Lerwick Travel

Lerwick is Shetland’s capital. Sheltered by island of Bressay opposite, Scottish baronial turrets and solid stone houses slope steeply down to busy waterfront. Almost divided into three tiers – from administrative section at the top with Town Hall, Anderson Educational Institute (endowed by archetypal local boy made good Arthur Anderson, co-founder of P & O), library etc., you descend via narrow steps and alleyways to paved Commercial Street, the shopping centre, and then again to harbour full of trawlers, screeching gulls and fishermen talking in foreign accents. For a closer inspection, The Dimriv, an authentic replica of a Viking long-ship makes occasional trips around the bay.

Check details with Shetland Tourist Organisation. There are fine views of harbor and Bressay Sound from Scottish baronial-style Town Hall, 1882, open Mon-Fri, and Fort Charlotte, built by Cromwell to protect the Sound, open daily. Both in Hillhead.

Shetland Museum

Shetland Museum, above library in Hillhead, which also has excellent Shetland Reading Room. Fascinating collection including two splendid ship’s figureheads, sea-chests with painted lids and intricate rope handles made by ship’s carpenters, iron Age and Celtic finds, folk-life gallery with special display of everyday objects, delicate fine knitting and bridal veils. Open Monday – Sunday.

Up Helly Aa Exhibition

Galley Shed, Sunniva Street. Photographs and full-size replica of Norse galley sent to Valhalla in flames in January festival. June-Sept, two evenings a week. You can get more details from Tourist Organisation.

Isleburgh House Exhibition

Located at King Harald Street. Demonstrations of carding spinning, knitting and craft displays. June-end Aug, two evenings a week. Details from Tourist Organisation.

SWRI Exhibition

Town Hall, Hillhead. Displaying knitwear and crafts exhibition with demonstrations of carding etc. plus morning coffee and afternoon tea. June-end Aug, one day a week. Details from Tourist Organisation.