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VisitShetland, Market Cross, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0LU, UK
Welcome to Shetland
Natural
Our natural world...
Shetland has a fascinating and unique natural environment. The location of the islands has contributed to the evolution of a truly 'Shetlandic' collection of scenery and geology, bird life, sea mammals, wild flowers, wonderful beaches and true Shetland breeds.
PuffinThe sea that surrounds Shetland is a powerful and overwhelming influence on our environment. Shaping and carving the islands, her presence is always felt. Drowned by the sea after the ice age, a kingdom of cliffs, caves and stacks lie beneath and above the waves. Cold, clean and excpetionally clear, the surrounding sea provides a rich platter for the greatest diversity of marine life in the UK.
900 miles of coastline offers endless choice of fantastic beaches - varying from golden sand, to smooth pebble. Year round, our beaches are great for a day out or a bracing walk.
Towering cliffs fringe where sea meets land, and hold fascinating geological formations. From here, the hills roll into moors, where wildflowers, heathers, grasses and plants flourish. Some species are endemic, such as Edmonston's Chickweed. Elsewhere, dazzling displays of colour are visible throughout the islands: red campion; yellow primroses; delicate orchids, and frothy sea pinks.
With natural elements being so strong and acclaimed by experts world wide, it is no wonder that eco-tourism is particularly high, and there are various associated visitor attractions and tours.
What Next?
On This Site
- Learn about the sea mammals you'll find in and around Shetland's coast
From Other Sites
- Learn about the latest nature sightings in Shetland at the Nature in Shetland website.
VisitShetland Survey
Have You:
- Previously visited Shetland?
- Not made plans to visit Shetland but would like to in the future?
- Tried to visit Shetland in the past but couldn't get travel or accommodation to suit your needs?
Complete our Online Survey to let us know about your experience
Feature
2009 Photo Competition
VisitShetland is pleased to announce the launch of their 5th annual photocompetition. This year's theme is 'Shetland's Wild Side'.
Advertising Feature
2009 Wildlife Holidays In Shetland
Shetland offers the best wildlife-watching in Scotland - FACT.
Over a million breeding seabirds, the highest density of Otters in Europe, regular sightings of Killer Whales and superb displays of rare sub-arctic flora. Our award-winning holidays offer everything from fully guided wildlife weeks and long weekends, dedicated birdwatching holidays plus photographic, walking and insight holidays.
Visit our extensive website www.shetlandwildlife.co.uk or call Shetland Wildlife on 01950 422483 for a choice of over 30 holidays!
Feature
Blue Sky Holidays
Don't miss the opportunity to join an art holiday experience with Blue Sky Studios this summer! There will be different locations for inspiration and the chance to use charcoal, inks, pencil and watercolour.Feature
Upcoming Event: Shetland Nature Festival
Shetland's 2nd Nature Festival is set to start this Friday until 12th July. Don't miss this opportunity to join a variety of specialised wildlife tours with local rangers, photography sessions and expert talks.
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Geopark Shetland Celebrates Shetland Nature Festival
Building on the success of the launch of the Volcano Trail and Geopark Shetland website, Geopark Shetland is holding a number of exciting events to celebrate this years’ Shetland Nature Festival.
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Shetland Museum and Archives seeks information on Emigrants for Hamefarin Exhibition
In 2010, Shetland will host a Hamefarin (homecoming), welcoming Shetlanders from all around the world back to their home islands. As part of the celebrations Shetland Museum and Archives is developing a special exhibition and are appealing for images and objects relating to Shetland emigrants. (Above photo: Laurence and Ester Ward on Daytona Beach, Florida, USA, August 1954)
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Shetland in the Viking World: Exciting conference in Shetland this summer
Shetland Amenity Trust is to hold an exciting Viking conference, which will explore Shetland’s place in the Viking world, from the 16th - 19th July 2009.