LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

GETTING THERE

Northlink Ferries ( northlinkferries.co.uk) runs a service between Aberdeen and Lerwick seven nights a week. Flybe has flights to Sumburgh on the southern tip of the mainland from most of Scotland’s major cities.

GETTING AROUND

Unless you’re cycle touring we recommend hiring a car. We used Bolts ( boltscarhire.co.uk). The ferries between the islands largely run to a timetable, see shetland.gov.uk/ferries/ timetable.asp. Bikes are free, so you just pay a passenger fare.

FOOD AND DRINK

We recommend the Old Haa Museum in Burravoe, Busta House Hotel in Brae, Frankie’s Fish & Chips in Brae, and the Mareel cafe in Lerwick. And of course the fridge!

WHERE TO STAY

The Lerwick Hotel ( shetlandhotels.com) and Queen’s Hotel ( kgqhotels.co.uk), Lewick, Busta House Hotel ( bustahouse.com), Brae.

WHAT TO DO

Sumburgh Head is great for seeing puffins. For walking and cycling, the tourist office in Lerwick has maps. Lerwick Museum and Archives, and Scalloway Museum are worth a visit.

TOURIST INFO

shetland.org