Off the coast of Scotland, the Shetland Islands, a speck on the ocean, hold an unexpected treasure: one of the largest colonies of northern gannets in the world. Imagine getting up close to them, snorkeling, witnessing their underwater hunting dances! But Shetland is more than that: wild landscapes, sturdy ponies, majestic orcas, curious seals, and the charming puffins.
Diving into an aerial assault
A crash resounds in the icy water. My gaze searches the surface, seeking the source of this detonation. Others follow, rapid and relentless. The aerial attack has begun. Underwater, the excitement is palpable. Sharp beaks pierce the surface, leaving trails of bubbles. These white bodies, streamlined like harpoons, are those of the gannets, diving with eyes wide open, focused on their prey. Welcome to the Shetland archipelago, a magical place where you can closely observe one of the most beautiful seabirds on our planet.
A world apart
At the northernmost tip of the United Kingdom, at the same latitude as Norway, the Shetlands offer a unique spectacle. The austere landscapes, swept by the winds, contrast with the warm hospitality of the Shetlanders. This hospitality extends to the local wildlife, incredibly rich and varied. The sea is the beating heart of this ecosystem, fueled by the meeting of powerful ocean currents. Strong winds mix the waters, creating an “ocean smoothie” where plankton thrives thanks to sunlight, forming the base of the entire food chain.
Sailing in this isolated land, on a clear and chilly morning, we spot the Bressay lighthouse, a work of the Stevenson family, famous for their maritime constructions before Robert Louis penned his masterpiece, Treasure Island (L’Île au Trésor). On the opposite shore, the Lerwick cemetery overlooks the sea, reminding us that life here is inseparable from the ocean.
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