Holiday homes & rentals in the Shetland Islands

Located off the north coast of Scotland, the Shetland Islands have a character all their own. Part Scottish, part Viking, the islands have a fascinating history – and there are lots of rural holiday cottages for visitors who want some peace and quiet.

Folk music and the Northern Lights

Though the Shetland Islands may be remote, Shetlanders still know how to have a good time. Even the smallest villages have a local pub, which is the heart of the community. Stop in to see folk musicians playing traditional Scottish music. The islands also host several musical events, including the Shetland Folk Festival and the Accordion and Fiddle Festival. The Shetland Islands are one of the best places in the UK to spot the beautiful Northern Lights phenomena, which are at their peak during the winter.

Shetland's prehistoric and Viking history

The Shetland Islands were home to some very early settlements, and there are many ancient villages that you can visit today. Jarlshof and Old Scatness are particularly outstanding – Jarlshof is home to a fascinating visitor centre for those who want to learn more about Bronze and Iron Age Shetland. The northernmost of the Shetland Islands, Unst, is home to many former Viking settlements. Excavated by archaeologists, they are now open to visitors.

Up Helly Aa winter celebration

The Shetland Islands host Up Helly Aa, a unique celebration that marks the end of the Yuletide season. Every February, in Lerwick and nine other Shetland villages, groups of costumed men roam the streets with torches of fire. The celebration culminates in the burning of a Viking longship, and the subsequent party lasts throughout the night, with music, dancing, and whisky.

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