Cresswind at Spring Haven
Newnan, Georgia
Lerwick, Scotland
What It Is Like to Retire in Lerwick
Lerwick is the main city on the biggest of the Shetland islands, far north of the mainland. The population is about 7,000. It is situated on a Sound opposite the island of Bressay. The city with its extensive natural harbor is home to sailboats, ferries, freighters, seasonal cruise ships, oil tankers, and fishing boats of all sizes. The Esplanade is the main Street running along the harbor. Fans of the Shetlands TV series will discover the fictional home of detective Jimmy Perez tucked along the harbor in the downtown (pictured here). There are restaurants, shops, and museums to enjoy. The area around Lerwick has many fascinating historical ruins going back to 3000 B.C., such as Sumberg in the south. Crossing the largest tombolo in the UK, you can enjoy the cliff walks on St. Ninian's Isle offer amazing views of the sea and towering stacks. There are many birds to enjoy, including colorful puffins and diving gannets. Seals and Orcas visit the harbor.
Where to Retire in Lerwick and Home Prices
There are homes and apartments to choose from in and near downtown. The average home price is just below
What Is Special about Lerwick
This a peaceful and civilized tiny city with about anything you could want. People bike everywhere, even in the rain. The path around the harbor and through the park at the end of the city is just beautiful. Old Fort Charlotte dominates the skyline, and the curving streets have have an of world feel.
What Is Not Special about Lerwick
Although the Shetland Islands are fairly large, this is an island that requires a boat or airplane to rejoin the rest of the world. Winters are long, wet, and dreary.
Who Will Like Retirement in Lerwick
Anyone looking for a quiet, outdoor oriented town with just about anything might like living in Lerwick. Americans or Europeans would not feel out of place. Citizens of the UK and the Commonwealth will find it relatively easy to retire in Scotland, while others can usually stay for 3 months at a time and possibly renew for another 3 months. See Mini-Retirement Guide to Scotland for more.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Lerwick is a fishing center with fish processing plants servicing factory ships as well as smaller ones. Tourism is very important as cruise ships and other tourists visit the port. Agriculture, particularly sheep and their wool, is a big part of the economy. Oil drilling off the coast provides revenue and employment, as well as funding much of the local infrastructure.
Climate and Physical Environment
Even though Lerwick is very close to Norway and not that far from Iceland, the Gulf Stream keeps winter temperatures close to what they are in summer, in the mid 50's in August and about 30 (F.) in January. It rains dry frequently and there is very little snow.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
As a tourist destination there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, from chipperies to bistros to Ethnic cuisine. The Shetland Museum on the harbor is beautiful and provides an interesting history of the islands, from prehistoric times through the world wars. The Mareel is a huge performance and cinema and center on the harbor that was financed by Council oil revenues. The Garrison Theatre is the local playhouse. The Shetland Library serves the community. Although Shetland Textile Museum is small, it celebrates the Island's wool and knitting heritage. The Broch of Clickimin is a preserved Iron Age complex.
Crime
Crime is very low (Although if you watch Shetlands on TV or read Ann Cleese you might wonder about the murder rate!)
Medical facilities
The National health service provides free medical care to residents here. The Gilbert Bain serves the entire of Shetland with an A&E department and medical, surgical and maternity wards.
Transportation
There is bus service to other parts of the island. Overnight Ferries leave for the Scottish mainland and more distant islands.
Comments on "Lerwick"
Janice D Coyle says:
Hello,
Currently, I live in Canada, and looking for retirement options. I would welcome the opportunity to return to Scotland, but, sadly I keep receiving emails stating opportunities are limited and showing a down ward trend. Not one to be easily discouraged, I am writing to you to inquire about the availability of housing opportunities. If you, when you can, can offer me some insight, I would be so grateful! Many thanks, enjoy the rest of your day! Jan