By Allison ChristieAugust 13th 2019
Allison Christie

From cakes and home bakes to eggs, meat and veg, you can find all sorts of delicious produce to buy along Shetland's roadsides...

Driving through Shetland, you’ll see signs saying ‘eggs for sale’ at the roadside. It’s a simple case of stopping to take your eggs out of a box, note what you bought in a notepad, if there is one, leave your money in a tub and off you go!

Some of our honesty boxes take it a step further and also offer jams, bread, fudge and home baking. Honesty boxes started as a good way for locals to share the bounty of eggs produced by their own hens and ducks, and those who bake use these free range eggs in their baking too. There is even an honesty box selling Shetland mussels located by the main road heading through Tresta.

Often a hobby juggled between work and family commitments, our much appreciated honesty bakers may only be stirring up delights on certain days or at certain times of the year. We suggest you find them on Facebook and check what they have on offer before you visit, but when you do find one, you’re likely to be met with a gorgeous selection of tiffins, cupcakes, bannocks and biscuits.

As more people have joined the collective of honesty box and cake fridge bakers, you'll find that there's an excellent choice and high standard. Some have even expanded to open cafes alongside their fridges.

Like most things in life, the majority of people will not only act honestly, but will show their appreciation in other ways, perhaps by leaving a good review or leaving a tip. But let’s not be naïve – the small risk of petty thieving or vandalism is minimised either by honesty boxes being within sight of the owners or some honesty boxes go as far as installing cameras to guard against those risks. We know you’ll do the right thing!

Here’s where to find out more about Shetland’s most popular honesty boxes and cake fridges, but keep your eyes peeled wherever you’re driving and take a look in any produce boxes you find.

Hayfield Croft Produce (above) on the west mainland of Shetland on the B9071 between Voe and Aith is credited as the original Cake Fridge, and now also runs a gorgeous tearoom on the site. You’ll find eggs and croft produce here as well as a huge range of cakes and bakes here, and an excellent range of gluten free, egg free and dairy free/vegan options.

Marina’s Kitchen Cabinet (above) in West Burra, just before you reach the Shetland Pony Riding Club near Bannamin, is another fantastic cake fridge to visit. On Sundays you’ll find fresh puddings, and through the week you’ll find cupcakes, tiffin and bannocks.

Transition Turriefield is a working croft with a farm box, definitely one to check for fresh eggs and seasonal fruit and vegetables. They also operate a vegetable box scheme throughout Shetland and classes in growing your own here in Shetland.

The famous Bobby's Bus Shelter in Unst (above) is another bus stop that has an adjacent honesty box. It's a great place to stop in the Shetland's most northerly isle to stock up on eggs, cookies and home bakes. Another pit stop in the isle is the La Petit Cafe which is located on the shoreside at Uyeasound.

Sand Honesty Box is another great place to try, next to a bus shelter on the road to the Gairdins of Sand on the West Mainland. Open through the summer, you’ll find fabulous homebakes and eggs here.

Rachael's (above) is an honesty fridge in Lerwick which boasts delicious creations including brownies, tiffins and cookie pies in eco-friendly packaging. You will find the fridge at 25 Fogralea and the sweet treats are available from 7am on Fridays. Follow her on Instagram to get a preview of each week's menu.

Something Sweet is also based in the town at 106 St Olaf Street offering a wide variety of cakes and you can even pay by card.

Emma’s Cake Corner is in Sandwick, next to the Hoswick Visitor Centre, and another fantastic place to visit. It offers a great selection of tiffins, home bakes and gluten, dairy and egg free cakes.

Da Barn, Hillswick in Northmavine offers fresh vegetables and home produce too. Popular with horses, we hear…

The Norwick Egg Box in Unst is another one to check out. A great place for fresh eggs, jam and homebakes too.

Cake Fridge Shetland, at East Burrafith is one of thos enterprises which has expanded to offer outdoor seating alongside the fridge and an adjacent cafe. In May 2023, it was announced that Cake Fridge Shetland had entered a collaboration allowing Mareel, the arts venue in Lerwick, to sell its products.

We hope you find some surprises in our honesty boxes across Shetland, and if you find any that aren’t listed here, do let us know – a trip in the name of research is always welcomed!