SCUBA April 2021 issue 113 April 2021 issue 113 | Page 37

Shetland Essentials
Dendronotus frondosus nudibranch

Shetland Essentials

Getting there and away : Most diving visitors drive and get an overnight ferry from Aberdeen to Sumburgh on Shetland . It is possible to fly there via Edinburgh on BA , but the 20kg hold allowance is insufficient for drysuit diving and there have been reports of delayed , misrouted luggage . Unless you have particular needs , the ferry is the way to go . Book your ferry tickets well in advance of your trip . Remember if you ’ re carrying cylinders to register your ‘ hazardous cargo ’ in advance to save on paper work in the queue . www . northlinkferries . co . uk
Liveaboards : While Shetland is home to a thriving BSAC club , most visitors will book a liveaboard to cover an itinerary similar to the one described here . Rob and Charles dived as guests of Bob Anderson on the new liveaboard MV Clasina , which visits Shetland most summers . Find out more and book on www . mvhalton . co . uk . Several of the Orkney-based liveaboards will offer Shetland trips , notably MV Valkyrie , www . mv-valkyrie . co . uk
Topside activities : Hermaness Bird Sanctuary on Yell is a must visit . www . visitscotland . com / info / seedo / hermaness-national-naturereserve-p246921
The Balta Light is the UK ’ s most northern pub www . facebook . com / BaltaLightBar /
Otherwise , the Shetland coast is rich with beaches and rugged scenery – a hiker ’ s paradise . �
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