What Is It Like Living in Shetland?

Reflections on Life, Love, and Finding Home in the Captivating Beauty of These Isles

Some places change you the moment you arrive. Some places never let you go.

I never set out to move to Shetland. The moment I stepped off the St Clair ferry in 1999 on a school exchange trip from my home in the Czech Republic, I felt something shift inside me—a quiet pull, an unspoken connection. The wide-open landscapes, the endless sea, the ever-changing skies. But more than that, it was the people who made me feel like I belonged before I even knew I wanted to.

Falling for Shetland—And Staying for Good

For you, I'm sure, there are places that feel like a magnet—places that keep drawing you back, again and again. That's what Shetland became for me.

After a couple of summers working at a local hotel, I fell in love with a local. And I knew I had to make a choice. In 2004, the day after my graduation, I packed my bags and made Shetland my home. I swapped the heart of Europe for an archipelago at the crossroads of the North Atlantic and North Sea, where the wind and sea shape the land as much as it shapes the lives of the people who live here. Shetland's wide-open spaces and fresh, heady air were intoxicating, though the long winters tested my resilience. Life here isn't for everyone, but these islands have a way of rooting themselves deeply in your soul.

It wasn't always easy. The winters are long and dark—the sun barely lifting above the horizon for months, leaving you craving sunshine and warmth. The howl of gales rattling windows becomes a familiar lullaby. But these isles are a rugged treasure, a fleck of gold in the open ocean.

Finding My Place and Building a Life

Starting with no experience or capital, just my head, hands, and a huge amount of determination, I started my life in Shetland and faced a steep learning curve. It was harsh but worthwhile. I now feel brave, confident, and proud, with much to show for my 20 years here. The fear of not being good enough has diminished, replaced by a sense of accomplishment and pride.

My approach has always been to take a deep breath and face challenges head-on. This has worked and brought me to where I am now, ready to step back a little and enjoy the ride. I want to slow down and craft things, rather than always rushing to the next task or goal.

The Birth of Shetland Wool Adventures

My professional journey in Shetland began with roles at VisitScotland and helping establish Promote Shetland. Leading initiatives like Shetland Wool Week gave me invaluable insights into tourism and our rich local heritage. But increasingly throughout these years, a quiet voice inside kept whispering that someday I wanted to create something uniquely my own.

That opportunity came eight years ago when Shetland Wool Adventures took its first tentative steps. Looking back now, I'm amazed at the path from those humble beginnings to where we are today. In the early days, you would have found me accompanying the groups while rushing around with bags full of freshly baked cakes, handpicked flowers from our garden, and carefully prepared workshop materials—often working from dawn until well past dusk. Now, I'm fortunate to work alongside a trusted team who share my vision and passion.

For the first two years, I nurtured this dream alongside my full-time job. Those days of balancing both worlds taught me more about determination and perseverance than any course ever could. Each tour was meticulously crafted in the margins of my day—early mornings, late evenings, weekends, any moment I could find. When I finally took the leap to focus solely on Shetland Wool Adventures, it felt both terrifying and exhilarating. But liberating too. Like stepping off a cliff and discovering I could fly.

At the heart of everything was—and remains—my deep love for Shetland. The breathtaking landscapes, the rich textile traditions, and most importantly, the remarkable people who call these islands home. My greatest joy has been sharing this special place with our guests and watching them fall under its spell, just as I did all those years ago.

When the World Stopped, a New Adventure Began

Then came 2020, and with it, a challenge none of us could have anticipated. As the world shut down and our tours were suddenly on hold, I faced a crossroads: retreat or adapt?

The answer came to me during those strange, uncertain days—if people couldn't come to Shetland, perhaps Shetland could come to them.

So I turned to paper.

The Shetland Wool Adventures Journal was born from this moment of necessity—a publication celebrating everything that makes these islands extraordinary. I wanted to capture the essence of Shetland life, the changing seasons, the creative spirit, and the deep connection to land and sea that shapes life here.

When the first volume reached readers around the world, the response was beyond anything I could have imagined. Messages poured in from people who felt transported to our windswept shores through those pages.

This unexpected turn in the road led to the creation of 60 North Publishing, which has grown alongside our tour business as the world reopened. Now, I find myself with not one but two intertwined ventures, both born from the same love of Shetland and desire to share its magic with others.

---

A Place of Constant Movement

Shetland is a place of constant movement, both in its physical nature and in the lives of those who pass through it. The waves are never still, the wind never silent, and the sky always shifting between light and shadow.

Life in Shetland can feel hard at times. The weather and remoteness present unique challenges. But for all its trials, I find Shetland incredibly inspiring. Its elemental beauty and uncluttered simplicity have a way of grounding and calming your soul in today's noisy world. There may be few trees, but there are vast, open skies and wide horizons. Heather-covered hills roll across the landscape, offering mesmerising views of the archipelago.

Standing on a hilltop with 360-degree views, surrounded by this untamed beauty, life has a way of falling back into perspective. The busy mind slows down, replaced by a deep sense of peace. There's fresh air—so much of it, often moving at high speed. There's wind, rain, sleet, snow… but also moments of pure magic: stunning sunrises, fiery sunsets, and those gloriously long summer days when the sun barely dips below the horizon. I love it all.

The Simple Pleasures of Shetland

My favourite time of year in Shetland is late autumn. There's something magical about the golden light that saturates the landscape, illuminating the hills in rich hues of rust and brown. The sea takes on a steely blue tone with flashes of turquoise, and the air is bitterly cold.

These are the days I treasure most—when we pack cake and a flask of coffee for a long coastal walk. These walks are often brief but utterly unforgettable. The sharp cold, the dramatic scenery, and the simple joy of sharing a picnic in such a setting make them truly special. And there's nothing better than returning home afterward to the comforting smell of a hearty stew warming in the oven. Or the sweet smell of peat fire. These are the simple pleasures I love about Shetland.

Then there are long wanders along the beach, often followed by a bracing dip in the sea. It's exhilarating—nothing makes you feel more alive than that icy embrace of the water.

A Place That Inspires

Personally, I owe Shetland so much. It's a place that welcomed me with open arms, and I embraced it wholeheartedly in return. It's here that I've been able to pursue my dreams, develop my creativity, build a business and raise a family.

Shetland constantly inspires me and offers something new every single day. And you always meet interesting people and make new friends. Living here has taught me to appreciate the small things, to open my heart, and to trust in the generosity of people. It's a place where I've discovered new opportunities and possibilities I never imagined before.

Thank you, Shetland. You are my love and my home.

---

Experience Shetland

I invite you to discover the magic of these northern isles, through the pages of our journal. Sign up below for a free digital sample of the Shetland Wool Adventures Journal and begin your own journey to Shetland.

Receive highlights from Journal Volume 1—including the Storm Dennis Snood pattern—straight to your inbox, for free.

Plus, get insights into my life and running a small business in Shetland, as well as a regular dose of inspiration from this wild and beautiful place I call home.

Curious?

This photograph captures the essence of what I love most about Shetland: the steely blue seas, dramatic coastal landscape with its covering of green and heather, and those vast, ever-changing skies. It's these elemental features that make these islands so captivating in every season. Photo: A. Mazurov

Thinking of Moving to Shetland?

This isn't a list of pros and cons—it's just my personal reflection. But if you are considering making the move, I always suggest spending a few weeks in winter before making any big decisions. Shetland's long, dark winters can take a toll, and the lack of daylight is something you need to be prepared for.

That said, community makes all the difference. People here look out for one another—whether it's helping dig out after a snowstorm, delivering groceries during illness, or simply gathering for music and storytelling when the nights grow long. That's something truly special.

---

What Does Home Mean to You?

Maybe home isn't always where we expect it to be. Maybe it's a feeling—a connection to a place, a community, or even just a moment in time.

Have you ever found yourself unexpectedly falling in love with a place? Or have you ever faced the choice of staying or leaving somewhere that shaped you?

I'd love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below!

---