Where was Shetland filmed? Scotland filming locations for series 6 of BBC programme starring Douglas Henshall

The new series will focus on the ‘doorstep murder of a prominent local figure, a case which strikes at the heart of the Shetland Isles and its people’
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Douglas Henshall returns as Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez in season six of BBC drama Shetland this Wednesday (20 October).

The show has faced several delays due to the filming limitations during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the series originally due to be released in 2020.

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After last being aired in 2019, the new series will focus on the “doorstep murder of a prominent local figure, a case which strikes at the heart of the Shetland Isles and its people”.

The series will continue to feature some of the stunning landscape scenery that bowled over fans when it first aired.

Here’s all you need to know about where Shetland is filmed, and the mainland locations that double up for Island hotspots.

Where is Shetland filmed?

BBC’s Shetland is filmed across various locations on the Scottish islands and the Scottish mainland.

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The Shetland Islands are located at the north of Scotland, 80km to the northeast of Orkney. They are closer to Norway than the UK, but remain part of Scotland.

The mainland is the largest island, with Unst, Yell and Fetlar following behind.

The cast and crew of the detective drama series have been spotted filming in the capital of the Shetland Islands, Lerwick.

(C) ITV Studios - Photographer: Mark Mainz(C) ITV Studios - Photographer: Mark Mainz
(C) ITV Studios - Photographer: Mark Mainz

They have also been seen filming in the Lodberries area, in particular Commercial Street, and the village of Wester Quarff.

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The series have previously used various locations across the Scottish mainland, including Renfrewshire in the Scottish Lowlands, Irvine Beach in North Ayrshire, and Barrhead near Glasgow.

Douglas Henshall’s house is actually located in Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, and the interior of some of the crofts used on the islands and located in Ayrshire.

C) ITV Studios - Photographer: Mark MainzC) ITV Studios - Photographer: Mark Mainz
C) ITV Studios - Photographer: Mark Mainz

The police station used in the drama is actually located in Barrhead, which is found near Paisley.

When does Shetland air on BBC One?

Shetland returns for series six on 20 October on BBC at 9pm.

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The episodes will air weekly and will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer after broadcast.

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