Grutness, Shetland

Grutness is one of our favourite places to visit in the south mainland

Hidden away is the sunked garden on the way up to Sumburgh head full of colour in summer

lots of gardens cannot grow many plants because of the strong winds and salt in the air, but this one is sheltered even though its very close to the sea. Good for migrant birds in spring and autumn

The freshwater pool at Grutness holds many waders and duck as well as the watering hole for the several shetland ponies

working our way passed the garden and up to the lower side of Compass Head

Looking out over the boulders towards the point, a nesting place for Common Gull and Arctic Terns while in winter small flocks of Snow Bunting are usually seen

Looking north from Compass Head with Sumburgh hotel on the left and beyond the beach on the right, Sumburgh airport

Thanks for looking at my blog, have a happy Christmas and plenty more to see in 2020. Why not check out my other photography

www.amazingshetland.co.uk ( Canvas and prints for sale)

shetlandsfp.blogspot.co.uk (Shetland wildlife)
shetlandsky.blogspot.co.uk ( Aurora, milky way and other night sky objects)
ww2preserved.blogspot.co.uk (WW2 in Shetland)

On facebook
Shetland Aurora Hunter
Shetland Clouds
Shetland WW2 Stories

North Roe

North Roe is situated right up at the top NE mainland, approached easily by the road leading towards Eshaness from Brae

As the road splits from Ollaberry it passes the left turn to Ronas Voe and this is where the Gruffalo sits. Beyond this long twisting road , the small village of North Roe.

Its really a Gnome city, with plenty of little people popping up all over the place

It certainly brightens up the place and in one garden several WW2 wind vanes can be seen.

The small garden is also worth a visit.

Beyond this, you can see the aircraft in a garden used as a shed. Old boats and several old buildings including the old Methodist chapel

On the way out I stopped to see an old boat which seem stuck in a small lochan.

Overall a great place to go with plenty of interesting items to hold your attention

It was good to hear that the BBC have decided to do two more `Shetland' programmes featuring Jimmy Perez. Will start filming again next year.

Shetland happiest place to live

Its no surprise that living in Shetland, a remote island group at the furthest point in the UK are among the happiest places to live according to the Office of National Statistics.

We have now been in Shetland for over 5.5 years and can confirm this is true. The quality of life is far superior to living in a city.

We have 4 beaches within a few minutes of where we live and has been shown to improve having lived over 70 miles away before arriving in Shetland it can be a great tonic to have a walk along the coast, especially in winter. The Guardian also reported that living next to a coastal environment improves our health, body and mind

Some people complain about the long dark nights down south but in Shetland we have a lot to look forward to. Who wouldn't want to see the Aurora (Northern Lights) , or witness an autumn migration for instance

You can be part of a community, just join in there is plenty going on. Music is a way of life here, Up Helly A a spectacular fire festival, plenty of other activities such as  churches & clubs to join, night classes to take up and learn a new skills and don't forget to try the fantastic food.

• We have never been out so much, for us winter passes too quick

Visitor arrive for numerous festivals or to see the Puffins, Shetland has plenty to offer and the number of tourists arriving by cruise liner has increased year by year.

Clouds over Lerwick

For photographer or artist the quality of light has a great draw, the clouds constantly change, rainbows galore and a storm or two to enjoy, not stay inside.

Up Helly Aa

I don't need convincing, those that have been to Shetland always want to return or even move here just as we did. It too a few years but we wish we had done it earlier, we would always suggest that you come for a holiday first.

check out my other blogs

shetlandsfp.blogspot.co.uk (Wildlife)
shetlandsky.blogspot.co.uk
ww2preserved.blogspot.co.uk  (WW2 Shetland)

Shetland Aurora Hunter on facebook

Croft(ing)

Most people moving to a new house want just that, one that is purpose built. A plot of land in Shetland usually costs around £25,000 but it can take a long time to build, This is all down to the weather, the normal building months are May- September

These old traditional croft are hard to heat but they retain a great amount of character. This one at Cunningsburgh even has traditional hay drying. Today crofting is hard work with most people having at least three part time jobs

most of the crofting work is either done at night, weekends or during holidays. These are often family homes that have been handed down. Too often now buildings are seen derelict which is very sad.

If the crofter has sheep he will be having a hard time with lamb prices down to next to nothing and uncertainty with Brexit

Some have cattle and they are increasing in number. They were a rare sight back in the 1980's now they are a common sight in the south mainland usually on larger farms

Crofting is not just about the land, most have a small boat to catch fish and there is certainly a bountiful selection.

If you want to see how people living in a similar croft then head south to the croft house museum at Boddam where you can experience life as it was, smoke filled rooms, fish drying beside the fire, box beds and of course a fiddle to keep everyone entertained