A documentary exploring Shetland music and its importance in modern culture in the islands is in the running for an Emmy Award. Presenter and producer Mark Allen explains why the ‘Shetland Sound’ is so important.
Television presenter Mark Allen admits he fell in love with Shetland and its music after first visiting in the early 2020s, despite knowing little about the archipelago.
That initial journey was to discover more about the 'Shetland Sound' as Mark and a film crew gathered material for a television series on the PBS Network in the USA. What he discovered immediately was that there is something special about Shetland, its music and its fascinating heritage.
We set out to tell stories about people through the music they create and the traditions they carry forward.”
“For the size of the place and the population, I would say Shetland is probably the most musical place on the planet. The musicians aren’t thinking about being Nashville superstars; they’re just loving learning and playing.
“I’m convinced there are more talented musicians per capita in Shetland than anywhere else on Earth. Being in that environment influences people and the way they interact.”
For the size of the place and the population, I would say Shetland is probably the most musical place on the planet.
That’s the story that runs through the Shetland episode of Mark’s six-show ‘Have Guitar Will Travel’ series. It has been broadcast across the States, with the public network including almost 350 regional stations, a potential audience of around 180 million households. And for the first time it is available on YouTube, meaning you can enjoy the Shetland Sound online (see below).
The Shetland Sound episode has been shortlisted for the famous Emmy Awards – one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies globally, the television equivalent of the Oscars.
Mark is delighted that the episode has attracted the recognition but is equally pleased that it shines a spotlight on Shetland, one of his favourite places.
The Shetland Sound is in the running for the Outstanding Music Direction and Composition in a Daytime Programme award. The public broadcast programme, funded by supporters, is up against major US shows including The Kelly Clarkson Show, a celebrity chat show which boasts an average of around 1.5 million viewers per episode.
“It’s a David and Goliath story,” he jokes, but he’s excited to be heading to the Hollywood Palladium in LA for the ceremony on October 30th.
"To receive recognition specifically for music direction and composition is incredibly meaningful because it honours the very heart of what this series was created to celebrate.”
Win or lose, it’s a feather in the cap for the show, with plans for a second season shaping up. Equally important, for Mark, is the focus it gives to Shetland music and the other locations featured in the show.
One thing that stood out about Shetland was how traditional music remains entwined with modern community, events, and culture.
“We started digging and doing our research before visiting Shetland, and ‘wow’ the music is so important.”
That view was strengthened when the HGWT crew visited and got to know musicians including Lewie Peterson and Freda Leask, champions of the local music scene. Mark now counts both as great friends.
“They were so great and gave us a deep dive into Shetland and how music is integrated into the culture and life up there.”
We had so much fun joining in, talking and learning about the Shetland style. For me, that was a thrill.
The first interview was with Lewie and fellow musicians Ryan Couper and Callum Watt, playing in the iconic Lerwick session pub, The Lounge.
“We had so much fun,” says Mark, “joining in and talking and learning about the Shetland style. For me, that was a thrill.”
He says the music was “unlike anything” he experienced elsewhere.
“I hadn’t heard of the Shetland style, but that was the goal of the shows: to learn about other places and cultures through their music.”
Getting to know contemporary songwriters like Freda Leask helped Mark understand why the Shetland tradition remains relevant and thriving in modern Shetland.
“Freda and I spoke about how people in Shetland just like working together. Music is a spiritual glue that binds people together. It’s part of the place.”
It’s fair to say that Mark and the crew left the islands with the firm impression that Shetland was an inherently musical place…and that they had to return to learn more.
That happened in January 2025, when they were back to experience the Scalloway Fire Festival and learn how music – and celebration – plays a central role in all the Up Helly Aas across Shetland each winter.
He describes the fire festival experience as phenomenal. Although he struggled to keep up with the 24-hour celebrations of the Jarl’s Squad of Vikings, Mark did manage to find a suit and took part in the torchlit procession – a real privilege that most visitors do not experience.
While donning a tutu and sparkly jacket while carrying a flaming torch was a highlight, Mark’s lasting impression of the event is its community spirit.
“I did my best to keep up with them, but that was so hard! But it was such good fun. We visited the school and the halls – having that community and the ease and the way people interact, there’s something special about that. Music really helps cement that.”
You might say Shetland’s music is the sound of community.
• Have Guitar Will Travel has its own YouTube channel showing all episodes of the series. The special episode about Scalloway Fire Festival is expected to be available before the end of 2026.