Scotland: Knitting in Shetland
13th Sep 2026
Key Highlights
- Three tutored knitting workshops
- Learn from local experts
- Visits to textile galleries, museums and woollen mills
- See the Nielanell Design Studio at Sandwick
- Discover Scalloway and its ruined castle
Summary
Even those who think they know all there is to know about the art of knitting can pick up a thing or two in Scotland's scenic Shetland Isles, and we’re not just talking about those pesky dropped stitches...
As anyone who’s been lucky enough to visit the Shetland Isles can surely attest, it can get a bit chilly. It should come as no surprise, then, that one of their most famous exports is as warming as the welcome we receive on landing there.
There are workshops aplenty, both starting off our mornings and rounding off our afternoons. These present the perfect opportunity to hone our skills — and perhaps even learn some new ones — under the watchful eye of experienced local tutors.
But knitting knowledge isn’t the only thing available for us to take home — a visit to the elegant Nielanell Design Studio is the perfect opportunity to pick up a stylish souvenir (whether you gift it or keep it for yourself is up to you, although we recommend the latter). Along with other wool- and textile-related visits, we also take the opportunity to sample some of the other delights these remote yet fascinating islands have to offer, such as the historic archaeological site at Jarlshof and the spectacular sea cliffs at Sumburgh Head.
We travel in comfort aboard the large, purpose-built overnight ferry that plies between Aberdeen and Lerwick, lending a scenic cruising dimension to this most relaxing yet instructive crafting holiday in beautiful Scotland.
Up-grade to an outside cabin and enjoy sea views from the comfort of your cabin.
Outside Cabin Supplement: £60pp.
What's included
- Accommodation
- Services of an expert tour manager
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- Meals - as per the itinerary
- Ferry crossings
Meet your tour manager
Lorna Johnson
Lorna studied music at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. After graduating, she joined the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and subsequently the Scottish Chamber Orchestra as an orchestral violinist, playing throughout the UK and around the world. Meanwhile, her interest in Scotland's history, culture and amazing landscapes grew as she pursued her hobbies of hill-walking, sailing and cycling around the country. After completing the Munros (mountains over 3,000ft) in 1994, she knew she wanted to share this passion, and to this end qualified as a hillwalking guide in 1996 and a Blue Badge Guide in 2000. Since then she has had the privilege of guiding people from all over the world, not only to our main tourist sites in the cities, but throughout the Highlands and Islands.
Day by Day Itinerary
We depart from our designated pick-up points and travel northwards to Aberdeen where we will board the Northlink Ferry for our overnight crossing to Shetland. Dinner is served on board this evening.
Meals includedDinner
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| To be advised | 00:00 | 00:00 |
| Glasgow - Bus stop on North Hanover Street, opposite Queens Street Station | 09:45 | 13:45 |
| Edinburgh - outside reception of the Delta by Marriott Hotel, Glasgow Road | 11:00 | 12:30 |
| Dunfermline - Halbeath Park & Ride, Jct 3, M90 | 11:30 | 12:00 |
| Kinross - Moto Services on M90 | 11:45 | 11:00 |
| Perth - Broxden Park & Ride, A93 | 13:00 | 10:30 |
| Dundee - Outside Discovery Point | 13:30 | 10:00 |
| Forfar - Bus stop off the A90, near McDonalds | 13:50 | 09:40 |
| Stonehaven - Market Square | 14:30 | 09:00 |
| Aberdeen - Northlink Ferry Terminal | 15:00 | 08:30 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
Looking for something else?
Enquire about this tour
Have a question? Our team of travel experts is here to help. Simply complete the form, and one of our specialists will be in touch with the information you need. Whether you’re looking for details about the itinerary, availability, or what’s included, we’ll provide the answers and guidance to help you plan with confidence.
