Shetland returns to BBC One for its 11th series on November 12, with filming locations spanning Greenock, Largs and Lerwick. Stars Ashley Jensen and Alison O'Donnell have spoken about what makes working on the islands so special.
Opening episode plot
The opening episode sees DI Ruth Calder (Jensen) and Tosh (O'Donnell) investigate a male skeleton discovered inside a vehicle pulled from the water. The victim is well-regarded local GP Raymond Linden, who vanished from the islands nine years earlier, leaving the detectives to uncover what he was fleeing from and why.
The new series sees the duo meet Raymond's relatives, who remain divided over what might have befallen him. The BBC teased: "As Calder and Tosh dig deeper to identify the victim in the car, they must delve into Raymond Linden's state of mind and the lives of the loved ones he left behind. The investigation takes them to unexpectedly dark and dangerous places in their quest for the truth."
Cast reflections on the locations
Tosh actress O'Donnell said she would miss shooting in such a breathtaking location: "I'll miss the magic and the majesty of the place. How the air feels different and nature and the landscape come to meet you in the most humbling and awe-inspiring way."
Explaining why she cherished the location, O'Donnell said: "I'll also miss bringing my family and doing all our favourite trips - Sands of Sound beach and poking around in all the little gift shops. And I'll miss Tosh. She has been a constant companion for over a decade. I loved her tenacity and her humour, the way she had no airs and was full of empathy. She gave me so much."
Departure and production details
At the beginning of November, the actress confirmed her departure from the show after more than ten years. She said: "I've been involved with it for 14 years now and I've been so lucky to have been given so many different storylines and challenges and to have worked with so many extraordinary actors but at this point it feels like we've probably explored it enough. I don't think I would ever have found a moment to step away that didn't feel sad and bittersweet, but something in me said 'leap', and so I did."
Her co-star Jensen also shared her thoughts on filming across the Shetland Isles, explaining how it helps her connect with her character. "You walk the streets, you get to know the landscape, and you feel part of the place," she said, describing it as a "magical" location. "It unifies the cast and crew, and I think we all feel drawn to it. We're genuinely excited to go back each year. We make our own entertainment too. Some of the crew go wild swimming. I don't, because I'm convinced I'd get hypothermia if I started regularly throwing myself into the sea," she joked. "There's a slower pace of life, which is lovely. And I think the guest cast feel incredibly lucky to spend time there. It's such a lovely job."
Filming locations and tours
Series 11 of Shetland was shot on the Scottish mainland in locations including Greenock and Largs, before production moved to the Shetland Isles, including Lerwick town centre. Filming took place at Shetland Bookshop, Lerwick Sheriff Court and the waterfront. The Greenock Telegraph shared footage from April 2026, with fans expressing their enthusiasm in the comments, reports the Daily Record.
Robertsons operates a Shetland locations tour, noting the series has "really put Shetland on the map and attracted worldwide attention to the beautiful locations featured throughout." The eight-hour excursion includes some of the most photographed spots, from Bain's Beach to Lerwick Police Station, and from Market Cross and Commercial Street to St Ninian's Isle. Other travel firms also offer tours of Shetland's popular filming locations, which provide the backdrop for the programme's investigations.
Shetland season 11 premieres on November 12 on BBC One at 9pm.
