Shetland, Your Essential Travel Guide

The wait is over—pre-orders for our Shetland guidebook are now LIVE!

Shetland is known for the Up Helly Aa fire festival, Fair Isle knitting and its beaches (it has the third best in the world, according to Condé Nast Traveller), as well its dramatic landscape, wildlife, artistic community and yes – the famous TV series. It deserved a dedicated, modern travel guide that captures what makes Shetland so special.

After years of meticulous planning, research, and exploration, we are thrilled to announce the forthcoming release of our travel guide to Shetland. With stunning colour photographs and more than 250 pages brimming with useful information and insider tips, Shetland, Your Essential Travel Guide, is a labour of love, born from a shared dedication to showcasing the islands' natural beauty, intriguing history, and vibrant community life.

What will you get?

• Shetland, Your Essential Travel Guide will feature detailed information on the practical elements of a trip to Shetland – including why to not pack an umbrella – as well as in-depth guides to each area, and details of accommodation, attractions and getting about.

• We have made sure to include plenty of insider knowledge and tips for getting the most out of visiting these fascinating islands, such as the best beaches for wild swimming, the tastiest Sunday Teas, or where to spot puffins and whales.

• With our guidebook you will learn about Shetland's history, culture, wildlife and geology, alongside tips about where to find the best of what Shetland has to offer – including its famous Cake Fridge, wool shops and for Jimmy Perez fans, locations from the Shetland series.

• There are itineraries for short or long visits, details of short walks and longer hikes throughout the islands and plenty of information on accessibility and exploring Shetland with children.

• Ann Cleeves, author of the Shetland series of books, has contributed an essay to a fascinating collection on aspects of Shetland life.

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This book has been a long time coming: it’s a project that has been in my mind for some years, and in my heart for many more. This guidebook is a love letter to our islands, a thank you, of sorts, for holding me here in this time and space. A thank you for the summer nights and the winter storms, the calm and the chaos; for the sting of salt on my cheeks and the first warmth from the May sun, and an acknowledgement of the extreme privilege I have to be able to call Shetland my home.

I was born to the islands, growing up on Shetland’s west side, and have lived and breathed their magic my whole life, save a few years at university on the Scottish Mainland where I studied history and politics and completed a master’s in museum and gallery studies. After graduation, I spent ten years working as an assistant curator at Shetland Museum & Archives, and today, I’m the part-time curator of Scalloway Museum and, alongside my blog and tour business, continue to write about the islands, most recently for Lonely Planet.

This guidebook was born out of a love for our islands, friendship and passion. During my time in the Shetland heritage sector, I had met Misa Hay, who, with her background in tourism, marketing and heritage, has since established a successful tour company and publishing house. Together, we decided to make our dream a reality and publish this comprehensive guide – your Essential Travel Guide to Shetland.

My island ancestry goes back generations, and I feel proud and honoured – if a little nervous – about sharing this book with you. Shetland is a special place; there’s something visceral in the air that whispers in the wind to visitors that they’ve landed in a place independent of another, bound by a liminal force and cradled, like a child in the womb, by the sea that surrounds it. This book will take you on a journey through my home, to the places – and people – that I hold dear.

I have worked tirelessly with the Shetland community to ensure that this is the most comprehensive guide to our islands, and I hope that you enjoy reading and using it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it.

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