Shetland Islands

Whilst the Shetlands Islands are politically part of the UK, Kate and I have never been there, not least because of their isolation (around 550 miles driving plus a 200 mile ferry crossing).

Before we arrived, we had arranged for a hire car for the day, hence as soon as possible we headed down to the South of the island to Jarlshof, one of the most important archaeological sites in the UK.  It contains examples of everyday habitation from all periods in time for almost 4500 years - that is, from the Stone Age up to the 17th century.  We arrived there at 9:30, as soon as it opened and as such we where the first visitors on site.  We had it more or less to ourselves for an hour, until the cruise ship coaches started unloading!

That was our cue to move on, so we did, heading up Mainland looking at the scenery (and the Shetland ponies!), eating Scotch pies until we ended up in Scalloway Castle, the old capital of the Shetland Islands.  A quick drive to Grunasound for the scenery, and then back on the ship.