Shetland is a scenic Scottish archipelago rich in Norse heritage, archaeological sites, and vibrant culture, accessible by ferry and air, offering nature reserves, historic landmarks, and lively festivals.
Scalloway Castle is a historic 17th-century tower house located in Scalloway on the Shetland Mainland, known for its distinctive L-plan design and historical significance as a meeting place for the Shetland parliament during the early 1600s. Visitors can explore its outdoor ruins and appreciate its architectural details and history.
The Broch of Clickimin is a well-preserved Iron Age broch located on a small promontory on the south shore of Clickimin Loch near Lerwick, Shetland. Visitors can explore the ancient stone-walled fort, blockhouse, and the broch itself which offers a glimpse into prehistoric settlement and defensive architecture.
Stanydale Temple is a unique Neolithic archaeological site in Shetland featuring a large walled enclosure and communal or high-status purpose building ruins, set in open fields with ancient pottery and historical remains.
Fort Charlotte is a historic artillery fort in Lerwick, Shetland, known for its five-sided design with bastions, built in 1781 and named after Queen Charlotte. It has served various roles including a garrison, jail, courthouse, and coastguard station. It is currently managed by Historic Environment Scotland and serves as a base for a British Army Reserve unit.
Broch of Mousa is the tallest and best-preserved Iron Age broch in Europe, located on the island of Mousa in Shetland. Visitors can explore its remarkable dry stone structure and internal staircases reaching the top, amidst a scenic outdoor setting renowned for its natural birdlife including storm petrels nesting within the broch.
Muness Castle is a historic fortified house ruin located on Unst, the most northerly inhabited island in Scotland. Visitors can explore the outdoor remains of this 16th-century castle, known as the most northerly fortalice in the British Isles, with surviving ground and first storey walls and distinctive circular towers.
Jarlshof is a renowned archaeological site in Shetland featuring continuous settlement remains from 2500 BC through the Viking Age to the 17th century, including Bronze Age houses, Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, Pictish stones, and a medieval fortified manor house. It offers visitors indoor exhibits and outdoor ruins reflecting thousands of years of history.
Ness of Burgi fort is an iron-age promontory fort on a rocky headland in Mainland, Shetland, accessible by a footpath and open to the public at all times.