Shetland Islands: 5 Love & Hates of Visiting the Shetland Islands

[@TheTrainmobile]

"There's alot of wind, rain, and fog" Sir you just named my 3 favorite types of weather.

[@Micazasdebandito79]

🤣😂🤣 mine too

[@johnhill8529]

My job took me there for ten years, my heart takes me back regularly. The Shelties don’t see themselves as Scots. They’re proud of their island history, they’re independent, determined and probably the best people I’ve lived among in this world.

[@smitty29495]

Cos our ancestors came before it was under scots control. Same reason people in Shetland celebrate Norway's independence

[@captainbiggles]

Great what job did you do?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

It looks beautiful and peaceful. I love those remote locations that are away from all the craziness.

[@dee74raz]

Faroe Islands 🇫🇴 look beautiful. It’s like a mini Iceland without the large amounts of tourists. However, as with Iceland, it is an expensive place.

[@woltersworld]

You would love it Gabe.

[@toxicturtle1263]

Yeah it’s so remote I get excited when I see an escalator on the mainland

[@migueloliveira2848]

I’m portuguese and lived in Shetland for almost 3 years. Loved living there. But the isolation and weather is not for everyone. You really need to go out every 6 months. In the winter taking the ferry it’s a terrible experience with most likely rough weather. Nature is fantastic though. Noss island is amazing.. Thanks Walter

[@samc7734]

May I ask why you went there please? Coz it's pretty weird for a foreigner to choose to live in Shetland, as there are nearly no job opptunities?

[@toxicturtle1263]

What are you talking about? Some people only go to the mainland once a year

[@srspower]

Why doesn't someone try growing some forestry up there? It would make it a lot prettier and less windy!

[@toxicturtle1263]

@@srspower people have tried growing trees and it’s sometimes possible because we have some wooded areas. But most of the time the air is to salty for most species of tree. Plus when the tree is a sapling the wind often blows it down.

[@toxicturtle1263]

@@samc7734 believe me there are plenty of job opportunities

[@beboboymann3823]

Great review. The Shetland TV series has changed my mind from spending money on a Caribbean cruise to a visit to Shetland. We’ve visited Alaska and found inner peace. I am confident we can find the same in Shetland.

[@Countrystephen]

I live in Shetland and trust me you will love it, if you haven’t already

[@beboboymann3823]

@@Countrystephen We live I. Florida and we love it but Shetland appears to be a place of peace and simplicity.

[@jessikabartkowicz8111]

I have lived in Shetland for 5 years. I love this place and people :) But I know that it is not a place for everyone. The Islands taught me to be calm, patient and appreciate nature. I am thankful that the Shetland welcomed me as a foreigner so warmly and now I can call it home. Your video is very accurate and you tell a lot of truth. :) Good luck with your next adventures :)

[@gogledhol]

Shetland looks beautiful! I hope I can visit someday! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿❤️🟦⬜🟦🟦🟦🟦 ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜ 🟦⬜🟦🟦🟦🟦

[@avitoravitar5370]

Are you from Poland?

[@MyOlolololol]

I grew up on Yell and Shetland was the last place I expected you to go. Hope you enjoyed it!

[@gogledhol]

Shetland looks beautiful! I hope I can visit someday! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿❤️🟦⬜🟦🟦🟦🟦 ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜ 🟦⬜🟦🟦🟦🟦

[@chrisraezer3988]

Great video, please show more! My wife and I first visited Shetland in 2018. We did a month long road trip from Heathrow and wanted to go as far north as possible. My mom is from England and I love England, but the UK gets better the farther north you go. We liked Shetland so much we went back for three weeks in 2019, this time flying in instead of taking the ferry. If I were to rank the great things about Shetland, number one by far are the people. They are warm, gracious and welcome everyone with open arms. A video this length can only touch on the highlights but there is so much more. And Shetland rewards effort. Make the effort to drive down side roads and you're rewarded with stunning scenery around every corner. Make the right turn on the right road and you're rewarded with Da Cake Fridge (most dangerous place in Shetland). Make the effort to hike Hermaness on Unst and you're rewarded with the most spectacular view of Muckle Flugga. I can't wait until we can travel again, Shetland is calling.

[@dlast7112]

Don’t see many travel videos of Shetland, especially useful ones - thanks for the video! Wanted to explore the Scottish isles since reading Bill Bryson’s book Tales from a small island. Would highly recommend to anybody thinking of visiting the UK

[@woltersworld]

Thank you. I felt the same way. We have a couple more to come this spring and summer

[@Alex-qj8si]

@@woltersworld hey have you ever been to the Cyprus if not you should visit and I'd Love to show you around

[@eleveneleven572]

I love how the old stone farmhouses are identical to those found in the west of Ireland, Wales, Cornwall and mine here in Brittany.

[@steve-marsh]

Shetland is a wonderful place and so different from the rest of Scotland. My top tip is to explore the far ends of the islands - Sumburgh Head in the south and Herma Ness in the north. Unst, the northernmost island (if you don't count Muckle Flugga of course, I see that more as a rock) is my favourite, it's just so remote and wild - there is a beautiful trail at the very tip of the island which is a great place to see the puffins along a dramatic coastline - not to be missed! And of course, when you get hungry, drop into the fish and chip shop in Brae on the 'mainland' - you can thank me later :D

[@nevkrisjackson8065]

I just enjoyed 5 days exploring Shetland Island staying at Queen Hotel Lerwick right by the water & using the buses to explore + a boat trip which I loved. My cabin on the ferry was comfortable

[@grahamwheeldon5872]

Spent the happiest year of my adult life on Unst, many moons ago. Would love to go back one day.

[@sn8323]

Wind, rain and fog? Perfection. I've lived in Scotland and the weather is heaven to me, lol 😂

[@user-xf2oz9jn4j]

Thank you for sharing🙏🙏🙏. I was there a week ago, completely immersed. It is a heaven on earth place...

[@carlossaraiva8213]

I'm portuguese and i'm going to visit the Shetland this summer. Cant wait! I hope the locals will be welcoming and curious about a portuguese tourist interlooper in their country.

[@harmonyln7]

I want to go to Shetland to learn about the textile history. The amusing thing I find is that some people who were born there or grew up there will tell you they're not Scottish but Shetlanders.

[@toxicturtle1263]

Ye cus we’re from Shetland

[@smitty29495]

It's amusing until you ask why, most famies will have something to do with the pressgangs and clearances that happened there, in the 1800s, by the scots. Not to mention the acts prohibiting norn and later, shaetlan and advantaging English.

[@sarahhunter5757]

As a Shetlander, I do agree with some of the things you’ve pointed out.

[@howardwells2216]

My family and I went there August of '19. The highlight for us was touring the Scalloway Castle. Got the key from a nearby hotel and let ourselves in. It was awesome!

[@doonewatts7155]

Shetland experience from living there ... weather apart from temperature and windspeed it is the same all year round. Every week you have 3 days of drizzle, 3 days of beautiful sunshine and thw 7th day determines whether it's been a good weather week or not lol.

[@graemesutherland464]

Hey mate. I'm from Whalsay - loved the video. Best advertisement for Shetland I've seen. Great job!

[@theoddcollectivealt]

Shetland aye no Islands necessary

[@damonturnbull5903]

Looking forward to the winter there in 2022 I'm from Brisbane Queensland Australia. Can't wait to get out of the heat and be in the snow, rain and fog.

[@arctic_haze]

Been there, done that! I can confirm all the good things and I did not really notice the bad ones 😀

[@eilidhangus1404]

I honestly don’t regret growing up in Shetland

[@gogledhol]

Shetland looks beautiful! I hope I can visit someday! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿❤️🟦⬜🟦🟦🟦🟦 ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜ 🟦⬜🟦🟦🟦🟦

[@tankthepitbull520]

Do you consider yourself Scottish ?

[@grantw7]

Scotland (including the Shetlands) is next on our Bucket List as soon as the UK opens to international travellers. Your comment about booking a cabin on the ferry was invaluable. I have never come across that fact in all my research. I have learned a great deal from your videos and I look forward to future ones. THANKS.

[@WDH59510]

Surprised you didn't mention the local music scene. They say there are more musicians per square mile in Shetland than in Nashville so any opportunity to listen to some local music should be seized upon. Oh and many Shetlanders don't see themselves as 'Scots' because of their Scandinavian heritage. And it's Shetland or the Shetland islands, not 'the Shetlands' (as some people might imagine). Good video !

[@zoltanaroundtheglobe]

Been there recently, easily on top of my favourite destinations.

[@tomato032363]

When we get past this crazy pandemic can't wait to bring my family to Underhoull Unst to see where our Sinclair ancesters lived.

[@joebetts8619]

Yet another amazing vid, so glad I found your channel, shines a light in these dark days!!!

[@frednich9603]

Your wind screen was doing an admirable job, considering how windy it was. Nice video Mark!

[@765unstable]

If you look out of the other side of the car on the way back you will be looking at the same view...unless you drive back in reverse😊

[@janeburton7647]

Hi Mark - Appreciate this video on the Shetland Islands. Though my paternal ancestry came from Scotland - I didn’t know very much about the Islands. Watching the series Shetland piqued my curiosity so I googled about them. Thanks for giving us this info video. Slainte! 💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙

[@stevecobham5687]

I am very envious of you Mark because you do get to some of the world's treasured places

[@dee74raz]

It helps when you’re a professor because you have lots of uni holidays

[@marklockwood8386]

Great video i born and bread English never visited but am going to they say the light in the summer months is stunning and you can see the northern lights in the winter ✨

[@seanmcerlean]

Glad you liked it Mark,

[@SlayerODragon]

What a great review, don’t even plan on ever visiting but I can tell the review is thorough and well put so I subbed!

[@BB88MangosALBB88]

I’ve just been looking up videos on KZbin to see what people think of Shetland and I’m surprised how much people seem to like it. Your also the first person I’ve seen do there video in whalsay so respect!

[@krotenschemel8558]

Actually, I love that kind of weather. Current politics aside, if I had the resources, I'd totally move there. Small cabin, ponies, internet, rainy weather and a couple of miles to the next human. Ideal living conditions for me.

[@toxicturtle1263]

It’s cold here you will want to live in more than a cabin

[@albertmorrisontheaustralianyrs]

Lived and worked on the Shetlands for 3 years back in 1978, met my wife there. We both worked at Sumburgh Hotel.

[@FireHax0rd]

I learned quite a bit, thanks. Have you considered visiting the Faroe Islands? Would love a video on that place too

[@Grahammarch10]

Good to see you have come to my home Island :)

[@ValeriePallaoro]

Opening up with the five things to hate about and ... well, introvert here; and you're ticking all my boxes. This could be called 10 things to love about the Shetlands

[@McShave]

The most impressive thing I found in this video (as a Shetlander) was this American guy's pronunciation of local places. I don't think I ever heard an American say those place names right. Hell most English people say them wrong too. The Lerwick, Aberdeen, and Jarlshof was perfect. Fluffed it on the "Up Helly Aa" though. 9/10 effort.

[@Chillaxing113]

Up Helly Aa... I'd want to say "Oh Hell Yeah". lol The Shetland Islands would be a cool place to visit. 🙂

[@athenam1742]

Beautiful views and helpful information.

[@captainbiggles]

Fantastic short recap! I shall be On Shetland in few months time yay! Xxx

[@dianegreen4803]

My ancestors were from Shetland and i plan on visiting soon

[@PraiseTheLord-JesusChrist]

I clicked on this by mistake. But man you are such a great tour guide 😂 I already fell in love with Shetland though I never ever been there or heard of them before 😁🙂

[@Rhiawiz]

My ancestors are also from Shetland- I really hope to go someday.

[@spiceweasle3945]

Fellow Whalsay man here, great honest review video you've posted. 😁😁

[@brydon5721]

If you don't like the weather, wait ten minutes, it'll probably change. For ferries used on overnight crossings, you'd think the designers would incorporate a lot of cabins, it just makes sense, right. Whalsay is a whole other language XD Love the Cabbot Cove comparison! Thank you for never calling it the Shetlands. Anyone thinking of coming here, remember the name only has one "s".

[@GHnineteensixtysix]

Beautifully quintessentially Protestant, Scottish and British. Wonderful🇬🇧.

[@Shmingleshmangle]

How does being protestant come into it?

[@GHnineteensixtysix]

@@Shmingleshmangle The Shetlands are historically very Protestant, and is still a particularly unionist part of Scotland.

[@Shmingleshmangle]

@@GHnineteensixtysix Well I hope in the future it's a much more diverse society living there. Having everyone worshiping the same god/religious texts seems like a weird thing to boast about or to focus on when describing a place. But what do I know, I'm an atheist so the whole Catholic protestant beef within Scotland is laughable to me (in modern times anyway, I get the ancient beef). Does "Saudi Arabia, beautifully quintessentially Muslim and Arab. Wonderful" have the same ring to it aye?

[@johnshaw8769]

@@GHnineteensixtysix Writing as a Shetlander I can firmly say that this is nonsense. For sure, historically the main church in Shetland is the protestant Church of Scotland with some representation of other churches including the Catholic church. However, the distinguishing characteristic of Shetland society now and historically is the absence of religious enthusiasm. There isn't and has never been the kind of controlling protestant kirk that dominated life in parts of the Western Isles, particularly Lewis. The Church of Scotland in Shetland has been very mainstream and the Free Church and United Free Church have never had a real presence here. Linking this Protestantism to unionism is even more misleading because it evokes the sectarianism of Northern Ireland and Glasgow which is totally absent from Shetland life. There is a lack of strong feeling about independence (although there is an active SNP here) but that has more do with the distrust of Edinburgh being stronger than the distrust of Westminster. Unionism also suggest a necessary link with Conservatism (think Conservative and Unionist Party) and even local Tories, although they oppose Scottish independence, do not belong to the Unionist wing of the Conservative party. The Orkney and Shetland constituency return Liberal MPs to Westminster with mind numbing loyalty. I'm afraid you couldn't be more mistaken in what you say.

[@grahamfleming8139]

Shetland returned a regional 🗳 vote for the Snp at the last elections,although very independent Shetlaun is very European 🇪🇺.

[@macred]

If you ever get a chance, visit The Isle of Barra. A Scottish Island with so clean air, you fall asleep while walking.... Or drop off on the harbour wall mid ice cream after a trek up to the Madonna and Child. And the beaches are to die for.

[@dee74raz]

It’s shocking that I’ve never been there even though I’m from the uk 🇬🇧

[@danielletoscano4509]

Just wanted to say thank you for your videos. We are just emerging from the COVID restrictions and I think many who can still afford to travel will be queuing to get out there. Since it’s not really feasible for me to travel with my family I have been living vicariously through these videos. Your family is adorable! You’ve covered my few bucket lists of travel (Japan, Scotland, Ireland, etc- all part of my cultural background) and it’s nice to see some stereotypes finally put to bed. Just curious- is there a specific subject you lecture about at universities? Also, in case you were wondering, my biggest SHOCK was that you mentioned the Irish love of cursing- knowing a few native folk from both areas I would’ve guessed the Scots to be more “colorful.” 😂

[@thebignacho2]

Such an awesome video ! Greetings from OC, CA !

[@Micazasdebandito79]

How lovely is this guy ☺️

[@woltersworld]

Thank you

[@Mrflamungo]

I agree with all of what is said in this video as I am from Shetland and most of my ancestors are from Shetland, I’m hoping to go back one day and actually participate in up helly aa like my dad

[@Mrflamungo]

It really is a great place to live, but as you said, it has bad weather and yea the transport is a bit less than what most like

[@mikepez]

Awesome video as always Mark! I never thought of visiting but will on my next trip near there. Have a great day!!

[@juvi6787]

I really like this. I like it all. I might move to Shetland. Have been living in Norway and Sweden for my entire life. Maybe Shetland is next.

[@Moirchester]

Would love to go and visit one day! Meanwhile I watch Shetland, the crime series :)

[@samantha1877]

I loved shetland islands

[@Nordicblackbird2]

You dunna come to Shetland "for the weather, LOL! Anyway, it is part of a traveller's experience. Come and stay for a longer while, because it is an Earthly paradise for those in search of "gettin awye fae hit aa"! Perfect sheltered life within a close-knit community. Welcome ta da Scandinavian corner of Scotland (Bergen's just a hop away).

[@Chillaxing113]

Excellent video!! The Shetland Islands look like a fascinating place to visit.

[@Evanmonster1]

I will be in Scotland this August. I am looking to take a flight from Glasgow to Shetland, to save time. This will be my first time going that far north in Scotland, but I am looking forward to it, for sure!

[@robinsmith5442]

My great grandma's family was from West Burra. Sclater/Pottinger/Inkster.

[@johnfitzpatrick6544]

Another point to remember . If you visit and intend to travel between the main island and Unst and Yell, you must book the ferries in advance. Don't just turn up and expect to drive on. You can spend a whole day waiting for an unbooked place to be available. This is true for going and returning.

[@bushchat28d]

Thats just totally untrue. If you turn up unbooked you will invariably get on. I've never EVER turned up booked or unbooked and not gotten on the first ferry departing.

[@AndyRocket1000]

I live in Bergen where the Shetland buss went from, actually these days the Actuall Shetland buss is drfting around and sinking, anyways, Im watching lots of Shetland videos thesedays,I really want to go on this festival in January’s .Friends of mine sailed Bergen - Shetland in 12houres :0 very inpressive. I really hope to get to Shetland by boat, in this lifetime

[@melissahunterzuuu699]

I would love that weather

[@moniquek8041]

I hope I get to visit before I die. My ancestors are from Shetland.

[@vamboroolz1612]

Love your videos. Especially interested in your views on Shetland cause in a couple of years I will be living there to retire.

[@searlek]

I can't drive, and the buses actually were able to get us around fine when I went. Annoyingly Unst was far too complicated to get to, but hopefully the proposal to build tunnels under the ocean as with the Faroes will help.

[@ITALIAN-ALEX-SOTTILI]

i will be back there in may 2022 ,cant waiiiiiiiiiiiiit😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@heenanaz953]

I am in love with his sweet way if speaking ❤️

[@calistab5559]

I love your 5 loves and hates videos. My favourites.

[@bigjohn75]

Mark man awesome video.

[@woltersworld]

Thank you

[@leonaheraty3760]

Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@ericduffield524]

OMG Prof Wolter "...the lambs are quite cute and tasty at the same time..." 🤣

[@emmamartin817]

I love Shetland, I'd move there if I could. I like the 14hour ferry and the weather. Hate that it costs £500 to get there though.

[@newforestpixie5297]

You are joking ! Folk complain about the Car ferry from the New Forest to the Isle of Wight being about £ 60 . I’d like to go there and to the Faeroe Islands . 👍New Forest

[@SA-oq5lz]

It's £60 though 🤔

[@emmamartin817]

To Shetland? Have they suddenly dropped the prices? I know it's much cheaper if you live on the islands

[@emmamartin817]

Just checked. In low season, 355.50 return and 501 in high season. Plus the cost of accommodation on the island

[@drewblogs_7145]

what a great guy and great video. ☺️

[@TakeFood]

Ohhh good sharing. Thanks for your great video .....

[@peterney2402]

I love rain and fog.

[@LeoFtravels]

Thanks Mark. Another great video

[@hirsch4155]

After the 5 things you’re gonna hate I already wanted to go there 😂 . You should’ve filmed that portion indoors Wolters’ World.

[@tobiojo9454]

Great video, keep making more of these videos

[@telecasterbear]

Thanks Wolter.

[@AymanTravelTransport]

Can you do the Orkneys next?

[@ianwilliamson2980]

May to August is best time to come .better weather mostly then.

[@nikeventus3756]

I love your accent! 👍👍

[@PlansG50]

Its so interesting how the people are so different genetically from the Faroe Islanders. You can really tell the difference of Scots and Scandinavian.

[@alexandermenzies9954]

Late to this party. The further north you go, the more difficult the accent? I think you missed Glasgow. Highland and Island accents are gentle but carry well; they are not a problem imho.

[@dawnfitzpatrick652]

So never saw this area you get around the world saw you on cruise ships with tips glasgow born live in Canada

[@woltersworld]

My family is from Shetland so we went back to learn more about our family

[@noname-by3qz]

😊 thanks 😊

[@nikkirockznikkirockz4158]

..What a luvly lookin' island, I'd love to see more it and the main dishes there as well!

[@lorrainem4476]

Nikkirockz! Nikkirockz! It’s an archipelago, not a single island.

[@jasminebower2305]

So lovely to see you do a video on Scotland! I'm Scottish but living in Lithuania, I think I remember you mentioning living here in Lithuania at some point?

[@mrkitcatt2119]

Scots out of shetland Haha

[@boblowes]

Lived here (almost) all my life. Wouldn't change it for the world.

[@joanndavidson2769]

Hello, Im Wangarileednei Tribe, South Australia sith ancestors from Shetland Islands too. We bave sem feins from Dhetland in thi 1700s on on z fidhing frip were bauled up into a ship, became crew & survelie ce in art, lost thi ship & their way back from SA. Luv Jo Wangar. Joining uour tour for a while to take a walk on thi wildside. Bob Dylans sib. Im a sem twin too. Andy Gibb. 2023.

[@Rushtik9506]

Fogs i think will makeca good combination for a photo

[@maavet2351]

Fun fact : Scotland is Russian is "Shatlandia", kinda similar, I wonder if someone made a mistake in the past and said the entrie country's name was shetland

[@kathleenhenson5833]

There’s a great tv mystery show called Shetland. It’s on BritBox in the US.

[@FinlagganYT]

The northernmost point of Shetland is on the Island of Muckle Flugga, this is also the northernmost point of Scotland and the UK.

[@badart412]

Come to Yorkshire 👍🏻🇬🇧👍🏻