Island Trails

07/09/2026

Two great views, one from each small group tour I have spaces left on this week.
Tuesday 8th Sept - South Mainland group tour - 4 seats
Friday 11th Sept - North Mainland group tour - 6 seats
Both tours leave Lerwick at 9.30am and return about 5pm.
For more info on either tour go to www.island-trails.co.uk and click on "our tours."
You can also send me a DM or call 07880 950228.
Please share with anyone who might be interested.
Thanks, James.

03/09/2026

The Norwegian sail training vessel "Sorlandet" at anchor in Braewick yesterday. A lovely sight as we started our tour for the day.

02/08/2026

Last minute tour spaces this week.
Monday 3rd August - 4 seats on North Mainland of Shetland small group tour, including the sea cliffs at Eshaness as pictured.
Tuesday 4th August - 2 seats left on South Mainland of Shetland small group tour.
Both tours depart Lerwick 9.30am and return 5pm approx.
For more info and prices sent a pm or call / text James on 07880 950228.

21/07/2026

20th July, cruise ship MSC Virtuosa at anchor in Lerwick Harbour. At 332m long it is among the largest cruise ships to visit Lerwick
Photo taken from Fort Charlotte, a great vantage point overlooking the harbour.

17/07/2026

A few pics from a recent trip to Mousa, visiting the 2000+ year old Broch and great to see ponies back on the Isle. So much history and nature all in one place.
We were on Mousa thanks of course to The Mousa Boat who run a scheduled Island Trip, 6 days a week Sunday to Friday. We departed Sandsayre (Sandwick) 11.30am and after a 10 minute crossing we were on the Isle till 2.15pm. This was part of my Mousa and Scalloway / Central mainland day tour, which leaves Lerwick at 9.30 am and returns about 5pm. Tour available Monday to Friday, subject to availability.

16/06/2026

Last minute spaces available tomorrow (Wednesday 17th June) on my small group day tour of Shetland South Mainland.
Key stops include St. Ninian's Isle, Sumburgh Head and Jarlshof. Leaving Lerwick 9.30am and returning 5pm.
For more info & prices etc send me a DM or call / WhatsApp to James on 07880 950228.

27/03/2026

It might not feel it today with the weather but spring is round the corner now. Tomorrow (Saturday) the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse & Visitor Centre opens for 2026.
I'm planning to be there to hear the iconic foghorn being sounded at 12 noon.

05/03/2026

The days are getting longer and it feels like spring is round the corner again. In about a month's time in early April we will see Puffins (known as "Tammie Norries" in Shetland) returning to the cliffs for another breading season.
Although it is much too early to expect them making landfall here in Shetland, I read reports yesterday of the first puffin of 2026 returning to Bempton Cliffs on the Yorkshire Coast in England.

Enjoying the view from the cliff tops. Even when just hanging around the puffins appear ever watchful to their surroundings.

27/01/2026

The last Tuesday of January is always 🔥Up Helly Aa 🔥day in Lerwick. I was fortunate to get a close up view of the Jarl Squad (just some of them!) when they visited the care home where my Mum stays. It is so good they come round and visit the care homes, schools and hospital during the day. Wishing all involved a very enjoyable day and night!

31/12/2025

The last sunset of 2025 over St. Ninian's Isle. Thanks to everyone who follows my occasional posts here and to all who have come on my tours this last year. Wishing you all a Happy New Year and best wishes for 2026! Looking forward to lots of tours again next season.
James.