Lerwick lifeboat station (Shetland Islands)

Fort Charlotte is an artillery fort in central Lerwick on the Shetland Islands. With bastions on each corner, this five-sided fort is the third structure on the same site; the first built between 1652-3, the second put up under Charles II’s orders in 1665 to hold off an advancing Dutch fleet and the third was erected in 1781 after the second incarnation was burnt down. The fort is named after the wife of George III. Since the 18th century, Fort Charlotte has been used as a garrison during the Napoleonic Wars, a naval base, a town jail, a courthouse and a coastguard station. Today the fort is managed by Historic Scotland and is base for the territorial army in Scotland. Climb up to the battlements and get a fantastic view of Lerwick Harbour and Bressay Sound.

Lerwick Town Hall is home to the Shetland Islands’ Council and is located in central Lerwick. Completed in 1884 and designed by Alexander Ross, the building enjoys the highest point in the town of Lerwick. The town hall is available for hire for functions and events including marriages, wedding reception and concerts. If you’re in Lerwick, why not also visit Fort Charlotte.

The Shetland Museum and Archives charts the story of Shetland’s culture and heritage. The museum enjoys a waterfront location in the Hay’s Dock area of Lerwick, 10 minutes walk from the town centre. Explore the history of the Shetland Islands in this fascinating museum, from the earliest geological remains to the present day. In the Archive Collections you can also discover all manner of material relating to Shetland life and the Heritage Hub is on hand to lend you any assistance tracking down any aspect of Shetland’s past. On site there is café and gift shop. The museum is open to visitors throughout the year, for more information go to www.shetland-museum.org.uk

Clickimin Broch is a well-preserved prehistoric tower close to Lerwick on mainland Shetland. The broch was originally built on an island in a small loch and is approached by a stone causeway. Today the loch is much reduced in size due to drainage and the partially restored building is situated within a walled enclosure. Clickiman has several unusual features for a broch including a blockhouse, between the enclosure entrance and the door of the broch, as well as a stone slab with sculptured footprints. Clickimin Broch is maintained by Historic Scotland and is open to the public all year round and admission is free.