Lerwick Waterfront Walk

I have always enjoyed telling the story of how Lerwick was established when visitors come to our shores. Lerwick was established by Dutch fishermen who came to shelter in our harbour and started to trade with the local people, resulting in the establishment of our town, thus making it the second place I have called home that has been established by the Dutch.

How do we say 'Lerwick'? It's always a question I get asked when I meet a group. Well, I say Lerwick, but we can debate that even more when we go on tour. I am, after all, a South African. What do I know??

For the Shetland Series Fans, our first stop is Bains Beach and Jimmy's Hoose - Let's Go!! Jimmy Perez's house is a Lodberrie and was fully equipped to take in produce from the visiting Dutch Fisherman.

Bains Beach, named after a local family, is also a popular spot for wild swimming in the Isles, and very often you will see enthusiasts out swimming. If you managed to get there at low tide, take a look at the beach and see if you can find some ceramic or glass treasure.

Lodberrie, also known as Jimmy Perez's House, Lerwick

Bains Beach, Lerwick

These two locations are definitely two of the most iconic places along our Lerwick Waterfront.

I love encouraging people to take photos and make memories as they go along. One subject I photograph is the variety of coloured doors along the route. Keep an eye out for them, they make fun photos.

The Pink Door, this one is my favourite

The Blue Door

Lerwick Front Door

Along with the different coloured doors, there are so many other interesting features along the way: small piers, once again focused on trading with locals, and upturned boats, formerly a postal boat that took mail to Foula and now entirely repurposed as a garage roof.

We enjoy lovely views over to the Island of Bressay, just to the east of Lerwick. Bressay is one of the 16 inhabited Islands, and we will see the small ferry heading to and from the Island to bring people to Lerwick. Bressay is one of the reasons why Lerwick is here today, and why we have such a great port. It provides critical shelter for the town and the port during harsh weather.

Lerwick and the Lerwick harbour area are bustling places with so much going on, and I look forward to bringing our town and port to life as we walk along Lerwick's waterfront.