Facts for Kids

The Shetland Islands are a beautiful group of islands that belong to Scotland. 🏴

‍☠️ They are located way up north, between Orkney, the Faroe Islands, and Norway! These islands are known for their stunning landscapes and rich culture. There are about 100 islands in total, but only 15 of them are inhabited. The largest island is called Mainland, and it is home to the capital city, Lerwick. The name "Shetland" comes from Old Norse and means “the land of sheep.” 🐑 Shetland is a special place where you can see puffins, wildflowers, and even the Northern Lights! 🌌

The Shetland Islands are home to a wide variety of plants and animals! 🌼

The climate allows for lush vegetation, with colorful wildflowers like buttercups and orchids blooming in the summer. 🌸

Many birds, including puffins, seals, and even otters can be spotted along the coast. Puffins, with their colorful beaks, are especially popular! 🐧

Shetland is also a safe haven for many rare bird species, like the Skoo bird. The waters around the islands are teeming with fish, making it a rich environment for wildlife. 🦈

The Shetland Islands have their own council, called Shetland Islands Council. 🏛

️ This council is responsible for making important decisions about the islands’ services, schools, and roads. The council helps to keep the community healthy and safe! There is also a local health board that ensures everyone has access to medical care. Shetland has a unique identity, and the council works hard to protect the culture and environment of these amazing islands. 🌈

The Shetland Islands have a fascinating history! 🏰

The first people lived here over 5,000 years ago, leaving behind amazing stone structures. The islands were once controlled by the Vikings, who brought their language and culture. The Norse influence is still present today, especially in the Shetland dialect. 🎶

The people of Shetland celebrate their history with traditional crafts like knitting and boat building. The annual Viking fire festival called Up Helly Aa is famous for its torch-lit processions and a burning Viking ship! 🔥

Music is a big part of Shetland’s culture! 🎶

Traditional Shetland music often features fiddles and is lively and joyful. There are many festivals throughout the year. The Shetland Folk Festival is famous, attracting musicians from all over the world! 🎻

The islanders celebrate their history with the Up Helly Aa festival, where they sing and dance, enjoying the Viking spirit! 🏴

‍☠️ Local school choirs and musicians also perform at community events, making Shetland a vibrant place to enjoy tunes and celebrations!

Shetland's economy is diverse! 🛳

️ Fishing is one of the most important industries, especially for catching delicious seafood like haddock and cod. 🐟

Oil and gas exploration has also played a big role, as the North Sea has large oil reserves. Shetland is known for its sheep farming, where farmers produce yummy Shetland wool! 🧶

The wool from Shetland sheep is special, as it’s very warm and is used to make beautiful clothes. The islands also rely on tourism, with many visitors coming to explore the scenery and culture each year. 🌏

The Shetland Islands are famous for their rugged coastlines and rolling hills. 🏞

️ Surrounded by the North Sea, the islands have a mixed landscape of cliffs, beaches, and grassy areas. The climate is often breezy and mild, with cool temperatures all year round. The average temperature in summer is around 13°C (55°F), while in winter it only drops to about 2°C (36°F). ☁

️ Shetland gets plenty of rain, making it a green paradise! 🌿

The islands are great for exploring nature and seeing amazing wildlife!

Education in Shetland is important, with schools on many islands. 📚

Lerwick has the largest school, called Lerwick High School. The local community is very tight-knit, with people often coming together for events and activities. There are sports clubs, music groups, and arts organizations that bring everyone together. 🎨

People in Shetland celebrate their culture through storytelling and craft fairs, helping to keep traditions alive for future generations! Kids can learn about their heritage while having fun!

Tourism is important in Shetland, and there are many fun things to see! 🦋

Visitors love to explore the ancient sites, like the Jarlshof archaeological site, which is over 4,000 years old! 🏺

People also enjoy visiting the Croft House Museum to learn about traditional Shetland life. The islands host wildlife tours where you can spot seals and sea birds. 🦭

Shetland's unique landscapes and beautiful beaches, like St. Ninian’s Isle, are perfect for adventure and exploration! 🌊

Getting around the Shetland Islands is fun! 🚢

The largest island, Mainland, is connected by roads, so you can travel easily by car or bus. Ferries are an important way to reach other islands, making it possible to visit places like Foula and Unst. 🛥

️ Lerwick has an airport with flights connecting to mainland Scotland, helping people visit from far away. Though some islands are small, their charm and beauty can be explored with exciting journeys, whether by boat or bus! 🌍