VisitShetland

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.

Puffin

The 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.

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

Focus on Wildlife - Winter

As we approach the darkest days of the year, it doesn’t mean they are the dimmest for viewing wildlife! One furry critter in particular becomes far less secretive and a lot easier to see...

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Feature

The Travel Editor.com: Travel Diaries

The Travel Editor.com presents its all new Travel Diaries.  Travel Diaries follows intrepid explorers Jennifer, Katherine and Kirsten as they go to the ends of the earth to feed their passion for history and travel.

Read about their voyage to Shetland onboard a luxury cruise liner.

News

Fiddle Frenzy Nominated Best Event of the Year

Fiddle Frenzy 2008 has been nominated for Best Event of the Year in the Scottish Traditional Music Awards, and needs your vote to be successful!

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