VisitScotland has ranked the most popular Instagram posts of Shetland in 2021 - with a Fair Isle puffin leading the way with almost 60,000 likes.
We've always known Shetland is a feast for the senses, with incredible wildlife, natural history and too many spectacular locations to mention.
But VisitScotland has ranked the most popular Instagram posts of Shetland in 2021, proving how visually appealing the islands are.
A curious puffin photographed in Fair Isle was the most popular post for the region last year. The image by @fatimasnature attracted almost 60,000 likes when shared by the national tourism organisation.
Second in the list was a beautiful and colourful image of the shoreline towards the uninhabited island of Uyea. Taken by @the_island_mama_life it received almost 40,000 likes.
The lodberries home, made famous as the residence of detective Jimmy Perez in the BBC crime drama Shetland, also features in the list. The image of the Lerwick harbourside property posted by @rebekahchloe attracted more than 35,000 likes.
The impressive numbers are all part of VisitScotland's global marketing effort, which between January 2021 and January 2022 reached people over 183 million times with 460 user-generated posts, inlcuding Shetland's top three.
Shetland is a fantastic source of inspiration for photographers and these images have captured some of the many reasons visitors are drawn to the islands.
VisitScotland’s development manager, Steve Mathieson, said: “With its stunning coastline, its spectacular wildlife and the natural beauty of its 100 plus islands, Shetland is a fantastic source of inspiration for photographers and these images have captured some of the many reasons visitors are drawn to the islands.
“VisitScotland’s social media channels have played an important role in the last two years in continuing to keep Scotland front of mind and offering inspiration to our global audiences for when they can travel. We know there is pent-up demand for travel and we want to ensure that we inspire potential visitors with what Scotland has to offer and make it their first-choice destination when they can travel.
“The growing demand for eco-tourism and interacting with nature and wild places means that Shetland is a must-see destination for more and more visitors. Tourism is at the forefront of the economic recovery, making this country richer, economically and socially, and without it, Scotland would be a much poorer place.”
Our islands are the perfect destination for aspiring photographers because the dramatic coastlines and rolling landscapes are endlessly photogenic
David Nicol leads the team behind Promote Shetland. He said: “It’s fantastic to see images of Shetland reaching such a wide audience through VisitScotland’s Instagram page.
“Our islands are the perfect destination for aspiring photographers because the dramatic coastlines and rolling landscapes are endlessly photogenic. Not only that but you’ve got the chance to witness some of the country’s most captivating wildlife in its natural environment, set against a backdrop of stunning natural light.
“It’s also heartening to see the fictional home of Detective Jimmy Perez from the BBC Shetland series make the list. The drama has been a huge asset to Shetland’s tourism industry, drawing visitors from around the globe.
“As spring approaches and the islands gear up for another busy tourist season, it’s great to see Shetland feature regularly on VisitScotland’s marketing channels as a must-see destination.”