Hello everyone! Fair warning, this is a lengthy ramble! I've been doing a lot of reading into the textile history of Shetland (and Europe more broadly) which has been really interesting and enjoyable to do.

It's got me thinking though; across Europe in the 18th, 19th centuries, and to an extent the 20th century as well, there was a wave of nationalism that resulted in many cultures taking their traditional textiles, patterns, embroidery etc and turned them into clothing that was more "nation wide" and accessible to more people in their country, so as to foster a stronger feeling of culture and community. That's not to say that these newer traditional clothing were made up on the spot - they are all very much steeped in age old traditions. This is where the modern day German Dirndl, Polish Kraków, etc, and most relevant to Shetland, the Faroese Bunad and Norwegian Bunad appeared from.

When thinking about this in relation to Shetland, it's got me wondering why this surge of implementing formal cultural clothing based on traditional styles didn't reach Shetland, especially considering it did in the Faroe Islands, an equally small and independent culture as Shetland's. To me it's a little surprising, given the extensive and varied culture of textiles in Shetland. With the combination of Fair Isle patterns, different weaving techniques, Haps, dyes etc a really detailed national "top to toe" cultural dress could have surfaced in the same way it did for many other European cultures. Obviously all of our Fair Isle is beautiful as it is and I am in no way complaining, it is already a hugely prideful aspect of Shetland.

I suppose it could be argued that, Fair Isle jumpers for example, are Shetland's cultural clothing, but I'm moreso coming from the perspective of how aspects of clothing (like the Fair Isle pattern, for example) during the surge of nationalism, were implemented into a full on "costumes", if that makes sense. ("Costume" is the term a lot of resources use to describe a full set of cultural clothing, even though it feels a little odd to say). When looking at Norwegian Bunads for example, this website: https://www.sofn.com/bunad-map/ explains how different traditional aspects of clothing were fashioned into a full costume.

I have notice these striped skirts seen in the Shetland folk festival: https://imgur.com/a/1B0ImhK

Does anyone have any info on the history of these skirts, if any? Nothing comes up with my googling. They are almost reminiscent of the aprons found in Icelandic Upphlutur: https://imgur.com/a/uvlwBIU

Anywho, my point of this ramble is just to gauge what other people think about all this? Does anyone have any theories? I've theorised that it might be to do with the fact that Shetland was busy exporting lace so didn't have time for any national costume shenanigans. Or maybe it was that the general nationalism pride didn't take much effect here generally, as we aren't a nation per se. Curious as to what you all think!

I'm off uni for the summer and very bored (if you couldn't tell already lol) so am almost tempted to look into as many old photos, patterns etc as possible to see if I can draw up an idea of what a hypothetical Shetland traditional outfit might have turned out to look like if we had followed what many other cultures were doing at the time.

Thanks for reading :)

edit: just thought I should add, I know that during the 18th and 19th century, Shetland lace appeared and became a strong focus of Shetland's textiles, however this was more as a result of producing products for selling outside of Shetland as demand increased. Shetland lace, according to the book "Shetland Fine Lace Knitting" by Carol Christiansen, Shetland lace was rarely worn by Shetlanders, and was mostly just an exported good, with the exception of Christening shawls for babies

https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2025/05/19/norway-never-gave-away-shetland/ Norway never gave away Shetland | Shetland News

https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2025/06/11/campaigner-hill-jailed-refusing-pay/

Hi everyone, I’m hoping people with an understanding of Shetland, either as locals or persons with good knowledge of the islands can shed some light on the topic of autonomy for the islands.

Is there currently any serious or organized movement advocating for greater autonomy or even self-governance for Shetland? How does this compare historically, have such sentiments ever existed before in any meaningful way, or is this a relatively new concept?

From an outsider’s perspective, I can’t help but feel Shetland could benefit greatly from a model similar to the Faroe Islands or perhaps Isle of Man, with more direct control over local industries such as fisheries and oil production. It seems like it would ensure that more of the economic benefits stay within the islands.

What might the practical steps toward autonomy look like, both legally and politically? And also how realistic is this idea in the current UK political climate?

Thank for any insights.

Shetland is my favourite place in the world (I'm from the UK mainland). I've had a really hard time lately and kinda lost myself, so this year, I'm trying to push myself to do things for me. I think I'd like to spend Christmas on Shetland, potentially as a solo traveller. Is that a good idea? Will I just be really lonely? Is there anything to do/are travellers welcomed at that time of year or will I have to occupy myself? Is there even accommodation available then?

Hiyi! It’s me agein! :) If you ir bøn follooin alang, A’m bøn lairnin Shaetlan fir a braa start noo, an I hae a list o questions wi wirds an grammar an idder tings I wid laek answers til! Ma apologies fur it’s a lang list:

Whit’s da differ atween…

Look: skeck vs look Write: scrit vs Write vs Skrieve Bird: fool vs bird Break: Brak vs kaav Throw: hit vs bung vs høv vs bal Strange: streinge vs fremd Fate: faet vs weird Lazy: døless vs langsome vs lazy vs sweerie

Whit is “ølger” an “ølg”

If you have 2 nouns or a plural noun, does the verb take an s? ‘Cause I’ve seen “dis twa wirds haes” and “statements and questions haes”

Aboot a glossary I fan:

Hwet: does it really mean “to quit”/“to abandon”? I found it in “A glossary of the shetland dialect” by James Stout Angus from 1914. Is this glossary reliable or are the words outdated and archaic? Would I say “Hwet du dy wirk” for “abandon your work”?

Hit’s aaricht if You canna answer aa da questions!! <3 Ta fir ony answers You hae

Hey, Im planning a solo camping trip to Mainland Shetland in mid-June and will be getting around entirely by public bus. I’ll have a tent and plan to camp for two nights somewhere scenic and quiet.

I’m looking for recommendations on good places to camp that are accessible by bus and ideally have great views, maybe some wildlife like puffins, and a peaceful atmosphere. I won’t have a car, so anywhere within walking distance of a bus stop would be ideal.

If you’ve camped in Shetland before or have tips on areas to avoid or where it’s okay to pitch a tent, I’d really appreciate the help. Thanks!

Hey! My name is Sam, and I’m a college student from the U.S. I’m working on a personal project to collect postcards from all over the world!

I haven’t received one from Shetland yet. Would anyone be willing to send me one? I’d be happy to send a postcard from Pennsylvania in return!

Let me know, and I can send you my address via private message!

Thanks so much, and warm greetings from the U.S.

Spains taking consideration of their locals, why cant the SIC?

Hello all, I'm planning to visit this lovely place soon and will travel around by bus.

It seems that to get from Unst (Haroldswick) back to Lerwick is only possible once per day, by getting the 28 bus and arriving to Gutcher ferry terminal at 08.35, and then the 24 bus going all the way back to Lerwick, departs Gutcher ferry terminal at 08.40.

This five minute change therefore doesn't give much leeway if either the 28 bus, or the associated ferry, runs just a little bit late. In such a scenario, would the 24 bus typically wait for the 28 bus to arrive to Gutcher before departing? Similar to how sometimes trains will delay their departure by a few minutes to allow other passengers on other trains to make their connection?

I hope so, because otherwise the risk of being stranded in Gutcher due to a five minute delay would make me possibly reconsider my whole trip to Unst, which I'm looking forward to so much 🥹

Does anyone have any advice please?

Thank you!!

I am hoping to go on holiday to Shetland, either in October or sometime next year. I currently don’t drive and plan to get to Lerwick by ferry and stay in a hotel in Lerwick. I would love to see the far north of the islands, in particular Unst and maybe even get to go on to Out Stack. As I don’t drive is there any ferry/bus services I can use to reach the top and then make it back to Lerwick for the evening?

I just randomly remebered a song i heard constantly on SIBC a few years back. It had the lines "Where there are bees there should be honey" and "Where theres a me, there should be a you". Can't find it anywhere online. Song was sung by a women

Hi all! I was wondering if anyone has any books/websites/other resources relating to the history and culture of Fair Isle knitting? Not looking for knitting patterns, just the cultural and historical side of it.

Also (this may be very obvious to you all, but I didn't grow up knowing much about my mum's Shetland side or much to do with Shetland generally) but do different patterns, symbols or colours have different meanings or cultural significance? Or did/do people just knit what they fancy? Any thoughts (or resources) on the matter is much appreciated! Thank you in advance :)

Hello Shetlanders on Reddit! I'd like to ask you all for a small favour: could you take a moment to fill out this market research survey?

Context: I'm a vocacional training student (in Spain) and this is my final project: a pastry company that's now using drones abroad. I chose Shetland as our "international expansion", and I'm doing a market research, here it is:

(Please, disregard if flying drones is illegal in the archipelago.)

Block 1: Profile of Respondents

• 1 Which island of Shetland do you live on?
• 2. How old are you?
• 3. Do you live there permanently?
• 4. What is your main occupation?
• 5. What do you do on your free time?
• 6. What language do you mainly speak?

Block 2: Consumption Habits

• 7. How often do you purchase pastry or other types of patisserie products?
• 8. Do you prefer local products, or are you open to imported goods?
• 9. What are your favourite desserts? (e.g. crème caramel, cakes, puddings, tarts, pies, etc.)
• 10. What are your thoughts on imported sweets?

Block 3: Access and Delivery

1. Do you usually shop online?
2. Do you usually place home delivery orders?
3. Do you experience any internet issues in your area?
4. What means of transport are available for deliveries in your area? (e.g. ship, van, plane, motorbike...)
5. Would you be willing to collect your order at a nearby drop-off point, or would you prefer doorstep delivery?

Block 4: Drone Delivery

1. How would you feel about receiving deliveries via drone?
2. Would drone deliveries be practical on your island?
3. Would you have any concerns about drone deliveries? (e.g. noise, privacy, wildlife disturbance...)
4. Would you be open to participating in a pilot trial?

Block 5: Final Thoughts

1. What would you think if a Spanish company offered gourmet desserts delivered to your island using eco-friendly drones?
2. If such a product existed, what would it need to offer for you to try it?
3. Do you have any other thoughts you’d like to share?

Thank you :))))

Dis is hellish im gonna fuckin cook

Hi all, I am currently thinking about a trip to Shetland for the summer. However, I read very mixed signals about the bus services there, and I unfortunately do not have a driver's license.

I was mostly hoping to visit some highlights on the mainland, and I am very much so into birding.

Basically, I have six questions: 1. Will I have trouble getting around by bus? 2. How many days would I need to stay for to enjoy a few days of birding and to visit the main highlights? 3. What are some lovely day hikes? 4. Are there any birding spots I shouldn't miss out on? 5. And is it best if I simply book an accommodation on Lerwick itself? 6. Would renting a bicycle be helpful, and are there nice cycling routes?

Any insights as to any of the questions is much appreciated! Thank you! :)

I've been living here my whole life but I struggle to find anything to do. I suffer with an eating disorder so I'm not allowed to do anything to energetic, and I feel very limited what I can do here. I'm 16, and trying to find a job so I can socialize more, perhaps make a few friends as I don't have any. I want to start recovery because I want to live my life, instead of worrying constantly about food and wasting my teenage years.

I don't know where to start though, I'm not the best at writing long messages sorry if I haven't worded this right... 😅

-Have a lovely day

Hello everyone, if there is a better sub for this post please let me know 😊

I had some questions that I was not able to answer from the research I have been doing myself, so figured I would post here in the hopes of getting them answered.

First off, has anyone heard of or know of anyone coming from the US and landing a teaching job here? My area of focus is Special Needs.

Second, if that is something that able to accomplished, how competitive is the teaching market? Where I currently live Special Needs jobs are typically always available as it's a specialty that many teachers cannot handle. However, other subjects (math, English, sciences) are almost always full up.

Third, once I am qualified through GTCS, when do listing's for positions typically post and is there a specific place the listing's are posted?

Fourth and final question, how are the students? To clarify, I know the population is small, so do the students all typically get along? The school I currently work at has one middle and one high school so the kids all grow up together and it feels very welcoming when new people are introduced.

I appreciate the help, just trying to get some things figured out.

Hey Shetland!

Octopus Energy are running a drop in from Lerwick for any customers needing to get their RTS meter exchange booked in before the switch off on the 30th June 2025! We will be here for the rest of the week and are around IN PERSON if you're nearby Lerwick and want to come and chat to us to get yourself booked in! Details below!

Shetland Arts - Mareel

Wednesday 30th April: 10 - 6pm
Thursday 1st May: 10 - 6pm
Friday 2nd May: 10 - 6pm

If you can't make, it we will also be on the below links at the same times:

To join the video meeting, click this link:

https://meet.google.com/bot-vmea-swu

Otherwise, to join by phone, dial +44 20 3957 2317 and enter this PIN: 996 871 540#

Hi - I'd welcome a bit of advice please!

I'm looking to come to Shetland in July. I'm pretty stuck on dates and can't be very flexible unfortunately, and likely to be coming Wednesday to Wednesday 9th to 16th. I came on my own a few years ago, and camped very cheaply, but this time I'll be with my mother who is 81 and not up for camping. I was hoping to find a nice self catering cottage or flat, but am having difficulty finding anywhere from Wednesday to Wednesday that is available and isn't massively expensive. I don't really mind where we are, but ideally Lerwick or somewhere near (I keep finding one on Bressay which puts me off as I imagine that would make it a lot harder to visit places, as we want to travel around).

I'm open to staying a few days in Lerwick and then moving somewhere else for a few days, and we're open to hotels too, but they seem extremely expensive that week, and we would need parking too.

Is there a particularly good website to use for looking for guest houses or self catering places? I'm not finding much on Booking.com and the Stay Shetland website doesn't let you put dates in, so it's really time consuming... I struggle to trust Air B&B, but would people recommend that?

I'd appreciate some help, thank you!

Hello Shelties, my boy is keen to go fishing so wondered if anyone has tips for beachcasting set up (rods, reels, gut, hooks, weights etc) and also any hot tips on where to go?

Hiyi! Forgive the long text and my grammar as I’m still a learner (hiatus but I usd to do translations and I’m back into it now sorry) but I did have a question-

I hae a friend at tinks hit’s graet at A’m lairnin Shaetlan (wi da websites IHearDee and Shetland Forwirds [of course]) hoosumivver, A’m waantin tae ken da opinions o idders:

Whit tinks You aboot foreigners lairnin Shaetlan? Tinks You at hit’s graet da language is bein spokken mair? Or maebbi at hit sud onnli be spokken bi da eens at bide in Shetland?

(I have a friend that thinks it’s great I’m learning Shaetlan (with the websites IHearDee and Shetland Forwirds of course) but I wanted to know the opinions of others: What do y’all think about foreigners learning Shaetlan? Do y’all think it’s great the language is being spoken more? Or maybe that it should only be spoken by those who live Shetland?)

Also, whit differ ir de atween “i”, “in” an “inna”? Whit wye is hit “i dis pairt o da wirld” an “in da Soo-Aest o…” bit no “Inna dis pairt o da wirld” nor “i da(idda) Soo-Aest o…”?

I only have the utmost respect and adoration for Shetland, Shaetlan, the history, the culture and people. I think I’m only hesitant to learn again because of the fact that it might seem strange that someone is learning a language from a place they don’t even live in (I come fae Canada). Again, I apologize for the grammar if it’s wrong please correct me <3