Based in the island of Yell, I enjoy sharing my love of Shetland with visitors, whether joining you on your coach tour or leading a small group of walkers around sections of our stunning countryside and coastline.
I am interested in all aspects of Shetland NATURE. Whatever the season there will be BIRDS aplenty to enjoy as we travel around - and I just can't help pointing them out!
ARCHAEOLOGY is also an interest of mine; a member of Archaeology Shetland, I participate in digs when I get the chance. Although not an expert I try to keep up to date with the latest findings and research and am happy to share what I know. Shetland's archaeology is second to none, and as well as showing you round the WORLD FAMOUS sites such as Mousa Broch and Jarlshof, there are many more unmarked sites in the hills that I'd love to explore with you. Let me help you interpret evidence of the use of the land over thousands of years, from prehistoric times to the crofting period and right up to the present.
YELL is a great central location for visiting a number of these wonderful islands that I call home. Accommodation is sometimes available.
Recent guests from the USA have kindly given me permission to quote them:
“Planning a trip to the Shetland Islands we needed to find someone to help us navigate the region. Through the Shetland Tour Guides Association website (https://www.stga.co.uk/) we were fortunate to get a referral to Helen Watkins. Helen, beyond her extensive knowledge of the island’s natural and cultural history, was able to explain clearly and show us the complex and fascinating geological origin of the islands. Helen was great company and we spent a couple of days exploring some of the islands with her. She also provided us all the information we needed to maximize our time eg ferry schedules and reservations, driving and navigation hints, places to eat, site seeing options and real-time encyclopedic answers to our incessant curiosity. We can recommend Helen extremely highly to anyone eager to discover these fascinating islands.”