Scotland4me.net Out and About

	Scotland4me.net	'Out and About'
'Shetland Isles'
	History - Shetland Isles - Not many people realise just eactly where the archipelago of 100 islands and islets lies. It also comes as a huge surprise to people to discover that Shetland is nearer Bergen than Aberdeen, it is further north than Moscow and the main town of Lerwick is as far from London and as Milan is from London. The population of Shetland is around 23,000. Shetland was Norse until 8 September 1468, when the islands were mortgaged to Scotland for 8,000 florins as part of the marriage agreement between the future James III and Princess Margrethe of Denmark. In 1472 the Scots annexed both Shetland and Orkney. The whole area measures about 70 miles from Sumburgh Head in the south to Muckle Flugga off the coast of Unst in the north. It is no surprise that the sea dominates life on Shetland today, as it has throughout history. Fishing is vital to the economy.
	Haroldswick Methodist Church - The church was required due to its predecessor, which used to stand where the car park is today, was severely damaged by high winds. The foundation stone for the new church was laid in 1990 and the church dedicated in May 1993. Shetland architect Frank A Robertson designed the building which is built along the lines of a simplified Norwegian wooden staved church. One of its' features is the separate bell turret, built as a millennium project in 2001 to house the bell, which dates back to 1867. What you find inside is a surprise. Lined throughout with Scandinavian red pine panelling it is quite awesome. The result is a really attractive space with a warm, light and airy feel, even on the most grey and uninspiring of days.
	Broch of Clickimin - This is Lerwick's biggest open space and lies around the Loch of Clickimin which can be found on the south west side of the town. The Clickimin Centre is the most impressive building in the area. It contains sports facilities which include a swimming pool plus a camping and caravanning site, the Broch of Clickimin is easily accessible.
	Scalloway Castle - The Castle was built in 1600 by Earl Patrick Stewart. Long ago Scalloway was once the capital of Shetland. The Stewart family who held the title, Earls of Orkney and Shetland, had a huge impact on both groups of islands. Robert Stewart was the illegitimate son of King James V of Scotland and Euphemia Elphinstone one of the King's mistresses. He was born in 1533 and in 1564 given the Earldom of Orkney and Shetland and the position of the Sheriff of Orkney.
	Valhalla Brewery - which can be found to the west of Baltasound is Britain's most northerly brewery. It came about when husband and wife, Sonny & Sylvia Priest started brewing in December 1997. The name comes from the hall of the Norse God Odin. Visitors can tour the brewery by appointment. The brewery has a four and a half barrel brew plant and sometimes there are up to three brews a week depending on demand. The process of 'Bottling' now benefits from investment in new machinery but only two bottles are done at one time and then each bottle is capped manually.
	Hamna Voe - Around 1890 it is thought that only six cottages existed at that time but the area expanded in the 1920s when rows of fishermen's cottages were built. The cottages are of a typical design consisting of a single storey building with two rooms a central front door and a porch. Paint left over from painting the boats was often used to decorate the cottages. The harbour is the heart of Hamnavoe. Here you will find a variety of fishing vessels and pleasure boats.
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