As an exhibit in the Shetland Museum makes clear, the cow was at the centre of life on Shetland crofts for centuries, meeting so many of the needs of crofting families. Milk was made into butter and whey was used to make blaand, a popular drink that was also taken on fishing expeditions.

Today, the 600 or so cattle on Shetland’s dairy farms produce more than two million litres of milk annually. Most of it is simply pasteurised and finds its way into cartons on the shelves of local shops, but some is made into butter. Butter, buttermilk and yoghurt are also available.