Sumburgh Head is home to a seabird colony including puffins, or "tammie norries" as they are known locally

Shetland is Scotland’s most northerly outpost, and archipelago of over 100 islands (15 of which are inhabited) nearly 300 miles from the Scottish mainland – and not much further away from Norway’s coast. The islands were indeed ruled by Norway for 200 years longer than their strongholds on the Scottish mainland, and this Norse heritage is still strong. The islands are spectacular, with wild weather, towering cliffs, incredible wildlife and fascinating archaeology. ‘Mainland’ is the largest of the archipelago, with a population of nearly 19,000.

Many people are drawn to Shetland by the rugged scenery and dramatic coastline – and it never fails to disappoint. The archipelago has nearly 1,700 miles of coastline, and with very few trees, the landscape is open and easily accessible. Keep an eye out for wildlife including eagles, otters, seabirds and marine mammals while you’re out and about.

In recent years, one marine mammal in particular has been venturing closer ashore more and more often – the majestic orca. This formidable dolphin (not a whale!) hunts seals along the coast, and with deep water just offshore, often comes incredibly close to the shoreline – including right into harbours! In Lerwick, the Tesco is so close to the sea that footage of orca was captured by shoppers standing in the car park!

Back ashore, Shetland is home to some fascinating archaeology, much of it incredibly well-preserved, giving glimpses of Shetland’s occupation over the last 5,000 years. Neolithic homesteads, the finest surviving broch in Scotland, a Megalithic ‘temple’, a coastal battery, a site of uninterrupted inhabitation over 4,000 years… we could go on! These sites would be impressive anywhere – but with the added element of being on a remote archipelago in the North Sea, are just spectacular here on Shetland.

Thanks to its latitude – on par with southern Greenland! – and isolation from mainland light pollution, Shetland is treated to spectacular shows of the Northern Lights – or the ‘Mirrie Dancers’. This comes from the Shetland word ‘mirr’, which means to blur or to move in a shimmering way.  If seeing this phenomenon is on your bucket list, Shetland is the place to go in the UK!

Each year, Shetland’s Norse heritage is celebrated during Up Hella Aa, a 24-hour series of marches and visitations ending in a torch-lit procession and the burning of a galley – a Viking ship – in Lerwick, Shetland’s main town. This is the main festival of its kind, but a series of smaller events are held throughout January and February across Shetland. There are other events throughout the year too – a folk festival, a summer carnival, a Bergen to Shetland yachting race – all bring life to these remote islands.

Shetland may be (just a little!) out of the way of your planned route through Scotland – but those who make the effort to reach it will be rewarded with incredible wildlife, jaw-dropping scenery and fascinating archaeology. Go on – grab your windproof and get yourself there!