The BBC crime drama series Shetland, based on Ann Cleeves‘ novels, has captivated audiences with its gripping storylines and breathtaking scenery.
While much of the series is set in the Shetland Islands, the filming locations combine actual Shetland locations with scenes shot in mainland Scotland.
Filming Locations in Shetland
Many scenes in Shetland are indeed filmed in the Shetland Islands, showcasing the unique beauty of the region. Some notable locations include:
Clavel, Rerwick: Featured in season three, this area provides a key location with its rugged landscapes.
Trondra: Known for its scenic coastal views, Trondra has been used in multiple episodes, including scenes with a beached boat.
Mousa: The ancient broch of Mousa, a well-preserved Iron Age tower house, is a striking backdrop for certain scenes.
Sumburgh Hotel and Sumburgh Head: Used as the care home in season three, this location adds a touch of local authenticity.
Lerwick Town Hall: An iconic location in the heart of Shetland’s largest town.
Sheriff Court (Lerwick): Doubles as the police station in the series, adding to the realistic look of the show’s setting.
Eshaness and the North Mainland: The show captures Shetland’s dramatic cliffs and ancient lava flows, providing a stunning natural backdrop.
Burra Isle: This island is featured prominently in the series, particularly in the earlier seasons. The distinctive Burra Isle bridge is a recognizable landmark.
St Ninian’s Isle: This small island, connected to the mainland by a tidal causeway, is another popular filming location. Its dramatic scenery and historical significance add to the show’s atmosphere.
Redayre Beach, Reawick:
Other locations: Other notable locations include the NorthLink ferry, which appears in scenes with characters traveling to and from the islands, and Wester Quarff, a village south of Lerwick.
Some parts of series two were even filmed on Fair Isle, and Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary featured prominently in season four.
Filming Locations Outside Shetland
While the series brings Shetland’s rugged beauty to life, much of the filming actually takes place on Mainland Scotland, where it’s easier and more cost-effective to access facilities and filming equipment.
Some key locations on the mainland include:
Glasgow: The cast and crew are often based in Glasgow during filming. The city offers convenient access to other Scottish locations that resemble the Shetland Islands.
Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire: Many of the outdoor scenes, including the exterior of the main character’s house, are filmed here.
Barrhead, East Renfrewshire: This area doubles as the police station in the show and has been used for other scenes as well.
Ayr and Irvine, North Ayrshire: Interior shots of some of the crofts (traditional Scottish homes) are filmed in Irvine, with Ayr offering additional scenic backdrops.
Recent Filming and Cast Changes
As the series continued, it became clear that the stunning landscapes of both the Shetland Islands and Scotland’s mainland contributed to Shetland’s unique atmosphere.
Douglas Henshall, who played the lead role of Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez, announced that season seven would be his last, and he was later replaced by Ashley Jensen in season eight.
Filming for the upcoming season nine began in Shetland in April 2024, with Jensen taking on the lead role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Shetland filmed entirely in the Shetland Islands?
A: No, Shetland is filmed in both the Shetland Islands and various locations in mainland Scotland. Key scenes that capture the unique Shetland landscape are filmed on the islands, while other scenes are shot in places like Glasgow, Kilbarchan, and Ayrshire on the mainland.
Q: Why doesn’t Shetland film everything on location in the Shetland Islands?
A: Filming exclusively in Shetland would be challenging and costly due to limited access to resources and the remote location. Using mainland locations that resemble Shetland allows the production to stay on budget while keeping the authenticity of the show.
Q: Which locations in Shetland are featured on the show?
A: Shetland includes many real Shetland sites, such as Lerwick Town Hall, Sumburgh Head, Eshaness cliffs, Trondra, and Fladdabister. These locations highlight the scenic landscapes and rugged coastlines that the islands are known for.
Q: Where is the police station in Shetland filmed?
A: The police station is actually filmed in Barrhead on the mainland, where parts of the town stand in for locations in Shetland.
Q: Are there any other notable sites in Shetland that were used in the show?
A: Yes, the NorthLink ferry is featured in the show, especially during scenes depicting travel to and from the islands. In addition, Fair Isle appears in season two, and the Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary is used in season four.
Q: Did Douglas Henshall leave Shetland?
A: Yes, Douglas Henshall, who played DI Jimmy Perez, left after season seven. Ashley Jensen is now set to take over the leading role starting in season eight.
Q: When did filming start for season nine of Shetland?
A: Filming for season nine began in the Shetland Islands in April 2024, with Ashley Jensen as the new lead.