lastpubrunner Posted July 7, 2006 Report Share Posted July 7, 2006 I shall be up in Shetland 22nd - 29th July with my missus and three boys aged 12, 10 & 2. We shall be staying in Hamnavoe. Does anyone on this forum know of any places where we could go for an evening's entertainment. A few years ago, we went to a really good quiz night at Cunningsburgh Village Hall. Can anyone suggest anything similar ? On another note, I've read comments on this site about Shetlanders being 'fedup' with life in Shetland. What makes them think that they'd be happier anywhere else !? I think that Shetland is a place with a great deal of potential. It is rather underdeveloped from a tourists point of view, but that is part of its charm. However, I firmly believe that certain areas could be improved upon. Shetlanders should be very proud of what Shetland has to offer, but there needs to be a greater degree of promotion of products and services. All the travel brochures rightly praise Shetland lamb; but whenever I’ve been to a butchers in Lerwick (in July/August), they’ve only had Scottish lamb in stock as Shetland lamb/mutton is seasonal. I’ve read about the much vaunted Shetland lamb, so I demand some Shetland lamb when I’m in Shetland !!! . My mother’s family (Laurensons from Scalloway) always used to have wonderful mutton, but I can’t seem to find it. Apart from the college in Scalloway, there are very few opportunities to have fresh Shetland fish. The fresh produce of Shetland is one of its core strengths, but it doesn’t seem to be easy to find. I can go to supermarkets in England, so I’d rather go elsewhere in Shetland. What about more shops selling specialised goods and produce ? My missus spent a fortune in the Shetland Soap Company shop last time we were there. In a similar vein, I’m interested in taking my two older boys for a few hours fishing. It may seem ‘corny’ to Shetlanders, but most tourists would be thrilled at the prospect of catching their own tea. Even if no fish were caught, who could complain with the scenery and wildlife in such abundance ? Currently, I haven’t been able to find anyone that offers such a service. IF there is anyone offering trips from Lerwick/Scalloway/Hamnavoe etc, they should have signs in big, bold writing which makes it clear to the tourists what is on offer. Yes, I know that there are trips to Noss etc (and I’ll certainly go there) but I’d like to go fishing as well. Is there any place offering Shetland pony rides for children ? Come on Shetlanders, I’m not saying that tourists should be blatantly exploited, but I’m sure that commercial opportunities exist. Tourists need to be made aware of what is available, don’t just assume that they know. Again, big, bold signs are what is required !!! Every time I’ve been to Shetland, I’ve always brought a fair amount of my spending money back again, ‘cos the opportunities to spend it are limited. People scrimp and save during their working lives so that they can ‘blow’ a little money on holiday - surely, entrepreneurial Shetlanders should be making the most of this fact. Last year, I went on holiday to Barmouth on the Welsh coast. Our self catering accommodation (mobile home) cost £500 for a week (Shetland is half this). I booked our accommodation in Hamnavoe back in March and we only just found somewhere – everywhere else on West Burra was booked up. And there appears to be nowhere on East Burra that offers any holiday accommodation. A beautiful island; close to Lerwick and shops etc, but no accommodation. In Wales, they’d be getting grants to convert barns etc, into accommodation for tourists. To anyone living in London, Shetland would appear to be ridiculously cheap, especially for accommodation. Three years ago, some friends of mine went to the Western Isles at the end of July. They said that it was full of tourists and that in some places they felt that they were ‘ripped off’. They loved the scenery, but said that the roads became so congested that travelling became difficult. I recommended that they visit Shetland and they’ve now visited twice !! They love it ! They felt that it was everything that the Western Isles should have been and more !!! Shetland just needs to be promoted a little more, but don’t overdo it !!! I don’t want to see shops offering cheap souvenirs and things such as amusement arcades. Shetland should play to its strengths. Elma Johnson’s tours are just the sort of thing that tourists like. I can easily imagine my boys telling their mates that they were taken on a trip by a red bearded Viking. It may sound ‘twee’ or ‘corny’, but that’s what tourists like. When we were in Wales last year, we went on a boat trip through some caves and the boat was steered by a hooded monk. I still don’t know why he was dressed like that, but my kids loved it. Perhaps you should develop the Viking aspects of Shetland a little further . . . . . . . Shetland has been mentioned in the national press and I believe that gradually, there will be an increase in the number of visitors. The tourists will be very pleased to see that Shetland is a beautiful place and not overly commercialised. Most importantly, there is nothing that needs to be undone; just a little more development and promotion. Lecture over ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McFly Posted July 7, 2006 Report Share Posted July 7, 2006 Hi lastpubrunner, and a warm welcome to Shetlink. I thought this topic would be better off here in the Travel forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustMe Posted July 7, 2006 Report Share Posted July 7, 2006 Well the fishing is easily sorted. http://members.aol.com/cycharters/ offer fishing and sightseeing trips from Scalloway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twerto Posted July 7, 2006 Report Share Posted July 7, 2006 For events like pub quizes etc.. your best best is to buy a Shetland times and look at the entertainments section.. The time you are up i would expect there wil be a few country shows on too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustMe Posted July 7, 2006 Report Share Posted July 7, 2006 Another boat trip that should be considered http://www.mousaboattrips.co.uk/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twerto Posted July 7, 2006 Report Share Posted July 7, 2006 For horse riding there is the place in Dale of Walls.. that does horse riding.. Im not sure if Shetland ponies are involved tho Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghostrider Posted July 7, 2006 Report Share Posted July 7, 2006 It might be worth giving this one a try for Shetland Pony rides, they used to organise that kind a thing for visitors. I'm not up to date on their present services, and this page is focused more towards their stud activities, but it has their full contact information. http://www.ponies-of-shetland.co.uk/broothomponies.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breeksy Posted July 7, 2006 Report Share Posted July 7, 2006 To get the freshest of Shetland fish, go to the fish shop in the Toll Clock - it's new - is it the Handmade Fish Co? I think so - anyway, it's just opposite the Skipidock cafe, and the fish that you buy is the best you will get anywhere! For self-catering purposes I must add - you will need to cook it yourself. And the Fort chip shop is cooking Shetland farmed cod I believe. It's great to hear an external perpective on what needs to be done in Shetland for tourists, as its easy to miss the obvious when you live here - you just accept what you've got, I suppose. I hope you enjoy your holiday, and the weather is as good as it has been this past few days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judge Posted July 10, 2006 Report Share Posted July 10, 2006 The Shetland Vistor magazine is not bad this year. Mentions probably everything Shetland has to offer. You can pick them up in the tourist office. Hope you have a nice time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lastpubrunner Posted July 11, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Many thanks for the replies !!! I've already booked a fishing trip with Cycharters ! We are VERY much looking forward to visiting Shetland again. Best wishes to All on this forum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lastpubrunner Posted July 11, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 I'm going on a Cycharters fishing trip. I forgot to ask the Skipper what kind of fish we might catch - can anyone enlighten me as to which (if any) fish we might catch ? When my Grandad took me fishing in his wee boat in Clift Sound 30 years ago, it was mostly piltocks and mackerel. All the Best ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lastpubrunner Posted July 11, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Can anyone recommend any activities which would occupy children in Shetland ? I've booked a fishing trip; I plan to take them to Clickimin Leisure Centre (& Clickimin Broch), we'll go to Meal Beach in Hamnavoe; Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head. Where is the best place to find sea shells ? Where else can I take them to fill a few hours ? Thanks for any advice ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustMe Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Could do worse than turn them loose in the refurbished play park in King Harald Street. Some of the new kit makes me want to be young again. Can always pretend it is just to give the 2yo a go on a swing and see if the rest decide to get involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peeriesooky Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 canna mind if there's much shells on it, but a beautiful beach is banna minn on west burra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lastpubrunner Posted July 11, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Yes, I've been on Banna Minn -a top beach, but don't tell everyone, or they'll all want to go. Along with where my Grandparents lived (East Hoagland, Bridge End, Burra Isle) which had a terrific view along Clift Sound; Banna Minn and Kettlaness are my favourite places in Shetland. Thanks for taking the trouble to reply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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