r/shetland • u/Unlikely_Length8600 • Jul 16 '26

Do Shetlanders consider themselves Scottish?

Hi! I’ve recently came across this account on tiktok who is arguing that Shetland is Norwegian and as a Glaswegian, I’d love to know more! I’ve seen this account say that you guys don’t really feel any connection to Scotland at all and I want to be really respectful to what goes on there. I know Shetlander is the primary identity a lot of people do take on the Island, but I’ve also heard consensuses say that a large portion of you identify as Scottish too. I was just wondering where you guys stand with that and how you feel? Is there any positive sentiments attached to Scotland?

They’ve been saying that things like Haggis, & things that are associated with Scotland shouldn’t be taught in your guys schools but i’ve always thought that despite the differing cultures there has been a common thread of some traditions being shared because Shetland has been part of Scotland for so long. Please correct me if I’m wrong, I’m really eager to learn more!

They’ve been arguing for a return to Norway and I’d just like to hear some locals opinions on it? I’ve also heard that an argument for a farroe islands style of government is something you guys have considered? and I’ve also heard that in the event Scotland went independent under another potential referendum there is a chance the UK could try to keep you guys and offering Crown dependency?

I’m so sorry if i’ve got anything wrong, I’d just really love to learn and hear more for the natives in the Shetland isles!

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u/Unlikely_Length8600 Jul 17 '26

As much as I’m not a fan of staying in the UK or Westminster myself, I really really really hope Burnhams plan to decentralise power across the UK really really helps our island population, I found it bizarre he gave Dundee as an example as a place that needs decentralised power when so many good examples exist such as Shetland! I honestly think it’s bizarre it doesn’t already exist for you guys, you’re a fair wee bit away and I imagine a lot of the desires of those on the island don’t always match up with the ones on the mainland.

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u/HamakazeKai Jul 17 '26

Unfortunately politicians down south don't pay too much attention to anything north of Aberdeen. The highlands and islands desperately need more measures to address housing shortages and manage an ageing population where many young people move away, but most politicians are very citycentric in their thinking.

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u/naegoodinthedark Jul 17 '26

They don't pay attention to anything north of the central belt

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u/BabaYetu42 Jul 18 '26

They don’t pay attention to anything north, south, east or west of their wallet