With heatherclad moorland to plunging cliffs to remote tombolos, BBC detective drama Shetland’s backdrop might well be part of the show’s global appeal.
For Dougie Henshall the reason for its success is as compelling and mysterious as the landscape against which it is set.
“Part of me doesn’t know and doesn’t want to know,” said the 55-year-old. “But another part of me knows we’ve got one of the best crews on the planet on this job and the chemistry between the cast is good.
“We all pull for one another.
“It’s tough doing a show like Shetland we’re away from our families for weeks on end so we all support one another. I think when you have all of those things, then you have the chance of making something memorable.
“And then there’s a
little bit of luck too. It’s been great being on location in Shetland and out in the fresh air. Being outside again has been wonderful.
“You know I came to Shetland and I hadn’t worked for a year and a half. I hadn’t been in a room with more than four people and suddenly to come on a TV set with all the cast and crew around me was a bit daunting for a little while.
“But it’s always lovely to come back to Shetland.”