SHETLAND MY LOVE: ABOUT SHETLAND

If you're a facts and figures person - click here for specifics. If you're silly like me, read on for some fun observations about Shetland.xx

SHETLAND IS LIKE MARMITE:
A favourite comment about Shetland is, 'you either love it

or hate it.'

Maybe Shetland is like Marmite?

Shetland has very bouncy ground. It's good for people with bad backs and flat feet - plenty of support.

There is a lot of cake here. Sunday teas are yummy. You will get heavier every day you stay. Bring stretchy clothes

People will ask the exact location of your home in Shetland. Find out your GPS co-ordinates in advance, or you will spend hours explaining where you live, and drawing on tissues with arrows and such like. Don't be afraid - they are not going to try and remove all your valuables when you are out.

If you go to an event, as a newcomer, people will not be introduced. You are expected to know who they are. Top tip -nudge a local and ask. You will be given full CV and maybe another slice of cake.

You will be questioned, as a new arrival, about yourself - reveal all. Island residents have superior investigative skills. They are genuinely interested in you. They are not trying to steal your identity.

There aren't many trees here. We know! Please don't go on about it. Think how the other trees feel. Appreciate and love the ones that have survived. Hug a Shetland tree - it helps to spread tree-love-energy.

Your hair will never be the same again after a Shetland 'blow-dry'