04 July 2011: As part of the Year of Scotland’s Islands, Shetland is set to host two major events – the Tall Ships Race and the Scottish International Storytelling Festival.

The Tall Ships race will visit Lerwick from 21-24 July, culminating in a spectacular Parade of Sail and preceded by the non-competitive Cruise in Company leg of the race in which ships will call in at Yell, Unst, Fair Isle, Scalloway and Whalsay. Each harbour will celebrate the ships’ arrival with a programme of events including live music, street entertainment, local food and drink, arts and crafts markets and island tours.

A summer fire festival and burning of a Viking galley will mark the arrival of the ships in Scalloway. .

The annual UnstFest event, from 12-19 July, will this year coincide with the arrival of the Tall Ships. The programme includes a beer festival, Shetland pony grooming and guided walks to explore the isle’s archaeological treasures, Viking history and spooky spots.

Fair Isle is bringing to life its tradition for bartering with passing ships, offering island goods such as hand knitted fisherman’s hats to visitors and crew.

The second event, The Scottish International Storytelling Festival, will be held from 21-30 October. This year the festival will have an island theme, linking the ancient island cultures of the Mediterranean with the traditions of the Scottish isles. Events will take place on Shetland, Skye, Arran, Bute, Orkney, and the Inner and Outer Hebrides.

The Year of Scotland’s Islands aims to raise the profile of the islands across the UK and internationally, attract more visitors, bolster economic development and strengthen links between the islands and mainland cultural organisations.

The programme, which includes over 140 events across 42 islands, showcases the music, arts, food, sport, history and heritage of the islands, as well as highlighting their unique beauty as visitor destinations.

The Scotland’s Islands initiative has been developed through a partnership of the six local authorities with island communities – Argyll and Bute, Highland, North Ayrshire, Orkney, Shetland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

Other supporters who have contributed to the funding of the programme include Highlands & Islands Enterprise, EventScotland, European Regional Development Fund, VisitScotland and Awards for All.

For more information on the Year of Scotland’s Islands please visit:

www.scotlandsislands.com

Source: Scotland’s Islands