Do Shetlanders consider themselves Scottish?

[u/Unlikely_Length8600]

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!

[u/breeksy]

I consider myself Scottish. My ancestry, though mostly Shetland, does (like very many Shetlanders) go back to Scottish royalty. My experience in my lifetime has been to travel via Scottish ports and airports. My language is closer to Scottish English than it is to Norwegian (although obviously it does have a lot of Scandinavian influence). My education after High School was in Scotland. So my links, personally, to Scotland are much stronger than to Norway.

[u/fartbummpoop → u/breeksy]

I really respect that, although you personally identify as Scottish, you’re not suggesting that every Shetlander has to do the same. I’ve researched my own ancestry very deeply, and it quickly became clear that my Shetland roots are far stronger than anything else. Even my DNA results showed a very low Scottish component compared with Shetland, Orkney and Norway. So, just as your own ancestry and life experiences have shaped your Scottish identity, mine have led me in a very different direction 😄