Lerwick (Shetland)
Go BackMaritime, Vibrant, Remote
Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, is a thriving harbour town that combines maritime heritage, Nordic culture, and modern facilities. Situated more than 100 miles north of mainland Scotland, Lerwick offers organisers a truly distinctive event destination where remoteness becomes an asset, lending exclusivity and authenticity to gatherings. Its character is shaped by centuries of seafaring and trade, reflected in both its venues and its vibrant cultural life.
At the heart of Lerwick’s modern event infrastructure is Mareel, a contemporary arts and conference centre located on the waterfront. This state-of-the-art venue includes a 600-seat auditorium, cinema screens, recording studios, and flexible event spaces suitable for conferences, performances, and exhibitions. Mareel is also one of Shetland’s key cultural hubs, regularly hosting film festivals, concerts, and creative industry events, making it an ideal choice for organisers seeking a professional yet inspiring venue.
Historic and cultural venues complement this modern offer. The Shetland Museum and Archives, located beside the harbour, provides unique spaces for receptions, lectures, and cultural programming. Its galleries, dedicated to Shetland’s maritime and Norse heritage, create an immersive backdrop for events, while the waterfront setting enhances the atmosphere. Lerwick Town Hall, a striking Victorian building with stained glass windows depicting Viking history, offers an evocative and elegant venue for weddings, civic events, and formal gatherings.
Accommodation in Lerwick is diverse and well-suited to event needs. Options include the Shetland Hotel, ideal for business travellers, the Queens Hotel overlooking the harbour, and boutique guesthouses such as Kveldsro House Hotel. Many smaller B&Bs and self-catering cottages also provide characterful lodging, giving organisers flexibility for groups of varying size.
Accessibility is surprisingly strong for such a remote location. Sumburgh Airport, around 25 miles from Lerwick, offers direct flights to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness. Ferry services operated by NorthLink connect Lerwick to Aberdeen overnight, with capacity for both passengers and vehicles. Once in Lerwick, the compact layout of the town ensures that venues, hotels, and restaurants are all within easy walking distance, simplifying logistics for organisers.
Cultural events in Lerwick add a unique dimension to its appeal. The most famous is Up Helly Aa, Europe’s largest fire festival, held each January. The town is transformed by torchlit processions, Viking longship burnings, and community celebrations, offering a dramatic and unforgettable spectacle. This festival showcases Shetland’s Norse heritage and community spirit, demonstrating the town’s ability to stage events of international repute. Throughout the year, Lerwick also hosts folk music festivals, craft fairs, and maritime celebrations, all of which provide opportunities for organisers to align with authentic cultural programming.
For incentive packages, Lerwick and the wider Shetland Isles offer unique experiences. Delegates can embark on wildlife tours to see puffins, seals, and orcas, or explore prehistoric sites such as Jarlshof. Boat trips from Lerwick Harbour provide opportunities to visit dramatic sea cliffs, caves, and bird colonies. Cultural immersion can include traditional music sessions, knitting workshops reflecting Shetland’s textile heritage, or tours of local gin and whisky producers. These experiences are highly distinctive, giving organisers the chance to offer programmes that are both memorable and rooted in local culture.
Dining in Lerwick reflects Shetland’s maritime identity, with restaurants and hotels serving fresh seafood and local produce. Delegates can enjoy everything from informal fish suppers on the pier to fine dining experiences showcasing scallops, mussels, and lamb raised on the islands. Social programmes often incorporate such culinary highlights, ensuring that the local flavour is part of every event.
What sets Lerwick apart is its ability to deliver professional event infrastructure within a remote and culturally rich setting. It is a destination that feels exclusive, with venues like Mareel offering world-class facilities and cultural landmarks adding authenticity. For organisers who want to host events that are both professional and unforgettable, Lerwick provides a unique blend of modern capability and Norse tradition.
Whether it is a conference in Mareel, a wedding in the Town Hall, or an incentive trip exploring Shetland’s dramatic landscapes, Lerwick offers organisers a destination where remoteness becomes a strength, creating events that linger in memory long after they conclude.