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

SMUHA (Up Helly Aa)

Finally the weather held last night and we took the short journey over the hill towards Cunningsburgh to see the South Mainland Up Helly Aa (SMUHA)

It was interesting the see the squads process through the village from our vantage point in the lay-by just up the hill

I think it is always better to see the galley burnt on the sea and this took place at Mail beach

After the usual songs the torches started to be thrown into the galley

Most traffic i have seen since moving to Shetland. The cars held back until the procession moved onto the beach

The Galley launched into the sea

A few fireworks after the event

A good night and looking forward to next years Up Helly Aa's, it seems to have passed very quickly this year.

The facebook page Shetland Aurora Hunter is now doing well with over 700 members, please send me a request to join.

Brilliant winter days

The weather is still dominating the news with cancelled or delayed ferries and also last week a white van was blown off the road at Cunningsburgh, just 10 mins after i had passed the junction.

                                                                                         Fire starter at Scatness

                                                                           WW2 building Compass Head

In between we have had some great sunny days, still but very cold. Its at this time it just great to get out photographing. I took a group of photographers down to Scatness the other day and although it wasn't stormy enough for the photos we planned it was a good introduction in what to do when it blows.

The other day we ventured out to Burra in the late afternoon , it was very still and the first time we had managed to photograph Bridge End as the sun went down.

Everyone seems to like Shetland ponies and those in a close by field certainly wanted their photo taking, posing too close sometimes. With their long hair it was a surprise they could see where they were going.

Like everywhere in Shetland several people stopped to talk, its a very friendly place.

It seems everyone likes to see the Aurora or Mirrie Dancers as they are called in Shetland so i have set up a group facebook page (Shetland Aurora Hunter) please send me a request to join

As we move close to Christmas it seems it is a time for  numerous concerts, panto and music nights, we have never been out so much.

Much of our Christmas shopping is done online and we are thankful for Amazon especially as postage is free. Many Shetlanders head down to Aberdeen or further south to shop but it can be a bit rough on the ferry and you are never guaranteed getting back on time. We are looking forward to a visit from Father Christmas when he comes over Sandwick to wave to everyone from the coast guard helicopter on Christmas eve.

You still have time to buy a Shetland Canvas print from www.amazingshetland.co.uk