SAT - Allover - Chris Morphet
Monday 9 December 2024
 2.7°C   SW Light Breeze
SCT - 2025/26 Small Grant SchemeSCT - 2025/26 Small Grant Scheme
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

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

DI Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen) and DI ‘Tosh’ McIntosh (Alison O'Donnell). Photo: BBC/Silverprint Films/Jamie Simpson

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.

“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

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.

Become a member of Shetland News

 

“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.

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.