Shetland - Your Essential Travel Guide

An exciting new guidebook, celebrating Shetland’s beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Created by the travel writer and Shetlander Laurie Goodlad and the Shetland publisher Misa Hay, two passionate advocates for the islands’ unique charm, this guidebook is an invitation to experience the soul of Shetland, the most northerly islands in the UK.

After years of meticulous planning, research, and exploration, Laurie and Misa are thrilled to announce the forthcoming release of their comprehensive guide to the Shetland Islands.

With stunning colour photographs and more than 250 pages, Shetland: Your Essential Guide is a labour of love, born from a shared dedication to showcasing the islands’ natural beauty, intriguing history, and vibrant community life.

It offers readers a unique perspective on exploring Shetland.

“This guidebook is a love letter to our islands, a thank-you of sorts. A thank-you for the summer nights, the winter storms, the calm and the chaos; they are a thank-you for the sting of salt on the cheeks and the first warmth from the May sun, and an acknowledgement of the extreme privilege I have to be able to call Shetland my home.”

The Author, Laurie Goodlad

The guidebook will feature detailed information on the practical elements of a trip to Shetland – including why to not pack an umbrella – as well as in-depth guides to each area, and details of accommodation, attractions and getting about.

Laurie has made sure to include plenty of insider knowledge and tips for getting the most out of visiting these fascinating islands, such as the best beaches for wild swimming, the tastiest Sunday Teas, or where to spot puffins and whales.

With our guidebook you will learn about Shetland’s history, culture, wildlife and geology, alongside tips about where to find the best of what Shetland has to offer – including its famous Cake Fridge, wool shops and for Jimmy Perez fans, locations from the Shetland series.

There are itineraries for short or long visits, details of short walks and longer hikes throughout the islands and plenty of information on accessibility and exploring Shetland with children.

About Misa and Laurie

Our paths crossed and intertwined years ago, rooted in our work at the Shetland Museum and Archives, where our shared passion for Shetland’s rich heritage and natural beauty developed into a friendship.
 
But our story is not just about the past. After many years of employment, both Laurie and I decided to embrace the path of self-employment, driven by a deep desire to pursue our dreams and share our love for Shetland with the world.

Laurie, with her experience as an assistant curator and her qualifications as a tour guide, has blossomed into a remarkable travel writer.

Meanwhile, my background in tourism and marketing, coupled with my role as a heritage manager, led me to establish a tour company and a small publishing house.