Taking The Longest Ferry Within The UK

I take the UK's longest internal ferry journey from Aberdeen to Shetland. After completing my first Scotland road trip, I arrive in Aberdeen and board the 14-hour overnight NorthLink Ferries' ship to Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands and the UK's most remote and northernly region.
I just bought a campervan to travel my home country of Scotland. I’ve spent the last 3 years living in Japan and with my partner, converted both a van and a bus into campervans and travelled all over the country doing full-time vanlife while sharing our adventures on our 2 Japanese language KZbin channels.
In 2011, I moved from Scotland to the Middle East and have lived and worked overseas pretty much ever since then. I’ve hardly seen anything or been anywhere in my home country Scotland and I’ve never even visited places like the Scottish Highlands, the Isle of Skye or the NC500.
I am a huge fan of campervan travel and alternative living, having spent over 600 nights living in vans, it’s my favourite way to travel due to the incredible freedom, adventure and the affordability.
My campervan is a 2001 Toyota Hiace high roof van. It was originally used by the Royal Mail and then purchased by the previous owner and self-converted into a DIY campervan. Although the van is already converted, in order for it to be an off-grid living van, it requires some campervan DIY, especially when it comes to electrics and plumbing.
Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing more about this van, any DIY I do, and most importantly sharing my road trip adventures as I finally get to travel my beautiful home country of…. SCOTLAND! Subscribe to follow along!
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[@chriswelsh3197]

Just come across this Vlog. Love it!! I was the person that checked your tickets and made sure you hung the Hanger on your mirror, you had your gas turned off and directed you to Lane 2. Glad to see you had a great sailing and a wonderful time.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you for the lovely welcome!

[@colinnapier1648]

The ship name Hjatland is the old Norse name for Shetland. Thier is a sister ship that does the same route and it is called Hrossey, Which is the old Norse name for Orkeny. A lot of Scandanavia\Danish influence can be seen on both islands. Shetland being more notable with the Up Helly'a Viking festival which is held each year.

[@ruthaisling]

That's so interesting, thanks for sharing!

[@copacabana164]

Very interesting explication,thank you from Germany!

[@billyshearer117]

Orkney

[@kinlika]

Best to visit Scotland in the Summer The rain is warm then

[@walterfillingham]

Pronounced Yatland (Hjaltland - Old Norse for Shetland) :) and I can’t believe it, cabin 422 is my old cabin, they used to be crew cabins and I was the night bar man and that was my cabin for two weeks every month (we worked 2 weeks on 2 weeks off), obviously they have refurbished the cabins from crew cabins. But that’s my old home :) wowzers

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for sharing the pronunciation! What a coincidence about the cabin, thanks for sharing!

[@Sabhail_ar_Alba]

No windows on it. That's a thumbs down.

[@MaggieMercer-qd4mk]

hahah ive always pronounced it hajatland and hrossey horse sea

[@vivellasmum]

Wow what a co-incidence!

[@kendrawaterbury2328]

That’s so cool!

[@stevetaylor7403]

Ruth sounds a real fun person.

[@hemuhemuful]

日本と違う雰囲気や食事が興味深いです。フェリーに乗る前に案内してくれた男性の英語が聞き取りやすくて 上品に感じました。

[@nichoth1]

I stumbled into your channel and have found the tour of Scotland to be very informative and your experience with the van to be entertaining. You have a really good production style, with this ferry trip being one of the best ones yet. Thanks for the experience.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you, that’s very kind of you to say!

[@mickcorbett6724]

Blimey old Reilly. What a smashing young woman❤️ Really enjoying your content Ruth, so interesting & watchable🙌👌

[@JK_Clark]

Great video, Ruth! I've watched a lot of solo travellers and never really considered they're almost always guys, but then I click and this adventurous, charming, eloquent Scottish woman is exploring and I'm like "Yeah, it's about time". Have liked and subscribed; look forward to seeing more of your journeys :)

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you very much, appreciate it!

[@8888ZIL520]

ルースさんこんにちは。また日本に戻って来られるのを待ってます。それまではこちらで拝見しますね。

[@inger233]

Fantastic, down to Earth channel. Great output.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks!

[@krisjackson5967]

I loved the ferry trip from Aberdeen to the Shetland Islands last year but was a walk on passenger.Had a cabin with a view. My husband & I took our campervan on the ferry from Greece to Venice which was awesome. Slept in our van & was on the edge with amazing scenery. Sadly my darling husband died January 2022. Together we got up to the Orkney Islands in our campervan 2013

[@ruthaisling]

Wow, your trips sound amazing, what lovely memories. I'm sorry to hear about your husband. ❤

[@hidetakayamaguchi3483]

ルースさんの本格的な旅の始まりですね。楽しみにしています。 日本とは違う食事が大位に興味深く、旅での人々との交流を見るのが楽しみです。 どうぞ気を付けて行ってらっしゃい。

[@ruthaisling]

なるべく食べ物を紹介できるようにがんばります！

[@01seiyer74]

スコットランドのフェリーを見て、へーって感じでした。夕飯も朝ごはんもおいしそうでした。 帽子をとると、若く見えますね。素敵です。😁

[@ruthaisling]

料理がとても美味しかったです！(笑)嬉しいコメントありがとうございます。

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

I believe the "w" gets pronounded in Lerwick (Ler-wick). An Icelandic man once told me 'wick' was an old Scandinavian word for 'harbour'

[@lionelolivier5827]

Thanks. That is good to learn

[@Sheltie1001]

Lerwick means muddy bay in old norse

[@iainperrins120]

The w isn't pronounced. It sounds like Lerrick

[@norfilmshetland]

Speaking as an Islander, a very fair and accurate review. The biggest complaint with the boats are the cabins - which you have to book months in advance in the high season.....a nightmare if you have to travel at short notice

[@tonysutton6559]

When we went just before Covid I booked our cabin on the day that booking opened, just to make sure. No matter how comfortable the pods are, I like to sleep in a bed.

[@maryavatar]

Yup. I had a memorable crossing with three kids under 10 - all the other boats going south were cancelled, and we had to get to Edinburgh for a wedding as our daughters were bridesmaids. Because of the cancelled boats, it was packed to the gunnels, and the only clear space for a family of five to spend the night was right outside the bar. Never again!

[@shipstar4340]

日本では無表情で事務的に感じる事が多いのですが、そちらは乗船手続きの人が優しく素敵な旅の予感がしました。そして帽子をとったルースさんがとってもエレガント。

[@ruthaisling]

フェリーではスタッフの方がとても親切でした。とても良い経験になりました。暖かくなってきたので、そろそろ帽子を脱ぐ時期ですね(笑)

[@eric144144]

I had a totally calm crossing to Shetland in 1978 but the world swayed from side to side for the next two days, Very strange.

[@paulpayton8238]

Hey Ruth I love it on the ferry ⛴ it's like home from home nice on the deck to and love the Scottish Islands thanks for sharing memories 😀 ❤

[@prof.dr.habibrehman7354]

I did visit St Andrew in March 2017 by road from Edinburgh where I tasted yummy typical Scottish Fish and chips and green beans.

[@parttime9070]

My late mother lived in a village up near "Peterhead, in Aberdeen , I went to visit a few times.. Seems the surfing is good up there , we watched people out catching waves on one beach.. I liked it , from the peat cutting low lands to fly fishing rivers it's a good place to explore..

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for sharing!

[@LAGoodz]

Looks a great service, thank you!

[@mrmullett1067]

Worst thing for seasickness is being in a cabin with no view of the ocean. Get up on deck and look out at the sea, suddenly you will feel better. It's all about having a horizon and matching that with your balance.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for the advice!

[@ianstobie]

Diesel fumes are what get me. Varies a lot from ship to ship.

[@andrewpreston4127]

Brewdog... Beer for Girls. That breakfast looked great. Thanks for video, really enjoyed it.

[@ruthaisling]

Why is it for girls? 😂 The breakfast was amazing!

[@andrewpreston4127]

@@ruthaisling It was a little joke. Brewdog define the terms..astute marketing, and sloganeering.( Oh, and outrageous prices). I just turned that on its head.

[@9999imac]

Looks like a great trip - looking forward to your adventures there

[@ferrygogo]

Thanks for this Video :) Early check-in is great advice on this one we didn't have yet!

[@bobkaye4440]

I enjoy your videos and think you're scrumptious!

[@irenedavo3768]

Enjoyed that!

[@crustykells27]

Very calming. Natural easy laid back.

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@maturefox1]

... how lovely! Have fun there - looking forward to the next vid then ...!

[@davidklenk5253]

This was a wonderful video, Ruth. Thank you for l the effort of making it.❤

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Great start for your journey around Shetland. Hope to see some fantastic views ❤

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching Sheila!

[@arthurkettle3010]

Excellent video...very informative - covered everything I wanted to know about the ferry...cheers

[@ruthaisling]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maxmoore9955]

Excellent video

[@paulpj5988]

Thank you for the video I enjoyed very informative.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching!

[@adcatman]

Great video. Looks like a lovely trip. Thank You for sharing

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching!

[@kwat1702]

Great adventures inspires us all , keep up the videos Ruth x

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks so much 😊

[@camelia9802]

Very interesting video. Thanks for sharing 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-ep7jd4vg8x]

次回も楽しみです。

[@user-rd9gc9hf8v]

私は船旅が好きなので今回は船内の様子が丁寧に紹介されていて大満足でした。 船内のレストランの食事が美味しそうだし乗船手続きの係員のお兄さんの対応も上品で素敵ですね。 シェットランドを舞台にしたドラマを見ていたのでルースさんのリアルなシェットランド案内が楽しみです。

[@ruthaisling]

動画を気に入っていただけたようで、とても嬉しいです。フェリーはとても良い経験になりました。シェトランドのドラマをご覧になっているなんて、驚きです。みんなから見るように勧められるのですが、まだ時間がなくて(笑)。

[@user-rd9gc9hf8v]

@@ruthaisling 日本ではシーズン6を放映しました。 メインキャラクターの一人が今回でいなくなるので寂しいです。 良いドラマなのでおすすめです。 イギリスの俳優さんはとても上手なので引き込まれます。

[@peterdnreynolds777]

Great vlog as always!! Looks like the weather I endure when crossing the Irish Sea. Looking forward to seeing the next vlog. Hope all is well, take care

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching Peter!

[@brendan190770]

amazing!!!! thank you so much!!!

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you like it!

[@marktwyman840]

Great video

[@mott2945]

I couldn’t bare no windows in my cabin great video thanks for sharing

[@traceygriffiths8919]

Hello.. first time watching.. can’t wait for the next one xx happy travels ❤

[@ruthaisling]

Yay! Thank you!

[@manhoot71]

Excellent very informative, looking forward to our van trip to Shetland in September

[@ruthaisling]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Robert.Sheard]

Sorry you had some seasickness. I've only done one overnight ferry, from southern Italy to Greece. Waking up to glorious sunshine and the stunning scenery of the outer islands is a memory I'll never lose. But I admit I'm envious of your Scotland trips. I've been once, many years ago, but it was a rushed trip as part of a music tour. In recent years, I've become a scotch enthusiast, so I want to spend a lot of time in Scotland. Loving this series.

[@ruthaisling]

I hope you come to Scotland soon!

[@Robert.Sheard]

@@ruthaisling sniff, sniff... was supposed to be there 10 days ago, but got Covid in February and postponed. I need to spend months and months, visiting all the distilleries and cycling.

[@lionelolivier5827]

Very detailed and very informative. This gave me a very realistic impression of what to expect.

[@ruthaisling]

Glad it was helpful!

[@havegrillwilltravel3043]

You can call this series "Journeys with Ernie"! Good luck and stay safe.

[@ruthaisling]

That's a great idea!

[@benthejrporter]

I don't blame you getting a cabin. Steve Marsh sat in a chair for the whole voyage. It was a nightmare!

[@Lifesgood427]

Great adventure, loveScotland and Shetland, have a good trip, looking forward to your updates!

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks so much!

[@keith800]

I did this trip to Kirkwall five years ago and can thoroughly recommend it to anyone , I loved the sunset from the aft deck

[@peter_roth_8812]

Classy video, classy guide, entertaining and informative at the same time!

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jim-nt7xy]

Thank you for sharing your adventures. Scotland looks like a beautiful country.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching. Please visit Scotland sometime!

[@stellachanmi6311]

スコットランド旅の始まりですね！今まで見たことのない場所を紹介してくれるので、本当に見ていて楽しいです。フェリーの男性スタッフは素敵な人でしたね。そして、美味しそうなフィッシュ&チップスは大きくて、クリスピーな見た目が最高です。私もビネガーたっぷりかけて食べるのが好きです！ルースさんの旅が最高のものになることを、日本よりお祈りしております。

[@ruthaisling]

フェリーのスタッフはとてもフレンドリーで親切だった。酢が最高です(笑)。

[@user-my2ji5dr9v]

That food looks good.

[@sarge6870]

LOVE Scotland!! We visited Greenock back in 2015 on a cruise from the U.S. to Southampton. We were supposed to dock at Glasgow but the port was filled with other cruise ships (Titanic Anniversary). The best port visit of all 4 ports!

[@gerardriordan1458]

A sweet presentation, What a lovely lady, and I am only half way through the video. Thank you and safe journeys

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you for watching

[@suzannemcqueenie9572]

Just found your channel and looking forward to watching the rest of your vlogs. 😊

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching!

[@wata5951]

I'm glad that the car is driving on the left side🎶 I want to try the authentic delicious chips & fis.

[@ruthaisling]

Fish and chips is the best! Driving on the left is easy for me, I've never tried driving on the right side!

[@rc7059]

Really enjoyed your video, very interesting, (some of my family have just moved to Shetland so at some point I’ll be doing this journey myself), looking forward to watching your video on Shetland next.. Love the informal relaxed vibe from your video!

[@ruthaisling]

Oh amazing! I hope you have a great time there when you visit!

[@nightw4tchman]

I put this in to my watch later a few weeks a go and only got round to it now. Always wanted to do this journey and really enjoyed your video.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching! Hope you can make the journey someday soon!

[@mikecondon9576]

A nice production. I found your presenting very interesting and well paced. I will look out for more of your content. All the best with future productions.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@loosemink]

Hi Ruth, I miss Scotland. Fantastic place to live. 20 years back, I converted a transit van into a makeshift home for a week & drove to Oban. I caught the 6.30am ferry to Mull & spent a week travelling around the island. I wanna see all the outer islands one day ❤

[@ruthaisling]

Sounds brilliant. I'll hopefully get to Mull in the van this year!

[@markjohnston737]

Fantastic video Ruth! being nauseous is never fun especially at sea but glad you felt much better later on. I prefer flying haha love from Co Antrim Northern Ireland ❤🥰

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@sheilaathay2034]

I'll definately subscribe! Sounds like a great adventure.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you!

[@user-um2rc9ut8t]

無理しないように頑張って下さい

[@Trond_travels]

Shetland as well as Orkney Island, used to belong to Norway, some 100 years ago. That is the reason why there is a lot of viking/norse stuff going on there, incl. the names of places. Lerwick to Aberdeen is about the same distance as Lerwick to Bergen. I live in Bergen. Thanks for a good video. I wish to take this trip myself one day.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching! Hope you enjoy your trip when you do visit!

[@jorgesaki7849]

Ohh my goshhh!!! Nice and beatifull city Aberdeen...I like rainy cities. 😊😊😊

[@ruthaisling]

Please visit sometime!

[@peonycottageboutique4154]

Hi Ruth! We really enjoyed your video. In September we will be ticking off a bucket list item when we return to Scotland and head to Shetland as part of our trip. Thanks to advice from another KZbinr, we booked our cabin on the ferry the day bookings opened. That was a great tip! We also booked our accommodation for our holiday back in February as we were also told how quickly everything fills up. Thanks for all of your info and insight. Looking forward to watching your other videos. -- Sandi & Greg H (Canada)

[@ruthaisling]

Hi Sandi and Greg, thanks for watching! I hope you have an amazing trip to Shetland!

[@toddcott9510]

What a wonderful, 13:26 breath of fresh air you are. I really enjoyed the video.

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@marylinklater9439]

Also just stumbled on your video, after watching Steve Marsh, another traveller and very interesting. Anyway, I've just subscribed for more of your videos, extremely interesting, loved it, thank you very much. Looking forward to watching you more.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you Mary!

[@user-sl2sr6fz3m]

Ruth, your videos are absolutely lovely. And I say that as a child of Glasgow and of Scotland. Wonderful. I love all your journeys & exploration. In my family we say "Lang may yer lum reek". An expression of goodwill, good wishes and prosperity. Keep on going & exploring. Pure dead brilliant. Gie it laldy! 🙂

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you so much, really happy to hear you’re enjoying the videos!

[@paulmark63]

Hi Ruth watched your channel for the first time I was so impressed brilliant content. Paul in Kent

[@ruthaisling]

Awesome, thank you!

[@chriscollins956]

Thanks for sharing this. We are doing this in September. Taking the Sleeper from London to Aberdeen, and then the ferry to Lerwick. Great tip about the sea sickness pills, i didn't even think of that, so will be popping to Boots to get some.

[@ruthaisling]

That sounds amazing Chris, what a journey you will have. I hope you have a fantastic time

[@D11AVW]

Hello from Aberdeen 👋🏼 hope you enjoy your trip to Shetland

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks! 😃

[@dugswell2]

Congratulations on your blog in the June Edition of NorthLink Ferries’ Newsletter. Douglas.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you Douglas!

[@user-jt4js5rs3r]

いよいよスコットランドの冒険が始まりましたね。ワクワクします。

[@ruthaisling]

Ernieのスコットランドでの冒険がとても楽しみです。

[@angelaaz6282]

Looks like a nice trip…glad you were able to eat some dinner and get some sleep! 🛌 😊

[@bushchat28d]

Camper vans and larger vehicles always go on last because they can't get down to the lower car deck. Personally we deliberately arrive late so we maybe get to park on the main (upper) car deck. Loved your vid of this trip, despite us making it four times a year I was still smiling all the way through. The only other thing I'd say would be that you don't really need to stock up on food before you leave Aberdeen (fuel maybe as its a little cheaper). Lerwick has a huge Tescos and a decent sized Co-Op, so support Shetland buy going there, there's everything you could possibly need.

[@ruthaisling]

Great advice! I'd no idea what to expect but you're right, you can get everything you need on Shetland. I actually fond the fuel very reasonably priced.

[@kudzumoose3861]

New viewer. Love your videos. Just decided I need to go to Shetland. Soon!

[@ruthaisling]

You should plan a trip!

[@user-lc4zc6eh2u]

Since I am seventy years old, probably I would never go to northern islands in Scotland so much far from Japan. But thanks to you, I could really enjoy the ferry trip for a while.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching the video!

[@tonyp011]

Hi a bit of advice for you, it is always best to take sea sickness tabs at least half an to an hour before the vessel sets sail that way the medication as got time to dissolve and get into your system also i normally had a small drink of milk just to line my stomach as that's what milk does

[@jamesbradshaw4675]

Superb video x

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@markpirie1986]

02:29, Go past the bridge stairs turn fight into the alley way and turn right again, and you're in the regent bar, proper old school folk but nice though 😊 my dad drinks their.😊

[@kellybrown8638]

What a wonderful video host. I thoroughly enjoyed your video❤

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@-DC-]

That was fantastic Ruth I'm going to Binge Watch the rest whilst at work. 🤣🤣

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you for watching, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@markrenfrow9873]

Hey Ruth ! Nice video !

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching Mark!

[@jasonking6892]

Good video 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you enjoyed

[@wellesleybobb788]

Wow that was an awesome trip. like you I love my fish an chips with molt vinegar. I love this video. Thanks for sharing.

[@ruthaisling]

Vinegar is so delicious!

[@wellesleybobb788]

@@ruthaisling How is the dog bite wound . Did you try the castor oil on it .

[@bigphilswheels]

Great vlog as usual. Terry would be so pleased that the van is being used properly. I will show this vlog to Ernie later, who unfortunately is in hospital with pneumonia, but is on the mend. Looking forward to the next episode. Cheers. 👍

[@ruthaisling]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'm really sorry to hear about Ernie, I hope he gets better soon. 🙏

[@bigphilswheels]

@@ruthaisling Thanks. I'll tell him later when I visit him. He loves watching how the van is doing. Cheers

[@timsimmons5953]

Very nice, I have driven in my van Aldershot to Orkney for three night camp which was pretty tiering there and back. One day I will do Shetland. The western isles are nice.

[@ruthaisling]

That sounds brilliant, I hope to get to the Western Isles at some point!

[@jimdevlin2138]

Hi Lassie, great vlog, I agree the food on Northlink boats is fantastic , if you do this trip again book a cabin with an outside view, its worth the extra cost, specially if you go in summer when it does not get very dark. 😁

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for the tips!

[@levt2156]

I'm laughing....😂 I live in Florida, in the U.S. with my little Pomeranian dog, Vinnie. The ring tone for your alarm is the one I also use to wake up for work. When Vinnie heard your alarm, he got all excited because he thought it was mine (which means his breakfast is nearly here). Anyway, I've been enjoying your vlog...just came across your channel, and I like! Thank you for sharing your journey!

[@ruthaisling]

Haha that is so funny, it’s funny how dogs can recognise words and sounds 😂😂

[@lynmoore8355]

great Vvlog Ruth just found your channel by acciddent so checking out from the beginning. Ernie looks awesome

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks Lyn!

[@michaelgoode9555]

I have fond memories of that journey. We always get an outside cabin for the daylight as much as anything. We have done it twice as cycle tourists but our next journey will be in an ev. I hope Shetland has a few charging points!

[@ruthaisling]

The NorthLink Ferries blog has some blog posts about travelling Shetland with an electric vehicle which might be helpful.

[@maryw246]

Shetland is a magical place. The people are lovely and the food is amazing. I lost my heart there and I hope to return and find it one day. I flew in the last time but I would love to take the ferry next time.

[@ruthaisling]

Hope you enjoy your next trip there!

[@MrMaken83]

so 1st ever time watching your Vlog...and it was really nice, you were confident and lovely

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you so much 😊

[@MrMaken83]

@@ruthaisling o my pleasure

[@mickclark427]

Hello Ruth I'm mick from Hull and I have just subscribed to watch your video and this one was very good and I will keep watching xx😊😊

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you!

[@mickclark427]

You are very welcome xx

[@michaelgoode9555]

Done the Shetland trip on touring bicycles a couple of times. The journey can be mill pond smooth or blowing a real Hoolie. Shetland is a beautiful place which I shall return to again and especially for me to Unst. The puffins at Hermaness were a real highlight for me personally. And of course, Bobby's Bus Stop. 👍

[@ruthaisling]

The puffins are the best! 😍