VisitShetland

FAQS

What, where, when, why, who, how...?

1. Do I need a passport?
2. What currency do I need?
3. What's the weather like?
4. What are shop opening hours?
5. Do you need permission to go walking?
6. When can I see puffins?
7. Where can I see Shetland ponies?
8. Where can I hear traditional Shetland music?
9. Where can I eat traditional Shetland food?
10. When can I see the northern lights?
11. Can I bring my dog?
12. Can my dog go on the bus?
13. Do midges present a problem in the summer time?
14. Who can drive a vehicle in Shetland?
15. What are the Vehicle Speed limits?
16. How much can I drink before I drive?
17. Do I require insurance to drive?
18. Who should I contact in an emergency?
19. What are the electricity supply specifications?
20. Should I tip?
21. Are there any public telephones in Shetland?
22. How do I make an international call?
23. What Banks have branches in Shetland?
24. How can I cash a cheque?
25. Are credit cards accepted at many places?
26. Where can I use Traveller's cheques?
27. When are the public holidays in Shetland?

Do I need a passport?

Not if you are a UK citizen.  Please note however, photographic ID is required for check-in at Northlink terminal and for Lognair flights from Sumburgh airport.

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What currency do I need?

British pounds sterling.

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What's the weather like?

Weather in Shetland can be changeable. Conditions can alter quickly so if you are out walking it is as well to carry warm and waterproof clothing.

For detailed information on Shetland's weather click here.

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What are shop opening hours?

Shops are generally open Monday to Saturday 0900 to 1700. Some close on Wednesdays. Several shops stay open later for special occasions and cruise ship visits.

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Do you need permission to go walking?

No - but adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

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When can I see puffins?

From mid April to mid August.

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Where can I see Shetland ponies?

Ponies can be seen grazing by the road at many locations in Shetland such as Gulberwick (just south of Lerwick), Tingwall (just north of Lerwick), the South Mainland, West Mainland and the island of Unst.

For further information on Shetland Ponies click here.

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Where can I hear traditional Shetland music?

Visit one of the award winning Simmer n' Sessions, summer exhibition or one of the annual music festivals.

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Where can I eat traditional Shetland food?

Look out for traditional food on menus and special theme nights such as 'Shetland Nights' at various hotels.

For further information on traditional food and places to eat click here.

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When can I see the northern lights?

The best time to see the 'Northern Lights' or Aurora Borealis is late autumn and winter when the sky is clear and perhpas frost on the ground.  It is also difficult to see them in light areas so rural locations with little or no light are ideal. 

View photos of northern lights in Shetland by photographer Hugh Harrop.

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Can I bring my dog?

Yes, but your dog is not allowed on the National Nature Reserves and certain beaches. All other areas are at the landowner's discretion.

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Can my dog go on the bus?

Only at the discretion of the driver.

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Do midges present a problem in the summer time?

No, midges are rare in Shetland.

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Who can drive a vehicle in Shetland?

You must be 17 to drive on a public highway in Britain. If you do not have a British Driving License, a current International Driving Permit may be used.

In Britain - and in Shetland - driving is on the left hand side of the road. Shetland has many single track roads, so the 'passing places' in rural areas must be used to allow approaching drivers to pass. Furthermore, it is advisable to pull into one of the many passing places to let other drivers overtake - particularly if you wish to take your time and take in the scenery.

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What are the Vehicle Speed limits?

The speed limits are usually:

30 miles per hour in built up areas

60 miles per hour on all other roads

Nowhere in Shetland does the speed limit exceed 60 mph. There are areas where the speed limit may be 20 mph due to children playing: our children run wild and free with a sense of adventure, so please approach these areas with care. Speed cameras are in operation throughout the island.

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How much can I drink before I drive?

In Britain there are severe penalties for people who drink and drive. The current legal limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. The most suitable advice is if you're going to drive, you simply DO NOT drink.

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Do I require insurance to drive?

All drivers must have at least third party insurance.

Holidaymakers are strongly advised to take out adequate medical insurance before travelling to Britain.

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Who should I contact in an emergency?

If you need the service of the police, ambulance, fire brigade, or coastguard - use any telephone and dial 999. The call will be free.

It is important that you obtain the names and addresses of anyone involved and any witnesses. Never leave the scene of an accident, whether you were involved or not. You must contact the police if any injury or harm has been done to another party. It is advisable to contact the police should you have any doubt over cause or blame for the accident.

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What are the electricity supply specifications?

You should ensure that any electrical equipment you bring with you, e.g. travelling irons, hairdryers, shavers, etc, can be used on British voltage. The standard voltage is 230V AC, 50Hz.

Voltage converters are available from the Central Visitor Centre in Lerwick.

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Should I tip?

There are no fixed rules about how much to tip - if you feel you have received good service, you may wish to express your appreciation accordingly. It is usually customary to leave 10% of the bill, if a service charge has not been included.

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Are there any public telephones in Shetland?

Shetland has many public telephones. The minimum charge per call is 20p, or 1 unit on a phone card. Phone cards are available throughout the Information Network, or from the Post Office, Commercial Street, Lerwick.

If having difficulty finding a telephone number dial 118888 to speak to directory enquiries, (this will incur a charge).

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How do I make an international call?

International calls in Britain are a lot cheaper than in many other countries. There is also the added convenience of direct dialing, i.e. you do not need to use the operator. To make international calls simply add the destination country code before the telephone number. For international directory enquiries, call 118899, there will be a charge for this service.

Useful International Dialing Codes

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What Banks have branches in Shetland?

The four major Scottish banks have branches in Shetland, i.e. The Bank of Scotland, The Royal Bank of Scotland, The Clydesdale Bank, and Lloyds TSB. All of these have external 24-hour cash dispensers (auto-tellers).

You can also find cash dispensers (charges may apply) at the Toll Clock Shopping Centre,Lerwick; Sound Service Station, Lerwick; Sumburgh Airport, Sumburgh 

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How can I cash a cheque?

A cheque can be cashed in any bank provided it is covered by a cheque card or appropriate credit card. However, the banks charge different fees for this service.

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Are credit cards accepted at many places?

All four banks accept all forms of Mastercard cards, Visa cards, Switch cards and most Eurocards.

Credit cards are widely accepted at shops, restaurants, hotels and other outlets. The Central Visitor Centre accept Credit Card transactions.

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Where can I use Traveller's cheques?

All the banks offer a similar service. Any amount of travellers cheques may be cashed and any foreign currency exchanged for sterling. Most banks keep a stock of commonly used currency, however if you require more than they stock they can order more and it can be with you in a few days.

Small amounts of foreign currency and travellers cheques may be exchanged at the Central VisitorCentre, Market Cross, Lerwick. In addition, some shops in Lerwick do accept foreign currency as payment for goods.

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When are the public holidays in Shetland?

Public holidays only vary slightly from year to year. 2009 public holidays are:

The Central Visitor Centre and Welcome Lounge at Sumburgh Airport do not close for public holidays, other than Christmas and New Year.

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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'.

Enter Here

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!

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