With mass tourism a widespread issue across Europe this summer, the economic and environmental cost on the local government has been of cleanliness and maintenance.
Travellers are now more than ever tempted to go down the off-beaten track, and explore nooks and corners of the country which are yet to be deemed a ‘tourist hotspot’.
In a recent Keep Scotland Beautiful report, verdant Shetland has been crowned as the cleanest area in Scotland.
As reported by the Herald, 98.7 percent of the public spaces across the island group are largely litter-free, which is the highest percentage in the country.
Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, is hence the cleanest town in Scotland, and a great travel destination with a bit of everything- nature, history, culture, and stunning beaches at spitting distance.
For those who love a good hike, Fort Charlotte and Clickimin Broch are ancient fortresses that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and are a great way to explore the local landscape.
The town is also home to the Shetland Museum and Archives, which provides an insight into the islands’ thriving Viking heritage, Norse influence, and fishing industry.
There is no better way to catch a glimpse of the local life than strolling through Lerwick’s old town, as you weave through traditional stone buildings and quaint bars.
Take a dip or catch the sunset at Lerwick’s very own Bain’s Beach, just a couple hundred yards from the town centre.
Nature lovers can hop on a boat trip to the nearby Noss National Nature Reserve or Mousa Broch, and indulge in fauna-spotting, including puffins, seals, and even orcas.