Shetland's cultural identity is born from a history of Pictish, Viking and Scottish settlement, as well as a tradition of welcoming seafarers and travellers from all over the world. This eclectic and intricate tapestry of influences makes Shetland's past a fascinating one.
To get an insight into what life was like here in centuries gone by, a trip to the Shetland Museum in Lerwick is a must for all visitors. It's also worth dropping in on some, or all, of the islands-wide network of local museums and heritage centres, run by volunteers and local history groups. All of these are well-worth a visit to find out more about Shetland's past, its people and their way of life over the centuries.