Memories of Shetland

[Northern lights]

Seem to be thinking a lot about Shetland these days. Don't know if it is just me getting older. Was thinking about Lerwick in the mid 80's and being scared walking through the town center where all the punks used to hang out on good days Lol. Suppose they were harmful enough, funny though that the punk fashions probably lingered on longer in Shetland than anywhere else.

 

Are they still there?

 

Haha seriously though, I miss the place.

 

I remember tramping over the hills on the long summer days and lying back in the heather that was in full bloom and soaking up the Suns warmth.

 

Is the place I grew up and I yearn to go back some day. Funny that as when I was older (and living in Shetland)I was desperate to leave.

[MuckleJoannie]

Nobody much hangs around the town centre these days.

[Northern lights]

Ahhh that's a shame. Is a great spot when the suns out.

[MuckleJoannie]

I mind when we used to sit around the Market Cross with kerry oots. You'd be arrested if you tried that now.

[tirvaluk]

We were sitting we carry oots in 1977 and the police moved wis, we went tae da fort. Dae didna want da tourists tae see wis.

[Northern lights]

I only went to Lerwick once a month or so for a big shop in the supermarkets with my folks. I remember the fort well. At the time it seemed so big, but looking at it now it is tiny lol. I used to love the fish and chip shop at the foot of the fort. I always asked my dad to stop by there on our way home to voe. Sometimes he would get us both a fish supper on condition of me not telling my mum. In those days the fish and chips were wrapped in newspapers. Is the golden coach Chinese restaurant still there?

 

Funny as a kid, parkers were big back then, and some could zip up pretty well. Used to go out in the blizzards in my Parker wearing carrier bags over the top my socks to keep them dry and wellies. Was pretty exhilarating for a child.

 

People say winter time in Shetland is depressing. But I loved it. I would always go out by myself in the dark evenings and on a clear night the stars were amazing. I would just wonder around or lie on my back in the snow and try to see as many stars as possible. Sometimes seeing the northern lights or wondering if we are alone in the universe.

 

Though thinking back as a teenager it could be pretty limiting if ur friends were in another village you could miss out. Anyway enough reminiscing.

 

I'm planning on coming to Shetland in a couple of years time to have a look around at all the old spots I used to go to mainly in voe and brae, some of the islands and beaches etc...

 

Really want to show my family where I grew up, I can't explain it but it is one of the few places I truly love thinking back to. I've lived in other great places all over the world too of course but I guess u only have one childhood.

[MuckleJoannie]

You can catch up via the Shetland webcams

 

http://www.shetland.org/60n/webcams/market-cross

[Northern lights]

Thanks for the link! Looks great, blue sky today your lucky.

 

Looks pretty deserted the cross and all. Would be great if that entire street was a pedestrian zone only. But maybe there aren't that many cars up there that go down there any more so perhaps not a big deal.

 

I'll check it out on Saturday to see if there is more life there

 

I saw the weather is 13 c or so up there so I'm guessing summertime has arrived -> temperature hitting double figures. I remember we would all cheer in our household when ever we hit double figures on the TV weather LOL

[MuckleJoannie]

I was on the street on Saturday and there was hardly a soul, even with the lifeboat gala on the pier. The only time it seems to be halfway busy now is when the bairns come down from the AHS at lunch time, and that will stop when the new school opens at Clickimin next year.