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First Stops: Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland and Inverness “The happiest place in Scotland”

First Stops: Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland and Inverness “The happiest place in Scotland”

Sailing aboard this ship allowed me freedom, embrace of new lands and people, soulful rest, drafting more of my second novel, and most of all, the “Brilliance of the Seas.”

Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland. Perched on a hillside overlooking the harbor, the town’s lanes retain their charm and their shelter from the prevailing south-westerly gales.

Lerwick is the main town and port of the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Shetland’s only burgh, Lerwick has a population of about 7,500.

That first day as we disembarked in Lerwick, it was a chilly, beautiful day and I felt the excitement in the air. New lands awaited me and new memories were waiting to be made.

Ancient Viking ruins

This specific area where we landed was first inhabited by the Vikings from what is now Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. In the 9th century, Floki’s daughter drowned in this area and apparently buried here.

The countryside’s beauty enraptured my heart and I found myself closing my eyes and just soaking it all in as I traveled this beautiful God-inspired land.

Shetland ponies are smart,sturdy, and this specific farm’s owner used tourist and visitors’ proceeds/gifts for cancer survivors as herself.

Shetland Island’s pony

Haste Ye Back! (Yes, I will return soon!)

Shetland ponies originated in this very area of Shetland Islands. Small, sturdy, and intelligent horses have been kept on these islands since the Bronze Age. The harsh climate and scarce food developed these ponies into extremely hardy and unique animals.

Most of the sandstone buildings on the waterfront date from the 18th century.

Lerwick is the main town and port of the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Population is about 7,000 friendly people who welcomed us with open arms. I’ll never forget the hustling and bustling little cafe I walked into to get some coffee. Local creamer was from their cows, their dialect was delectable, and their smiles and red, round faces were refreshing to see.

Cawdor Castle in Cromarty, Highland United Kingdom.

This castle has the Walled Garden, the Flower Garden, and the Wild Garden. Supplied by a wealth of flora and fauna, the gardens are ever changing with the seasons. They include roses, rhododendrons, spring bulbs, and contemporary sculptures.

This castle is built around a 15th century tower house, with substantial additions in later centuries. It is famed for its literary connection to Shakespeare’s Macbeth.