Lerwick Harbour
A modern, international port in which more than £30 million invested in recent decades.

A natural, sheltered harbour, with two entrances, no lock gates and open in all weathers. A tidal range of only 2 metres, well-marked channels and advanced radar.

Operational 24 hours a day, with purpose-built tugs and pilot boats. Pilots' experience includes Tall Ships.

1,500 metres of quays available for Tall Ships, with deep-water berthing to 9 metres. Adequatespace for showers/toilet facilities etc. for Tall Ships' crews. The port is adjacent to town centre.

Port services include: fresh water, bunkering, electrical shore power and refuse disposal.

Facilities include: shipping agents, chandlers, ship yards, dry dock, engine repairs, electronic & navigation repairs, victuallers, bonded stores, water-taxis, emergency services and full Customs.

Over 4,000 vessel arrivals annually, including oil industry support vessels, + local fishing fleet + leisure craft - and many yachts in summer.

Fleet management and liaison
Experienced in handling fleets - e.g. around 90 fish factory vessels during mackerel season; 130 cruisers/yachts in Norwegian flotilla on week long visit in July 1995. Floro Convoy (100 boats) from 30th June - 3rd July, 1997

Local volunteers assist organisation for annual Bergen-Shetland-Bergen yacht race.

Port-of-call for Royal Western Yacht Club Round Britain and Ireland Race, Royal Ocean Racing Club's British Isles and Ireland Race and Dutch North Sea Triangle Cruise.

Increasingly popular port-of-call for cruise ships - around 40 in 1995.

A long maritime history, including international trading.

A cosmopolitan port with people well used to providing warm hospitality to visitors speaking many different languages.

Shetland's attractions and leisure facilities
Ro-ro ferry 6 times weekly to Aberdeen + seasonal weekly ferry to Bergen and Faroe Islands. Frequent daily air services at Sumburgh which is also a major heliport. Advanced digital telecommunications.

Established tourism industry, with quality visitor accommodation in hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments. Numerous visitor attractions, cafes, restaurants and transport services.

Well-developed road network facilitating coach tours around the islands to see the many attractions, including magnificent scenery, archaeological sites, Viking history, castles, museums, heritage centres and the famous Shetland ponies.

Exhibitions, workshops & displays of Fair Isle knitting, spinning, art, jewellery and craft products.

Local culture - Shetland is famous for its traditional fiddle music and its Viking fire festivals.

Lerwick's extensive onshore leisure/entertainment facilities include the Clickimin Leisure Complex; a Community Centre; Theatre; and Town Hall - all close to the port.

Support & enthusiasm throughout Shetland for the event.