“I think The Shetland Times Bookshop on Commercial Street, Lerwick deserves a mention for superb service. On the morning of our departure from Shetland last May my wife purchased a copy of "The Shetland Bus" from the Bookshop. We had returned home to Lancashire before she began reading it and soon found some pages were blank. Upon contacting The Shetland Times Bookshop we were told to return the book and four days later a replacment copy arrived - together with stamps to cover expenses. Thank you The Shetland Times Bookshop for completing a memorable holiday - we can't wait to return in June. ”

“Fair Isle is a wonderful place to get away from it all, and there is nowhere more welcoming than Kathy Coull's bed and breakfast croft at Upper Leogh in the middle of the southern part of the island. Kathy is a recognised expert at traditional spinning and weaving who hosts regular workshops for visitors intent on learning more about the textiles that Fair Isle is famous for. Her croft B&B is also a great favourite of the birdwatching community. As there are no restaurants on Fair Isle, Kathy usually offers a full board service, which is very reasonably priced; she is also a wonderful cook. I spent four days there and would recommend her croft to anyone. Contact her at: 00 44 (0)1595 760 248”

“It is fashionable to moan and complain about the quality of service given by local Tourist Boards, and in my work as a travel writer, I have complained about many of them. But at the opposite end of the scale is the Tourist Information Centre in Lerwick. You will never find a friendlier, more accommodating group of tourist board professionals anywhere in Scotland. So make the information centre in Market Square in the middle of town your first stop. I did, and I was very very pleasantly surprised. ”