Shetland

Arts and culture in Shetland

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Immerse yourself in Shetland’s exciting music scene and discover how its proud creative heritage remains very much alive today. Discover what makes Shetland such an irresistible subject for artists and photographs. Read more

Visit at the height of summer when the islands, with their rugged cliffs and tranquil lochs, are bathed in the other-worldly twilight of the ‘simmer dim’, or in winter when there’s a greater chance of seeing the night sky illuminated by the ‘Mirrie Dancers’, the Aurora Borealis.

Explore Shetland’s wonderful array of arts and culture attractions and discover the unique cultural identity of the islands.

From examples of stunning traditional Shetland boats at the Unst Boat Haven at Haroldswick to demonstrations of spinning and knitting at Shetland Textile Museum in Lerwick to great music, dance and theatre performances at the Mareel, there’s a great choice of attractions reflecting the region’s heritage.

Shetland is proud of its traditions and the islanders always find something to celebrate. There is the Shetland Folk Festival in spring, while in June and July Shetland Races take place in Lerwick.

Music is a big part of the islands’ life, hence you will come across number of various music festivals and events from the Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival to Shetland Fiddle Frenzy.

With a strong influence of the region’s landscape, Shetland has no shortage of shops, galleries and studios where diverse array of arts and crafts can be purchased.

From Viking and Celtic inspired jewellery to handmade knitwear and exquisite ceramics, glasswork, paintings and more, there are plenty of opportunities to pick up that special gift or souvenir of your stay. You can even watch the handcrafted goods being created at the many workshops and studios included in the Craft Trail.