Visiting the Shetland islands?

[CovidCorvid]

Anyone here gone and how long for a trip would you recommend? Is September a good time to go, like to see northern lights if possible but not to be frozen. Any advice on orca spotting?

And would you recommend flying or ferry

Been a few times but not for years. I would always advocate ferry because flying emits so much CO2 and going by ferry helps you really appreciate how far away you've travelled. Last time I went to Orkney, inbound flights didn't land for two days because of fog but we were fine on the ferry (it's possible the airport is better equipped for fog in Shetland though I don't know).

Go for at least a week. September will be lovely, but I don't think you should pin too much on seeing the Northern Lights as there will still be a lot of daylight at that point (and that will be wonderful). I think there is a walking festival in September or thereabouts.

Didn't see lights but didn't go for that. Had lovely time. Very windy. Boat cancelled couple of times but had a great trip x