Driven by Experience
Tours, holidays, transport and garage services, driven by experience since 1947
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Guided Tours of Shetland
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Xmas 2024 Panto Buses
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GUIDED TOURS OF SHETLAND
Join us on a tour that puts Shetland on the map for you and in your hearts forever! We will have you booking another visit to our beautiful Islands and hopefully another tour to get a fuller taste of Shetland.
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A family run business...
R. Robertson & Son Ltd was founded in 1947 as a garage and transport operator serving the island of Yell. Since then, we've diversified into offering guided tours, holidays, vehicle hire and bus advertising. As a family run business, the focus has always been on providing the best possible customer service.
What Our Customers Say
We had a great, dedicated driver in Eden, who picked us up on time and was able to tell us a lot about the Shetland Islands. As there were only four of us, the tour was very individual. The ponies were, of course, the highlight for our grandchildren. Ponies Express Tour - August 2024
What Our Customers Say
I was the tour leader for Best Travel, Denmark, visiting Shetland 29th July - 4th August with 28 guests. Reservations were organised by Anouska-Michelle Jack, ats-travel.com When visiting Shetland it is essential to have a driver who knows the roads, and the people who can come up with ideas when the planned itinerary has to be changed. David Piggott was always punctual, always willing to adapt and he had a great knowledge of the Shetland people, roads and geography. David was willing to drive a short distance twice when I had to split the group, when some wanted to walk a nature track while the remaining group wanted to go back to the hotel. David also had good help from his office, when the bus was failing for a short time and when we needed local knowledge on where we could buy lunch in Yell when the shop in Aywick was almost closed down. So in general, he was a major contributor to the success of the travel. I hope to meet David again on future travels for Best Travel, Denmark - in Shetland. Ivar Tonnesen - Best Travel - Jul/Aug 2024
What Our Customers Say
Our family of 6 (2 seniors, 3 50'somethings' and a 26yo) thoroughly enjoyed our time in Shetland with our guide, Neville, and driver, Eden. Visiting Carol's Ponies was fantastic! These 'tiny' animals were absolutely adorable! We loved petting them and learning about their history. Neville's knowledge of Jarlshof (pre-historic and Norse settlement) was wonderful and very enlightening. We had a memorable day visiting the Shetland Isles and would definitely recommend the tour. Lori Boe - Half-Day Private Tour - Puffins, Ponies & Past Shetland
What Our Customers Say
On the 15th of September I took the Shetland Crime Tour. It was absolutely amazing, it was so much more than a Crime tour as Hilary my driver/tour guide took me all over. Shetland, it was incredible. Hilary was friendly and engaging. She was also very organised and knowledgeable. It was totally down to Hilary that made the tour so amazing. Thank you! Jenny Cornwell - 'Shetland' Crime Drama Tour - September 2024
What Our Customers Say
Thank you to Brandon for helping us out this afternoon with some guests who missed their tour. He took them to the Herrislea Hotel for us after his tour this morning so they could catch up with the rest of their group. Excursions Ltd, Orkney (Cruise Ship Shore Excursion, August 2022)
What Our Customers Say
The scenery...and a very knowledgeable driver. Very lucky with the weather. Good value for 1 and a half hours tour. Viator Review - HOHO bus - August 2024
What Our Customers Say
A thoroughly brilliant experience and I could not imagine having anyone better by my side than driver and guide, Shona. For those of you thinking of heading to Shetland without a car, I would highly recommend checking out R. Robertson & Son Ltd - ask for Shona or Alex. Jenny Paterson - Bespoke Tour - August 2024
What Our Customers Say
Well organised tour with interesting stops. Our guide was accommodating and friendly. Our driver was as much fun as the tour guide! We love our day. Loved seeing the Shetland ponies and cute puffins! Such a beautiful place to visit. If you want a good tour, good guide and interesting places, you must book this tour. Viator Review - Puffins, Ponies and Past Shetland - August 2024
What Our Customers Say
Half-Day Private Tour - Puffins, Ponies & Past Shetland Our guide, Jackie, and our driver, Dave, were outstanding. We had a great time seeing many sights on the southern end of Shetland. Highlights were the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and Museum. the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, the Shetland Pony herd visit and talk, observing seals on Rerwick beach, the lovely St. Ninian's Isle beach and the Mousa Broch overlook. Viator Review - August 2024
What Our Customers Say
We had a wonderful time. The tour was very well planned in terms of time, not too tight and not too long. We would like to thank Dave in particular! We have never had such a nice and experienced driver. We would book this tour again at any time. Ariane Roemer - Puffins, Ponies & Past - July 2024
What Our Customers Say
I was glad to see that priority was given to people like me who had booked, after reading previous reviews I was a little concerned we would not get on. Perhaps there should be a sign up to indicate this and/or separate queues? The tour was really good, our bus driver was very informative and extremely funny. Viator Review - Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus - August 2024
What Our Customers Say
A huge thank you for the fantastic bus service from Robertson's during Shetland Fiddle Week. We greatly appreciate all your help. Shetland Fiddle Week - August 2024
What Our Customers Say
This was the best experience in Shetland! Our guide, Julie, and our driver, Brydone, were amazing! Julie shared the history of the island and the pride she has in her island is evident. Our group loved the personal attention from this private tour. Being able to ask questions and not feel rushed made it even better. We went to a private farm where Carol shared about Shetland ponies. We were able to pet them. Jarlshof was amazing! Seeing ruins from the Bronze Age, Iron Age and Nordic times was inspiring. Julie explained so much about the history, the importance of these findings and even why they are so well preserved. Highly recommend. The lighthouse was amazing, but the best part was seeing the puffins. Julie then also took us to a beach in Shetland that was so spectacular. We also saw seals. The tour company was so responsive to questions prior to the booking and right before we were picked up. This was perfect for our group of 6, and recommend them if you are in Shetland. Julie, Puffins & Ponies Tour May 2024
What Our Customers Say
"Our excursion was perfect, Sam was an excellent host! Your island is beautiful & our entire group enjoyed their day." Valerie Marion, Florida- Cruise Ship Shore Excursion
What Our Customers Say
We've arrived home in the U.S. now, but I wanted to send a quick message to let you know that we had a FANTASTIC day in the Shetland Islands and I can't wait to come back. Brydone was the perfect guide and we truly enjoyed our day with him! He and my husband really got along well and it was just perfect. He even drove us to a pharmacy when my 9 year old son had an allergic reaction at the horse farm and I'm grateful for that. The ladies at the ponies were also amazing and I couldn't recommend this tour enough. Little Miss Goatee and the soap makers in town were terrific. Thank you for your thorough communication pre-travel as well. That means the world! I work in the travel industry and will highly recommend your services to any clients heading your way. In the meantime, I will cherish my Scottish tablet and can't wait until next time. Thank you again. Colette Neely - Shetland Pony Experience Tour - July 2024
What Our Customers Say
A short and somewhat belated email to express my deep gratitude to you for providing transport for myself and my bike whilst I was travelling around the Shetlands, recently On each occasion you arrived at the agreed time and helped me load up my bike and luggage. I found everyone incredibly helpful and amusing, particularly Jez!! I will be returning to Shetland next year and will definitely use Robertsons again and will be in touch. I have to say that the service you provided far exceeds similar services in Lincolnshire. Stuart Fisher, Lincolnshire (solo cycling holiday, August 2022)
What Our Customers Say
Just a message ti say thank you for your bus services da wedding night. What a super batch ow drivers you huy, aabody was fairly bragging ow dem. Caroline Kay - Wedding June 2024
What Our Customers Say
I just wanted to say how much we enjoyed our tour! Our driver, Dave, was absolutely amazing and we had such a good time with him. He was very accommodating to our fascination with all the baby animals, and patient in our search for the puffins! We were successful in seeing a couple of puffins. It was worth the effort! We lucked out with the weather the few days we were there. It was sunny and warm and we loved every minute! Everyone we met was so lovely. Please tell Dave we enjoyed our time with him. Thank you again for everything. Jeoffroy Tour - May 2024
What Our Customers Say
Lovely trip around the beautiful Shetland countryside, the driver was fantastic. Karen - Hop-On, Hop Off Sightseeing Bus
What Our Customers Say
We had an excellent day out, the driver was very helpful in loading the coach and also allowing us extra time at the end of the day, we would highly recommend Robertsons and look forward to using your services again. Keirynn - 21st Birthday Bus
What Our Customers Say
Most beautiful scenery along the road and lots of information. George was a top driver with his humorous stories and facts. Viator Review - HOHO Sightseeing Bus - August 2024
What Our Customers Say
Both Neville, our guide, and Sonia, our driver were spectacular. Both were knowledgeable and very responsive to our needs! Highly recommended. Marvin - Puffins & Ponies Tour June 2024
What Our Customers Say
Our driver was brilliant in pointing out points of interest and made our trip extremely pleasurable. Michael - Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus
What Our Customers Say
Thanks very much for organising our tour on Saturday. We had a great time and saw everything we had intended to see. Dave was great, very knowledgeable about Shetland, and showed us lots of things as we went round the island. Chris & Rachel Butler - Small Group Tour - July 2024
What Our Customers Say
Eden was a really friendly tour guide and told us all sorts of interesting things about the history of the Shetland Islands, but also about the culture and the people. And of course, we also met the Shetland ponies and got a lot of information about these beautiful animals. We were also allowed to pet them and we can highly recommend the tour for families. Ponies Express Tour - mid-August 2024
What Our Customers Say
Puffins were amazing!! Ponies were great also. Hilary and Paula were amazing - took us to wonderful places and had lots of information. Half-day Private Tour Group - July 2024
What Our Customers Say
We had a booking with you for a coach and driver from Saturday 18th to Thursday 23rd June and our driver was Alistair from Sandwick. We were delighted with Alistair for both his excellent driving and great company. He helped us enormously by suggesting variations in route and/or adaptations in the sequence of the monuments we wanted to visit. When we were having problems with some group members testing positive for COVID, Alistair went out of his way to help. He was always in good humour with lots of great stories which made the islands come alive. He felt one of the team, not a coach driver but a coach captain and we greatly appreciate all his help and expertise. Labrys Reisen, The Netherlands (6 day tour of Shetland, June 2022)
What Our Customers Say
A fantastic service from start to finish. Jez was exceptional, and went above and beyond at all times. Will definitely use again. Frances Richardson - Church of Scotland
What Our Customers Say
We are just back from our trip to Shetland. We had a wonderful time (tiring for two mid-eighties) but could not ask for a better experience, everything was perfect from the cabin to hotel, superb. The guide (Jacqueline) and driver (Darren) were very patient and informative all during the trip...Top marks for them both. Would recommend this trip to anyone and will certainly let everyone know about it. Thank you for the lovely memories we now have of your beautiful Shetland. Patricia Clark - 4-day Shetland Tour Experience - Sept 2024
What Our Customers Say
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour! Hilary was a wonderful driver and we so loved learning about Shetland with Shirley. They were very welcoming and enjoyable! We saw puffins, ponies, seals, and learned about Shetland language and music. I recommend, if you wish to learn about Shetland through the eyes of two fantastic women that love and know their country! Melissa Hedges - Puffins, Ponies & Past Tour - August 2024
What Our Customers Say
Without question, the best tour our group has ever done. Shirley and Darren were amazing storytellers who love their homeland. Our day ended with Shirley playing the fiddle and reading a poem in the old Shetland dialect. We felt so connected to Shetland - if only for a day. Half-day Private Tour Party - July 2024
What Our Customers Say
This was really an amazing tour. Our ship got in late, but our host waited patiently for us, and I feel like we got a really good overview of the Shetland Islands and their history. Yes - we did get to pet Shetland ponies! and we got to see puffins, which was one of the reasons we took this tour. The tour consisted of only our family, so our guide was flexible and made sure that he took us to the areas most interesting to us. Viator Review - Puffins, Ponies and Past Shetland - Aug 2024
What Our Customers Say
This was excellent. I was a bit concerned reading the reviews about crowding, so opted to purchase the tickets in advance online. The service turned out to be very quiet, the driver was friendly and patient and gave a good commentary on what we were passing, which was interesting and enjoyable. The service stops a couple of times to let you take photos and we opted to get out for a longer stop a couple of times too. The bus was punctual each time when we reboarded. We visited Scalloway Museum, which is excellent, just be aware that it is only open on Sunday afternoons. We made a whole day hopping on and off this service, completing our day with seal viewings in the harbour at Hamnavoe, where the bus stops for 10 minutes to let you take pictures! I hope this service takes off and continues. The journey is stunning and the driver's commitment to helping you get the most out of it makes this well worth doing. Vicky - Hop On, Hop Off Sightseeing Bus - 14/07/2024
What Our Customers Say
Amazing company!! Great communication. Friendly drivers - Jez & David. Highly recommend. Shetland Parish - Church of Scotland
What Our Customers Say
We wanted to thank you again for the great tour a few weeks ago. We really enjoyed the day. Thank you for everything. Tonia Trischgler - Puffins, Ponies & Past Shetland Private Tour - August 2024
What Our Customers Say
Last week (27th June to 2nd July) my husband and I were in a group of retirees, Charnwood U3a, visiting Shetland. At 77 I was the youngest, our oldest was 95. We were blessed to enjoy the services of Darren, our driver. He was such a lovely chap. He always picked us up in good time and drove us safely to our many destinations, placing the coach so we could disembark safely. I didn't realise until last week how long it can take to get 18 pensioners off a coach and then back on again. We didn't really have time to thank Darren properly, we suddenly found ourselves at Sumburgh heading for the check in! So, thank you for a super week, have a great summer. Carole Jefferson - Charnwood U3a Tour Group - June/July 2024
What Our Customers Say
Hilary and Shirley were fantastic hosts during our tour. Both very friendly and made us feel very welcome indeed.The information and commentary was very interesting and they both made sure that we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The minibus was very spacious and driven very well by Hilary. Shirley entertained us with her fiddle playing and poem reciting in Shetland language. We saw loads of puffins, gannets and razorbills amongst others. Carol's talk about her Shetland ponies was very informative and interesting. At no stage did we feel rushed and I will certainly be recommending the tour to our friends. Thank you for a great tour. Carl & Lara - Puffins & Ponies Tour May 2024
What Our Customers Say
We hired Robertsons for a private one day tour of Shetland, from our cruise ship. Our driver and guide, David, was fantastic, he was so friendly and we felt comfortable from the start. We are archaeologists and there were specific things we wanted to see. We were taken on a totally bespoke tour and we were able to see them all. The timings were perfect and David was so knowledgeable about Shetland, giving us interesting facts and anecdotes about the places we passed and visited, even pointing out puffins and stopping at a beach where we could see seals. Thank you David for making our day so special. Archaeologists Private Tour - July 2024
What Our Customers Say
My wife and I took this trip on a rather misty Sunday morning, but our driver made it a memorable experience. He was at pains to ensure that, despite the weather, he showed us some of the brilliant and diverse scenery that Shetland has to offer. As neither of us can drive, we were shown places that would otherwise be inaccessible to us. The added bonus of the tour was the running commentary that he gave with a certain amount of humour included. Because of the weather we did not alight at any of the stops except for a ten minute stop at Hamnavoe, which gave us an opportunity to see the village. All in all, a brilliant morning in Shetland. Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Trip June 2024