Editing Shetland (section)

== Economy ==

Today, the main revenue producers in Shetland are [[agriculture]], [[aquaculture]], [[fishing]], [[renewable energy in Scotland|renewable energy]], the [[petroleum|petroleum industry]] ([[crude oil]] and [[natural gas]] production), the [[creative industries]] and [[tourism]].<ref>[http://move.shetland.org/economy "Economy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810083640/http://move.shetland.org/economy |date=10 August 2011 }}, move.shetland.org, Retrieved 19 March 2011</ref> Unst also has a [[Spaceport|rocket launch site]] called [[SaxaVord Spaceport]] (previously known as Shetland Space Centre).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://shetlandspacecentre.com/general/name-change-and-rebrand-for-our-rocket-site/ |title=Name change and rebrand for our rocket site |work=Shetland Space Centre |date=30 June 2021 |access-date=12 October 2021 |archive-date=3 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003172718/https://shetlandspacecentre.com/general/name-change-and-rebrand-for-our-rocket-site/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A February 2021 news item indicated that a rocket manufacturer from Germany, HyImpulse Technologies, planned to launch spacecraft powered by hydrogen from the Spaceport, starting in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2021/02/02/german-rocket-company-commits-to-using-unst-space-centre/ |title=German rocket company commits to using Unst space centre |date=2 February 2021 |work=Shetland News |access-date=7 February 2021 |quote= |archive-date=7 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207075254/https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2021/02/02/german-rocket-company-commits-to-using-unst-space-centre/ |url-status=live }}</ref> During the previous month, the Space Centre had filed plans with Council for a "satellite launch facility and associated infrastructure".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2021/01/18/key-milestone-reached-for-space-centre-as-full-plans-are-submitted/ |title=Key milestone reached for space centre as full plans are submitted |date=18 January 2021 |work=Shetland News |access-date=7 February 2021 |quote= |archive-date=8 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208222412/https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2021/01/18/key-milestone-reached-for-space-centre-as-full-plans-are-submitted/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

As of February 2021, information on the Promote Shetland Web site indicated that "Shetland is less reliant on tourism than many Scottish islands" and that oil was an important sector of the economy. The "process of gradually transitioning from oil to clean renewable energy ... production of clean hydrogen" was also emphasized. Fishing remained the primary sector and was expected to grow.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shetland.org/about |title=About |date=1 October 2020 |work=Promote Shetland |access-date=7 February 2021 |quote= |archive-date=20 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120201447/https://www.shetland.org/about |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Fishing ===

[[File:Maquereaux etal.jpg|thumb|290px| [[Atlantic Mackerel]]]]

Fishing is central to the islands' economy today, with the total catch being {{cvt|75767|tonne}} in 2009, valued at over £73.2&nbsp;million. [[Atlantic mackerel]] makes up more than half of the catch in Shetland by weight and value, and there are significant landings of [[haddock]], [[atlantic cod|cod]], [[atlantic herring|herring]], [[merlangius merlangus|whiting]], [[lophius piscatorius|monkfish]] and [[shellfish]].<ref name="SIC16">Shetland Islands Council (2010) pp. 16–17</ref>

A report published in October 2020 was optimistic about the future of this sector in: "With new fish markets in Lerwick and Scalloway, and plans to expand its aquaculture offerings in Yell, Shetland is preparing for more growth in its biggest industry".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shetland.org/blog/shetlands-fishing-industry |title=Good times for Shetland's fishing industry |date=1 October 2020 |work=Promote Shetland |access-date=7 February 2021 |quote= |archive-date=26 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226010726/https://www.shetland.org/blog/shetlands-fishing-industry |url-status=live }}</ref>

As of February 2021, the Promote Shetland website stated that "more fish is landed in Shetland than in England, Wales and Northern Ireland combined', that "Shetland harvests 40,000 tonnes of salmon a year, worth £180&nbsp;million" and that "6,500 tonnes of mussels are grown in Shetland, more than 80 per cent of the total Scottish production".<ref name="About">{{cite web |url=https://www.shetland.org/about |title=About |date= |work=Promote Shetland |access-date=7 February 2021 |quote= |archive-date=20 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120201447/https://www.shetland.org/about |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Energy and fossil fuels ===

[[File:Wfm shetland map.svg|thumb|250px|left|Map of Shetland]]

Oil and gas were first landed in 1978 at [[Sullom Voe]], which has subsequently become one of the largest terminals in Europe.<ref name=":0" /><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110608075859/http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/STAGING/global_assets/downloads/U/uk_asset_sullom_voe.pdf "Asset Portfolio: Sullom Voe Termonal"] (pdf), BP, Retrieved 19 March 2011</ref> Taxes from the oil have increased public sector spending on social welfare, art, sport, environmental measures and financial development. Three-quarters of the islands' workforce is employed in the service sector,<ref>Shetland Islands Council (2010) p. 13</ref><ref>[http://visit.shetland.org/shetland-economy "Shetland's Economy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722122217/http://visit.shetland.org/shetland-economy |date=22 July 2011 }}, Visit.Shetland.org, Retrieved 19 March 2011</ref> and the [[Shetland Islands Council]] alone accounted for 27.9% of output in 2003.<ref>Shetland Islands Council (2005) p. 13</ref><ref>[http://move.shetland.org/public-sector "Public Sector"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707040804/http://move.shetland.org/public-sector |date=7 July 2011 }}, move.shetland.org, Retrieved 19 March 2011</ref> Shetland's access to oil revenues has funded the Shetland Charitable Trust, which in turn funds a wide variety of local programmes. The balance of the fund in 2011 was £217&nbsp;million, i.e., about £9,500 per head.<ref>[http://www.shetlandcharitabletrust.co.uk/documents "Financial Statements 31 March 2011"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822000814/http://www.shetlandcharitabletrust.co.uk/documents |date=22 August 2011 }}, Shetland Charitable Trust, Retrieved 8 October 2011</ref>{{#tag:ref|No other part of the United Kingdom has any such oil-related fund. By comparison, as of 31 December 2010, the total value of the [[The Government Pension Fund of Norway|Government Pension Fund of Norway]] was [[Norwegian krone|NOK]] 3 077&nbsp;billion (US$525&nbsp;billion),<ref name="nbim110318">{{cite web|title=Fifth Best Year in the Fund's History|url=http://www.nbim.no/en/press-and-publications/News-List/736/femte-beste-resultat-i-fondets-historie/|publisher=Norges Bank Investment Management|date=18 March 2011|access-date=5 April 2011|archive-date=26 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326033200/http://www.nbim.no/en/press-and-publications/News-List/736/femte-beste-resultat-i-fondets-historie/|url-status=live}}</ref> i.e., circa £68,000 per head.|group="Note"}}

In January 2007, the Shetland Islands Council signed a partnership agreement with [[Scottish and Southern Energy]] for the [[Viking Wind Farm]], a 200-turbine [[wind farm]] and subsea cable. This [[renewable energy]] project would produce about 600 [[watt|megawatts]] and contribute about £20&nbsp;million to the Shetland economy per year.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/6277049.stm "Powering on with island wind plan"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070122105533/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/6277049.stm |date=22 January 2007 }}, (19 January 2007), BBC News, Retrieved 19 March 2011</ref> The plan met with significant opposition within the islands, primarily resulting from the anticipated visual impact of the development.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2008/mar/09/windpower.renewableenergy "Shetlands storm over giant wind farm"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309161459/http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2008/mar/09/windpower.renewableenergy |date=9 March 2016 }}, (9 March 2008), London,  ''The Observer'', Retrieved 19 March 2011</ref> However, in August 2024 the completion of the first part of the project saw Shetland connected to the mainland National Grid for the first time via a 600 MW HVDC link.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/shetland/ | title=Shetland HVDC Link | date=19 August 2024 }}</ref>

The PURE project in Unst is a research centre which uses a combination of wind power and [[fuel cell]]s to create a [[wind-Hydrogen Hybrid Power Systems|wind-hydrogen]] system. The project is run by the Unst Partnership, the local community's [[development trust]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pureenergycentre.com/pureenergycentre/Index.php|title=PURE Energy Centre|publisher=Pure Energy Centre|access-date=4 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415143937/http://www.pureenergycentre.com/pureenergycentre/Index.php|archive-date=15 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dtascot.org.uk/content/directory-of-members/unst-partnership|title=Unst Partnership|publisher=Development Trusts Association Scotland|access-date=4 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313165443/http://www.dtascot.org.uk/content/directory-of-members/unst-partnership|archive-date=13 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Beryl alpha from air.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Apache Corporation]]'s Beryl alpha oil platform in the [[East Shetland Basin]]]]

A status report on hydrogen production in Shetland, published in September 2020, stated that Shetland Islands Council (SIC) had "joined a number of organisations and projects to drive forward plans to establish hydrogen as a future energy source for the isles and beyond". For example, it was a member of the Scottish Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association (SHFCA). The ORION project, previously named the Shetland Energy Hub, was underway; the plan was to create an energy hub that would use clean electricity in the development of "new technologies such as blue and green hydrogen generation".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2020/09/02/sic-moves-ahead-in-developing-hydrogen-as-an-alternative-fuel/#:~:text=The%20council%20believes%20Shetland%20has,and%20the%20Western%20Isles%20council |title=Council, SIC moves ahead in developing hydrogen as an alternative fuel |date=2 September 2020 |work=Shetland News |access-date=7 February 2021 |quote= |archive-date=26 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226213823/https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2020/09/02/sic-moves-ahead-in-developing-hydrogen-as-an-alternative-fuel/#:~:text=The%20council%20believes%20Shetland%20has,and%20the%20Western%20Isles%20council |url-status=live }}</ref>

In December 2020 the Scottish government released a hydrogen policy statement with plans for incorporating both [[Blue hydrogen|blue]] and [[green hydrogen]] for use in heating, transportation and industry.<ref>Stones, Jake (22 December 2020) [https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/reducing-emissions-in-scotland-2020-progress-report-to-parliament/ “Scotland outlines hydrogen policy to 2045”] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225083308/https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/reducing-emissions-in-scotland-2020-progress-report-to-parliament/ |date=25 February 2021 }}. ICIS. Retrieved 2 January 2021.</ref> The government also planned an investment of £100&nbsp;million in the hydrogen sector "for the £180 million Emerging Energy Technologies Fund".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/scotland-invests-in-offshore-wind-and-tidal-energy-for-green-hydrogen |title=Scotland Invests in Offshore Wind and Tidal Energy for Green Hydrogen |date=20 December 2020 |work=Maritime Executive |access-date=21 January 2021 |quote= |archive-date=23 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123145555/https://maritime-executive.com/article/scotland-invests-in-offshore-wind-and-tidal-energy-for-green-hydrogen |url-status=live }}</ref> Shetland Islands Council planned to obtain further specifics about the availability of funding. The government had already agreed that the production of "green" hydrogen from wind power near [[Sullom Voe]] Terminal was a valid plan. A December 2020 report stated that "the extensive terminal could also be used for direct refuelling of hydrogen-powered ships" and suggested that the fourth jetty at Sullom Voe "could be suitable for ammonia export".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2020/12/23/energy-hub-team-keeping-close-eye-on-governments-100m-hydrogen-pledge/ |title=Energy hub team keeping close eye on £100m government hydrogen pledge |date=23 December 2020 |work=Shetland News |access-date=7 February 2021 |quote= |archive-date=5 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305132817/https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2020/12/23/energy-hub-team-keeping-close-eye-on-governments-100m-hydrogen-pledge/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Farming and textiles ===
Farming is mostly concerned with the raising of [[Shetland (sheep)|Shetland sheep]], known for their unusually fine wool.<ref name="Shetland Islands Council 2010 p. 10"/><ref>[http://www.shetland-sheep.org.uk/ "Home"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511050800/http://www.shetland-sheep.org.uk/ |date=11 May 2011 }} Shetland Sheep Society, Retrieved 19 March 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.sheep101.info/breedsS.html#Shetland "Shetland"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721232948/http://www.sheep101.info/breedsS.html#Shetland |date=21 July 2011 }}, Sheep101.info, Retrieved 1 May 2009</ref>

Knitwear is important both to the economy and culture of Shetland, and the [[Fair Isle (technique)|Fair Isle design]] is well known. However, the industry faces challenges due to [[plagiarism]] of the word "Shetland" by manufacturers operating elsewhere, and a certification trademark, "The Shetland Lady", has been registered.<ref>Shetland Islands Council (2005) p. 25</ref>

[[Crofting]], the farming of small plots of land on a legally restricted tenancy basis, is still practised and is viewed as a key Shetland tradition as well as an important source of income.<ref>[http://www.crofting.org/index.php/faqs/67 "Crofting FAQS"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623113155/http://www.crofting.org/index.php/faqs/67 |date=23 June 2011 }}, [[Scottish Crofting Foundation|Scottish Crofting Federation]], Retrieved 19 March 2011</ref> Crops raised include oats and barley; however, the cold, windswept islands make for a harsh environment for most plants.{{cn|date=May 2025}}

=== Media ===
Television signals in Shetland are received from the [[Bressay transmitting station|Bressay]] TV transmitter.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Bressay | title= Full Freeview on the Bressay transmitter| date= 1 May 2004 | accessdate = 27 February 2024 }}</ref> Shetland is served by a weekly local newspaper, ''[[The Shetland Times]]'' and the online ''Shetland News''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shetnews.co.uk/|title=Shetland News &#124; Shetland's internet-only daily newspaper and digest|website=shetnews.co.uk|access-date=22 July 2019|archive-date=22 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822124100/https://www.shetnews.co.uk/|url-status=live}}</ref> with radio service being provided by [[BBC Radio Shetland]] and the commercial radio station [[SIBC]].<ref>[http://www.shetland-news.co.uk/ ''Shetland News''], {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428054856/http://www.shetland-news.co.uk/|date=28 April 2012}}, Retrieved 17 March 2011</ref>

=== Tourism ===

[[File:Victoria pier, Lerwick - geograph.org.uk - 908540.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Victoria pier, Lerwick. The replica Viking longboat Dim Riv is bottom left and the town hall is on the hill. Taken from the Aberdeen ferry in Bressay Sound.]]

Shetland is a popular destination for cruise ships, and in 2010 the [[Lonely Planet]] guide named Shetland as the sixth best region in the world for tourists seeking unspoilt destinations. The islands were described as "beautiful and rewarding" and the Shetlanders as "a fiercely independent and self-reliant bunch".<ref>Hough, Andrew (2 November 2010) [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/8101703/Shetland-Islands-among-best-places-to-visit-says-Lonely-Planet-guide.html "Shetland Islands among best places to visit, says Lonely Planet guide"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922121531/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/8101703/Shetland-Islands-among-best-places-to-visit-says-Lonely-Planet-guide.html |date=22 September 2018 }}, London, ''The Telegraph'', Retrieved 7 April 2011</ref> Overall visitor expenditure was worth £16.4&nbsp;million in 2006, in which year just under 26,000 cruise liner passengers arrived at Lerwick Harbour. This business has grown substantially with 109 cruise ships already booked in for 2019, representing over 107,000 passenger visits.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2018/03/12/cruise-ship-tourists-set-to-almost-double/|title=Cruise ship tourists set to almost double|date=12 March 2018|access-date=18 December 2018|archive-date=18 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218193331/https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2018/03/12/cruise-ship-tourists-set-to-almost-double/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2009, the most popular visitor attractions were the [[Shetland Museum]], the [[RSPB]] reserve at Sumburgh Head, Bonhoga Gallery at [[Weisdale Mill]] and Jarlshof.<ref>Shetland Islands Council (2010) p. 26</ref> [[Geopark Shetland]] (now Shetland UNESCO Global Geopark) was established by the Amenity Trust in 2009 to boost [[sustainable tourism]] to the islands.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2009/09/15/delight-as-shetlands-remarkable-rocks-recognised-with-geopark-status|title=Delight as Shetland's remarkable rocks recognised with Geopark status|date=15 September 2009|website=The Shetland Times|access-date=2 August 2019|archive-date=2 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802051433/https://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2009/09/15/delight-as-shetlands-remarkable-rocks-recognised-with-geopark-status|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to the Promote Shetland organisation's website, tourism increased "by £12.6 million between 2017 and 2019 with more than half of visitors giving their trip a perfect rating".<ref name="About"/>

An October 2018 report stated that 91,000 passengers from cruise ships arrived that year (a record high), an increase over the 70,000 in 2017. There was a drop in 2019 to "over 76,000 cruise ship passengers".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shetland.org/invest/sectors/tourism#:~:text=Cruise%20tourism,arrived%2C%20with%20continued%20growth%20anticipated. |title=New plans to fire up Shetland tourism |date=30 December 2020 |work=Shetland.org Tourism |access-date=6 February 2021 |quote= |archive-date=13 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213171418/https://www.shetland.org/invest/sectors/tourism#:~:text=Cruise%20tourism,arrived%2C%20with%20continued%20growth%20anticipated. |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-45822441 |title=Shetland enjoys record cruise year with 90,000 passengers |date=11 October 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=6 February 2021 |quote= |archive-date=16 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716171111/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-45822441 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic====
Tourism dropped significantly in 2020 (and into 2021) due to restrictions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the major decline in the number of cruise ships that continued to operate worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.maritime-executive.com/features/how-cruise-lines-are-preparing-for-a-post-pandemic-world |title=How Cruise Lines are Preparing for a Post-Pandemic World |date=30 September 2020 |work=Maritime Executive |access-date=6 February 2021 |quote= |archive-date=25 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125212920/https://maritime-executive.com/features/how-cruise-lines-are-preparing-for-a-post-pandemic-world |url-status=live }}</ref>

As of early February 2021, the Promote Shetland website was still stating this information: "At present, nobody should travel to Shetland from a Level 3 or Level 4 local authority area in Scotland, unless it's for essential purposes". That page reiterated the government recommendation "that people avoid any unnecessary travel between Scotland and England, Wales, or Northern Ireland".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shetland.org/visit/plan/responsible-travel |title=FAQs on travelling to Shetland in winter 2020 |date= |work=Promote Shetland |access-date=7 February 2021 |quote= |archive-date=27 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227155926/https://www.shetland.org/visit/plan/responsible-travel |url-status=live }}</ref>

A September 2020 report stated that "The Highlands and Islands region has been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to date, when compared to Scotland and the UK as a whole". The tourism industry required short-term support for "business survival and recovery" and that was expected to continue as the sector was "severely impacted for as long as physical distancing and travel restrictions" remained in place.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hie.co.uk/media/9646/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-the-highlands-and-islands.pdf |title=The Impact of COVID-19 On the Highlands and Islands |date=1 September 2021 |work=HIE |access-date=6 February 2021 |quote= |archive-date=15 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115125449/https://www.hie.co.uk/media/9646/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-the-highlands-and-islands.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> As of 31 December 2020, the usage of ferries and buses was restricted to those travelling for essential purposes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shetland.gov.uk/news/article/112/ferries-move-to-restricted-timetable-and-bookings-system |title=Ferries move to restricted timetable and bookings system |date=31 December 2020 |work=Shetland Islands Council |access-date=6 February 2021 |quote= |archive-date=31 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231111401/https://www.shetland.gov.uk/news/article/112/ferries-move-to-restricted-timetable-and-bookings-system |url-status=live }}</ref> The Island Equivalent scheme was introduced in early 2021 by the Scottish government to financially assist hospitality and retail businesses "affected by Level 3 coronavirus restrictions". Previous schemes in 2020 included the Strategic Framework Business Fund and the Coronavirus Business Support Fund.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shetland.gov.uk/news/article/130/support-for-businesses-island-equivalent-payment |title=Support for businesses – Island Equivalent Payment |date=2 February 2021 |work=Shetland Islands Council |access-date=6 February 2021 |quote=from 28 December 2020 to 24 January 2021, businesses in Level 3 island areas, including Shetland, can now apply for a payment of £2,000 or £3,000}}</ref>

=== Quarries ===
* Brindister: {{coord|60.114475|N|1.215874|W|display=inline}}
* Scord: {{coord|60.142287|N|1.261629|W|display=inline}} [https://www.flickr.com/photos/cowrin/3798639184 Scalloway 05]
* Sullom: {{coord|60.439953|N|1.382306|W|display=inline}}
* Vatster: {{coord|60.212887|N|1.220861|W|display=inline}}

=== Transport ===

[[File:Loganair Islander at Fair Isle.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Loganair]] aircraft in [[Fair Isle]], midway between [[Orkney]] and Shetland]]

Transport between islands is primarily by ferry, and Shetland Islands Council operates various [[SIC Ferries|inter-island services]].<ref>[http://www.shetland.gov.uk/ferries/ "Ferries"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524172124/http://www.shetland.gov.uk/ferries/ |date=24 May 2011 }}, shetland.gov.uk, Retrieved 23 May 2011</ref> Shetland is also served by a domestic connection from Lerwick to [[Aberdeen]] on mainland Scotland. This service, which takes about 12 hours, is operated by [[NorthLink Ferries]]. Some services also call at [[Kirkwall]], Orkney, which increases the journey time between [[Aberdeen]] and Lerwick by 2 hours.<ref>Shetland Islands Council, (2010), pp. 32, 35</ref><ref>[http://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/timetables.html "2011 Timetables"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707203851/http://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/timetables.html|date=7 July 2011}} NorthLink Ferries, Retrieved 7 April 2011</ref> There are plans for road tunnels to some of the islands, especially [[Bressay]] and [[Whalsay]]; however, it is hard to convince the mainland government to finance them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tunnelsonline.info/news/shetland-isles-tunnel-plans/|title=Shetland Isles tunnel plans – Tunnels and Tunnelling International|website=tunnelsonline.info|date=5 January 2010 |access-date=13 February 2016|archive-date=15 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215072713/http://www.tunnelsonline.info/news/shetland-isles-tunnel-plans/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Sumburgh Airport]], the main airport in Shetland, is located close to Sumburgh Head, {{cvt|40|km}} south of Lerwick. [[Loganair]] operates flights to other parts of Scotland up to ten times a day, the destinations being [[Kirkwall]], [[Aberdeen]], [[Inverness]], [[Glasgow]] and [[Edinburgh]].<ref>[http://www.hial.co.uk/sumburgh-airport/ "Sumburgh Airport"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622100611/http://www.hial.co.uk/sumburgh-airport/ |date=22 June 2011 }} Highlands and Islands Airports. Retrieved 16 March 2011</ref> [[Tingwall Airport|Lerwick/Tingwall Airport]] is located {{cvt|11|km}} west of Lerwick. Operated by [[Directflight]] in partnership with Shetland Islands Council, it is devoted to inter-island flights from the Shetland Mainland to [[Fair Isle Airport|Fair Isle]] and [[Foula Airfield|Foula]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20191220202036/http://www.directflight.co.uk/surveillance/passenger-transport/shetland/ "Shetland Inter-Island Scheduled Service"], directflight.co.uk, Retrieved 11 May 2012</ref>

Public bus services are operated in [[Mainland, Shetland|Mainland]], [[Trondra]], [[Burra, Shetland|Burra]], [[Unst]] and [[Yell, Shetland|Yell]], with scheduled dial-a-ride services available in [[Bressay]] and [[Fetlar]]. Buses also connect with ferries leading to [[Foula]], [[Papa Stour]], and [[Whalsay]].<ref>Shetland Islands Council, (2010), p. 34</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Stantec |url=https://www.zettrans.org.uk/site/assets/files/1330/zettrans_rts_case_for_change_report_-_draft_for_consultation_-_final_issued.pdf |title=ZetTrans Regional Transport Strategy – Case for Change Report |publisher=ZetTrans |year=2022}}</ref>

Given that the archipelago is exposed to wind and tide, there are numerous sites of wrecked ships.<ref>{{cite book|title=Shipwrecks of Orkney, Shetland and the Pentland Firth|last=Ferguson|first=David M. |publisher=David & Charles|year=1988|isbn=9780715390573}}</ref> [[Lighthouse]]s are sited as an aid to navigation at various locations.<ref>[http://www.nlb.org.uk/LighthouseLibrary/Main/ "Lighthouse Library"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103231033/http://www.nlb.org.uk/LighthouseLibrary/Main/ |date=3 January 2017 }} Northern Lighthouse Board, Retrieved 8 July 2010</ref>