What Is It Like Living in Shetland?

Reflections on Life, Love, and Finding Home in Shetland

I often get asked what it’s like living in Shetland and how I ended up here.

It’s a question that makes me pause and reflect. First, I should mention—if you don’t already know—I’m not originally from Shetland. I moved here in 2004, a day after my graduation. But my connection with these islands began years earlier, in 1999, during a high school exchange which truly changed my life.

I still remember that first encounter vividly. As soon as we stepped off the P&O ferry St Clair, immediately I felt an unexpected connection to Shetland. It wasn’t just the stunning landscapes; it was the people. My host family’s kindness, friendliness, and sharp sense of humour turned my short visit into something unforgettable. They filled every day (and night of Shetland’s midsummer) with wonderful experiences—long walks, breathtaking views, deep talks, and a sense of belonging that was hard to leave behind.

Shetland isn’t for everyone. As they say, you’ll either love it or hate it—there’s rarely a middle ground. Certainly a Shetland winter might not be for the faint-hearted, with its short days, long dark nights, and frequent spells of wild weather. Yet for those willing to embrace its challenges, Shetland reveals an inspirational side even during the colder months. The low winter light and dramatic weather transform the landscape into something truly magical, offering moments of breathtaking beauty. And no matter how fierce the elements, our daily life carries on.

While I do miss my homeland, a country in the heart of Europe, these windswept and seemingly barren isles have become my home. Shetland gets under your skin and stays there. Many people come here intending to stay just for a while, usually through work, and end up staying for much longer.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Considering Moving to Shetland?

This reflection isn’t a list of pros and cons about living in Shetland—it’s more a collection of my musings and thoughts. However, if you’re thinking about moving here, I always suggest spending a few weeks in winter to see how you get on. The long, dark winters can be hard, and the lack of daylight can affect your mental health.

That said, there are ways to cope. For me, getting outside every day—no matter the weather—is vital. Wrapping up warm and going for a brisk walk can do wonders for your spirit, even on the toughest days.

One of the greatest things about Shetland is its strong sense of community. People here look out for each other, and it’s a place where you can truly feel connected. When someone asks if life is boring here, I always say the opposite is true—there’s always something to do if you’re open to it.

Whether it’s walking, knitting, photography, gardening, cooking, reading, or simply slowing down and enjoying life’s quieter moments, Shetland offers a richness that’s hard to find elsewhere. In this fast-paced world, it’s a place where you can truly take a breath and find inspiration in the everyday.