The Bookish Mindset

Nestled into the capital of The Shetlands is The Shetland Bookshop in Lerwick, and what a site she is to behold. Standing since 1949 it’s family run and one I know you need to visit.

The few weeks I’ve been in Shetland we’ve had a great mix of weather – we’ve had thunderous showers but there’s also been so much beautiful blue skies days and I just love this shot of the bookshop!

But don’t let this image fool you, the shop goes way back in three directions, there is truly so much to see.

Walk in and you’re greeted with the fiction section of the bookshop first, shelves spilling with great titles just waiting to be read. There are separate sections for Crime/Thrillers, Fantasy, YA’s, Classics, Poetry and much more. I loved the Viking and local sections too, there’s so much love in this shop, it’s evident as soon as you step in.

There’s also an extensive non-fiction area with brilliant topics like the great outdoors, knitting and more. I could have spent hours in here (and with multiple visits I probably did! The children’s section was also a delight – so much colour and excitement.

But I think one of the more special parts of this bookshop was the gift section that went even further than I can show you in pictures. There were so many beautiful delights and pieces by local artists too.

While I don’t know when I’ll return to The Shetlands, I know if the opportunity arises I will jump at it to come back and spend more time in this stop.

I’d love to know if you’ve visited or plan to, drop me me a comment below!

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Last updated 13/09/2025