Lerwick

Lerwick is the capital of Shetland, closer to Norway than to mainland Scotland. The harbour has been active for centuries, first as a herring port and now welcoming cruise ships. Commercial Street winds through the town centre, narrow and stone-paved, with independent shops. The narrow lanes climbing uphill from the main street have been restored and planted with flowers. Ships dock at the floating pontoon or use tenders from Bressay Sound. The Shetland Museum on the waterfront covers archaeology, maritime history, and the islands' textile traditions. Jarlshof, one of Britain's most important archaeological sites, has layered ruins from the Bronze Age through to Viking and medieval periods. Shetland ponies roam the hills. Scalloway Castle, built in 1600, is a short drive away. For food, try fresh seafood at a harbourfront café. Fair Isle knitwear, with its distinctive stranded colourwork patterns, is the famous local craft. The pound is the currency.