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New book out now!The Trout Angler in Shetland: Past and Present
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The Shetland Islands
On maps it is often found in a small box, somewhere around the east coast of Scotland. But Shetland is in fact the most northerly part of the UK, situated 200 miles north of Aberdeen, and 230 miles west of Bergen in Norway. It lies at the same latitude as southern Greenland and St.Petersburg.
An archipelago of around 100 islands, 15 of which are inhabited, Shetland has a population of 22,000, many of whom live in the main town, Lerwick. The largest islands are Yell, Unst, Whalsay, Fetlar, Bressay and Mainland Shetland. These are also the islands likely to be of most interest to anglers.
The climate in Shetland is mild throughout the summer months, with average temperatures in the low teens centigrade. Rainfall levels are similar to those in the rest of the United Kingdom. The weather can be dramatic at times though, even in summer, and sudden changes are common. Bright sunshine, heavy rain, strong wind, calm, fog, even snow, can all be experienced in a single day. For those of an adventurous nature, this variety is part of the pleasure of visiting the islands.
An archipelago of around 100 islands, 15 of which are inhabited, Shetland has a population of 22,000, many of whom live in the main town, Lerwick. The largest islands are Yell, Unst, Whalsay, Fetlar, Bressay and Mainland Shetland. These are also the islands likely to be of most interest to anglers.
The climate in Shetland is mild throughout the summer months, with average temperatures in the low teens centigrade. Rainfall levels are similar to those in the rest of the United Kingdom. The weather can be dramatic at times though, even in summer, and sudden changes are common. Bright sunshine, heavy rain, strong wind, calm, fog, even snow, can all be experienced in a single day. For those of an adventurous nature, this variety is part of the pleasure of visiting the islands.
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One great advantage for the summer visitor - and especially for anglers - is the long hours of daylight. Because Shetland lies at 60° north of the equator, there is no real darkness during the weeks around midsummer. The hours of twilight are known locally as the 'simmer dim', and if you have the energy it is possible to fish right through the night. This is a magical and unforgettable experience.
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Despite its remoteness, reaching Shetland is easy. You can fly to the islands with FlyBe from three Scottish airports: Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Or you can take the NorthLink ferry overnight from Aberdeen or Kirkwall. If you travel by ferry you can bring your car north with you, but, if not, there are several car hire firms to be found in Lerwick and at Sumburgh Airport. A list of some of these companies can be found here.
There is a wide variety of accommodation to be found throughout Shetland, from camping bods and self-catering cottages, to bed & breakfasts and excellent hotels.
There is a wide variety of accommodation to be found throughout Shetland, from camping bods and self-catering cottages, to bed & breakfasts and excellent hotels.