 Fort Charlotte |  World War Battery |  Ness of Burgi Fort |  Mosquito Crash |  King of the Cocos! |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Stanydale Temple |  Huxter Water Mills |  Fort Charlotte |  Ness of Burgi Fort |  King of the Cocos! |
 Clickimin Broch, Lerwick |  Mosquito Crash |  Huxter Water Mills |  Fort Charlotte |  World War Battery |
 Stanydale Temple |  Ness of Burgi Fort |  Clickimin Broch, Lerwick |  Stanydale Temple |  Clickimin Broch, Lerwick |
 Fort Charlotte |  Stanydale Temple |
= DOG FRIENDLY
NOT DOG FRIENDLY =
History
NAME: Clickimin Broch
PERIOD: Bronze age --> Viking
LOCATION: Lerwick
DESCRIPTION: The site of Clickimin broch lies next to the south road leading out of Lerwick. Its a fascinating structure which sits oddly among the modern looking buildings around it. The site was originally occupied by a farming family who built a small house on the island around 1000BC. They walled the area off to ensure that their sheep and cattle didn't escape and there is also evidence of barley having been ground in stone troughs. The security of the property was made stronger 800 years later in around 200BC when the wall surrounding it was made stronger and a large ditch dug through the pathway connecting it to the mainland. Crossings in and out of the small patch of land could now only be made via a drawbridge controlled by the property owners. 100 years after this, the defensive blockhouse was constructed to defend the weakest part of the wall - the only gate in and out of it. It was after this that the broch itself was built.The original structure was much taller (by up to 15m in fact) and it was used to provide shelter and accommodation for a significant number of people. However, some time later its enormous height was reduced to suit housing only a single family. It was around this same period that a strange object was introduced onto the causeway leading up to the broch - a large stone slab with two footprints carved into it. Although the true cause of this is unknown, it is said to be linked with the presence of royalty. By the time the Norse came to Shetland in the 800s, the place had been abandoned and left to ruin. It stayed this way up until the 1850s when the "gentlemen of Lerwick" attempted to restore the site. However, it was only properly excavated in the 1950s - the result being hat you now see today.
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Burra Ness broch
PERIOD: Iron Age
LOCATION: Yell
DESCRIPTION: Another well preserved broch which sits south of the small village of "Gutcher", on the tip of the headland of Burra Ness. In its heyday, the broch is reported to have stood a monstrous height of 6.1 meters (20 feet)! Its outer walls are 4.5 meters thick and its base 18 meters wide. Its another great feature of Iron Age Shetland and a perfect example of how strong these structures were built to be able to withstand the test of time and rough weather known to the islands.
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Muness Castle
PERIOD: 1598
LOCATION: Unst
DESCRIPTION: Muness Castle is the most northerly fortalice (building built for war/defense) in Britain, located on the island of Unst and east of the village of Uyeasound. It was built by Laurence Bruce, the half brother of the "Lord of Shetland" (and first Earl of Orkney), Robert Stewart. In its heyday, the castle would have had a walled courtyard lavished with outhouses which would have been for additional accommodation as well as a bakehouse, brewery, stables and perhaps even a chapel. Laurence Bruce, much like the new Lord of Shetland, was an evil man who treated the people of the area very poorly. He was appointed as sheriff of Shetland by Robert Stewart in 1571 and from there set up base in Unst to begin his horrid acts of cruelty along with a group of his own men. They stole from passing boats, changed the system of weights and measures in order to increase the income (tax) to the Earldom and bedded much of the local women (well, it was a much nicer fate than being accused of witchery, right?). He was taken away by the Royal Commission in 1577 after several complaints made by Shetlanders - but the relief was very short lived... Only a year later in 1578, Robert Stewart appointed him as "Sheriff-Depute" allowing him to return to his post.
When Patrick Stewart succeeded his father after his death in 1593, Laurence Bruce became increasingly concerned for his position and safety. The new Lord of Shetland hated his half uncle and desperately tried to seize power from him. Laurence responded to this in 1598 by starting work on Muness Castle - before Stewart had even begun work on his own castle in Scalloway. In 1608, the Lord of Shetland arrived in Unst with 36 men and artillery, intent on capturing or destroying the castle. But for some reason, which is still unknown, they turned back.
In 1610, Patrick Stewart was charged with several accounts of tyranny on the islands and Laurence Bruce was more than happy to testify against him. Following this in 1614, he was given a Governmental position which made him responsible for tracking down any of the ex Lord's supporters on Shetland.
Laurence Bruce died in his bed at Muness Castle in August 1617 and is buried the old churchyard at Sandwick on Unst.
The castle was attacked and burned by French Raiders in 1627 and although some attempts were made to repair the damage the castle ended up abandoned by the end of the 1600s.
More info on the castle here:
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/unst/munesscastle/index.html
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Fort Charlotte
PERIOD: 1652 --> 1781
LOCATION: Lerwick
DESCRIPTION: The Fort in Lerwick was originally built as a result of the Anglo-Dutch wars between the English/British states and the Dutch states over the control of trade routes at sea and colonies. Its a long story, but an interesting one which I encourage you to read if you have time. More information about the conflict can be found here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Dutch_Wars
Nothing more exists of the first fort which went up during the first Anglo-Dutch war and there is very little information regarding it. The next pentagonal fort which was constructed on the site was built by Robert Milne (Charles II's master mason) and cost £28,000! The reason behind the new fort was that it was supposed to defend the area during the second Anglo-Dutch war however, by the end of the conflict in 1667, the walls still hadn't been finished, the cannons were to be too few and too small, and there was no secure water supply. As a result, the fort was simply abandoned.
But, just around the corner was the third Anglo-Dutch war! With no opposition to fight back in Lerwick, the Dutch easily invaded and marked their stay by burning the barracks to the ground.
100 years later, Britain found itself at war again and in 1781 a new pentagonal fort was built on the site of the 1665 defenses - now called Fort Charlotte after the wife of George III. This fort never saw action.
Over the years that followed, the fort slowly began to disappear in among the new buildings which appeared around it. When it was built, the cannons faced over a sheer drop to the sea and would have been able to fire out towards Bressay. But, with the land being reclaimed around it for the use of shops etc. which are present today, Fort Charlotte has retreated away from the waters which enemy ships would have once passed over. In fact, with the houses and main street being so closely crowded around it, the site has almost disappeared and most locals walk by it hardly recognising its existence. Its a great place to visit and a vital marking point in Shetland's timeline of history.
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Old Scatness
PERIOD: Iron Age
LOCATION: Sumburgh
DESCRIPTION: Old Scatness is an Iron Age settlement which boasts some impressive structures, including a broch and surrounding single walled houses. Viking soapstone artifacts have been found within Pictish buildings here, which have provided a rare opportunity to explore how the Norse invaders interacted with the original locals of the islands. Did the Vikings trade peacefully here? Or did they invade and take over the small settlement? A visit here makes a fantastic day out, with the opportunity to learn a lot about Viking artifacts from local friendly craft workers.
To learn more, visit:
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: UP-HELLE-AH
PERIOD: Viking
LOCATION: Various
DESCRIPTION: Ok, so I know I have already spoken about up-helle-ah in the events page, but its such an iconic event it deserved a mention here too!
Up-Helle-Ah has played a significant role on our islands for hundreds of years. However, it first began from celebrations to mark the end of the “Yule” (this is when the dark, winter half of the year turns into the light half of the year). Originally, it was marked by mischievous locals who used to roll flaming tar barrels down the street. For obvious safety reasons, this was banned but permission was soon gained to allow for torches to be burned instead. This turned into “Up-Helle-Ah” to celebrate the Vikings in 1881 and the first galley was burned in 1889.
Contrary to belief, there is not just one Up-Helle-Ah celebration that takes place – there are loads! It begins in January with the Fire Festival in Scalloway, continues into the end of the month where the largest of the celebrations takes place in Lerwick, and ends at the end of March with the Delting and South Mainland Up-Helle-Ah weekends. Hundreds of locals are involved, not just as part of the “Jarl squad”, but as “guisters” too (people who travel around the halls in groups to perform, often telling a funny story which may have taken place in Shetland in the previous year). If you like good music, traditional dancing and a whole load of fun, then grab your tickets and go to a hall to celebrate with us! The procession, alight with hundreds of torches, is a MUST see and a sight you will not forget for a long time.
NOTE: while technically most of this event is situated outside, I really DONT recommend taking your dog to the main processions. Apart from the obvious risk of fire, these events are loud and pretty crowded in some places. They'll far prefer to be tucked up somewhere safe. However, if you dont want to leave them but still want some viking action, then consider following the Jarl squad's journey throughout the local villages in the day time.
For more information visit:
http://www.shetland.org/things/events/culture-heritage/up-helly-aa/
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Laa Ting Holm
PERIOD: Viking
LOCATION: Tingwall
DESCRIPTION: This was once the location of Shetland's local parliament before it was moved to Scalloway Castle by Patrick Stewart in the 1600s and then onto the Lerwick Town Hall in 1754. In its day, it was entirely surrounded by water with a stone causeway leading up to it (the levels of the loch were lowered in the 1850s and the stones removed to make the land better for grazing, leaving what you now see today). The mound is said to be constructed from earth taken from various local sites so that all members of the meeting could say that they were on their home ground when decisions were being made. The location of the site was deliberate in that the council wanted to be seen but not heard - this was a common design for ting sites of the day. Shetlanders would gather on the shore near the church and watch from there.
It is now very difficult to reach the site where the locals once met, but a plaque can be found along the roadside with information on it regarding the ting.
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Hamar Longhouse
PERIOD: Viking
LOCATION: Unst
DESCRIPTION: This is yet another viking longhouse located on Unst which was once said to be "Scotland's best preserved" prior to excavation. A visit here can be combined with the viking Unst Hamar trail (which can be located here: http://www.shetlandamenity.org/assets/files/Viking%20Unst/Trail%203%20Hamar.pdf)
More on the longhouse here:
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Skidblander Longship
PERIOD: Viking
LOCATION: Unst
DESCRIPTION: Fancy seeing a real viking longship but dont have a time machine at hand? Well, you're in luck thanks to Viking Unst's reconstruction of the "Gokstad" ship which was found in a Viking burial mound in Norway in 1880. The replica, named "Skidblander", is 24.3 meters long and 5.25 meters wide making it both an impressive and fearsome structure. It sits next to a re-constructed viking longhouse and visitors can go on board the ship to feel what it was like to be a viking.
More about the ship here:
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Uyea Brek standing stone
PERIOD: Viking
LOCATION: Unst
DESCRIPTION: The Uyea Breck Standing Stone (also known as the "Clivocast Stone") lies near the village of Clivocast and is said to be related to a viking warrior. It is said that the stone marks the spot where the son of Viking Harald Harfager was killed about 900 A.D - his body is supposed to be buried in a mound located towards the southwest of the island.
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Mousa broch
PERIOD: Iron Age
LOCATION: Mousa
DESCRIPTION: Mousa broch is known as the best preserved Iron Age tower in existence and although these structures are thought to have several purposes (including fortified housing and status symbol), this one certainly seems to have been for defense. Mousa is one of a pair of brochs built to stand guard over Mousa Sound - the other being the far less preserved "Burraland broch" on the Mainland on the opposite side. The broch appears in two Norse sagas - one being the famous "Orkneyinga Saga". The story tells that in 1153, the mother of Earl Harald Maddadsson was kidnapped and held there. But the broch was soon besieged and his mother freed from captivity. On another occasion, the broch was used as a temporary refuge for a shipwrecked pair of lovers eloping from Norway. Today, its main residents are the local storm petrols who are protected by the RSPB.
The small island of Mousa itself is a beautiful place to visit and an excellent area to spot some of the local wildlife. The RSPB who protects the creatures who reside there kindly ask that people stick to the paths provided so as not to disturb nesting grounds. The island is only a small boat journey away from Sandwick and makes a lovely day out
This website has some great information on the Broch:
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/mousa/mousabroch/
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Burraland broch
PERIOD: Iron Age
LOCATION: Sandwick
DESCRIPTION: The broch at Burraland stands opposite Mousa broch which sits across the sound waters. Although dilapidated, it is still an impressive structure. The remains stand at 12 feet tall, but in its heyday it could have been up to 15 feet high. The two brochs would have made a fearsome impression upon anyone trying to sail past them with their thick bases standing firmly in place - one earl commenting that the brochs had been "an unhandy place to attack" when trying to rescue a family member there.
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Scalloway castle
PERIOD: 1600
LOCATION: Scalloway
DESCRIPTION: Prior to 1593 when Robert Stewart was succeeded by his son Patrick, not much interest had been taken in the Shetland Islands. The old Lord of Shetland was more keen on the rich lands of Orkney rather than the little farms up north and so left most of the work (or more, corruption and deviousness) to his appointed Sheriff - Laurence Bruce. Robert did build the "Old House of Sumburgh" (see "Jarlshof") but no other structure was needed to establish his power.
However, his son Patrick had other plans and upon his rise to lordship decided to take back command of Shetland. He built Scalloway castle in 1600 - placed strategically surrounded by water on three sides and in the perfect position to control the main access to Tingwall (the original Norse site of parliament). From here, Patrick continued his cruel lordship dealing out a series of harsh and unfair punishment towards the poor locals. He enjoyed his witch hunts and sent many women up "gallows hill" to be burned for their apparent allegiance with the devil. But, his treachery could only go so far before higher powers were alerted... After several complaints given by the Shetland people, Patrick was seized and imprisoned in Edinburgh castle in 1609. After this, he sent his son, Robert, to raise a rebellion in Orkney in his favor. 700 rebels joined the force, taking control of the Earl's Palace, the castle and St Magnus' Cathedral in Kirkwall in 1614. Robert was finally defeated after a five-week siege of the Earl's Palace by a force commanded by the Earl of Caithness - he commented that the castle walls were so strong that some of his cannonballs "broke in two like golf balls". Robert was taken to Edinburgh castle and hung. Afterwards in 1615 Patrick was beheaded at Market Cross in Edinburgh.
Scalloway castle remained an administrative center up until 1754 when Shetland's capital shifted to Lerwick. In 1908 it was placed in the care of Historic Scotland but remains a sorry sight with no roof left.
More about the castle here:
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/shetland/scallowaycastle/index.html
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Ness of Burgi fort
PERIOD: Iron Age
LOCATION: Sumburgh
DESCRIPTION: The Ness of Burgi Fort sits in a stunning location surrounded by beautiful sea views which stretch out towards the sumburgh head lighthouse. Its a little bit of a hike to get there, but well worth it! The most interesting feature of the site is the solid blank walled blockhouse which is built into the defensive wall and similar in design to the one which sits at the entrance to clickimin broch. To get into the fort, you have to stoop down through the narrow entrance of the blockhouse, putting you in a difficult position for attack! Before this is the gate house - peculiar in the fact that its walls don't stretch to the cliffs edge, meaning that an enemy could simply walk around it avoiding its defenses. The area itself is only defended by small ditches, leading historians to believe that it was only there for show.
For more info on the fort, visit:
http://www.britainexpress.com/attractions.htm?attraction=4729
For more information on the Ness of Burgi and the walk towards the fort, visit "The Ness of Burgi" in the Cliffs section or click here
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Jarlshof
PERIOD: Stone Age --> 16th Centuary
LOCATION: Sumburgh
DESCRIPTION: Jarlshof (which means “earls house”) is a multi-period site which illustrates the development of human life right from the late Neolithic period, to the 16th century when a Laird’s house was constructed. The most impressive feature of this site is that which originates from Norse settlement – notably the longhouse which was in use for several generations. This is a fantastic place to visit which is engulfed in history and a must see for anyone wishing to follow the path of the Vikings who visited Shetland.
For more information, visit:
http://www.shetland-heritage.co.uk/jarlshof
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Dim Riv viking ship
PERIOD: Viking
LOCATION: Lerwick
DESCRIPTION: What can I say? Its a mini replica of a viking galley ship which you get to sit aboard as it sails you along the beautiful shores of Lerwick - it is awesome! This is an absolute MUST activity for anyone visiting Shetland whether you have viking blood in you or not. Oh, and did I forget to mention, the people who sail it are dog friendly? Its a fantastic day out and we enjoyed every second of our time pretending to be vikings sailing off into new lands!
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Belmont Longhouse
PERIOD: Viking
LOCATION: Unst
DESCRIPTION: Vikings were not just out to burn and pillage - they also searched for new lands to settle and build a life upon. Throughout the Northern lands in the Viking age, people lived in longhouses ("langhús"), which were typically 5 to 7 meters wide (16 to 23 feet) and anywhere from 15 to 75 meters long (50 to 250 feet) - depending on the wealth and social position of the owner. Although most longhouses were built from wood, some had to be built from turf in lands where trees were far and few.
The excavation at Belmont in Unst revieled a boat shaped home which was centre of a thriving farmland. More than 1000 objects of Norse design were found on the site and most were made of soapstone. The deposites are well preserved and its a brilliant place to visit to give you a true feel for viking life.
To find out more about this area, visit:
http://www.shetlandamenity.org/assets/files/Viking%20Unst/Trail%202%20Belmont.pdf
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Underhoull Longhouse
PERIOD: Viking
LOCATION: Underhoull, Unst
DESCRIPTION: The Longhouse excavation project at Underhoull has brought to life a viking home which had a very clever design to combat the wet lands it was built upon. It appears to have been occupied for some time and had a suspended wooden sprung floor over a shallow hole which allowed it to keep dry. The house also had a drainage system in place, outhouses, annexes and a central fire which would have kept the main part of the house warm. This is another great example of viking settlement on Shetland and well worth a visit as part of your trip to Unst.
The longhouse itself forms part of a brilliant trail around Underhoull which also includes a broch, several other longhouses and an old viking chapel! For more information on this location, visit:
http://www.shetlandamenity.org/assets/files/Viking%20Unst/Trail%204%20Underhoull.pdf
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Sandwick longhouse and farmstead
PERIOD: Viking
LOCATION: Unst
DESCRIPTION: The longhouse forms part of the Sandwick to Framgord trail which includes some great Viking and pictish attractions! It is not the best preserved example on Unst, but still well worth including it on your trip. Deatils of the trail can be found in this guide:
http://www.shetlandamenity.org/assets/files/Viking%20Unst/Trail%205%20Sandwick.pdf
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: North Base
PERIOD: 1947 (Cold war) --> 2006
LOCATION: Unst
DESCRIPTION: This is an absolute MUST for your list of stop off points in Unst! The "North Base" is now a dog friendly cafe converted from the UK's most northerly RAF station. It was a front-line location during the cold war and used to warn the UK mainland of any enemy planes prior to their unwanted arrival from overseas. The base was closed in 2006 before being opened again by its current owners in 2007 to be used as a cafe selling the most amazing chocolate flavored treats. The owners have managed to keep the history of this place alive by creating an exhibition room dedicated to those who served in the RAF.
Its a fantastic place to visit not just for the history, but also for the grub. The owners LOVE dogs and own 12 of their own!! They have a special wall dedicated to their four legged visitors so make sure you get a picture of your pooch on it to mark your stay.
Visit their website here:
http://www.thenorthbase.co.uk/home.html
Or follow them on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FoordsChocolatesCafe/?fref=ts
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: WWII Battery
PERIOD: World War 2
LOCATION: Lerwick
DESCRIPTION: Built to defend Lerwick harbor during the second world war, the Ness of Sound placement is one of four batteries located around the coastline. The reason behind its construction was in relation to fears generated from the German invasion of Norway. It was believed that the enemy would attempt to reach the British mainland, using the islands of Shetland and Orkney as stepping stones. This was of particular concern as a rather large portion of the navy was located at Scappa Flow in the middle of the Orkney Islands. The site is now slowly disappearing into the ground and all that remains of the guns and search lights are the large rusty circle of bolts which once held them. Still, this is an interesting location to visit which is close to the main town and can easily be combined with the "Ness of Sound" loop walk which takes you to sound beach.
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Vementry Guns
PERIOD: World War 1
LOCATION: Vementry
DESCRIPTION: The island of Vementry is the largest uninhabited island in Shetland and home to some impressive neolithic sites (notably its chambered cairn). Sitting on the edge of this island overlooking and protecting Busta Voe are two 6 inch WWI guns. They were removed from the HMS Gibraltar and manned by a mixed crew of RN sailors and Royal Marines. The reason for such strong artillery protecting the bay is that there was once a Royal Navy base operating out of Busta Voe on Swarbacks Head, a cliff standing around 49 metres (161 ft) above sea level. There is also two ammunition lockers built into the parapet of each gun platform and each platform is linked to a separate main magazine by a trench.
It is possible to visit the guns and island of Vementry by booking a boat trip there. On a nice day, its a beautiful trip and well worth doing in the summer months. You can book your trip via this website:
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Cabin Museum
PERIOD: WWI and WWII
LOCATION: Vidlin
DESCRIPTION: This is a wonderful little museum filled with a huge collection of war weapons, pictures, uniforms and more. It was originally set up by the brilliant Andy Robertson who could tell you the most jaw dropping stories from his own experience in the war. Sadly, he is no longer with us, but his medals which first started the collection still are, along with some fascinating records of times gone by.
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Mosquito airplane crash
PERIOD: WWII
LOCATION: Cunningsburgh
DESCRIPTION: Look across the water from the beautiful Bannaminn Beach in Burra, towards the large hill on the other site and you may just see a piece of Shetland's war history... On the 22nd of November 1944 at around 2300, tragedy struck the Royal Field hill after a WWII Mosquito DZ642 type aircraft crashed killing both crew members on board. The crew had been returning to Lincolnshire after a failed mission in Norway when they ran out of fuel. The pilot had made the attempt to land in Sumburgh but they did not make it. Today, you can still see the remains of the aircraft - or more, what was left after it exploded on the ground. The route to get here is very well marked so the site can easily be found, but be prepared for a good hike!! You begin the walk following a reasonably well maintained road... which then turns into rough heathery terrain! Watch out for hares or more importantly the holes they like to burrow on this walk - I fell through a few of them during my time here. There are some spectacular views towards every corner of Shetland as you ascend the hill and it is particularly nice at the top where you can get a good view of burra. Well worth the visit to this stunning and interesting little location
The story of the crash can be found on this website:
http://www.aircrashsites-scotland.co.uk/dh-mosquito_royl-field.htm
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Huxter water mills
PERIOD: VIKING AGE (800 AD -> 1066)
LOCATION: Sandness
DESCRIPTION: Interesting piece of old Shetland agricultural technology. These "horizontal water mills" were once used to grind down grain into flower which of course could be used to make bread.
To find out more on how these worked, check out the site below:
http://sihs.co.uk/features-waterwheel.htm
The surrounding area around the mills is beautiful and can also be combined into a walk which follows the cliffs edge looking out towards Papa Stour. Parking is also available at the end of the Huxter road in Sandess
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Quendale Water mill
PERIOD: 19th CENTURY
LOCATION: Dunrossness
DESCRIPTION: Beautifully restored piece of old Shetland agricultural technology. This mill was first brought to life in 1868 and was used by many farmers for grinding down their oat and barley ("bere") grain for use in "bannocks" (a flat, flowery bread type thing that you normally have with soup!).
Find out more about the mill here:
http://www.quendalemill.co.uk/
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Crofthouse Museum
PERIOD: 19th CENTUARY
LOCATION: Dunrossness
DESCRIPTION: Experience for yourself what living in Shetland would have been like back in the 1800s! This is a great place to learn and explore, located in a pretty location with a garden leading towards a restored water mill. The crofthouse is covered with a typical 19th century thatched roof and has a genuine peat fire which produces a lovely smell.
Find out more here:
http://www.shetlandheritageassociation.com/members/south-mainland/the-croft-house-museum
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Burland Croft Trail
PERIOD: 1970s -> MODERN DAY
LOCATION: Trondra
DESCRIPTION: A modern day croft with ancestral native Shetland breeds. If you fancy a real hands on experience towards croft life then this is the place for you! Get stuck in with meeting and feeding the animals who live happy and free in their natural homeland. This is a wonderful and fun place to take the family - remember to bring your wellies!
To find out more , visit:
http://www.shetlandheritageassociation.com/members/central-mainland/burland-croft-trail
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Shetland museum
PERIOD: VARIOUS
LOCATION: Lerwick
DESCRIPTION: A five star award winning attraction and one certainly not to be missed if you are interested in Shetland history. The museum sits in a beautiful location overlooking the dock and has everything you could want to see relating to Shetland's past sitting right before your eyes - from textiles, to archaeological finds and even old box beds! You can easily lose a few hours in here without noticing the time passing by. The museum also has a lovely cafe located upstairs which provides some excellent quality grub.
Find out more here:
http://www.shetland-museum.org.uk/index.html
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Scalloway museum + Bus monument
PERIOD: VARIOUS (but mainly WWII)
LOCATION: Scalloway
DESCRIPTION: Lovely, newly built museum owned by the "Shetland Bus Friendship Society". The Shetland bus was the name given to a Shetland based boat operation which took place between Shetland and Norway in WWII. The story of the Shetland bus is both dramatic and awe inspiring. The operation began after Germany invaded Norway and many refugees fled to the west side to escape. Brave locals from Shetland sailed over the rough, dark north sea disguised in small fishing boats with only small machine guns hidden in fish barrels to protect them. They were able to secretly ferry agents and supplies into the Nazi occupied area and take refugees away from it. Sadly, many boats were sunk but there was also much success - by the end of the Nazi occupation, the Shetland Bus had taken 192 agents and 383 tons of weapons and supplies to Norway and brought back 73 agents and 373 refugees. A monument was erected in Scalloway dedicated to those who serviced and died in the operation.
I would encourage anyone to read more about this fascinating story. More information can be found at:
And of course, you could visit the museum which also has a nice cafe as well as some fantastic artifacts for you to view. Their website is:
http://www.scallowaymuseum.org/home/
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Up-helle-ah exhibition
PERIOD: Viking
LOCATION: Lerwick
DESCRIPTION: Want to get up close and personel with the galley ship before its burned? Missed the Up-Helle-Ah celebrations or simply need more? Then the Up-Helle-Ah Exhibition at the Galley Shed is the place for you! This place is open May to September and allows you to see the galley in all its glory along with costumes from previous years.
To find out more, visit:
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: The King of the Cocos!
PERIOD: 1820 - 1978
LOCATION: Weisdale (Sound)
DESCRIPTION: Its no secret that most shetlanders like to travel and explore - after all, we are descended from Vikings! Well, a local named "John Clunies-Ross" was no exception to this and one day sailed far away from the cold windy islands of Shetland to discover the far more exotic Cocos (or Keeling) islands near Australia! On his arrival, he set about planting hundreds of coconut palm trees and employed people to harvest the nuts. The flesh of the coconuts were dried and the oil harvested to be sold. Generations of the family became successful at this business and they were granted possession of the islands in 1886 by Queen Victoria. The family soon after gave themselves the title of "king of the cocos". The last "king" however, was forced to sell the islands to Australia in 1978 for £2.5 million. His mansion still sits on the home island in the Cocos, but more importantly the house of the original "king" can still be seen to this day in Shetland! The full story of the Clunies-Ross family is a fascinating one and I encourage you to read up on it. And of course, the old house is located in a beautiful location of Shetland which is well worth the visit to.
To discover more about this history of this location, visit:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/6730047.stm
To view a map and photos of this location:
NAME: Stanydale Temple
PERIOD: 3000 - 2000 BC (NEOLITHIC ERA)
LOCATION: Stanydale (follow A971 towards Walls until you reach a sign post - then follow road until you reach indicator for the temple).
DESCRIPTION: The area around stanydale features a settlement which is thousands of years old and includes several ruined houses and a temple which may have been used for rituals. The locations are clearly marked by poles and sign posts and it makes for a lovely walk through the hills on a nice day. The area is also inhabited by a group of semi-tame, very inquisitive Shetland ponies! So you may not be alone on your trip (note: watch out, they kick!).
To view a map and photos of this location: