Shetland - overview

Shetland lies at Europe's north-western frontier, over 200 miles north of Aberdeen and nearly 1,000 miles from Brussels. It comprises more than 100 islands, 16 of which are inhabited.

The islands population is 22,210 with more than a third living in the capital, Lerwick. With its vibrant culture, stunning seascapes and abundant wildlife, Shetland has a strong identity which owes much to its historic links with Northern Europe.

The Norse influence is also noticeable in the Shetland dialect and on place names and in January, Vikings roam the streets of Lerwick at the annual, and the worlds biggest, fire festival, Up Helly Aa. However, economically, administratively and politically, Shetland is part of Scotland and the United Kingdom.

Nowhere in Shetland is more than three miles from the coast and many aspects of life are strongly influenced by the sea. Travellers have been visiting these lands since Neolithic times and evidence of Shetland's past is everywhere to be seen.

The Shetland economy was traditionally reliant on fisheries and agriculture and although these are still important, aquaculture and the oil industry are now the largest sectors. The public sector is also a major employer. Other sectors such as tourism and food and drink are helping boost employment across the islands.

Exciting projects such as the £12 million Mareel Creative Industries Centre in Lerwick, community-led projects such as those in Fetlar which are boosting the local population by over 40% and proposed wind and wave renewable energy projects are all examples of how Shetland is booming.