See whales and dolphins in Shetland

Shetland is as far north as you can go in Britain. It is not on the normal tourist routes and this naturally adds to its magnetic attraction. You are unlikely to meet anyone who has been there, and this is a destination for those with a definite purpose.

However, it is also great for idling - and amply rewards anyone with an interest in birdlife, archaeology, history, geology, diving, angling, sailing, walking kayaking, cycling, music - and even knitting.

Shetland is also one of the best places in Europe to see whales and other cetaceans.

Whales, dolphins and porpoises are regularly sighted, especially during the months of summer and early autumn. The continental shelf is only some 30 miles (48 kilometres) to the west, so even deep water species occasionally come inshore.

As many as 22 species have been recorded in Shetland, although a handful of theses have been seen only on rare occasions, or as fatalities.

The minke whale is the most commonly seen of the baleen, or toothless, whales. About 26 feet (eight metres) long, they are frequently seen off Sumburgh Head in June and between Fetlar, Whalsay and the Out Skerries during July and August.

Sightings can virtually be guaranteed if you sit long enough on a headland with calm sea conditions during July and August. Not so obvious are killer whales, although as many as six pods often hunt in local waters. Killer whales, or orcas, are often seen around Sumburgh Head and Mousa Sound.

Pilot whales used to be much more common and in the 18th and 19th centuries used to be driven ashore and slaughtered for their blubber and oil.

Sumburgh Head is the most likely place to see humpback whales. One or two have been recorded every summer since 1992 and this hopefully may herald a comeback following the whaling which drastically reduced their number earlier last century.

Peak sightings of humpback whales occur in June and July. This large whale - up to 59 feet (18 metres) long - has long white-notched flippers and a notched head, which may be seen as it breaches and rolls. When diving it often shows the mottled white underside of its tail.

Harbour porpoises are the smallest and most frequently seen cetacean, although short triangular fins breaking the surface are usually all that you see. They tend to favour sheltered voes (small bays) or the sounds and channels between islands. Mousa, Noss and Yell Sound are good places to look for them.

The commonest dolphins are the white-sided dolphins, white-beaked dolphin and Risso's dolphin. White-beaked dolphins are often seen late in summer from the ferry MV Good Shepherd as it plies between Grutness and Fair Isle.

For more information on the best times and places to see whales and dolphins see Shetland Wildife and The Company of Whales. Information on the latest sighting can be found at Shetland Amenity Trust.

This is an edited extract from Orkney & Shetland by James and Deborah Penrith, available from www.crimsonpublishing.co.uk.