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A mini guide to
Scalloway & the West Mainland: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Ask about the castle key
Scalloway Castle stands next to the Scalloway Museum; check with the museum or Historic Environment Scotland about access before you go.
Combine with Lerwick
Scalloway is close enough to Lerwick for a half-day trip by bus or car.
Check fuel before heading west
Shetland.org advises checking fuel pump opening times before you set off, as some rural shops have limited hours.
Walk to Stanydale
Historic Environment Scotland describes the visit to Stanydale as a hike through a Neolithic landscape, so wear boots in wet weather.
Festivals
Shetland festivals in 2027
Dates are from each organiser's own website; check before you book.
Up Helly Aa
Tuesday 26 January 2027
Lerwick's fire festival: the Jarl Squad marches through the town by day, and in the evening a torchlit procession ends with the burning of the galley.
Shetland Folk Festival
Thursday 29 April to Sunday 2 May 2027
The 45th Shetland Folk Festival, which calls itself the UK's most northerly folk festival.
Shetland Wool Week
Saturday 25 September to Sunday 3 October 2027
A week of events celebrating Shetland wool and knitting.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Scalloway & the West Mainland?
Scalloway & the West Mainland is in Shetland Islands, Scotland. Shetland's old capital, the Shetland Bus story, Tingwall's law site and Neolithic Stanydale. Nearby stops and stations include Lerwick to Scalloway bus, Tingwall Airport, A970 and A971.
How long do I need in Scalloway & the West Mainland?
Half a day for Scalloway, a full day with the West Mainland. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Scalloway Castle, Scalloway Museum, Law Ting Holm. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Lerwick to Scalloway bus (Local bus); Tingwall Airport (Inter-island flights); A970 and A971 (Roads). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 3 places to eat and drink in and around Scalloway & the West Mainland, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 4 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Scalloway & the West Mainland accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Scalloway & the West Mainland
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Scalloway Museum
Community museum beside the castle, opened in 2012, on Scalloway and the wartime Shetland Bus to Norway; closed in winter until spring.
Law Ting Holm
Promontory in the Loch of Tingwall, once an islet reached by a stone causeway, and the site of Shetland's parliament until the late 1500s.
Bonhoga Gallery
Gallery, shop and café in a converted mill beside the Weisdale burn, run by Shetland Arts.
Shetland
More areas to explore
Northmavine, Yell & Unst
Esha Ness cliffs, Ronas Hill, the islands of Yell and Unst, and Britain's most northerly sights
Open the mini guide →
Lerwick & Bressay
Shetland's harbour town: the museum, Fort Charlotte, Clickimin Broch and the ferry to Bressay
Open the mini guide →
South Mainland: Sumburgh, Jarlshof & Mousa
Prehistoric and Norse sites, the Mousa broch, puffin cliffs and the St Ninian's Isle tombolo
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Walls: Colin Park, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Scalloway Museum: Oliver Dixon, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Law Ting Holm: Bob Embleton, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Bonhoga Gallery: Robert Sandison, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Northmavine, Yell & Unst: Unukorno, CC BY 4.0, source
- Lerwick & Bressay: Florent Abel, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- South Mainland: Sumburgh, Jarlshof & Mousa: swifant, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Shetland