Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, has been named Scotland's cleanest place, achieving a 98.7 per cent cleanliness score from environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful. This rating places it ahead of neighbouring Orkney, which previously held the top spot. The town of around 7,000 residents impressed judges with its immaculate streets and well-kept public spaces.
Located on the south-eastern edge of the Shetland archipelago, Lerwick is the northernmost significant settlement in the UK. Its remote position makes travel challenging, with options including limited Loganair flights to Sumburgh Airport or an overnight Northlink ferry from Aberdeen across the North Sea.
Shetland has a subpolar climate, with the sun shining only 13 per cent of the year and a record high temperature of just 25.8°C. Winter days offer less than six hours of daylight. To combat the darkness, locals celebrate Up Helly Aa, a torchlit parade ending with the burning of a replica Viking galley, followed by a thorough clean-up.
Despite the harsh weather, the islands boast stunning beaches and abundant wildlife, including seals and sheep. One visitor recounted rescuing a newborn lamb that had fallen into a crevice, noting the rarity of such warmth and sunshine. Shetland's primary electricity supply was established in 1953, highlighting its history of self-sufficiency.
