By Helen SmithFebruary 27th 2015

This year 47 cruise liners will call into Lerwick, bringing over 43,000 passengers. If you're arriving into Lerwick on one of the cruise ships you'll be receive orientation information from the "Meet and Greet Team" at the pavillion on the pier. You may be tempted by one of the excursions offered onboard the ship, or you may wish to do things independently. Either way, you'll receive a warm welcome during your short visit. If you do decide to take the independent route, you can meander along the Lerwick lanes, visit the Town Hall, discover the Clickimin Broch or even head to the beach; there's even two sandy beaches in Lerwick, one in town next to the Queens Hotel and one out at Sound. Local historian Douglas Sinclair, offers four different walking tours, each equallly facinating.

If you want to head out of town, again, there's a number of options open to you. Tour guide and crofter, James Tait operates Island Trails who offer set or bespoke tours of 4 to 6 hours in duration, depending on your length of stay in port. Or you could do your own thing altogether and hire a taxi to take you on a tour of your making. This is ideal if you've done your research and have specific places you'd like to see and don't want the services of a guide. Some companies to try are Boddam Cabs or Allied Taxis.