Shetland Boat Week

This family friendly event, inspired by Shetland’s rich maritime heritage, is a full week long maritime experience taking place in August, with extended dates for the outdoor boat display on Hay’s Dock. The event encourages and promotes a passion for traditional Shetland boats, and a growing participation in keeping the sailing, boat building and other historic skills alive. 

In addition to the usual sailing and rowing experiences, there is a range of shoreside activities, lectures and exhibitions, as well as the ‘on-the-water’ opportunities.

Many of the events at Shetland Boat Week are free to attend and no booking is required. Where booking is indicated, tickets can be purchased online at www.thelittleboxoffice.com/sat or by calling Shetland Museum and Archives reception on 01595 741562, or visiting in person.

Download: Event Guide for Shetland Boat Week

Ievoli Black

HM Coastguard is holding open deck times to give visitors the chance to go behind the scenes and explore the UK’s Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) Ievoli Black.

On Friday 9 August and Sunday 11 August, Iveoli Black will be open to the public between 1400 and 1700 at Victoria Pier during Shetland Boat Week.

Ievoli Black is a large ocean-going tug which is managed and programmed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.  Its primary role is to prevent marine pollution by coming to the aid of ships that have broken down or are just unable to cope with the weather conditions.  It can also perform search and rescue operations, and support vessels suffering onboard emergencies such as fire, flood or a lack of electrical power. 

The vessel is regularly on patrol off the north coast of Scotland, and around Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles. It also regularly visits a number of ports and harbours across the region. It is at 30 minutes notice for operations 24/7 and frequently takes part in training exercises with the Coastguard search and rescue helicopters stationed at Shetland and Stornoway.  

The Open Day is an opportunity to come onboard, meet the crew and take a look at the ship: the towing area, upper-deck, bridge and some internal spaces will all be open.  It is free to enter, and all are most welcome to come onboard and have a look around.

Tour of MV Hjaltland

Visit Serco NorthLink vessel MV Hjaltland for an onboard guided tour of the ferry. Meet the Captain and crew as you tour the engine rooms, bridge, car deck and public spaces, finishing up with a refreshment in the Magnus Lounge.

Tours commence at 10.30, 11.30 & 12.30 and booking is recommended via Little Box Office

Charity Motorcycle Parade

The parade will start at 3pm at Victoria Pier and it will follow the north to south Lerwick loop.