Shetland attractions

Well the last Up Helly Aa took place  at Delting in the north mainland recently and the weather was terrible with very strong winds and freezing temperatures . These events never get cancelled due to the weather and the only break was during the war years.

                                                             The Galley ready for buring number two

The south mainland Up Helly Aa seems to have the best weather of all the fire festivals this year.

Events like these and the very successful BBC1 drama - `Shetland' has certainly drawn people to the islands. This year will see about 92,000 cruise liner passengers set foot on the islands, around twice the amount that came last year. These will be brought on a record number of cruise ships, but next year will be even better with 109 cruise liners due bringing 107,000 passengers.

                                                                                          Quendale Beach

Recently the  RAF radar, built at Saxa Vord was officially opened and one of the first visitor a few days later was a Russian fighter which flew down the north isles and was seen by a number of early risers.

I doubt whether any Eurofighters from Lossiemouth would have been able to intercept the plane as it would be have been far away when they arrived in Shetland.

                                                                                     Old buildings at Quendale

Russian bombers and fighter are becoming more frequently encountered around Shetland so its no wonder that Radar was installed in Unst.

                                                                                         Ireland (in Shetland)

Unst is also a possible launching area for UK satellites but we still have to wait and see whether this will be the chosen location.

                                                                     Ireland looking south to St Ninian's

I have been giving talks to the WI groups recently and its always to see so many people interested in Wildlife or the Night sky. I was also interviewed by the Shetland Life magazine who wanted an article on the various aspects of photography in Shetland, I talked about the Night Sky which is a favourite subject for my photography courses.

The next one fully booked again with a number of folk on the waiting list. My facebook group, Shetland Aurora Hunter continues to grow and it is now just under 2,000 members, not bad for 16 months. If you want to see some very rare Aurora `Steve' photos then go to shetlandsky.blogspot.co.uk

                                                                  Superb Aurora see above for more

For anyone in Sheffield, I will be giving a talk on `Amazing Shetland' at St Augustine Church Brocco Bank on Tuesday 26 June at 7.30 (I can send you details just contact me for further information)

A while ago

Its been a while since my last blog, this has been down mainly to having to develop four illustrated talks to give to the Royal Voluntary Service (2), SWI and Shetland Photographic Society as well as build a new 6 session (3 hours Per session) on Night Sky Photography without a telescope for the Shetland Adult Education.

Storm at Quarff

                                                                    Moon at St Ninian's tombolo

On top of this we have been out at a variety of music events. Having already missed out on two Up Helly Aa events we hope to see our local one down in Cunningsburgh on Friday.

                                                                                                          Cunningsburgh

                                                                                                       Channerwick

The weather has been mixed for the past few weeks with one day of snow which lasted three days due to the cold conditions. This did allow us to get out on a fine day and get some photographs in the south mainland and several storms have passed through.

                                                                                     Spiggie (Foula in background)

It was nearly a tragic day when the Ocean Way sank several miles east of Whalsay in calm conditions. The fishing nets had become fastened on something then it release sending the tackle into the back of the boat causing damage. The Coastguard helicopter and lifeboat arrived just in time as the boat suddenly began to sink so the crew jumped into the sea and within a minute the boat had completely disappeared. The crew got hypothermia but got aboard the lifeboat safely. Its a dangerous job even on calm days.

                                                                                                    Scousbough Bay

                                                                                           Looking west to Spiggie

 

Our new face page  `Shetland Aurora Hunter ' is going well with nearly 700 members joining in the first 3 months. Please send me a request if you want to join . This is not just for Aurora photos but anything in the Night sky.

                                                               Just north of Boddam

 I have had a number of photos published in the Shetland Times recently and I have just found out that two photos have been selected for the Shetland Times Bookshop calendar which should be out soon

                                                                                                 Sandwick

If you are thinking of moving to Shetland here are a few pieces of information that you may be interested in.

Sullom Voe has laid off most of its workforce and is not going ahead with the other gas plant, this has resulted in numerous construction staff leaving. Work is also more or less complete on the new Anderson High School and the new Power Station is yet to start. Most of the Voluntary sector is having funds cut from April but there are a few jobs in the fish processing plant.

The shops down Commercial Street are very quiet and a number such as the Hydro have closed down. The council tax has just gone up by 3% but this is still a lot cheaper than down in England and also includes water rates.

House prices have leveled out and a few properties are on the market but most start being advertised from April when its easier to get up to Shetland to view. Saying that a few people buy off the internet without ever having been to Shetland- a risk if you don't know the Scottish laws. Please let me know if you want any most specific details.

You can view more photos on my website at www.amazingshetland.co.uk