About Elma Johnson
Elma Johnson is the owner of this small thriving guided tour company. Though small, Island Trails reached the finals in The Scottish Thistle Awards 2001, making us one of the top three companies in Cultural Tourism in Scotland. Also, in 2003, Elma became the proud holder of a Four Star Tour grading from VisitScotland (The Scottish Tourist Board).
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 is a living, walking, talking, lovely lady who 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.
Elma's next-door neighbour is Mark Laurenson, one of Shetland's top fiddle players, who is also recognised on the Scottish mainland. He accompanies Elma in the Croft-House Museum as well as at other venues. Not only does he play the fiddle well, but is also developing into an excellent story-teller. Fiddlers were always in great demand in our islands for weddings (which would last for three days) and all kinds of 'rants' and 'foys'. Many a time when a fiddler was making his way over the hills to play at some occasion or other, he would meet 'Da Trows' (little people). They would need him to come and play for them - all Trows love partying and jollification. Of course he would go, but would take great care not to partake of food or drink, lest he would not return. Anyone helping out the little people were always well rewarded.
Elma is a great asset to Shetland as she brings it alive for both local and visitor alike. Gathered round her fire in the dimly lit Croft House with fiddler Mark Laurenson at her side, in her gentle but powerful manner she transports her audience back in time.