SHETLAND ISLANDS PHOTO TOUR SCOTLAND MAY 2027

SHETLAND ISLANDS PHOTO TOUR 

Destination Summary 

Shetland Islands Photo Tour – from Viking stronghold to Scotland’s modern-day and most northerly Island Archipelago.

From our base on the Main Island you will travel to all points around the Shetland mainland, plus the Islands of Yell, Unst and the Burras. The Shetland Islands landscape consists of rugged hills and moorland, filled with lochs and fringed with sandy beaches, high sea-cliffs and sea stacks, some of volcanic origin.

The indented coastline is made of Voes (Fjords or sea lochs), exposed high cliffs with big populations of nesting birds around the coastline, including Puffin, Gannets, Kittiwakes, Skuas, and Shags.

Small, colourful fishing villages and farms dot the landscapes as do the remains of Viking long houses, more of which exist here than in any other part of the world.

History 

During the Shetland Islands Photo Tour we’ll drop by a rural museum or two and gain an insight into its past and present.

This historic past is part what gives Shetland some of its unique appeal and identity. Once part of the Scandinavian Kingdoms,  the Islands were pawned to the Scottish King James III  550 years ago. The wedding dowry payment was never met and the islands were absorbed  into the Scottish Kingdom. Shetlanders still celebrate this identity with events through out the year.

Key Locations 

The Shetland Island photo tour, is a dream for the adventurous photographer due to the archipelago’s dramatic landscapes, rich wildlife, fantastic cliff top walks and ever-changing light

Eshaness Cliffs – volcanic rock formations with crashing waves, particularly striking at sunset or during storms.

Hermaness Nature Reserve (Unst) – sweeping views over cliffs teaming with birds and views out to Muckle Flugga, the UK’s northern most point.

St Ninian’s Isle – connected to the mainland by a natural sand tombolo, offering symmetry and soft tones perfect for sunrise/sunset.

Minn Beach – curved white sand beach with turquoise water, croft ruins and cliff top vistas.

Sumburgh Head populations of sea birds, dramatic cliff views and the famous lighthouse. Nearby beaches have regular Seals bathing on the sand.

Yell and Unst The most northerly outposts of the British Isles , Viking relics, reconstructed Longboats , pristine beaches and Shetland Ponies 

West Mainland – the road less travelled offers hidden sea stacks,  harbour side communities and a stunning beach or two. 

Plus many more.

What to expect

The Shetland Islands are in the North Atlantic  and so exposed to the elements. May is a good time to visit but can still offer challenges with frequent showers, winds and chilly conditions. Often in the space of just a few hours. Of course it can also offer days of beautiful spring sunshine.

We plan to do around 3 or 4 walks on this tour which could involve wet weather. Two of which are up to 2 or 3hrs and involve exposed cliff tops, beaches and rough sheep tracks. You will need to have good mobility and be able to cover loose and rocky ground on foot. None of the walks are particularly steep.

Please make sure that this trip is suitable for your own abilities and fitness levels.

Most photo sessions will begin from mid-morning with lunches on location running into afternoon sessions with a late afternoon break when possible. Dinner will be at our venue or restaurants that are convenient, these can be few and far between outside Lerwick. We will then have an evening session until dusk which can be close to 10pm, so be prepared for late nights.
There will be no early rises to compensate for this.

Accommodation

5 nights single occupancy rooms – venue tbc

A convenient base to relax and socialise at after a long day shooting.

1 nights single occupancy accommodation at the Sumburgh Hotel based in the south of the mainland.

Essential equipment Camera, ( the best camera is the one you have)  I recommend lenses with a focal length from 16mm ( wide angle ) 24-70mm ( mid range ) and  up to 200mm (telephoto) as a minimum. Bring a  good quality sturdy tripod too . I emphasise a telephoto lens especially to get the best out of each coastal session, birds and seals etc.

Non essential but recommended Polariser, neutral density graduated and straight neutral density filters can be useful. A 6 stop little stopper to 10 stop, big stopper is useful for seascapes.

I use Lee ND filters both hard and soft, the drop in type rather than screw in.

If you can bring laptop with Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop or other image editing software might be useful if the weather gets the better of us on some days.

Good quality waterproof camera bag and clothing, hiking boots hats and gloves.

Getting there

Meet up time in Lerwick at 10:30

Drop off Sumburgh Airport 09:00* or Lerwick at 11:30am on the 16th May

Ferry

Take an over night ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick – Northlink Ferries . An Aberdeen airport bus links with the ferry service if you fly to Aberdeen first. Click here for  Northlink Ferry Info

Departs Aberdeen 17:00 * ( via Orkney ) or 19:00 and arrives around 07:30 in Lerwick.   Cabins and pod or regular recliners are available to book. Check the Northlink website for info.

* Please check Northlink website for up to date sailing times

Or Fly

There are flights with Logan Air to Sumburgh Airport from Edinburgh, Glasgow , Aberdeen and at time of writing Manchester and London City. England departures will be less frequent. Flights arrive in Sumburgh, South mainland Shetland which is around 30 minutes from Lerwick. Taxi or buses will get you to Lerwick . Visit Logan Air here

On Location