Take the overnight ferry to Lerwick from Aberdeen or Kirkwall.

The ferry is the most leisurely way to get to Shetland and the anticipation of going to sleep in one place and waking up in another is all part of the adventure.

Relax on the 12-13 hour journey in the comfort of a cabin, sleeping pod or reclining chair and make use of facilities, like the restaurant, bar and cinema.

You can take your own car, motorhome or bike and there are pet-friendly cabins and kennels for your four-legged friends. For those with accessibility requirements, there are cabins, lifts, toilets, and wheelchair access in public areas.

Ferries depart all year round, seven nights a week in both directions on the Aberdeen-Lerwick route, with three calls a week at Kirkwall, Orkney, en route.

For full details, prices and booking visit the Northlink Ferries website.

Standing on the deck, heading into the 'sooth mooth' of Lerwick Harbour, you can taste the salty sea air on your lips, the freshness of the air on your skin, and you know you've arrived in Shetland. There's no place quite like it.