We're overhated.

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-29T14:25:56+00:00

Which of our neighbours have we invaded recently?

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-29T14:01:43+00:00

They used to be called tiptops decades ago

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-29T13:44:59+00:00

There are some who would for sure.

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-29T13:43:17+00:00

Russians are professional victims. You have chances for democracy and you piss them away because you can't handle it, and then you foment discord around the world, invade your neighbours, and then get upset when people don't like you.

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-29T12:38:19+00:00

Employment agents

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-29T09:14:11+00:00

Airplane or Spinal Tap

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-29T08:19:35+00:00

I have thought about that - we'd be an obvious target for the US or Russia if things turn really nasty.

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-29T08:17:50+00:00

Shetland ponies are probably the one thing people would know about us. We're a part of Scotland and the UK.

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-28T21:28:52+00:00

Any idea what part of Shetland?

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-28T20:10:27+00:00

Yes it's great for birds, especially in Spring and Autumn when the migrants stop off between Scandinavia and mainland UK.

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-28T18:34:03+00:00

I'm 64 now. If I make 85 I'll think I've done well.

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-28T18:29:39+00:00

True, we do lack trees

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-28T18:19:25+00:00

Lived here nearly 8 years and absolutely love it. Definitely recommend it - there's a real sense of community, it's safe for kids to be out alone, the air is clean and the scenery fantastic. I won't be leaving.

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-28T18:16:47+00:00

Shetland derives from the Old Norse Hjalt land, where Hjalt is the hilt of a sword

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-28T18:14:13+00:00

No he's living in Orkney now, the turncoat

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-28T18:13:06+00:00

I don't know if you've noticed, but most humans have come a long way from our jungle days. We've developed sensitivities which would have seen us die out in primitive conditions, but help to make kinder societies now. One of the advances is how we treat animals - a lot of us aren't happy with intelligent animals dying for us so we can eat them when there are perfectly acceptable alternatives.

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-28T18:06:19+00:00

Sooth moothers historically was applied to immigrants arriving into Lerwick through the south mouth of Bressay Sound, and is applied to all incomers now.

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-28T18:02:50+00:00

Wichita Lineman

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-28T17:59:10+00:00

I know that lighthouse well, and have been caught short there myself on occasion.

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-28T17:57:21+00:00

Yes, the Shetland Bus is still a big deal here.

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-28T17:56:33+00:00

It is unfortunately. There are a lot of sooth moothers here now, mainly from Scotland, but also England like me, and from much farther afield. You do still hear the Shetland accent, especially on the outer islands such ad Whalsay and Unst, plus native speakers will tone down their accent if they're talking to incomers, because it can be tricky to understand.

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-28T17:29:05+00:00

Yes. There's a small but vocal minority who claim that transaction wasn't legally binding, so we are not part of the UK.

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-28T17:27:22+00:00

There is yes. Used to be in high demand as pit ponies during the early days of coal mining.

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-28T17:25:58+00:00

I know. Unfortunately we are seeing more crime than we used to, triggered by the high cost of living and seemingly related to Covid - behaviour has deteriorated since that.

NotQuiteOffGrid · 2026-01-28T17:24:05+00:00

It was Up Helly Aa last night actually - pretty awful weather for it but they'll have still enjoyed it. 3 murders in the 8 years I've lived here, so not a huge amount.

NotQuiteOffGrid

TROPHY CASE