Shetland: Scotland's Wondrous Isles

The journey begins on the tiny island of Noss, with wardens Jen and Sally. They are the only residents and live a truly off-grid existence – with no mains water, electricity or gas – and they even grow their own food in case they become stranded by the unpredictable weather. The upside is they have a front row seat to witness some of Shetland's most spectacular wildlife.

On Shetland's mainland, the islands' eponymous hardy breed of pony takes centre stage as renowned breeder Carole puts the newest addition to her stable through his paces before travelling to the annual Unst show. She hopes to capture a few rosettes, but her eye is on the prestigious trophy first won by her father over 40 years ago.

In Lerwick, we meet Elizabeth who arrived from Canada and never went home. Like many on these sparsely populated islands, she wears many hats. On this occasion, we learn how she combines her passion for food and cooking with her newest venture – as a hand on a mackerel fishing boat.

Another newcomer to Shetland is artist Janette. She captures her ideas on paper while literally out in the field, before returning to her studio to complete her stunning seascapes.

Shetland has a distinct musical culture, combining influences from Scotland and Scandinavia. One man keeping that heritage alive is fiddle-maker Euan. His handcrafted instruments are a labour of love, but in demand well beyond the shores of Shetland.
 

In this episode, lifelong crofter Pearl Young takes the spotlight. She's living off the land in the most traditional way possible but it's not a solitary existence. With help from husband Willie, she's getting ready for the highlight of her year – the annual harvest festival in the church she and Willie were married.

There's a new venture for another crofter. Winston has set up the Islands' first commercial oyster farm on the shores of the croft that's been in his family for 450 years. This year is make or break as he's readying his first crop to launch at a local food festival.

Further out to sea, we're on board the boat of Bryan; a commercial angler by day but also a fierce competitor in Shetland's regular fishing competitions. With help from his friend Ewan, they're looking to catch "the big one" and, with it, the final trophy of the season.

We also meet the couple who have dedicated their lives to helping Shetland's wildlife. Jan and Pete run the islands' only wildlife sanctuary, from where they are trying to nurture nature in the form of seal pups Izzy and Lucy.

Shetlanders are proud of their Viking history and heritage. None more so than when it comes to the annual fire festivals that kick start each year.

JR Umphray has the honour of being the main organiser and ceremonial leader of the Scalloway event. It's every boy's dream but getting everything together can also be a nightmare. As well as designing and supervising everything from the creation of bespoke Viking outfits to a replica galley ship, all eyes are on JR to get things just right for the biggest night in his community's year.

Wildlife photographer Richard Shucksmith is on stand-by when a pod of orcas – killer whales – are spotted in the seas around Shetland. It's a race against time to get to the perfect location to capture a glimpse of one of the islands' most incredible wildlife sights. Can he also capture the moment on camera too?

On the island of Yell, a pair of mussel men – brothers Marvin and Christopher Thomason – reveal the secrets of their specialist farm and how this delicacy is being shipped from Shetland to restaurants around the world.

And basket making is a traditional skill on Shetland that's been on the decline for decades. Until now. But part-time GP Deepa Shah is leading a group to reverse the trend and get Shetlanders making straw baskets once again.

The biggest sheep sale of the year takes place in Lerwick, where farmer Eric has the honour of judging the pre-sale show to crown the best ram of the day. All over the islands teams race yoal boats - a traditional Shetland vessel with links to its Viking past, and skipper Laura and her team from the Hamnavoe club prepare for the last and crucial race of the season at their home regatta.

On the second largest island in Shetland, Yell, locals gear up for their annual show - a celebration of all things agricultural and horticultural as well as local heritage. Third generation farmer James and his family have been involved in the show since it started so he's keen to put on a good show - but his cattle are less keen to take part. Veg grower John hopes to win the battle of the heavyweights with his huge pumpkin. And we follow Eve, the last remaining professional Fair Isle chair maker.