Reisgids Shetland Guide Book | Charles Tait (9781909036017)

The Shetland Guide Book offers unrivalled detail on the more than 100 islands that make up the Shetland Isles. The islands have a wealth of archaeological history, from viking farms to bronze age burial mounds, but the natural wonders are just as impressive and this guide will tell you where you can catch a glimpse of everything from puffins to ponies.

 

Charles Tait Guidebooks

 

Charles Tait Guidebooks are photographed, researched, designed and written by the author. Being an Orcadian photographer and travel writer, Charles Tait has been publishing guidebooks based on the natural and cultural history of the Highlands and Islands since 1991. The aim is to create authoritative, readable, informative, easily assimilated handbooks to each area. Each book is extensively illustrated with photographs by Charles Tait, as well as Ordnance Survey maps, old photographs and prints. The guides include introductions covering natural history, archaeology, history and the economy. The Gazetteer covers each parish and island in depth and is followed by information on transport, local services, a bibliography and a detailed index.

 

Guidebooks for Scotland in the Charles Tait series also include publications on the North Highlands, the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides.

 

How this guide to Shetland is laid out

 

The first 120 pages are used to give an overview of the natural environment of the Shetland Isles as well as the archaelogy, history and culture.

 

The following Gazetteer sections discuss the Shetland mainland, which is divided up into south, west, central and northeast, Whalsay, Lerwick, Bressay, Noss, Yell, Fetlar, Unst, Foula, Papa Stour, Skerries and Fair Isle. Text and photographs build a picture of the area, with historical photos thrown in for comparison. Although not exactly itineraries, as no driving directions, distances or times are provided, sections of mapping are given to help with navigation and the sights are listed in geographical order. So with the aid of an additional map or atlas, you could easily plan a driving route visiting the sights that interest you most.

 

At the back of the book is information on how to get to Shetland by plane, public transport, car or motorhome. There is also some information on inter-island ferries and contact information and websites for several of the attractions discussed in the guide. 

 

Finally, there is an index to help you navigate the guide. On the inside back cover is an overview map of the Shetland Islands.