sailscotland 2020

Shetland’s capital, Lerwick, makes a sensible first port of call for visiting boats. The town has the harbour at its heart and you’ll find everything you might need including a shipyard for emergency repairs plus plenty of shops and pubs. The live traditional music scene is thriving with musical evenings in many of the pubs, hotels and restaurants. The Shetland Folk Festival at the beginning of May is the UK’s most northerly folk festival. It celebrates Shetland’s rich musical heritage with local acts performing alongside visiting artists from all over the world. The Shetland Fiddle Frenzy in August showcases Shetland’s unique fiddle tradition with workshops and concerts to be enjoyed. Other event highlights across the islands include the Shetland Nature Festival in July, featuring some of the rarest flowers in Britain; agricultural shows throughout the summer; the Skeld sheepdog trials in August; and the simultaneously running and internationally renowned Wordplay and Screenplay festivals in September, which showcase both local and international writing and film-making. From the water, you’ll see the thriving population of seabirds and other wildlife. More than a tenth of British seabirds can be found here, and the islands have four RSPB reserves, including

the amazing Sumburgh Head. Here you can see puffins, kittiwakes, fulmars and guillemots on the cliffs and catch a glimpse of dolphins, minke whales and orca in the water. You’ll find sea mammals in Shetland’s waters all year round. Otters, common and grey seals and harbour porpoises are all common sights. Nowhere on the land is more than three miles from the coast and five millennia of history can be experienced at more than 6000 archaeological sites. There is a strong Norse influence in Shetland culture, including in the dialect in which many Old Norse words are still used, and in the place names. Visit Jarlshof, a prehistoric and Norse settlement overlooking the West Voe of Sumburgh, or Old Scatness, an Iron Age broch and village representing 2000 years of continuous occupation. Yachting has an important place in the Shetland calendar, with 17 regattas held every year as well as the Round Foula Race, the Lerwick to Skerries Race and the Shetland Race. In terms of sailing conditions, Shetland’s tidal ranges are small, typically less than 1.5 metres, although streams can be locally strong and good pilotage is essential. Full details about Shetland’s marinas and facilities can be found at www.lerwick- harbour.co.uk/sailing .

Want to be part of Sail Scotland 2021 then please get in touch

Sail Orkney operates from its base at Kirkwall Marina offering Bareboat and Skippered Charters. Alternatively, cruise the stunning West Coast of Scotland whilst taking in the wildlife, seafood and atmosphere This quiet green and fertile land offers exploration and gentle cruising with spectacular scenery.

with Scottish Provincial Press on 01463 732223 , or email sailscotland@hnmedia.co.uk

SAIL ORKNEY / SAIL WEST COAST 12 Kerloch crescent, torphins, Aberdeenshire, Ab31 4Gt T: 07718 521496 • W: sailorkney.co.uk • W: sailwestcoast.co.uk

Lerwick Harbour From cracking competitions to cosmopolitan culture…we make it plain sailing! explore Shetland’s 1,700 miles of spectacular coastline or meet up with other entrants at one of our international sailing events. our centrally located berths mean Lerwick’s shops, restaurants and bars are just across the street. Modern, expanded town centre facilities, including pontoon berthing and services accommodate all sizes of vessel. From cracking competitions to cosmopolitan culture…we m ke it plain sailing! Explore Shetland’s 1,700 miles of spectacular coastline or meet p with other entrants at one of our international sailing events. Our centrally located berths mean Lerwick’s shops, restaurants and bars are just across the street. Modern, expanded town centre facilities, including pontoon berthing and services accom odate all sizes of vessel.

Lerwick Harbour, the main seaway to the Shetland Isles. Modern, expanded town centre facilities, including pontoon berthing and services accommodate all sizes of vessel. Ease of access to Shetland’s many attractions; spectacular sc nery; fascinating wildlife; heritage; culture fresh seafood. Sail along more than 1,700 miles of coast and join in local and national yachting events. A great place to meet and compete!

Lerwick Port Authority Albert Building, Lerwick,

Shetland, Ze1 0LL t: 01595 69 2991

e: info@lerwick-habrour.co.uk w: www.lerwick-harbour.co.uk

LERWICK PORT AUTHORITY, ALBERT BUILDING LERWICK, SHETLAND ZE1 0LL T: 01595 69 2991 F: 01595 69 3452 info@lerwick-harbour.co.uk

LERWICK PORT AUTHORITY, ALBERT BUILDING LERWICK, SHETLAND ZE1 0LL T: 01595 69 2991 E: info@lerwick-harbour.co.uk

sail scotland 2020

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