Cruise Ship Passenger Port of Call Guide to Lerwick, Scotland

Getting to Shore

Your Arrival Options in Lerwick

Large Ships:

• Your ship will anchor offshore
• You’ll take tender boats to Victoria Pier
• You can walk directly into the old town
• You’ll find public toilets, Wi-Fi and tourist info at the pier

Small Ships:

• Your ship docks at Holmsgarth Pier or Mair’s Pier
• These piers sit one mile from town centre
• You can use the free shuttle service to reach old town
• The shuttle stops near shops and supermarkets

Transport Options:

• You’ll see taxi ranks at all arrival points
• You can choose standard taxis or 7-seater vehicles
• You should agree on your fare before starting your journey

This arrangement makes your arrival straightforward regardless of your ship’s size.

The compact nature of Lerwick means you’ll quickly reach all main attractions from either arrival point.

Port Location and Layout

The Port of Lerwick sits on Mainland, Shetland’s largest island.

You’ll find it 210 miles northeast of Aberdeen, 220 miles from Bergen, Norway, and 220 miles from Torshavn, Faroe Islands.

Ships under 240 metres dock at Mair’s Pier or Holmsgarth 5.

Larger vessels anchor in the harbour, requiring a tender service. You’ll take a 5-minute tender ride spanning 0.3 miles to reach the town’s landing pontoons.

Victoria Pier and Alexandra Wharf offer additional berths for different vessel sizes.

You can access fresh water at all berths, but shore power isn’t available.

The port operates with ISPS approval and requires mandatory pilotage.

You’ll need to use VHF channels 12 and 16 for port control communications.

A hospital stands within 1km of the town centre for any medical needs.

Shore Excursion Meeting Points

Meeting Points for Your Shore Excursions at Lerwick Port

You can find your meeting point right next to your ship when docked at Mair’s Pier or Holmsgarth 5.

If you arrive by tender, your meeting point is at the landing stage in Lerwick town centre.

You will see clear signs pointing to your meeting location. Local Green Badge guides will help you find your way. Your ship will give you exact details about where to meet.

You can use the free shuttle coach between the berths and town centre to reach your meeting point.

Your guides speak multiple languages and can help if you have mobility needs.

Key Points:

• Ship berth locations: Meet directly beside your ship
• Tender arrivals: Meet at town centre landing stage
• Look for clear directional signs
• Free shuttle service available
• Multi-language guides ready to assist

Medical and Safety Information

Medical Services

Your nearest hospital is Gilbert Bain, located 1km from Lerwick town centre. You can access emergency care, medical wards and pharmacy services here.

The Lerwick Health Centre offers walk-in care from Advanced Nursing Practitioners for minor issues.

Safety Systems

The port uses a comprehensive Health and Safety Management System. You can contact Port Control on VHF Channels 12 & 16.

Emergency tugs and pilots are always available to assist you.

Medications and Specialist Care

You can get prescriptions filled at three pharmacies in Lerwick. For serious conditions, you’ll receive a transfer to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

The NHS covers your travel costs for these transfers.

Emergency Contacts:

• Gilbert Bain Hospital: [insert number]
• Port Control: VHF 12 & 16
• Lerwick Health Centre: [insert number]

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Local Shopping and Dining

The shops in Lerwick are just minutes away from your cruise ship at Mair’s Pier and Holmsgarth 5.

You can explore local markets that sell fresh Shetland produce and genuine local crafts. Visit Scoop Wholefoods in the town centre to buy quality Shetland beef and lamb. The food markets offer an excellent selection of locally caught seafood.

You can taste traditional Shetland dishes like reestit mutton (salted mutton) and Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup) at The Peerie Shop Café.

For seafood lovers, Fjara and The Dowry serve fresh catches from local waters.

Town Center Shopping Streets

Commercial Street forms the heart of Lerwick’s town centre, offering you a genuine Shetland shopping experience.

You’ll discover traditional and modern shops just a short walk from each other.

Key shops include:

• Anderson & Co: specialising in hand-knitted cardigans and Shetland lace scarves
• Ninian: offering modern Fair Isle clothing and gifts
• The Peerie Shop: featuring knitwear, cards, ceramics and local crafts

When you need refreshments, you can choose from:

• Peerie Shop Cafe: serving coffee and fresh lunches
• The Dowry: offering local produce
• Fjara Cafe Bar: providing waterfront dining

You can easily reach Commercial Street from the cruise terminal using the free shuttle service.

Local Food Markets

You’ll find Shetland’s local food markets at the Toll Clock Shopping Centre every Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5.30pm.

The market stalls sit outside the Post Office near the bottom entrance, where you can meet local producers directly.

Try these local favourites:

• Fresh meats and seasonal veg from Uradale Farm
• Puffin Poo sweets and homemade ice cream from Island Larder
• Fresh bread and pastries from Doocot Bakery
• Yell strawberries during summer months

You can taste products and learn about local farming methods straight from the producers.

Pop into Scoop Wholefoods for extra local treats – they stock jams, chutneys and fresh herbs from Shift Turrifield.

You’ll also find The Scalloway Meat Company joining the market from their shop in the centre.

Authentic Shetland Restaurants

Lerwick offers you plenty of authentic Shetland restaurants to explore. You can enjoy fresh seafood at Fjara and The Dowry, where local chefs prepare lobster, crab, and scallops daily.

You’ll love Frankie’s Fish & Chips for its famous Shetland mussels in a casual setting.

The Peerie Shop Café serves traditional Shetland dishes like reestit mutton soup and Cullen skink.

You can find two local favourites on Commercial Street – C’est La Vie and No. 88, both using ingredients from Shetland producers.

Saffron Restaurant blends local ingredients with Indian and Nepalese cooking styles.

You can try fresh Shetland Bannocks, the area’s traditional baked goods, at Johnson & Woods bakery or in local cafes.

Cultural Highlights Worth Visiting

Visit Lerwick’s top cultural sites for a rich historical experience.

You can explore Fort Charlotte, a distinctive five-sided fortress, and see the ancient Clickimin Broch from the Iron Age.

Stop by the Shetland Museum to view more than 3,000 local artefacts that show you how life has changed from prehistoric times to now.

Take time to admire the Town Hall’s beautiful stained glass windows, and walk along the waterfront to see the Lodberries – old merchant buildings that connect you to Lerwick’s seafaring heritage.

Historic Sites and Landmarks

Lerwick’s historic sites tell stories from the Iron Age to Victorian times, and you’ll find them all across the town.

You can explore Fort Charlotte, a five-sided fort built in 1781. The Clickimin Broch shows you how Iron Age people lived, while the Old Town lets you walk through streets of sandstone buildings from the 1700s.

Visit these key landmarks:

• Town Hall (1880s) with its Victorian architecture
• Jimmy Perez’s House from the TV show “Shetland”
• The Knab headland for sea views
• Commercial Street Tunnels dating to the 1600s

You’ll discover Jarlshof’s archaeological site spans several time periods, showing you remains from the Bronze Age through to medieval times.

Tips for your visit:

• Most sites open year-round
• You can walk between locations easily
• Town Hall tours run daily
• Bring a camera for coastal views

Local Arts and Museums

The Shetland Museum and Archives stands at Lerwick’s waterfront in a restored 19th-century dock. You can explore Shetland’s complete story here, from its earliest geological formations to modern times, across two free-entry floors.

You’ll find clear displays of local treasures: delicate Shetland lace, ancient Pictish artwork, and maritime collections. The ceiling features suspended boats you can view up close.

The museum’s Da Gadderie space showcases rotating art exhibitions, while children can enjoy hands-on activities at Mootie Moosecraft sessions.

Beyond Lerwick, you can visit two key sites: The Scalloway Museum tells the story of the WW2 Shetland Bus operations, while the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Centre combines sea history with coastal views.

Want to research deeper? Each museum offers study spaces and research tools for your local history projects.

Transport Around Lerwick

Getting around Lerwick comes with several straightforward options for you to use.

Buses:

• Viking Bus Station acts as your central transport hub
• Regular services run to Scalloway and Sumburgh
• You can pay by cash, card or digital methods
• Multi-trip passes save you 20%

Service Routes:

• Bus 21 travels to Hillswick and Eshaness
• Bus 28 links to North Isles with ferry connections
• You need to book Dial-A-Ride services one day ahead

Additional Transport:

• Inter-island ferries connect you to main islands
• Local taxis operate throughout Lerwick
• You can rent bikes from £6 to £30 per day
• Electric bikes are available

The bus network covers the town centre and main tourist spots, making it easy for you to explore.

When you need less frequent routes, the Dial-A-Ride service fills the gaps.

You’ll find ferries particularly useful for island hopping, while bikes offer you a flexible way to see the town at your own pace.

Port Services and Facilities

Lerwick’s port welcomes you with comprehensive facilities for both cruise ships and independent travellers.

Your arrival point depends on your vessel:

• Smaller cruise ships dock at Mair’s Pier or Holmsgarth 5
• Larger ships anchor offshore, using tenders to Victoria Pier

You’ll find these amenities at the ferry terminal and tender dock:

• Wi-Fi access
• Free shuttle buses from Holmsgarth to town centre
• Taxi ranks
• Car rental services
• VisitScotland Lerwick iCentre

The VisitScotland Lerwick iCentre helps you:

• Get local information
• Visit the Shetland Museum and Archives
• Plan trips to Sumburgh Head
• Arrange tours to Mousa Broch

You can easily walk from Victoria Pier to most town centre attractions.

The shuttle bus service runs regularly throughout cruise ship visits, making your exploration of Lerwick straightforward and convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Lerwick by Cruise Ship?

You’ll find the best time to visit Lerwick by cruise ship is between June and mid-August. During these months, you can enjoy up to 19 hours of daylight. The temperatures stay comfortable, and cruise amenities run at full capacity. This peak season gives you the fullest experience of Lerwick’s attractions and services.

Are There Public Restrooms Available at the Cruise Terminal Facilities?

You’ll find clean public toilets right at Victoria Pier’s cruise terminal. The facilities are next to the tender dock when you step off your ship. For extra options, many local cafes and shops in Lerwick town centre also offer toilet facilities to customers.

What Is the Typical Water Temperature in Lerwick Harbour Throughout the Year?

The water temperature in Lerwick Harbour shifts between two main ranges throughout the year. You’ll experience winter temperatures of around 8°C (46°F), whilst summer brings warmer waters reaching 13°C (56°F) in August. The harbour maintains these cool temperatures year-round, making it a chilly swim at any time.

Can Passengers Store Luggage Somewhere While Exploring the Town?

Luggage storage is available at Holmsgarth Ferry Terminal. You can use the left luggage facility at your own risk. Lerwick town centre has no storage facilities. You should plan your luggage arrangements before starting your town exploration.

Are There ATMS or Currency Exchange Services Near the Cruise Terminal?

Banking services near the cruise terminal include:

• Bank of Scotland ATM, located one mile away on Commercial Street
• Additional ATMs in town centre, accessible via free shuttle service

You can easily reach these banking facilities using the complimentary shuttle bus that runs between the cruise terminal and town centre.