Cruise ship visits generate £40,000 for Shetland Islands in one year

Shetland Islands Council (SIC) has received nearly £40,000 in fees from cruise ships visiting its ports this year, with Fair Isle accounting for more than half.

Freedom of Information figures show that income was generated from ports at Fair Isle, Baltasound, Papa Stour, Foula, and Fetlar from 2025/26 to date.

Shetland Islands Council’s harbour board chairman Robert Thomson said officers are working to explore any future opportunities for cruise visits at its ports “while being mindful of community capacity”.

The total income in 2025/26 was £39,426.25, with around £24,526 coming from cruise ships laying anchor off Fair Isle and using the North Haven harbour facilities to shuttle passengers ashore.

Nearly £6,000 was generated from cruise calls at Foula, with almost £3,300 from Papa Stour and £2,220 at Scalloway Harbour.

Baltasound generated £1,800 and Fetlar £1,475.

Fair Isle is the SIC port which has consistently taken in the most income since 2021/22.

However, the majority of cruise traffic in Shetland – including the largest vessels – calls at Lerwick, which is operated by the town’s port authority.

This year’s Lerwick season ran from April to Wednesday (November 5), with 127 vessels visiting the town in total.

For its ports, the SIC received £24,405 in income 2024/25 from cruise visits, and just over £40,350 in 2023/24.

In 2022/23, the figure was around £16,158, while it was just £2,414 in 2021/22 as the cruise industry began its recovery from Covid restrictions.

In terms of visit numbers for 2025, there were 31 calls in Fair Isle, 11 in Foula, seven in Papa Stour, six in Baltasound, four in Fetlar and three in Scalloway.

The figures have been relatively similar in previous years, with Fair Isle having the most visits.

In 2026, there are 18 visits already booked for Fair Isle, 11 in Foula, ten in Baltasound, and five each in Fetlar, Papa Stour and Scalloway.

‘Huge economic boost’

Fair Isle resident Eileen Thomson said overall the opinion of cruise visitors to the island is “very positive” – adding that local residents “love to share this beautiful isle”.

“Cruise ships provide a huge economic boost to us in Fair Isle,” she said.

“One of my jobs here is managing the cruise ship visits. We put on teas and homebakes in the community hall, where local knitters, crafters and the schoolbairns sell wares to visitors.”

The Fair Isle Bird Observatory ranger provides guided bird walks, and the local museum opens to guests too.

“Around half the households benefit directly from cruise ships, and more when you include the donations to the community hall,” Thomson said.

“We are lucky that only the smaller cruise ships visit us and that we have control over how many ships visit, meaning it doesn’t become overwhelming.”

Councillor Robert Thomson, whose North Isles ward includes Baltasound and Fetlar, said the topic of increasing cruise ship visits has been raised on several occasions at meetings of the harbour board.

“The opportunities for additional cruise ship visits are currently being explored,” he said.

“We are, however, mindful of the needs and wants of what, in some cases, are very small communities.

“Harbour staff are currently working in cooperation with the various locations to explore any opportunities while being mindful of community capacity.”

There have been regular calls in recent years for the SIC to do more to attract cruise liners to its own ports, particularly smaller ‘adventure’ style ships, given the overall rise in numbers to Shetland.

It appears the council has taken heed, with a video of a ship arriving in Scalloway posted on the SIC’s YouTube page this summer along with text promoting its ports as cruise destinations.

It said: “Discover the beauty and uniqueness of Shetland with six fully IPS-compliant destinations—each offering top-tier standards and service excellence.

“Our expertly curated ports of call provide an unforgettable experience for cruise guests seeking remote, authentic adventures.

“Remote island experiences – Fair Isle, Foula, Papa Stour, Fetlar, and Baltasound in Unst offer tender ashore options, giving guests access to some of the most spectacular and remote island communities in the UK.

“These destinations are rich in natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage – perfect for travellers looking to explore beyond the ordinary.”

An idea was raised in recent years as well about Collafirth Pier in Northmavine taking in cruise passengers in future.

There is also a Cruise Shetland website which provides information on some of the key ports, including Lerwick, as well as activities, attractions and itineraries.