Our 2026 dates are confirmed as
Monday 3 - Saturday 8 August 2026
Based in Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, Scotland, the week is aimed at intermediate to advanced fiddlers looking to learn more about Shetland's unique traditional fiddle style. Workshops take place approx 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday with other events, concerts and evening sessions across the week too. We'll round off the week with an afternoon session at the iconic Lounge Bar in Lerwick on Saturday afternoon.
We offer a full week package that includes access to all workshops, concerts, sessions and other activities across the week.
Full Week Packages cost £395
We offer the following package options:
Fiddle - Lower Intermediate
This intermediate class will focus on learning lovely simplistic tunes. If you’re new to learning by ear and need a lot of repetition, this is the class for you! You'll experience a really relaxed atmosphere, taking time over note learning and talking through the details of any tricky areas. It's often the class with the smallest attendance so it's perfect for those that need more support.
Fiddle - Intermediate/Advanced
You’ll cover more material within this class and work on tunes containing more intricate patterns and bow techniques. The tunes in the class will require more technical proficiency. You'll be aiming to get through a few tunes each day, moving at a reasonable pace too. If you're not sure this is suited to you, and sounds too fast, perhaps think about trying the lower intermediate group.
Fiddle - Advanced
Learning tunes in greater detail and faster pace, shifting into higher positions with ease, covering more keys, looking at expression and delivery. Working on a larger number of tunes across the week. Fast moving and lots of fun!
Mixed Instrument
All instruments welcome. You'll work on melodies and perhaps harmonies, building potential performance pieces. You should be at intermediate level or above.
To register your interest, please email us at hello@shetlandfiddleweek.com
Please note that we have limited capacity and packages are expected to sell out quickly so get in touch soon if you'd like to join us.
We will also have some limited spaces available to join for a day of workshops rather than a full week.
Please note - travel to/from Shetland and
accommodation are not included in the package and
you'll need to make your own arrangements.
LOCATION: The week is based in the Shetland Islands (the most northerly part of Scotland in the British Isles) in the islands'
main town of Lerwick. We also visit some other
areas of Shetland during the week - transport for this is provided.
TO BOOK: Email us at hello@shetlandfiddleweek.com
We'll add you to our reservation list and provide you with all the information you need to confirm your booking.
GETTING TO SHETLAND:
As noted above, accommodation and travel to/from Shetland are not included in package prices. We advise booking these early as they fill up quickly in the summer. There are two travel options to Shetland:
By Boat
NorthLink Ferries run car ferries departing daily from Aberdeen at either 5pm or 7pm and arriving into Lerwick at 7.30am the following day. Accommodation onboard is available to book.
Visit www.northlinkferries.co.uk for more information and to book.
By Plane
Loganair is the only airline that flies to Shetland with direct flights from Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Inverness with connections from other UK airports. The airport (code LSI) is located at Sumburgh on the southern tip of the Mainland, around 30 min drive (24 miles) from Lerwick.
Visit www.loganair.co.uk for more information and to book.
Car Hire within Shetland
Star Rent-a-Car: www.starrentacar.co.uk
Bolts Car Hire: www.boltscarehire.co.uk
Jim's Garage: https://rental.jimsgarageford.co.uk
Buses & Ferries within Shetland
Shetland Travel Information: https://travel.shetland.org
Accommodation
Great advice and guidance at https://www.shetland.org/visit/plan/accommodation
If you have any questions don't hesitate to email us at hello@shetlandfiddleweek.com
Shetland Fiddle Week LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in Scotland.
Registered number: SO307901
Registered address: Norton House, Glencaple. DG1 4RA.