Snowy times in Shetland

Its been a snowy icy week difficult driving conditions and a fair number of accidents including one person knocked down in Lerwick and a large articulated lorry jack-knifed hitting a car with both ending up in the ditch.

Blue Door Scalloway

After it stopped snowing the weather settled and we had some nice sunny still days although it was still cold. This year has been the coldest in Shetland for over 20 years with -5 recorded + wind chill.

                                                                       Looking north from Sumburgh

The Gritters have been out in force and have had a further ship full of grit and salt delivered to Scalloway. Like most places the gritters have been given names including Sir saats a lot, Gritty, gritty bang, bang & Mr Plough.

                                                     Clearing snow and ice from Sumburgh runway

                                                                                  Looking towards Scatness

                                              WW2 buildings at the north end of Sumburgh airport

                                      We have been treated to some superb sunrises, this one over Mousa

                                                                                      Sweening , near Vidlin

                                                             Looking out into Sandwick from our living room window

It was surprising how quick everything cleared, it turned to rain on Sunday and the temperature increased and by Monday all the white stuff had gone.

We are all gearing up for next weeks Up Helly Aa in Lerwick, its been a few years since we have been up to watch the procession due to the bad weather, hopefully this year things will be better. We are also going to see the Up Helly Aa concert featuring Brian and Maggie on the Monday.

People thing this event is all about the tourists but this is totally wrong, Shetlanders look forward to it all year. Its a great privilege to get chosen as Jarl, often the person has to wait 15 years for his turn and he need all this time to safe up enough money to pay for everything.

This time of year is also good to see the Aurora, for more information go onto facebook and join Shetland Aurora Hunter