of crime you the victim will be treated like the guilty party whilst thr perpetrator is protected by Police & Council, drugs everywhere of which the police ignore and the vast majority of drugs are in council properties. - Despite what the SNP/Government say, LGBT Hate Crimes are high and increasing as is Xenophobia and Bigotry. - Suicides are out of control and spoken about as a joke, not taken seriously. - DO NOT MOVE HERE, life sux and you will shorten your lifespan living in Scotland. - The vast majority of Scots would leave Scotland if they could. - Do not get into a conversation about Independence as you dont know what that person views are and it can turn heated in seconds if you say the wrong thing. Avoid talking about it altogether. In daying all that, Scotland is a stunning place, well all but Falkirk, thanks to the Council, police, alcoholics, druggies, Bigots, Scotland great to visit bur hell living here.

[@Sarah-gr4gp]

2020 Covid stop me from going there. still planning on going.

[@christrickett3291]

OK so give me a job and I'll come.

[@wa16294]

Tree?

[@Trollberg60north]

We are NOT Scotland.

[@unclehamish]

I lived on Unst for 2 yrs (89-91) and soon came to realise the people of Shetland would rather be known for having Norway's most westerly everything, I don't blame you in the slightest. Beautiful place, great people, great history and I would love to back sometime. I'm Scottish (Glaswegian), but don't hold that against me😁

[@Trollberg60north]

@@unclehamish Thank you, someone who finally "gets" it!. You're welcome and please spread the word among your fellow scots as to how we feel. Don't be fooled by "Shetland's" biased(and dreadful) media who work day by day to subsume and brainwash us into Scotland.

[@stewartbrown1669]

@@unclehamish Me too. Ex RAF, lived in Baltasound on Unst for one tour, ('87-'89). The most beautiful place I have ever been, with the friendliest people. My current job affords me the opportunity to get paid to visit Lerwick every few years, something I look forward to, every time.

[@unclehamish]

@@stewartbrown1669 We may have crossed paths at Saxa Vord then, I got posted in during the Spring(ish) of 89, too far back to remember exactly.🤔 Enjoyed a few good parties down at SHE.

[@christrickett3291]

Wasn't the No vote in Shetland resounding?

[@MatthewMariner]

There were no Shetland sheepdogs in this video. Disappointed.

[@gregmartyn1873]

Spot the tree or even a bush or some flowers ..so barron and desolate...I'd long to see a forest or woodland which I consider to be more beautiful... interesting and well made video but not for me. .