A HERITAGE TO CHERISH
Shetlanders take a great interest in their heritage and many local groups pursue research into local history and genealogy. The Shetland Museum in Lerwick and local museums around the islands offer, through exhibits and the local knowledge of their curatorial staff, a comprehensive account of island life down the ages. For example, the Unst Boat Haven at Haroldswick has an excellent display of historic boats and a great deal of fascinating documentary material ideal for browsing on a wet day. The Scalloway Museum tells the moving story of the Shetland Bus, the lifeline established during the Second World War to sustain the Norwegian resistance movement.

THE VILLAGE HALL
When it's time to recharge your batteries, our network of locally-run community halls may offer just what you need. On summer weekends, afternoon tea in a hall is one of the pleasantest ways to punctuate a day's walking - though the piles of delicious home baked cakes, scones and biscuits may simply bring you to a full stop.In every district there are occasional hall dances which visitors of any age are welcome to attend, though for some particularly popular events you may need to buy tickets in advance.

There may be some entertainment by local musicians, or perhaps a special meal, then tables and chairs will be cleared away and the night will rush past in a stream of Boston Two Steps, Eightsome reels, waltzes and Gay Gordons. Great interest is taken in the performance of older traditional dances such as the Foula Reel or complex Quadrilles. At many dances, a supper of soup, bannocks or sandwiches will be served.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS
In this leaflet we can touch on only some of the leisure options open to you in Shetland. More information is available from Shetland Islands Tourism and the Shetland Recreational trust.