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

Shetland what a week

Its been a busy old week in Shetland. Below was the Shetland entry into the Scottish bale art competition and although it didn't win it proved very popular with the locals and its set to continue in future years

The contract for the Ferry service has now been decided, its Serco (North Link) again, this time the contract is for 8 years and worth £345 million

residents will benefit from a 20% discount on cabin fares.

The upgraded Zephyr arrived in Lerwick on Monday. The 75mtr ship cost £27m and will be based at Whalsay

It was an excellent week for the 1,000 people that attended wool week. Last year 650 came to Shetland so this was nearly a 50% increase. People came from America, Australia, New Zealand, China and even Antartica.

It is said to have generated around £1m , more than Up Helly Aa. While the women went to the knitting the men could be seen out in the field birdwatching. (see shetlandblogspot.co.uk)

Father Christmas in Shetland

The days in Shetland are now drawing out although its been mainly cloudy recently so we haven't seen much benefit

There is still much debate with the Shetland Fishing fleet as to whether there will be any benefit when we leave the EU. Most think the government will just use fishing rights as a give a way.

A large number of foreign fishing boats have now left Lerwick and have gone back fishing

Lerwick at the end of the day

Lifeboat ready for action

Low winter light in Scalloway

We do get some beautiful clouds in Shetland, join us on facebook at Shetland Clouds

Its not Christmas in Shetland until Father Christmas fly's past in the Coastguard Helicopter. They cover most of the south part of Shetland but this year didn't really stay long in Sandwick, they may have been called back to base.

Shetland celebrated its second Christmas a few days ago with Foula and a few other spots working off the Julian calendar.

The Up Helly Aa season kicked off yesterday with the Scalloway fire festival. The Jarl squad was larger than normal and made visits, in the rain, to a number of homes, schools and youth clubs in Scalloway.

The big one, in Lerwick will take place on the 29 January, just hope the weather is dry

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shetlandsfp.blogspot.co.uk    (wildlife of Shetland)
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ww2preserved.blogspot.co.uk (WW2 stories in Shetland)

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Shetland clouds

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)

South Mainland Up Helly Aa - Burning

On onto the second stage - the burning. After the galley was secured all the Guziers marched up to the galley to throw their torches in

The smell of paraffin and taste stays with you throughout the event. Its not surprising as the torches are soaked in paraffin for several days

 

The galley doesn't take long to start to burn. Its a well organised event and never has any problems regarding safety even though people crowd round.

                                                                                      Torches thrown in

Once all the torches have been thrown into the galley it is launched into the sea, the Lerwick one is burnt in the park which is not the same.

                                               The firework display is always well worth watching

                                          The final stages of the burning and it happens so quick

                                                                                       SMUHA is a great event

Well that's another year for Up Helly Aa except for the Delting one, for next years squad they will be starting to get things organised, building a new galley & making the outfits all in secret.