The Shetland Islands are the most Northerly point of the UK and comprise an archipelago of around 100 small islands only 15 of which are inhabited.  The largest of which is Shetland, also known as ‘the mainland’ by Islanders and has an area of 374 sq miles making it one of the largest islands around the UK. There has been a settlement on Shetland since 3000BC; the islands were occupied by the Picts in during the Roman occupation of England and the South part of Scotland.

Lerwick is the largest habitation in the Shetland Islands with a population of just under 7,000. The town is a hub of activity with a hospital, a busy harbour and two colleges. Norse was spoken until only the 19th century in Lerwick.

The Shetland Islands have connections to the Vikings of Norway during the colonisation in the 9th century and to the Germans through trading links after the Vikings had left. Goods such as cod and ling would be sold or traded through Bremen for beer, cloth or grain.

The ‘East Shetland Basin’ is one of the largest oil finds in the world with millions of barrels of crude oil being extracted from the ‘Sullom Voe’ terminal alone. Oil, and the service industries which go along with the industry, have made the islands one of the most improved and thriving economies in the UK since oil was discovered in the late 1970s.

Other more traditional employers are livestock (sheep), agriculture and fishing. ‘Shetland‘ ponies are used both for driving and carrying and riding, standing only 28” tall they are perfect for children. They are breed across the world but originate on the islands, they are hardy, intelligent and have heavy coats for the cold North Sea winds.

Famous people from The Shetlands include: ex chancellor of the exchequer Norman Lamont and Prime Minister of New Zealand Robert Stout