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Ok. So How Far North can you get and still be in the UK? That would be the Shetland Islands. Held up amidst gale Force winds on this North Sea archipelago.

So why go there then? Just because how far north it is? No. Because of the TV show? Never watched it! (apart from the first episode of a new series that started the other night).

Why go in October? Thats harder to answer, so you’ll need to read on for that one haha.

As with all tales, this has a beginning. This one was an early morning train out of Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen.

First time i had been there, and didn’t really see much of this city. Big travel bag to carry so found a Costa to wait for the Ferry boarding time.

I had a call the day before to say that the time had been moved forward 4 hours due to the weather, so my day was already different to what I had my mind on before.

Boarded the Ferry at about 2.15. It was grand. Enormous in my eyes. A NorthLink Ferry. Classy unit.

The first thing i did was use my keycard i was given to find my pod chair, which would be my bed for the night. See here:

Then off to the bar for a pint and a look out the window as we set off. Couldn’t be happier. As the journey progressed the ride became choppier with the rough sea. At one point my table and pint nearly flipped and smashed.

Then I had dinner in the restaurant. Fish & Chips with a pint of Orkney Gold Craft Beer. Feeling tired by the point. Had to have have a look out on the deck at the conditions here. Blowy.

Took a few drags on my vape, then (about 8pm) went back to my chair and crashed out like a baby on Nigh Nurse.

Woke up at about 5.30am and I was stationary in Lerwick.

Had a fry up for breakfast, before leaving the ship with my bags.

First Impressions: cold and dark. With a rough kind of beauty.

I stayed at the Islesburgh hostel in Lerwick for the week. A bunk youth hostel, which everyone there knew. This was the first destination on arrival. A local saw me trying to slog my bags down the street and wished me luck. Not a tourist honestly!

I got to the hostel. Checked-In. Nice enough. Cheap and cheerful. A ghost town actually, had a whole 4 bunk dorm to myself.

Lerwick is the only town on Shetland and reminds me of fishing towns in the South West where I grew up. Decided to take the first day to explore Lerwick. This was a nice sunny Saturday and a had a nice walk along the waters edge as you can see below:

The main town centre of Lerwick is quaint and friendly. A cosy community feel. Narrow streets with wee trendy art shops amongst them. You can see Aurora on the left and they sell Jewellery from Orkney: https://www.aurora-jewellery.com/

Lerwick Town Garden Square

Had a nose about to get a feel for the place. Like the hostel; quiet. Just locals. There was a nice spot to sit and read for an hour (above). Big flask of tea in hand. Benches in a square, likely popular with locals for a hot drink an a natter. Big flask of tea in hand for me.

Later I had a warm pub meal in the No88 Kitchen and Bar. Watched the rugby and back to the hostel for a good nights kip.

Early rise sunday, kippers for breakfast in the hostel then back into the town. By chance, I noticed a ferry soon to depart just across from Lerwick. Started chatting to some guys there who said this was a 10 minute ferry hop to the island of Bressay. I stocked up on some supplies quickly then jumped on-board. These inter-island ferries cater to cars aswell for those travelling to and from the Shetland mainland.

Whilst moving i talked to an Indian guy I had met the night i shipped over from Aberdeen (helped him access the wifi), who had just arrived in the UK. When we landed on Bressay he went a different way to me.

Bressay is very peaceful, barely inhabited. See the map of Bressay and Noss below:

Decided to walk in the direction of Noss. There were houses intermittently as you headed along the road. Talk about a breath of fresh air. Passed the remains of an old house. Got to a good spot to see Noss, which i couldn’t land on here out of season. Saw some of the birds that tourists jump on the boat tours for in the summer. No ornithologist, so don’t ask which ones! See this video and this cabin. Made me think of a Nick Drake track. And because I thought of it, plugged it in on Spotify. Another good spot to read aswell.

Again: Peaceful. Walked in the direction of Kirkabister and the Lighthouse there:

Enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Headed back to Lerwick at about 5.

The next day was monday and it began with a visit to the tourist information. On their recommendation, I took the bus south to channerwick. There was a free shuttle service bus to take me from there to the small village of Bigton. These services are critical for tourists (and any non-drivers) to travel to and from some of the remote parts of the islands. From Bigton I walked down to the beach of St Ninians Isle.

Stopped on a bench before the beach to read. Got into a conversation with cornishman who lived in house close by with his wife. Fussed his dog and talked about the book i was reading: The Power of Now. The guy clearly had a keen interest in buddhism and he asked me about my story. I got some of his aswell. Even gave me his mobile number in case I ended up stranded. Nice guy! Then as is often the way, we wished each other well and god speed. Now down to the beach.

A stretch of beach that passes though the sea on either side. Had to remind myself I was still in still in Scotland and not an exotic Caribbean island (well the wind helped me to I guess!). The beach separates the Isle from the mainland. Seriously, look on Google Maps.

On the Isle you could read about and see the remnants of an old Chapel. The views from the hill edges were sensational. Rough and bracing. My only company was for 100s of yards was cattle.

The next part of the trip was the return on the shuttle bus, back to the bus service to Sumburgh. The destination of the archaeological site of Jarlshof. A prehistoric and Old Norse Settlement that has survived not just centuries, but millennia. Neolithic people first occupied this site around 2700 BC. There are oval-shaped bronze age houses, an Iron Age Broch Tower (below) and the Wheel House.

Sites of Norse houses and evidence of medieval farming. Hence the “Jarl” in “Jarlshof” nodding to the Viking chiefs who made their home here. There is historical information for all the builds on the site from different time periods.

The Wheel House dates back to the 650 AD Iron Age and is named as such for its circular design. Would of made a great episode of Grand Designs back then! Staggering craftsmanship, withstanding the ever-present danger from the sea to flood and damage the buildings. Its a truly fascinating place to visit and absorb history.

In the evening back in Lerwick, had a tasty dinner of a Hummus Bowl and salad washed down with a few pints. At a fancy restaurant called the Dowry. A packed, fun day.

Next up is part 2 and it begins with a trip to Unst, as north as you can go.

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At the back end of last year, you may have read my post “A Devonian in Glasgow”. Here is the follow-up, the sequel in early spring 2023.

January and February were filled up by work. In mid march by good friend Chris came here to visit me here for a weekend. I showed him some sites of the city that you will see here.

He arrived early friday evening at my flat. The first stop was the Celtic bar Heraghty’s for the best pint of Guinness in Glasgow! A real old school south-side boozer. We then went further south to the district of Shawlands. Few more drinks in the Phillies of Shawlands. This area is popular with a hipster crowd and the drinks menu caters for this with unusual cocktails. Then back to Govanhill to mine, an picked up a decent kebab on the way home.

The next morning we got a Scottish breakfast at a cafe (with tattie scones, but no square sausages) to fuel up. Its recommended to book ahead for the busier cafes, which we didn’t but found a small one near Queens Park.

The destination was then the Transport Museum (officially called the Riverside Museum) on the west end banks of the Clyde. We took a train into Central Station and then the subway to Partick. A 10 minute walk along the river from there. The Transport Museum is free of charge, (many of Scotland’s publicly funded attractions are still) and to be protected. We looked at original subway carriages. The world’s third oldest underground railway, after London and Budapest, opening 125 years ago on 14 December 1896.

You can go inside carriages and experience the space that passengers had to get to work or go out for a weekend drink.

There are Vintage Glasgow double decker buses on show from the early to mid 20th century.

You can also view classic cars and crafted models of Titanic like cruise liners like Cunard.

To the right you can see this replica of a Glasgow street including a Upholsterer, a Bakery’s cart and a Pub (The Mitre). The Carts pulled by horses. You can go inside the Upholstery and the Pub (see below – right).

You feel back in time over 100 years ago.

We took everything in, also including a precursor to the modern combustion engine and old experiential videos with employees in areas of Glasgow transport. Like early Pakistani immigrants and pioneering women who worked the Glasgow Subways or were Bus Conductresses.

The museum has 2 floors with the upstairs including Clyde Shipbuilding history. You don’t just learn, we really got a feel for the craftsmanship and its significance on the modern day successors.

We thoroughly enjoyed this and the next stop was the Glasgow Science Centre, down and across the Clyde. Less a museum and more an educational interactive exhibition. It covers human science, planets, chemistry and innovative science to name some sections. Costs about £12 for day entry. A great place to go with kids, with a variety in its exhibits. Whether its trying to get magnets to touch one another, trying to use buttons to make the muscles in plastic legs ride a pushbike (hard!) or using visual memory to recall the facial features in a video of robbery to identify the criminal.

That evening we got the subway to Hillhead in the west end for some Haggis, neeps and tatties at the Ubiquitous Chip on the fashionable Ashton Lane. Fantastic, Scottish winter comfort food. A few pints aswell and then onto the Sub Club in the city centre. The house music that night wasn’t good to be honest, but this was still a great day overall.

(The Hydro arena to the right. Famous for gigs and events like world championship boxing).

Chris went back down south the next day. He will be back.

A week later my mum came up from Devon to stay with me for 7 nights, which was very exciting.

On the first full day we took a walk south to The Burrell Collection art museum.

Reopened in March 2022, located in the peaceful Pollok country park.

The contrast between the modern building and its works being hundreds of years old (and some thousands) is particularly impressive and certainly catches the eyes.

There are so many interesting pieces here. One of the videos explains that there are just as many pieces behind sight in the gallery stockrooms. Sounds and looks like a fascinating place to work.

Another Glasgow attraction free of charge aswell. Some classic art pieces like those below.

(The Art Collector William Burrell himself)

(Very old Chinese Dog!)

We had a coffee in the cafe which looks out across Pollok park, then headed back.

The next day we headed out of Glasgow Central on the train to Lanark and the short walk to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, New Lanark.

This is an 18th Century Mill village where people milled cotton, serving the whole Lanark area and beyond. You can learn much of the story and the current resident community in the Visitor Centre. That New Lanark was the UK’s largest cotton mill in 1790. 65 people live here now and there is also a hostel you can stay at.

The bridge across to the cafe, shop and river.

After a coffee and packed lunch on one of the benches we headed out to the Falls of Clyde, national nature reserve. 4 Waterfalls called the Linns. Below you can see 2 videos of the Corra Linn, the largest fall with a drop of 26 metres. Its a great vantage point from this position. Many much more professional photographers than myself can be seen capturing this spot of the Falls.

Its a really peaceful stroll that takes you down the river on a boardwalk past some small garden ponds where you can see plenty of Frogs living and breeding.

You can see a small cottage next to here where whoever looks after these ponds must stay.

See if you can spot the Flog to the left here poking its head out.

The walk through the Falls of Clyde really just keeps going and if you continue to the end you come out at Hyndford bridge and onto a main road.

As you head down the boardwalk, one path takes you past Bonnington Weir, another good spot for snaps.

After an hour or so, we walked back towards New Lanark village. We stopped at the cafe and gift shop building and had a look for some postcards.

When you head back out of the village, you go uphill to the exit. Do not miss the ancient graveyard though. You just head out and take a left track (signposted) to see some burial stones hidden away in the woods. This cemetery was for the local residents of the village at the time of the cotton mill.

After walking back to Lanark we had a Fish Supper in a chippy (good scran!) and then got the train back to Glasgow and home.

The next day was a lazy one, but the following day we took a trip to Auld Reekie, otherwise known as Edinburgh. When we arrived we took one of the city’s dark maroon buses to the Royal Botanic Gardens. You can see and learn about hundreds of exotic plants like these in here in one of the greenhouses. I had a particular interest in the different species of cactuses.

A colourful array of plants with impressive latin names. We walked the perimeter of the gardens so we didn’t miss anything. My mum is a keen gardener and loved this place. The west gate entrance has a cafe, shop and visitors centre. In the shop you can buy seeds, plants, pots etc. Aswell as more gift shop type presents. This building is modern.

We visited a small art exhibition in a house on the grounds. On its opening day.

This picture to the right was taken in the vibrant Rock Garden. There are approximately 5,000 species of plant here.

The Garden is made to resemble some of the mountain habitats of rural China. This is a must see if you visit Edinburgh.

After a few hours the two of us got the bus back into the city centre. We took a walk down the Royal Mile, looking in its quaint shops. You see historic buildings like the Castle and churches. Near the train station you can see Chris Hoy’s gold post box for his gold medals at the London 2012 Olympics.

We then got the train back to Glasgow, had some food at mine and watched some TV.

The next morning drew us to the local Queens Park for a walk. I go there a few times a week, sometimes for a jog. The video below is from the Flagpole viewpoint.

Walking to the city centre again, we passed this mural on the wall of the Hootenanny pub. This is for legendary comedian Billy Connolly.

An excellent piece of artwork to honour the bigman himself.

Just next to the St Enoch subway station and shopping centre, as you cross the Clyde.

We sat on a bench by the Clyde and had a hot drink. A nice spot to take a minute.

The final stop on the last day was the Tramway arts venue back on the southside. They were showcasing african artwork created using only recycled materials.

(The Tramway arts venue below).

After all these enjoyable and busy days, my mum went back to England after a lovely time for the both of us. Getting the opportunity to show my current home city (and places within reach) to my family.

Two days after she left I went to the Scotland Spain football match at Hampden park with my pal Jim.

A raucous home atmosphere. The tartan army packed the stadium out for a big Euro qualifier.

We had seats in the east stand and Scotland were shooting towards us in the first half.

And 7 minutes in; Scott McTominay put Scotland ahead with a clinical finish. The place was absolutely rocking now!

Scotland were up for this game. Pressing Spain and going in for tackles. Keeping more of the possession than you would expect against a team like the Spanish.

And just after half time, would you believe it; Scott McTominay scored another! A pinpoint volley from the edge of the penalty area this time.

Scotland and Hampden were on fire!

Spain were having lots of possession now but were creating little to no clear cut chances.

Scotland were on the brink and just need to keep their discipline and concentration. And then the final whistle blew…

Scotland’s biggest scalp in over a decade and the fans broke into Gala – Freed from Desire as you can see here. And thoroughly deserved. ‘Scuse the shaky camera work from me ha. The fans would sing into the night.

It was a fitting end to a special few weeks with friends and family.

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Safe travels!

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