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

Scalloway, Shetland in the snow

Shetland had a bit of snow this week, nothing like the amount that the rest of the UK or the USA had.

 Normally it above freezing, but the chill factor has been down to -5 degrees which has brought ice to many parts

 Last night we went to photograph the Aurora but got snowed./ rained off. This soon froze and made getting back up the hill a but difficult

 Looking out this morning it looked as most of the snow had disappeared completely but in its place came black ice.

 (Memorial to the Shetland Bus, Main street at Scalloway)

 Within an hour a bus had slid off the road into a ditch and several other cars did the same and Sandwick school was closed

 I wasn't looking forward to driving over to Scalloway , especially when you have to go over Black Gaet always a very icy road.

 Taking it slow it was better than expected but in Scalloway there was still snow on the roads and ice on the pavements

 Scalloway always looks good in the snow, especially the castle, this one taken from the top of the Scord.

( Still icy on the pavement)

 In the afternoon the light is always very good and the clouds added to the scene (check out Shetland Clouds on Facebook)

#Scalloway, #Shetland, #Sandwick, # Aurora, #Scalloway Castle, #Shetland clouds, #Shetland Bus

Amazing Shetland

Its that time again and we are on Tour in Sheffield soon. If you would like to join us for an illustrated talk on Amazing Shetland which includes wildlife, landscape, Aurora and life in Shetland  then we would be pleased to see you on Tuesday 26 June 2018, as detailed on the poster. You will need to order you tickets in advance so they can sort out the catering, over 40 attended last year

                                                                                                          Shetland lambs

                                            Its lambs all over at the moment and they seem to be enjoying life in the sun.

Its a difficult time for crofters in Shetland, having to checking the lambing every 4 hours and then in some cases having to take a lamb inside to feed. Its difficult to imagine that for all the hard work, injections, tagging and feeding that Shetland lambs only sold for £2 each last year. It costs more than the crofters get back.

Just recently I ran a practical photography course in Lerwick around the fort, the subject Abstract and texture which gave the learners plenty to think about, these are a few of mine

                                  Lots of cruise liners calling in Lerwick this year, good to see the town crowded

Just read about the ferries that they will  not be taking over by the government but will go out to retender asap. Also no sign of the reduce fares that the government promised from July 2018

                          Long sunny days in Shetland with more promised over the coming week

Join me on my new blog http://ww2preserved.blogspot.co.uk/ to see how Shetland was involved in the Second World War

Other blogs you may be interested in

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

facebook : Shetland Aurora Hunter

Second Christmas day in Shetland

We survived Storm Barbara and Conor together with a few severe Gales, but several houses close by sustained damage mostly slates off but next doors also had there shed roof ripped off and some landed in the middle of the road

Looking at the houses across the field a couple have lost several slates and these have ended up in our garden and next doors. Several years ago the Hurricanes got so bad that some slates flew through windows and embedded themselves in the living room walls. Thank goodness no one was injured, that shows the power of the wind

Some people also lost power for four / five hours on Christmas day including our friends who ended up cooking Christmas dinner for 18 more or less in the microwave (They had a generator that managed the TV and lights)

Our cancelled Christmas eve meal at Sumburgh took place on New Years eve and we ended up with far better fireworks than London or Edinburgh as an Aurora display took place, many people watched this on Shetland webcam 3

We only managed to get out once in perfect weather then it was back to gales again, you have to make the most of any decent weather. We decided to walk along the coast just south of Sumburgh hotel, one we have not done for a long time (Hence photos)

The Julian Calender which is used by the people of Foula enabled us to celebrate a second Christmas day today, our cat Furbie was well impressed as he had more Chicken. In Unst a while ago, Baltasound and Uyeasound both had different Christmas's and they are only 5 miles apart

Next week we start Up Helly Aa, the first will take place in Scalloway on 13 January with the big one in Lerwick Tuesday 31 January (worth watching on www.shetland.org) , There will not be any postponement due to the weather

see more photos at www.amazingshetland.co.uk

and join our new facebook group Shetland Aurora Hunter - just send me a request to join