Tourism chief hopes new Shetland series and otter film will encourage visitors to isles

IT IS well known that the BBC crime drama series Shetland has had a big impact on local tourism – despite the grisly storylines.

The new series – the ninth to date – debuted on last week on BBC One, putting the limelight back on the isles.

But there is something of a double whammy on the books, with the documentary film Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story getting its UK debut in the coming days.

That film, which showcases some striking shots of Shetland, has already been released in other parts of the world, including in the US.

Local VisitScotland development manager Steve Mathieson said the hope for him is that Shetland series nine, plus the otter “love story”, will only help to increase the isles’ tourism draw once again.

“The ninth series of BBC crime drama ‘Shetland’ will once again highlight our fantastic islands to a huge, global audience,” he said.

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“This series has aired in parallel with a dramatic growth in leisure tourism in Shetland since its first showing in 2013 and I fully expect that trend to continue – visitors are always keen to see the locations featured in the show.”

Molly leaps out of the water to Billy Mail’s dinghy as he looks on. Photo: National Geographic/Johnny Rolt

Molly leaps out of the water to Billy Mail’s dinghy as he looks on. Photo: National Geographic/Johnny Rolt

Mathieson added that Shetland is also “extremely popular with nature and wildlife-lovers”.

He highlighted the isles are home to the highest density of the Eurasian Otter in Europe – and possibly the world.

“The charming film Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story plays perfectly to these strengths, showcasing Shetland as a breathtaking destination where these beautiful creatures thrive,” Mathieson said.

“Research shows that around one in five visitors are inspired by film, TV or literature to visit Scotland.

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“Both these programmes highlight our dramatic landscapes, that draw so many people here, and we hope these will once again encourage visitors – both domestically and internationally – to experience these incredible islands for themselves.”

Last month the chair of Shetland Tourism Association, Amanda Hawick, referenced the BBC crime drama and its impact on visitor numbers.

But she expressed concern over the capacity on the NorthLink ferry from Aberdeen to Shetland at peak points – and suggested it was time to “think outside the box”, with an idea raised about a privately operated service.