Shetland at War Half Day Private Tour

Join military historian and professional archaeologist Chris Dyer, a Shetland resident for over twenty years, to explore Shetland’s fascinating wartime heritage on our brand new Shetland at War tour. We will visit astoundingly well-preserved military fortifications within a range of spectacular, beautiful landscapes. During the twentieth century, Shetland played a crucially important role in the defence of Britain during both World Wars due to its strategic military location on the northern periphery of Britain and Europe. Enemy shipping and submarines favoured the North Sea as their preferred passage to the North Atlantic Ocean. Shetland was therefore an important base for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, who patrolled the surrounding waters, and for the associated military radar stations, scanning the skies and seas.

1. 1

   Lerwick

   Pass by

   Our tour begins in Lerwick (or your chosen location) where we're joined by professional archaeologist and military historian Chris Dyer who will accompany us as we explore the wartime history of Shetland's South & Central Mainland.

2. 2

   Sumburgh Head Lighthouse

   1 hour

   We will visit Sumburgh Head, the site of an internationally-recognised nature reserve famed for its seabirds alongside Shetland’s first early Victorian lighthouse. At this location, from December 1939, Admiralty Experimental Station Number 1 began plotting surfaced U-boats attempting to escape from the North Sea into the North Atlantic but also capable of detecting aircraft by transmitting and receiving radio waves. Travel time from Lerwick - 30 minutes

3. 3

   Scalloway

   1 hour

   We will visit Scalloway, the ancient capital of the Shetland Islands and the headquarters from 1942 of the ‘Shetland Bus’ operation, a phrased coined to describe the top secret operation that maintained a regular transport link between Shetland and German-occupied Norway. Commencing initially on the isolated east coast of Shetland at Lunna, the harbour-front and associated piers in Scalloway allowed for the development of the operation to allow arms to support the Norwegian resistance and the safe passage of refugees. This attractive village, together with impressive castle and museum, also hosts the memorial to the 44 Norwegians who lost their lives as part of the operation in addition to the restored Prince Olav wartime slipway. Free time will be allowed here for lunch (not included). Travel time from Sumburgh- 45 minutes.

4. 4

   Scalloway Museum

   30 min

   Step into the rich history of Scalloway at this volunteer-run museum, nestled beside the iconic Scalloway Castle and just a short stroll from the village centre. Explore fascinating exhibits covering Ancient Scalloway, the Boom Years, Wartime Scalloway, the lives of its people, and the remarkable story of the Shetland Bus. Note- Scalloway Museum open from April to October and is closed on Saturdays. When closed, this stop will be substituted.

5. 5

   Lerwick

   1.5 hours

   Finally, on the outskirts of modern-day Lerwick, we will visit the Knab torpedo tubes, Ness of Sound coastal battery and Hoofields tank traps, walking in the footsteps of the Robertson Line defensive cordon erected to protect the capital that became an increasingly-significant strategic location following the fall of Norway in April 1940 and the arrival of an estimated 20,000 military personnel throughout the islands. Travel time from Scalloway- 15 minutes

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Not recommended for travellers with mobility problems - a moderate amount of walking is involved

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.