What It's Really Like Living on the Shetland Islands

Shetland Islands Living: Nature, Isolation, and Community

Ever wonder what it's like to live on a group of remote, wind-battered islands where ponies outnumber people, daylight disappears in winter, and the local accent sounds like Viking Scots? Welcome to the Shetland Islands—Scotland's northernmost frontier, a place where life is as raw and real as the North Sea that surrounds it.

From dramatic cliffs and puffin-covered coastlines to weather so moody it could star in its own crime drama (looking at you, Shetland TV series), these islands are not for the faint of heart. But they are for those who crave quiet beauty, community spirit, and a deep connection to the rhythms of land and sea.

First, Where Exactly Are We?

The Shetland Islands sit far north of mainland Scotland—closer to Norway than to Edinburgh, and you feel it. The Norse influence is everywhere, from the language and local festivals to the fierce independence of the people. It's not uncommon to hear Shetlanders identify as "from Shetland" rather than Scottish or British. They’ve got their own thing going on—and they’re proud of it.

Weather: It's a Personality Trait

Let’s not sugarcoat it—Shetland’s weather is wild. Wind is a constant companion. Rain? Frequent. And winter daylight? A brief cameo. Around the solstice, the sun rises after 9:30 AM and sets before 3 PM. That’s not including the grey gloom that often masks the daylight you do get.

But flip that coin to midsummer, and you’ll get nearly 19 hours of sunshine—or at least light. During “Simmer Dim” (as they call the soft, glowing twilight of summer nights), you can sit outside at 2 AM with enough light to read a book. It’s surreal, magical, and just a bit disorienting.

The Community: Small but Mighty

There’s no hiding in Shetland. Walk into a local pub as a stranger, and chances are someone will text their friend: "New person alert." A few minutes later, the place fills up with curious, friendly locals wanting to know who you are, where you’re from, and if you’re single (kidding… sort of).

People are warm and welcoming—at first. But becoming a "real" local can take decades. Even those who’ve lived there for 20 years may still be seen as “incomers.” Still, the community is close-knit, supportive, and uncommonly musical. Seriously—nearly everyone plays an instrument, sings, or at least dances a mean jig.

Ponies, Puffins, and Other Delights

Shetland ponies are real, adorable, and everywhere. They’ve been around since the Bronze Age and look like shaggy little horses with attitude. Don’t be surprised if they block the road, demanding snacks in exchange for passage.

The wildlife is equally impressive—think seals lounging on the beach, otters darting through kelp, and puffins bobbing like cartoons along the cliffs. If you’re lucky, you might even spot orcas slicing through the surf.

The Culture: Vikings, Fires, and Folk Tunes

Shetland’s Viking history runs deep, and nowhere is it more obvious than at Up Helly Aa, the fire festival to end all fire festivals. Every January, Lerwick hosts a torch-lit parade with costumed "Vikings" dragging a full-sized replica longship through the streets—only to set it ablaze in spectacular fashion. It’s equal parts history, party, and primal scream into the winter night.

Then there’s the music. Folk traditions thrive here, with fiddles and accordions filling community halls on dark nights. The local arts scene punches way above its weight, and you'll often stumble into a random live gig, gallery show, or impromptu ceilidh (that’s a dance party, for the uninitiated).

Daily Life: Quirks, Challenges, and Charms

Living in Shetland is not all ponies and puffins. The challenges are real:

• Transportation: Ferries and flights are vulnerable to weather disruptions. A storm can cut you off from the world for days.
• Shopping: Fancy a Starbucks run? Tough luck. The main town, Lerwick, has one modest shopping centre and not a lot else.
• Entertainment: There’s one cinema. No bowling alley, no nightclub. You make your own fun—or you drink.
• Internet and Services: Undersea cables get cut. Nepotism runs deep in local businesses. Public transport is limited.

And yet… people stay. Or return. Or never leave in the first place. Why?

Because on a clear day, when the wind hushes for once, and the sea glimmers like glass, Shetland feels like another world entirely. Time stretches out. The silence is addictive. The beauty is elemental and raw.

Is It for Everyone?

Not at all. If you're used to the buzz of the mainland, you might find yourself climbing the walls come January. If you're drawn to nature, solitude, and rugged authenticity, Shetland might be your soulmate.

It’s not an easy place to live, but it is a meaningful one. The kind of place where you learn to appreciate the little things—like a working ferry, a dry day, or a visit from a friend bearing gossip.

So, what’s life like on the Shetland Islands? It’s cold. It’s beautiful. It’s strange and wild and lonely and warm all at once. It’s not just a place you live—it’s a place that lives in you.