There is no better place to start your discovery of Shetland, than to pop into the Shetland Museum which will set you on your voyage of discovery. Here you will discover the key themes which dominate life in the islands and will follow you throughout your stay.

There are many treasures to be found in Shetland. Of course the most famous treasure is the St Ninian's Isle Treasure, discovered during excavation on the Isle in 1955. Replicas of the Treasure can be seen in the Shetland Museum in Lerwick along with carved pillar stones and other items from the excavation. 

Unfortunately the visitor has to go to the New Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh to see the originals. But the real treasure of Shetland is to be found in the islands, their people and the collections they value.

Andy Robertson's cabin at the Wirlie, is full to the roof of mementoes, artefacts, photographs and curios from Shetland's long maritime past. Of particular interest is the Sea Gallantry medal presented to local men who rescued the crew of the trawler RAPID in 1912.

Many war memories are also held within the walls of the cabin, but Andy is quick to point out there is no glory in war.

Scalloway Museum has an interesting display telling the story of the Shetland Bus operation, when Norwegian freedom fighters carried on their own war against the occupying German forces. The Scalloway Museum tells the part Shetland played in this war through photographs, artefacts and interpretive panels.

War mementoes can also be seen at the Shetland Museum in Lerwick. Look for the group of 14 medals presented to Col. Joe Yule. The main museum holds thousands of artefacts to do with Shetland's past and present.

The nameplate of the Aberdeen trawler BEN DORAN which was wrecked in 1930 with a total loss of life, is a poignant reminder of the dangers facing the fishermen and seafarers around our coasts.

The Old Haa of Burravoe in Yell contains a remarkable story about the wreck of the BOHUS, a three-masted German barque which was wrecked on Yell in 1924.

Not only can you see artefacts from the wreck but you can look at photographs and listen to tape recordings by local people of the event.

Of the many treasures held within the Old Haa, Brucie Henderson of Arisdale's Victorian curiosity cabinet creates the most discussion.