Over 300 miles north of Edinburgh lie the Shetland Islands, more than half-way between London and the Arctic circle.
With 1,697 miles of coastline, Shetland accounts for 16 percent of Scotland's 10,246 mile overall coastline, and the interaction between the sea and the land plays a large part in all aspects of life in Shetland, including the weather of course!
Every year more visitors discover these surprising hundred islands at the top of Britain. And every year more and more of them discover one visit's nothing like enough. Shetland - where Scotland meets Scandinavia and the North Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Where the Shetland ponies come from; and the sweaters; and the Vikings.
Shetland lies 600 miles (960km) north of London. More than a hundred islands, just 15 of them inhabited, span the hundred miles (145km) between Fair Isle and Out Stack, the northernmost point of Britain.
This bustling archipelago of 22,500 people boasts abundant wildlife, a spectacular coastline and dozens of major archaeological sites. The 567 sq. mile (1468km˛) county of Shetland is an entrancing mixture of Scotland and Norway.
For walkers, we have about 1697 miles (2702km) of coastline and over 500 square miles (1294km˛) of open countryside, most of it accessible to hikers.
Surrounded by fishing grounds and oil & gas fields, Shetlanders have enjoyed almost Scandinavian-style prosperity for the past quarter-century - as well as a largely unspoiled environment.
Our superb sports and leisure centres are the envy of other parts of rural Britain. The islands' vibrant cultural life includes internationally famous events such as the Shetland Folk Festival and the Up Helly Aa fire festival.