Are you planning a holiday to Shetland? Do you love to find little gift shops with things you can’t find anywhere else? You really should plan a trip to the westside of Shetland.

We have a saying in Shetland, "West is best" – this usually applies to the weather, but (I might be a little bit biased here) I think the westside is really a great place to visit and live.

Here are my top 5 small businesses to visit on a trip to the westside of Shetland:

1.  The Shetland Jewellery Showroom and Workshop is Always a highlight on a trip to Shetland’s westside. Based in the picturesque village of Weisdale and near the local shop, it’s a great stop to see some handmade silver jewellery and stock up on any essentials at the local shop.

If you plan in advance, you may even be able to take part in one of their workshops to make your own set of rings.

Find out more about what they have to offer by browsing their website. Don’t forget to follow them on Facebook or Instagram for their fun posts and to find out when they are running their classes.

2. The Silly Sheep Fibre Company A visit to Walls wouldn’t be complete without stopping at The Silly Sheep Fibre Company – SillySheepFibreCompany.Com.

Becky not only has a croft with her own sheep, ducks, floppy-eared bunnies, chickens and geese but also a workshop selling her own homegrown yarn, tweed and goodies from other Shetland businesses. 

If you are lucky, the honesty shed may be fully stocked too with fresh eggs, jams, chutneys and freshly made gluten-free home bakes. If you visit in late spring or summer, you will undoubtedly see a few lambs, and maybe even get a few cuddles from a caddy lamb or two.

3.  The Woolly Wyvern in Walls –  Megan sells a range of knitted and woven items. You can find an amazing range of socks – all made on a 1920s Auto Knitter Circular Knitting Machine (CSM) and finished by hand.

A few years ago, at a local craft sale, I was lucky to be next to Megan. She had her sock-knitting machine and spent the day demonstrating how she made the socks. It was fascinating and everyone who passed her stall was enthralled.

A visit to her workshop to see the process in person is a must for any trip to Walls (or Wass as we call it in Shetland). You can pick out your own pair of socks to take home and remember your visit.

4.  The Original Cake Fridge - A visit to The Original Cake Fridge near Aith is a must if you have a sweet tooth or like hearty homemade soup. If you check out their Facebook page, you will see some pictures with some ‘Shetland’ stars.

They have a range of soups and sandwiches throughout the summer months.  You really can’t beat a bowl of lentil soup and a bacon roll.  

You don’t have to worry if you suddenly have a craving for a cupcake as the honesty fridge is open year-round.  

If you get your timing right, you may see some goats or Shetland ponies whilst you indulge in a sweet treat.

5.  Uphouse Crafts - Last but not least, there is Uphouse Crafts. I would love it if you visited my workshop in Aith. If you have time, why not book a sewing lesson such as the taster session and make your own souvenir to remember the day by. If you would rather not sew, you can still pop along for a chat and I can show you what I’m working on. You can check out the stunning view and wonder how I ever get any work done.    

To see for yourself, check out the ‘Our Story’ section on the website to see pictures of the workshop and Aith.

If you need help planning your Shetland holiday, check out Shetland.org for more information.

Follow Uphouse Crafts on Facebook so you can see what I’m up to and get inspiration for your trip.