Communications between Shetland and the Scottish mainland are good with a daily ferry service linking Lerwick and Aberdeen and regular air services between Sumburgh and the major Scottish cities with onward connections to London.
Lerwick is the capital town of Shetland and dates from the 17th century. Its name comes from the Norse “Leir-vik” and means “muddy bay”. Lerwick is a bustling town of some 7,500 inhabitants which has grown up around its excellent natural harbour.
The town has an excellent leisure centre and swimming pool, a theatre, a library and a wide range of shops. A new museum was opened in 2007.
There are two large primary schools and a 6 year secondary school, the Anderson High School, in Lerwick. There is a hospital and a health centre in the town.
Lodberrie
The Lodberrie –
one of the earliest buildings in Lerwick
Up Helly Aa
The fire festival of Up Helly Aa is held annually on the last Tuesday of January. On this evening over 900 guizers carrying burning torches follow a replica of a Viking galley through the streets of Lerwick. The procession culminates in a local park where the burning of the galley lights up the night sky.
Other festivals include the Folk Festival which is held at the end of April and the Accordian and Fiddle Festival which takes place in October.
During the summer months the waterfront is busy with visiting yachts from all over the world. A number of cruise liners stop off in Lerwick to give passengers the opportunity to tour Shetland.
Useful links
www.northlinkferries.co.uk for information about ferries
Shetland Islands Council for Council information
www.shetland-heritage.co.uk for information about sites of historical interest.
www.bobbytulloch.com photos of Shetland birds, mammals and flowers
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