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By Promote ShetlandFebruary 25th 2011

Hi,

I'm Abby - the author of www.shetlandmylove.com and I'll be bringing you monthly Shetland happenings, information and holiday suggestions.

If you are considering a visit to Shetland, please do not hesitate to contact us for holiday planning advice using either the contact form on the website or by phoning +44 (0)1595 98 98 98.

Please also feel free to get in touch with questions and comments via Twitter or Facebook – we would love to hear from you.

It's the time of year when Gannets will soon arrive at the large breeding colonies of Noss and Hermaness. Rooks will begin to rebuild their homes. The cheering yellows of daffodils will brighten our landscape. And though the days grow longer, and the song of the Skylark heralds spring - there is still a nip in the air, and you'd be as mad as March hare to leave home without a gorgeous Shetland knit to keep you cosy and warm.

Let's go shopping!

The distinctive Fair Isle pattern is one of Shetland's most famous exports. Popularised by the Prince of Wales in 1923, it quickly became highly fashionable and covetable, for both men and women, and remains so today.

Should you wish to indulge in some retail therapy - you can purchase these jeweled garments, in both traditional and contemporary styles, from various outlets - either in store or online. Visit Lerwick based Anderson & Company, Spiders Web and Ninian, or take a trip to the famous Jamieson's Spinning Mill on the Westside. Venture to the island and meet theFair Isle Co-operative or travel south to the workshops of Shetland Designer and Shetland Collection. Head north to the whimsical Oily Muggie or discover Thistle & Broom on the mainland. Wherever you may roam, you will discover knitwear that is inspired by our scenery, heritage and culture.

Experience real Shetland wool

Jamieson & Smith - the hub of Shetland's wool industry are pleased to announce a Shetland wool tour in October. Oliver Henry - an icon in the British wool industry, with over 40 years experience and unparalleled knowledge - will share his valuable insights about our wool and knitting industries, and take you behind the scenes of this fascinating business. Meet Dr Carol Christiansen, textiles curator at Shetland Museum and Archives, and gain exclusive access to collections unavailable in the public gallery. Join master classes in Spinning, Fair Isle and Shetland fine lace knitting. Take part in a weaving workshop at the Centre for Creative Industries, and visit a local crofter - one of Jamieson & Smith's wool suppliers. This trip offers a truly authentic Shetland experience. Keep checking the website, more information will be online soon.

The Perfect Escape

'Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum' is from the famous 'Treasure Island song, penned by Robert Louis Stevenson, but did you also know his grandfather, Robert Stevenson, was equally gifted and designed Sumburgh lighthouse? One of three historically and spectacularly situated Stevenson lighthouses available to rent, in addition to Eshaness and Bressay.

Visit the informative Shetland Lighthouse holidays website and you will realize that each lighthouse is unique in location, however, all three guarantee glorious views, cosy accommodation and wildlife to thrill. So why not get away from it all - close the heavy wooden shutters, listen to the wind whirling like a dervish and the sea pounding the rocks below, and imagine your own treasure trove - the perfect escape.

Islesburgh House: best youth hostel in Europe!

Shetland receives many accolades for its outstanding environment and attractions. However, Shetland never rests on its laurels, and aims to deliver the best holiday experience possible. Once again, we are delighted to have achieved this. Our most recent thumbs-up is from travel industry experts - HiHostel.com.

Islesburgh House, Lerwick, has been voted as Europe's top youth hostel and second equal in the world! The HiHostel site describes Islesburgh as 'a beautiful 5-star hostel' offering 'the perfect base from which to explore the Shetland Islands'. Islesburgh also topped the ratings with regards the friendliness of staff. Shetlanders are renowned for their hospitality and though we can't guarantee the weather, we can ensure a warm welcome.

The trip of a lifetime

One of the most pleasurable aspects of holiday planning is the booking of trips and tours, and the appeal of Shetland encompasses all tastes and ages. Choose from guided walks to kayaking, geological exploration to world-class wildlife watching.

Or perhaps you'd prefer to immerse yourself in our rich cultural heritage, pursue art classes and workshops, listen to our famed storytellers tell of local history and folklore, or maybe sea angling whets your appetite? A few hours fishing for your supper, in our abundant waters, will make for an unforgettable experience. Look out Shetland Marine Charters - an excellent new trip for 2011. The question won't be what to do while you're here, but how to fit it all in! So, why not make a cup of tea, relax, and visit our tours and trips page. A grand adventure awaits!

A Photographer's paradise

Shetland is a photographer's paradise - people travel from across the globe hoping to capture the essence of island life. This never-ending quest for the perfect place, moment and light, hooks both professional and amateur.

Many photographers relocate here - drawn in by the unspoilt scenery, the diverse wildlife, the personalities and events that make our islands so inspirational, so unique. Peruse our new image gallery and share the many powerful, and personal, visions of Shetland - a superb showcase of the finest and most interesting visual images. We're also hoping to launch our 2011 photo competition soon so keep checking the website for details.

See you soon!

Abby

Feedback

We would welcome any comments you have about this newsletter, or about the www.SHETLAND.org site.

Also, if you have any enquiries at all about Shetland we would be more than happy to assist you. Please contact us using any of the methods listed on our contact page.

Thank you again for taking the time to read this newsletter and please feel free to forward it to anyone else who may be interested in Shetland.

The team at Promote Shetland