Shetland’s varied landscape offers grazing from the seashore to upland moors. Sheep-rearing has long been a mainstay of Shetland’s rural economy, though until quite recently it was hard to obtain Shetland lamb or mutton outside the islands. That’s changing, and customers farther afield are recognising that our lamb and mutton are very special. Indeed, Shetland lamb enjoys the European Commission’s ‘Protected Designation of Origin’ mark.

Although Shetland is known for lamb and mutton, our pastures produce excellent beef and some pork is also available. Local meat is available in Shetland shops but supplies can also be obtained from selected butchers in other parts of the United Kingdom, or by mail order.