The beautiful beach at Huisinis

Famous Scots from Shetland


Arthur Anderson 1792 - 1868

He began his sailing career in the Navy. He mainly served as a captain's clerk but left aged 23 and headed for London in the hope of gainful employment. He met Brodie McGhie Wilcox who was about to embark on a shipping enterprise to Spain and Portugal and realised Anderson's skills and offered him the clerks position, seven years later he made him partner. The business went from strength to strength and began to carry mail. The company soon became the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (known today as P & O Ferries). During this time Anderson was still very involved in Shetland affairs and began to suggest a trip from Shetland to the Faroes and Iceland - the first ever cruise.

Tom Anderson 1910 - 1991
Tom Anderson MBE was a fiddler, composer, folklorist and teacher who was a profoundly influential figure in the development of Shetland music.

Aly Bain 1946 - 
Aly Bain was born and grew up in Lerwick in the Shetland Islands. He stared playing the fiddle at eleven learning the art from another famous Shetland musician, Tom Anderson. His gift to bring the music alive through with his dramatic playing, tone and technical ability soon made him famous. He moved to mainland Scotland where he helped to establish the "Boys of the Loch" and began a career that continues today. In 1992 Aly was awarded an M.B.E for his services to folk music.

Continental Airlines May 08