SHETLAND’S WILD WATERS

The bleak landscape and blustering winds of this remote Scottish archipelago, which comprises some 100 islands, are in sharp contrast to the warmth of the Shetlanders’ welcome. The hospitality of these isles – just 16 of them inhabited – extends to all manner of creatures, with charismatic wildlife far outnumbering humans along these coasts. Sitting at the very northern tip of the UK – next stop Norway – it’s hard to believe one can reach such blissful isolation without the need for a passport. Each new bay seems alive with opportunity for watching wildlife and free from anything resembling a crowd.

A THRIVING ECOSYSTEM

I’m staying on Shetland Mainland and, looking