Shetland.org

Filming In Shetland

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Shetland’s northerly, 60ºN, latitude allows the longest filming hours available in the UK, with midsummer on the island bringing four hours more daylight than London.

Combined with the clear, unpolluted air, the quality of light and hours available make filming here unsurpassable.

Shetland has 1,697miles (2,702km) of coastline, over 16% of Scotland's total.  The islands' unique landscape is dominated by spectacular cliffs, while deserted white, sandy beaches can be found throughout the isles.

Europe’s largest oil shipment terminal nestles amid rolling hills at Sullom Voe, without affecting the islands' natural beauty. Shetland is a relatively prosperous place, possessing high quality hotels, sports facilities, roads and other support services for the film director.

Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the northern North Sea, there is a huge range of spectacular and unexpected locations on offer, from prehistoric sites to rural townscapes, castles and brochs to spectacular coastal scenery. Shetland’s culture and geography make it a popular location for documentary productions.

Shetland Islands Council works in conjunction with the regional film offices in Scotland and can give you a fast, free, confidential and informative service to help you realise your project, whether it’s a feature film or a stills shoot. The Council can offer:

• An image gathering service
• A free location-finding service covering the islands
• Familiarisation trips and possible financial help with recces
• Assistance with research
• Knowledge of local services from car-hire to set builders and accommodation to local experts

With daily connections to the UK mainland and reasonably priced accommodation, great food and wonderful spaces to relax, Shetland has everything you need for a successful production. We look forward to welcoming your production to Shetland and assisting with its smooth delivery.

"We had a fabulous time filming The Woman Who Ate Scotland on Shetland. We were spoilt by the range of seafood, meat and produce available, so could only film a small part of Shetland's rich bounty in 30 minutes! The Shetlanders were so friendly and welcoming and we all felt we had really experienced some wonderful Shetland hospitality - and I definitely feel I've still got lots of Shetland left to eat!" - Nell Nelson, presenter The Woman Who Ate Scotland (ITV).