Who We Are...
Shetland: What does the word conjure up for you? Little ponies, Fair Isle knitting or even oil production perhaps. For Elma Johnson, Shetland means home. Over recent years she has taken the strands of her experience as a Shetlander, tour guide, local historian and dramatist and woven these threads into narrative costumed tours. She has been extremely successful, leading her to be a Thistle Award finalist, and is one of Shetland's premier guides and storytellers.
Elma
Johnson
Elma is the owner of this small thriving guided tour company. With over 20 years experience, Elma has established herself as a tour guide of the highest order. A gifted dramatist and storyteller, her love of her native island home and passion for its past and traditions make her ideally suited to introduce you to Shetland. For Elma, being a tour guide is more than just a business; sharing her comprehensive knowledge of the history and folklore is a matter of principle and personal pride. Elma is a true native of Shetland, having been born and brought up there. She has first hand experience of country life with many of her stories being recalled from her childhood. Not everyone possesses Elma's gift for storytelling; she is a joy to listen to and will gladly and enthusiastically share her great knowledge of past and present day life in Shetland with you.
She lives in the village of Bigton (in the South Mainland) and from her windows she looks out over the beautiful St Ninian's Isle, which is joined to the mainland by a broad strip of sand (tombolo). Historically, it was the site of an early Christian settlement and burial grounds, but sadly these fell into decay and eventually what remained was buried under the sand. In 1955 a group of students from Aberdeen University commenced excavating and discovered the foundations of ecclesiastical buildings dating back to the 12th century. Then in 1958, they unearthed a hoard of silver considered to be one of the most valuable archaeological finds in Scotland.
Joining Elma...
To ensure Island Trails offers the best tours available, Elma works with two others tour guides. Douglas Sinclair is a local historian, geneologist and acknowledged expert on his hometown and will accompany you on various walks around Lerwick, telling tales of press gangs, smugglers, intrigue and strife. James Tait is a local crofter and naturalist, who will take you on a guided walks of the South Mainland, showing you prehistoric settlements, Paleochristian ruins and the best places to spot Shetland's glorious wildlife.
Island Trails has reached the finals in The Scottish Thistle Awards 2001 and is rated a Four Star Tour grading from VisitScotland (The Scottish Tourist Board).
'Island Trails' Promises you A Truly Memorable Experience
Let Island Trails introduce you to Shetland, Its magnificent landscape, its history, its people and its stories. We promise you a truly magical and memorable experience, with each tailored tour being unique. You will have the warmest of welcomes to Shetland, you will be taken on the best routes to the most glorious views, and with Elma's warmth and humour and gift for storytelling we promise you a trip of a lifetime and hope you will want to come back to these unique shores again and again.
Come with 'Island Trails', share their extensive knowledge and experience the magical Shetland Islands! The entire team here at Island Trails look forward to meeting and entertaining you during your visit to Shetland.