Returning, Slowing Down & Finding Rhythm Again

The Rhythms and Rituals of My Shetland Life

So here I am, back after time away in Aberdeen and the Czech Republic, feeling a mix of emotions—both happy and a little overwhelmed. It’s always hard to leave, especially saying goodbye to my mum, yet I’m so grateful for the time we had together. There’s a strange feeling of being torn between two places, two homes. Each return carries a mix of sadness and appreciation—missing one place while looking forward to the other. I love going back—spending time with family and old friends, revisiting familiar places, and soaking in the comforts of home. But after a while, I start to feel little restless, longing for the pull of the north. I miss my Shetland rhythm—and the wide-open spaces, the changing light, and the quiet rituals that shape my days.

This time, I truly slowed down. I stepped away from work for two weeks—something I hadn’t planned to do, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. The sunny weather made it easy to let go of routine—to simply stroll through the streets of Prague and Zlín, my hometown, and even take a short trip to Vienna. I travelled mostly by train, bought very little, and just soaked in the atmosphere, sitting on benches, watching people turn their faces toward the first warmth of the year.

Vienna, just an hour and a half away by train, felt like a hidden gem I had somehow forgotten to appreciate. This trip reminded me how much I love places that allow you to slow down—even in the heart of a city, away from the rush.

And now, I’m back in Shetland, easing into my rhythm again—the home and work life, the walks, the beaches, the small routines that shape my days. These habits and rituals ground me, offering a sense of place and belonging no matter how far I travel.

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When Shetland became my new home over two decades ago, I couldn’t have imagined how deeply these islands would shape my daily life and routines. Situated at the northernmost edge of Britain, where the North Sea meets the Atlantic, Shetland isn’t just where I live—it’s become the rhythm by which I measure my days and seasons.

Shetland is a place of wide horizons and shifting skies, a landscape that has shaped the simple, grounding traditions I’ve built over the years. Long walks, golden summer evenings, and the deep coziness of winter—these aren’t just passing moments; they are how I live. Through it all, my routines and rituals keep me anchored, bringing a deep sense of contentment.

Some of these rituals are as simple as a weekend walk to clear my head; others, like a trip to the isles, a wild camping night, or a spontaneous day hiking trip, feel like stepping into another world. Life here encourages you to embrace both the elements and the quiet comforts of home.

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Weekend Beach Walks and the Joy of Groatie Buckies

After a busy week, nothing feels better than a long walk on the beach. The fresh, sea-scented air, the gentle crunch of sand beneath my feet, and the sound of the waves create the perfect reset. Some beaches are close by, while others require a bit more effort to reach, but they’re all part of the Shetland landscape I love.

Some of my favourites are St Ninian's Isle, Minn and Meal in Burra, Scousburgh Sands (or Spiggie, as the locals call it), and, of course, Bain’s Beach in Lerwick. Further north, Yell and Unst offer more beautiful stretches of sand, and my favourites are West Sandwick and Sands of Breckon in Yell, and Norwick and Easting in Unst. But it's not just the white or golden sand beaches I love—it's also the smaller ones, often harder to reach, with pebbles or larger boulders.

One of the small joys of visiting some of the more secluded and less accessible beaches is searching for groatie buckies (Trivia arctica, the northern cowrie) —tiny, beautifully patterned shells that are rare to find and are said to bring good luck to the finder. I still remember the first one I found—it felt nothing short of a miracle. Spotting one always feels like a little gift from the sea, a reminder of why I love these walks so much.

Tip: If you're hunting for groatie buckies, try searching along the tide line after a storm—sometimes the waves bring in new treasures!

Saturday Mornings in Bigton: The Perfect Start of the Weekend Ritual

Over the past year, we’ve developed a Saturday morning ritual that has become sacred—a perfect blend of food, nature, and community that sets the tone for the weekend.

It begins with an early drive to Bigton to buy fresh bread from Gus at the Bigton Weekend Bakery. I love chatting with others who make the same ritual trip, all gathered to stock up on Gus’s delicious bread, still warm from the oven—sourdough loaves, baguettes, and my personal favourite, cinnamon buns. They smell and taste heavenly, especially when eaten straight away.

But we never head straight home. The proximity to St Ninian’s Isle is too tempting, so we usually stay a while. Depending on the weather and mood, we’ll either take a slow walk across the tombolo—that beautiful stretch of sand connecting the mainland to the isle—or, if we’re feeling brave, a quick sea dip that leaves us tingling with cold and exhilaration. Afterward, with salt on our skin or wind in our hair, we return to Bigton for what might be the most well-earned coffee of the week—Stakkadale coffee. Sitting there, savouring the delicious brew, and reflecting on the morning’s adventure makes for a perfect moment of contentment—one I look forward to all week.

Tip: To make this Saturday ritual even more special, book a sauna session with Haar Sauna. There's nothing more energising than alternating between the heat of the sauna and quick dips in the sea, followed by fresh bread and coffee—it's the perfect experience that nourishes body and soul.

Picnics, Coffee, and Cliffside Views

Whether it's a leisurely beach walk or a long, strenuous hike, I love packing a little picnic and making a moment of it. There's nothing more rewarding than sitting on the cliffs after a steep climb—catching my breath, feeling the wind on my face, and taking in the sweeping views with a hearty sandwich and a steaming cup of coffee. And if there’s a slice of cake or a piece of chocolate tucked away in my bag, even better.

There’s something about eating outdoors that makes everything taste better. Maybe it’s the fresh air, or the sense of accomplishment after a long walk, but those simple moments—resting, refuelling, and just being present—are some of my favourites. A hike is the only time I feel like I truly switch my brain off, focusing on nothing but the moment in front of me.

In summer, I often bring a small camping stove to the beach to make fresh coffee. It’s such a simple ritual, yet somehow magical—sitting by the sea, listening to the waves, and feeling the warmth of the mug in my hands. Coffee always seems to taste better when made and enjoyed outside, with nothing but the sound of nature around me.

Tip: Always pack a flask with your favourite brew! A hot drink at the top of a cliff (or by the sea) makes all the difference, turning a simple break into a moment to truly savour.

Saturday Gatherings: Coffee, Walks and Dinner Tables

Some of my most cherished Shetland rituals revolve around time spent with friends. After a busy week, there’s nothing more comforting than a leisurely coffee and a chat—whether we’re walking, gathered around a table in a café, or sharing a meal in the warmth of someone’s home. Often, we take familiar routes where we can walk side by side, deep in conversation. Other times, we explore somewhere new—a place we’ve been meaning to discover.

Evening gatherings around food hold equal importance in my Shetland life. Before the pandemic, we had regular dinner gatherings with different groups of friends—sometimes with carefully planned menus, other times with simple meals where everyone contributed something. The pandemic disrupted this tradition, and life has been busy since, but we’re slowly returning to these precious rituals.

There’s something special about sharing a home-cooked meal in Shetland—perhaps it’s the contrast with the wild elements outside, or simply the joy of creating a warm, welcoming space filled with conversation, laughter and delicious food. These gatherings often stretch late into the evening, with no one quite ready to leave the cocoon of companionship to face the journey home.

Tip: In winter, a slow-cooked dish like a hearty stew, with a few simple sides of vegetables, salad, and bread, makes the perfect dish for a gathering—it fills the house with wonderful aromas and allows you to spend more time with guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

Recipe: For an afternoon gathering with friends try baking this deliciously moist carrot cake—a firm favourite among Shetland Wool Adventures guests.

Little Wild Camping Adventures

Sometimes, the best way to experience Shetland’s landscape is to sleep right in the middle of it. I love the occasional summer wild camping adventure—packing up a small tent and heading to a remote spot for the night.

Some of our favourite places to camp are in Northmavine, where the rugged cliffs meet the sea and the views stretch out for miles. There’s something magical about falling asleep to the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks or the wind rustling through the heather, knowing that there’s nothing around but open land and sky. Waking up early, stepping outside into the cool morning air, making a small pot of coffee, and watching how the light changes the landscape—it's a feeling of total freedom and happiness.

Of course, no camping adventure is complete without a treat, and for us, that often means stopping at Frankie’s Fish & Chips in Brae on the way. A fish supper enjoyed al fresco, is the perfect way to end the day.

Tip: Pick a spot with some natural shelter from the wind. If you’re near houses, it’s a courtesy to ask for a permission. You can find our more at Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Honesty Boxes: Little Treasures Along the Road

One of the small joys of Shetland life is coming across honesty boxes dotted along the quiet country roads. These humble wooden boxes, often painted in bright colours or weathered by the island's elements, offer a variety of local treasures—everything from fresh eggs to home-baked cakes, jams, and seasonal vegetables.

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about this tradition—leaving money in a small tin and taking what you need, all based on trust. It's such a simple yet heartwarming part of the island life. We always make sure to keep a small bag of coins in our car specifically for these roadside finds. Nothing beats the pleasure of picking up a box of fresh eggs on a Sunday morning, or stumbling upon a Huffsie (Shetland’s take on a fruit loaf) when you least expect it. It’s like finding little gems that someone has lovingly made, just waiting for someone to enjoy.

Tip: Keep a collection of small change in your car and never pass by an honesty box without checking it out—you’ll often find the best bakes have sold out by mid-morning!

Spontaneous Day Trips: Exploring Shetland's Coastline

One of my favorite things to do is take spur-of-the-moment day trips to different parts of Shetland. Whether it's heading north to Unst for a day, exploring the rugged coastline of Eshaness, or discovering a small beach I haven't been to before, these little adventures always bring something special.

With Shetland's coastline stretching for almost 1,700 miles, there is never a shortage of walks to choose from. Every corner of the islands has a path leading somewhere spectacular—whether it's a dramatic clifftop route, a winding coastal trail, or a quiet sandy cove tucked away from sight.

A good day trip often starts with no exact plan—just a packed picnic, a flask of coffee, good hiking boots, and a willingness to explore. Sometimes it means driving until a place feels right, other times it's revisiting a familiar spot and seeing it in a new light.

The best part? Knowing that no matter where we go, there's always a breathtaking view, a quiet moment to take in the vast sky and sea, and a sense of being truly present in the landscape.

Tip: Keep a small "day trip kit" ready with essentials—sturdy boots, warm layers, waterproofs, a water bottle and a thermos—so you're always ready for a last-minute adventure.

The Magic of Unst: A True Getaway

One of my favourite rituals is spending a few nights away. My ultimate favourite is Unst. Even though it's in Shetland, it always feels like being on a real holiday.

We rent a small cottage, pack just the essentials—books, games, hiking boots, swimming gear—and set off for a few days of exploration and adventure. This is the time when we like to try new walks, find different views, and just enjoy being away from everything. Unst has a magic of its own. The vast open spaces, spectacular scenery, nature reserves, interesting archaeological sites, the quiet, the sense of being on the edge of the world—it's the perfect place to slow down and reset.

Tip: If you're staying for a few nights, bring a book about Shetland's history or folklore—it adds an extra layer of magic to your time there. And don’t forget Shetland: Your Essential Travel Guide for all the best local insights and tips!

Chasing Light: A Photographer's Paradise

Living in Shetland has turned me into an accidental photographer. With a landscape that changes by the minute and light that shifts dramatically with each season, it's impossible not to want to capture these fleeting moments.

I don’t always have my big camera with me, but I keep my iPhone close at all times—you never know when the perfect combination of light, landscape, and weather will appear. Some of my most treasured photos have come from unexpected stops along coastal roads, when the clouds suddenly part to cast dramatic shadows across the hills, or when a rainbow arcs across the horizon, fleeting and magical.

Winter brings moody, dramatic skies while in summer we get endless golden evenings when the sun hangs low on the horizon, casting everything in a warm glow that seems to last forever.

What began as casual snapshots has evolved into a visual diary of my time here—my seasonal Postcards, each capturing Shetland’s ever-changing beauty. Sometimes I feel like I’m capturing the same views again and again, but when the shifting light transforms familiar landscapes into something entirely new each time, how can anyone resist?

Tip: The "golden hour" in Shetland last much longer—in midsummer, golden light can extend from 9 PM until nearly midnight, giving you ample time to capture perfect shots.

Seasonal Tastes: Garden Harvests and Island Produce

The changing seasons in Shetland aren't just visible in the landscape—they're something you can taste. One of my favourite rituals is adapting my cooking to what's growing in my garden and what's available locally throughout the year.

Early May brings the first exciting harvest—tender rhubarb stalks that herald the beginning of the growing season. There's something deeply satisfying about cutting those first pink stems and transforming them into something delicious. I always celebrate with a rhubarb crumble, followed by batches of poached rhubarb to enjoy with yogurt and granola. As the harvest continues, I'll make jars of rhubarb jam to enjoy through the year. But my ultimate favourite is this Rhubarb and Almond Cake.

By midsummer, there's the simple but profound joy of digging up the first garden potatoes. We always plant a few Shetland Blacks alongside more common varieties—their distinctive purple skin and mealy texture make them perfect for a special meal where they need nothing more than a knob of butter and a sprinkle of sea salt. There's something ceremonial about that first potato harvest meal that marks the true beginning of summer's abundance.

Summer also means fresh mackerel—catching them yourself if you're lucky, or buying them from a local fishmonger. Cooking them the same day they're caught, perhaps simply grilled with herbs from the garden or panfried in a coating of oatmeal, is one of the island's greatest culinary pleasures. I also love making smoked mackerel pate.

As summer progresses, the garden offers lettuce, radishes, and hardy herbs that thrive in our northern climate. By late summer, there's nothing better than picking peas straight from the pod or harvesting the small, precious vegetables that have flourished despite the challenging growing conditions.

Autumn brings what many consider Shetland's finest delicacy—new season lamb. Having grazed on heather and salt-sprayed grass, Shetland lamb has a distinctive flavour unlike any other. The first roast of the season is always a special occasion, often shared with friends and paired with those garden vegetables that have finally reached their peak. The sweet, tender meat reflects directly of the landscape it was raised on—you can almost taste the heather hills and sea air.

My kitchen has become a reflection of Shetland's island rhythms. Over the years, I've learned to make traditional bannocks, perfected a hearty reestit mutton soup to see us through the cold months, and created many new recipes that celebrate the garden produce that defines our seasons.

Tip: If you love cooking with seasonal ingredients, my cookbook A Year in My Shetland Garden is filled with recipes using our Shetland’s produce.

Food Made in Shetland is a collection of recipes that puts the best of Shetland produce front and centre and will inspire you to create delicious and tasty meals at home.

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The Contrast of Long Summer Days: Living Outdoors

Almost suddenly, when the light returns, the days start stretching endlessly. Summer in Shetland is the complete opposite of winter—when the sun barely sets, I find myself spending as much time outside as possible.

This is when I love being in the garden. Whether it's planting, working on DIY projects, or just sitting outside in the late evening sun, summer here is something to truly cherish. It's a time of gathering, cooking and eating outdoors, and making the most of every moment before the dark months return.

The midsummer brings its own rituals. There's something magical about walking along a beach at 10 PM with the sky still bright, or having dinner outdoors as the golden hour stretches into the early hours of the morning. These endless days feel like a gift after the long winter—a time when Shetland truly reveals its special beauty.

Winter in Shetland: Cozying Up Indoors

Winters here are can be hard, but I love the way they invite you to enjoy the indoors. The long nights and stormy weather mean lighting candles, making the house cozy, and bringing nature inside—small branches, dried flowers, or even pebbles to decorate your home with a natural, seasonal touch.

This is the season for knitting, crafting, reading and cooking. There's something deeply satisfying about the dark winter evenings, whether it's making something warm to wear, trying a new recipe, or getting lost in a creative project or perhaps learning a new skill.

And of course, a good book is essential. While the wind howls outside, there's nothing better than curling up with a story, a blanket, and a hot drink.

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The Rhythm of My Shetland Life

Life here is shaped by the seasons, and I love how my little rituals follow their lead. The balance between outdoor adventures and slow, cozy indoor comforts makes Shetland a home that I truly love and appreciate deeply.

But I should mention that it's not always as idyllic as it might sound. Life gets busy here just like anywhere else—work deadlines pile up, commitments crowd the calendar, and sometimes weeks go by when I don't manage a single longer walk. I'm still learning to be intentional about carving out time for these special moments, often reminding myself that what makes life meaningful isn't checking off to-do lists but rather these moments. These small choices add up over time, gradually shaping a life that feels more aligned with what truly matters.

Living by these island rhythms has taught me something valuable: there's a profound contentment to be found in aligning your life with the natural world around you, in appreciating each season for what it uniquely offers rather than wishing for something different. Perhaps that's the greatest gift Shetland has given me—learning to be fully present in each moment, whatever the weather or season might bring.

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What small rituals make you feel connected to where you live? I'd love to hear about your own traditions and happy moments.

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