0:00:03 > 0:00:0694 miles north of the Scottish mainland,
0:00:06 > 0:00:11where the blustery Atlantic meets the North Sea, lies Shetland.
0:00:11 > 0:00:16An archipelago of some 100 islands, mostly uninhabited.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19Until the late 15th century, they belonged to Scandinavia,
0:00:19 > 0:00:22and being closer to Bergen than Edinburgh,
0:00:22 > 0:00:25the Islanders remain proud of their Norse heritage.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29Recently, new industries have swept in,
0:00:29 > 0:00:33supplementing the island's crofting and seafaring heritage.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37The most northerly island is Unst,
0:00:37 > 0:00:40where locals mix tradition with innovation
0:00:40 > 0:00:42to survive in a fast-changing world.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48At the heart of this community is Baltasound,
0:00:48 > 0:00:51part of the most northerly parish in Great Britain,
0:00:51 > 0:00:54led by Minister David Cooper.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56One thing that you can never do
0:00:56 > 0:01:00with someone living in a place like Unst
0:01:00 > 0:01:01is underestimate them.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07Isolation leads to an element of self-sufficiency.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Some would find it harsh,
0:01:09 > 0:01:14but if you can persevere, it's boundless.
0:01:48 > 0:01:5212 hours by ferry from the north-eastern coast of Scotland
0:01:52 > 0:01:55is Lerwick, the capital of Shetland,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58where most of the 22,000 islanders live.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01But the most northerly island is Unst,
0:02:01 > 0:02:05another two-hour drive and a further two ferry hops away.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08It's midsummer here
0:02:08 > 0:02:11and, being just 400 miles south of the Arctic Circle,
0:02:11 > 0:02:16the 700 inhabitants are enjoying a period of almost perpetual daylight,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19known locally as the Simmer Dim.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Peak tourist season is under way
0:02:22 > 0:02:24and the ferries are bustling with visitors.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30Across the bay, at his manse on the neighbouring island of Yell,
0:02:30 > 0:02:35Minister David Cooper is keeping a watchful eye on the weather.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39My life in the islands is governed by the ferry timetable.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43Now it's visibly the horizon of the open sea out there,
0:02:43 > 0:02:45it's constantly, constantly changing,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48and if you're really romantic,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51you can look at some mist or low cloud
0:02:51 > 0:02:54and think that you're seeing a Viking longship come out of it.
0:02:56 > 0:02:57Like most rural vicars,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00David Cooper looks after more than one parish,
0:03:00 > 0:03:04spanning three churches on different islands.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07Today he's travelling over a mile stretch of open ocean
0:03:07 > 0:03:10for his regular Sunday service on Unst.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14Always keep a book in the car to read if you've missed a ferry!
0:03:16 > 0:03:18Far From The Madding Crowd at the moment!
0:03:20 > 0:03:23This morning's service is at St John's,
0:03:23 > 0:03:25with a regular congregation of 20.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32THEY MUTTER QUIETLY
0:03:32 > 0:03:33I'm a Methodist minister,
0:03:33 > 0:03:36and under the discipline of the Methodist Church,
0:03:36 > 0:03:39but I'm paid by the Church of Scotland and working for them.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45PIANO MUSIC BEGINS
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- Good morning. How are you? - Not too bad.- But you're here.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- I'm here.- You're here. Yes.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58Good morning.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01Good morning.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03Located just a short distance from the church
0:04:03 > 0:04:06is Britain's most northerly shop,
0:04:06 > 0:04:09the aptly named Final Checkout,
0:04:09 > 0:04:11one of three grocery stores on Unst.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17Islander Pat Burns is one of the owners.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20It's a bit of a hub in here, yeah.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23Usually there's a lot of people that come here.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27As an island, it's the shop that has everything. DIY, mainly.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30We have a cash machine, which is quite popular.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33We sell Shetland Tuskers, for cutting peat.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35You know, fuel up here is very expensive,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37so a lot of people are going back to peat stacks
0:04:37 > 0:04:39and digging their own peat.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42Sometimes, of course, there's no perishables to get in Lerwick,
0:04:42 > 0:04:43because if weather's too rough
0:04:43 > 0:04:47then the boat from Aberdeen to Lerwick maybe is delayed
0:04:47 > 0:04:50and everybody starts panic-buying
0:04:50 > 0:04:53as if they're never going to see food again!
0:04:53 > 0:04:56This week, the islanders are preparing
0:04:56 > 0:04:59for one of the biggest events of the year, UnstFest,
0:04:59 > 0:05:01and festival committee member Pat
0:05:01 > 0:05:05is bracing herself for the influx of visitors.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08I think it's getting to the stage where the ferries can't cope
0:05:08 > 0:05:10and the accommodation can't cope, so it's good.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14If they can't get accommodation, they just bring a tent or a caravan.
0:05:15 > 0:05:16Over at Westing Beach,
0:05:16 > 0:05:19looking out to the neighbouring island of Yell,
0:05:19 > 0:05:21a group of local volunteers, led by Desley Stickle,
0:05:21 > 0:05:26are preparing for one of UnstFest's newest events.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32We're gathering stones
0:05:32 > 0:05:35for the stone-skimming competition on Friday.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38Ideally, as flat as possible.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41Various sizes, various shapes,
0:05:41 > 0:05:44so we're just moving stones from this beach,
0:05:44 > 0:05:46which is a good beach for stones for skimming,
0:05:46 > 0:05:49over to the beach that we're having the competition on.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52Hopefully, we'll have plenty of people turn up.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55The weather's not looking too good for Friday,
0:05:55 > 0:05:59but fingers crossed it stays like this just now. Ideal conditions.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03It's the first time we've ever had a skimming competition,
0:06:03 > 0:06:05so you want your name on the trophy first.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09In the 1890s, Baltasound Harbour
0:06:09 > 0:06:12was home to one of Europe's largest herring fleets,
0:06:12 > 0:06:16employing 10,000 workers in peak season.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Today the island retains its close affinity with the sea,
0:06:19 > 0:06:23and has become a pioneer in marine aquaculture.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26One of the biggest companies here is the salmon hatchery,
0:06:26 > 0:06:29employing 32 people.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33This is the finished product.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36If you take agriculture away from Unst and Yell,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39here in the North Isles, a massive blow
0:06:39 > 0:06:42because the only thing that's left is sheep farming
0:06:42 > 0:06:48and it's vital to this community that that continues.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52Recently hired is Frank Roberts, whose first trade is carpentry.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57But Frank's real passion lies elsewhere.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00HE CALLS OUT
0:07:00 > 0:07:03Come on, lassie! Come on!
0:07:04 > 0:07:07Frank is Unst's resident horse whisperer.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10He and his wife Jem run the Clibberswick Stud,
0:07:10 > 0:07:12breeding ponies to be sold at auction
0:07:12 > 0:07:14to potential buyers from across the globe.
0:07:14 > 0:07:19I've always had a fascination for horses, always.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21I don't work with horses, I play with them.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Hey, hey. Come on.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28And this year, they have high hopes for one young foal in particular.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30And we've got a name for her.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32It's the only one we've got named.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34We name her Seula.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Originally bred for the coal mines,
0:07:37 > 0:07:39now most ponies are bought for children,
0:07:39 > 0:07:42or as companions for larger riding horses.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47But following the economic downturn, the market has recently been tough.
0:07:47 > 0:07:48Well, we're going to show her,
0:07:48 > 0:07:53and then we're going to take her in October to the sale,
0:07:53 > 0:07:56and hopefully get a good new home.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58For Seula to fetch a good price at the sale,
0:07:58 > 0:08:02she'll first need to pass a rigorous judging process.
0:08:02 > 0:08:07We want something that's going to catch the judge's eye,
0:08:07 > 0:08:08to begin with.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10But every judge is different.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15They don't all like the same kind of pony.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19She's got...a pretty head.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23It's in proportion with the rest of her body.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28It doesn't look big, as I would say, this... I know he's a boy,
0:08:28 > 0:08:30but he's got a heavy head.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32And she's got a pretty head.
0:08:32 > 0:08:37She looks feminine. She's got a nice square rump.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40Overall, she's just a...nice...
0:08:40 > 0:08:42proportioned pony.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Get the halter on her and...
0:08:46 > 0:08:48get her halter-trained.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50We want them to yield to the pressure of the halter.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52And this will be the first time in her life
0:08:52 > 0:08:55she's going to be actually...
0:08:55 > 0:08:58trapped or restricted in some way.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00So, it's quite a bit of pressure.
0:09:00 > 0:09:01No.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06What pressure is there in it? I'm having fun.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09Oh, it's the cheeky monkey.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13As UnstFest fast approaches,
0:09:13 > 0:09:17tourists and visitors continue to arrive on the island.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21True UnstFest veterans, the Robertsons,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24are arriving home from Aberdeen and Edinburgh
0:09:24 > 0:09:26for a family reunion on the island.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28- So, we've still got to finish that one off.- Yeah.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31So, we'll just attach this onto the roof section.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34It should, in theory, be very simple.
0:09:34 > 0:09:35It should be.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37Patrick and his brother-in-law Andrew
0:09:37 > 0:09:39are planning a construction
0:09:39 > 0:09:42for the biggest event of the UnstFest calendar,
0:09:42 > 0:09:43the summer carnival.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47At the moment, between the house and two extra caravans,
0:09:47 > 0:09:49there's 17, or there will be 17 of us on Saturday,
0:09:49 > 0:09:51by the time the actual carnival is,
0:09:51 > 0:09:53which should be absolutely fantastic.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56UnstFest always brings out something different as well.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- They bring in different ideas each year and that keeps it fresh.- Yup.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03This year, the Robertsons have decided to pool their DIY skills
0:10:03 > 0:10:05and build a float for the carnival,
0:10:05 > 0:10:10inspired by this infamous Unst landmark - Bobby's Bus Stop.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14A young fellow from up the road, Bobby Macauley,
0:10:14 > 0:10:19he had the bus shelter that he waited for the school bus in.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21He started, he first of all put a chair in it,
0:10:21 > 0:10:23and then he put a table,
0:10:23 > 0:10:26and then suddenly he thought he'd put flowers on the table,
0:10:26 > 0:10:28then he found an old TV,
0:10:28 > 0:10:30and basically it grew arms and legs then,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33and actually became a tourist attraction,
0:10:33 > 0:10:37which is pretty good going for a bus shelter.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40The theme of the bus shelter changes annually
0:10:40 > 0:10:43and this year is based on the iconic bird of the Shetland Islands,
0:10:43 > 0:10:45the puffin.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48What we're planning to do is get the kids all dressed as puffins
0:10:48 > 0:10:51and they'll be on the back of the trailer, in the bus stop,
0:10:51 > 0:10:54having a party. Why not, eh? Why not?
0:10:54 > 0:10:56Yeah, this is for the puffin-hunters.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Back at the house, Patrick's wife, Helen,
0:10:59 > 0:11:01is marshalling all the younger cousins
0:11:01 > 0:11:04into making costumes and props for the big day.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06Over there. Look! That way.
0:11:06 > 0:11:07You missed him.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09THEY LAUGH
0:11:11 > 0:11:13Trust me, this is going to look very like this
0:11:13 > 0:11:15by the time we've finished with this.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17Yeah, and a bit less like a mummy.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21There's a prize for, I think, the top three.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26And we've not ever won, so we're hoping that maybe this is the year.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30There we go. Want to try them out? See what they're going to look like.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38At Westing, on the other side of the island,
0:11:38 > 0:11:42other secretive plans for the carnival are being hatched.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Can you just take the hubcaps out, Rob?
0:11:45 > 0:11:47We could be putting those on
0:11:47 > 0:11:50because you don't keep them on, do you?
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- Right, shall we put the hubcaps on? - Aye, put them on, then.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56Travelling from their native Nottinghamshire,
0:11:56 > 0:12:01the Gills transported their beloved bubble car 700 miles,
0:12:01 > 0:12:04including three ferry journeys, to reach Unst.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06This will be part of our float.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10We have got some ideas and it will involve bubbles.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- It will involve bubbles.- The theme is bubbles.- Yes, that's right.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17We wanted to bring it up to Shetland from our base in Nottingham,
0:12:17 > 0:12:20but I think there are about 50 left on the road.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23This might be the first time that one had actually appeared here,
0:12:23 > 0:12:25certainly for many, many, many years.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29They're quite a unique vehicle, and we... As you can imagine,
0:12:29 > 0:12:33it attracts attention because people just find it so odd.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36We're going to go for it, aren't we, though, eh?
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- Indeed.- We're making a little go a long way.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- Oh, look, there's Sammy's here. - Eh?- Sammy.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- The seals are here.- Sammy's here.
0:12:53 > 0:12:54Sammy the seal.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58Martin and Heather, both retired schoolteachers from the Midlands,
0:12:58 > 0:13:01unexpectedly fell in love with Unst six years ago.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04I remember saying to Heather, "I've booked a fortnight in Shetland.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06"I don't know if this is a good idea.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08"We could be just sitting in a windy field for two weeks."
0:13:08 > 0:13:11I just, I mean, honestly, it's shocking, isn't it?
0:13:11 > 0:13:13I did not know anything about it.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15It's very difficult to put into words,
0:13:15 > 0:13:19but there is something very special about this place.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22Weather's coming in. It's a squall, I think.
0:13:22 > 0:13:23I don't think it will last too long.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26Go on, Madge. Here we are.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28Come on, Madge. Sit down, sit down.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30That's it, good girl.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34Absolutely, yes.
0:13:34 > 0:13:35A squall on Unst.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- Oh, look, the rainbow's following us.- Yes.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Just over there's a pot of gold.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43We're back in the sunshine, again, look, now.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46It's not like you'd get in the middle of Birmingham, is it?
0:13:48 > 0:13:49Sorry, Birmingham.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Also keen to see if he can get amongst the medals
0:13:56 > 0:14:01is minister David Cooper, who's taken a break from his church duties
0:14:01 > 0:14:05to test his arm for the approaching stone-skimming competition.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08You know that the shepherd boy David
0:14:08 > 0:14:13went down to the water's edge - although it was a stream then -
0:14:13 > 0:14:16to collect stones for his catapult
0:14:16 > 0:14:19before he felled Goliath
0:14:19 > 0:14:22with a stone between the eyes.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26I don't think I'm in that league.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Three? Mm, still not good enough.
0:14:37 > 0:14:38Towards the ferry.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45It'll depend on the wind, it'll depend on the tide.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Oh, come on, this is, you know...
0:14:48 > 0:14:50This is a Lord's Test match at sea.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Oh, but not with that stone!
0:15:00 > 0:15:02Oh, there we go! That was much better.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04But he can't practise for long,
0:15:04 > 0:15:08as his parish duties beckon at Brucehall,
0:15:08 > 0:15:12a home providing sheltered housing for Unst retirees.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17- You've been here about three months now.- Mm-hmm.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- But you've been in Unst all your life!- Yes.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- 94.- 94 years.
0:15:23 > 0:15:28Well, three months is nothing, out of 94 years, is it?
0:15:28 > 0:15:33- That's my mother, there. - Oh, I see, right.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35That there is Dad standing.
0:15:35 > 0:15:36Dad. Yes.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40People stopped wearing these wraparound pinnies, didn't they?
0:15:40 > 0:15:45- Aye, she was, "Put on an apron!"- Right!
0:15:45 > 0:15:50- You have to follow the instruction. - "Put on an apron."- Put on an apron.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55With these elderly residents unable to participate
0:15:55 > 0:15:59in many of the UnstFest activities, Jane Macaulay from the care home
0:15:59 > 0:16:03is hoping to create an event to bring the festival to them.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- Yeah, we have done this a few times, I think.- In previous lives.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09In previous lives, yes, we have done it.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12And it's certainly not just for the bairns. Everybody likes it.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16- Will I test it?- Go ahead.- Yeah?
0:16:20 > 0:16:25- Whoa!- Perfect.- Do you think Rev Cooper will come on this? Yeah!
0:16:25 > 0:16:30- Course he will.- Yeah, I think he is OK.- It has worked.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32It's not very dignified!
0:16:34 > 0:16:37We are inviting everybody on the island,
0:16:37 > 0:16:39we're catering for 300.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41We don't know how many will come.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45And we want to provide something for everybody,
0:16:45 > 0:16:48so that is why we have got a bouncy castle, face painting,
0:16:48 > 0:16:50guinea pigs, ride-on toys, sandpit,
0:16:50 > 0:16:53duckpond, Connect 4,
0:16:53 > 0:16:57Jenga, barbecue, sandwiches, just...
0:16:57 > 0:17:00We want everybody to come and enjoy.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05Back at the pony stud farm,
0:17:05 > 0:17:08horse whisper Frank and his son, Frank Jr,
0:17:08 > 0:17:12are getting ready to break in their prize-winning hopeful, foal Seula.
0:17:12 > 0:17:17We're going to put the foal into the halter for the first time.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Let's see what happens, see what reaction we get.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Before I can get a lot done, I need to get this halter onto it.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26I don't want to do it through fear.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29That's it. Whoa!
0:17:29 > 0:17:32She knows there's something up.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34Some are easier than others.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36Some are more nervous.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42There. Got to take that off, then. Don't want to be too loud.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48With Seula resisting the halter,
0:17:48 > 0:17:51Frank calls in extra help from his wife, Jem.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Come on now. Behave.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06That's the halter on.
0:18:06 > 0:18:07Now Seula is in the halter,
0:18:07 > 0:18:10Frank will need to tame her natural instincts
0:18:10 > 0:18:13and train her to obediently walk to heel.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15She is going to try every trick she knows
0:18:15 > 0:18:16to get away from that halter.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18It is still a struggle for Frank
0:18:18 > 0:18:21and he's going to have to draw on all his lifetime's experience
0:18:21 > 0:18:23to settle this feisty foal.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27I want her to be close and, when she's close to me,
0:18:27 > 0:18:29I want her to feel comfortable.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33In the past, we would have just broke them physically and mentally -
0:18:33 > 0:18:35that's the way it was done.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37We just pulled them along.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41I haven't done that for 26 years now.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44This is much better.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46There we go.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49- FOAL WHINNIES - I've always loved horses.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53Since I was a boy. I wanted to be a jockey.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55Why didn't you?
0:18:55 > 0:18:57Because my father come home and says,
0:18:57 > 0:18:58"I've got a job for you.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01"You're going to be a cabinetmaker in the shipyards,
0:19:01 > 0:19:02"Henry Robinson, Leith docks."
0:19:02 > 0:19:06And in those days, what your dad said, you did.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08And that was it.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12Just trying to get the foal to move a little bit towards him.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15Putting a bit of resistance on the rope.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19And if it moves, he lets the rope go instantly,
0:19:19 > 0:19:21to make it feel comfortable again.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24Just slowly trying to get it to move its feet.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Just put a bit of feel in and see if she's going to follow my feel.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30That's good. Right, another bit.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Come on. There you come. Good.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35You notice she's not fighting so much?
0:19:35 > 0:19:37She's not fighting it.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40She's... She's following the feel.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43There we go.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46Quite quickly, Seula falls under Frank's spell.
0:19:46 > 0:19:47Good.
0:19:47 > 0:19:48That's good.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54Put in a little bit of feel and she gave, just like that.
0:19:54 > 0:19:55That's what we want.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58And she'll just go like this, nice and smooth
0:19:58 > 0:20:01It's the first step on the long road to getting a good price
0:20:01 > 0:20:05at the Shetland pony sale in three months' time.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07You can see her eyes going soft.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Her head's dropped, she's relaxed,
0:20:10 > 0:20:15she's got that inside ear locked on me. That's all signs of...
0:20:15 > 0:20:16submissive.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19This is an entirely different animal to what it was 10 minutes ago.
0:20:21 > 0:20:22Yeah?
0:20:24 > 0:20:26Look at that.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30OK, we can take them back.
0:20:36 > 0:20:37Back in Baltasound,
0:20:37 > 0:20:41the much-awaited day of the summer carnival has arrived.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45The local Viking jarl squad from Uyeasound,
0:20:45 > 0:20:48who celebrate Norse traditions throughout the year,
0:20:48 > 0:20:50pour onto the streets of Unst,
0:20:50 > 0:20:52as the Robertsons put the final touches
0:20:52 > 0:20:55to their mobile bus stop float.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58It actually looks like a bus shelter.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02For me and Andrew to construct something
0:21:02 > 0:21:06that looks like what it's supposed to look like is pretty darn good.
0:21:06 > 0:21:07- It's a triumph.- Yeah.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13THEY SING AND CLAP
0:21:19 > 0:21:21We are desperately trying to find some puffins.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24THEY CHEER
0:21:24 > 0:21:27It's fantastic. In the Unst sunshine, you cannae beat it.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31Not to be outdone by a parliament of puffins,
0:21:31 > 0:21:33the Gills have pulled out all the stops
0:21:33 > 0:21:35with their bubble-themed float car.
0:21:35 > 0:21:36So we're going to tow it
0:21:36 > 0:21:40and we're going to blow bubbles out of our car while we do it.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles. You know that one?
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Yeah, I played it on the banjo.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47It's all about taking part.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Hup, hup! Hup, hup.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52They haven't put their hats on yet.
0:21:54 > 0:21:55Where are they?
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Good girl. Oh, yes. Very good girls.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01She's thinking, "What the hell is this about?"
0:22:01 > 0:22:05If the RSPCA get hold of this, we're in trouble!
0:22:08 > 0:22:11As the island's population swells to over 1,000,
0:22:11 > 0:22:14residents, neighbouring islanders, and tourists alike
0:22:14 > 0:22:15line the streets.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20Hello, everybody! Hello, hello, hello!
0:22:22 > 0:22:24Hooray. Hey!
0:22:24 > 0:22:27ALL CHEER
0:22:30 > 0:22:32ALL: Freedom!
0:22:35 > 0:22:38# I'm forever blowing bubbles
0:22:38 > 0:22:43# Pretty bubbles in the air... #
0:22:50 > 0:22:53ALL CHEER
0:23:00 > 0:23:02Fantastic. Great night for it.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05The weather stayed good as well, and that's always a bonus.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08The most famous bus stop in all of Shetland.
0:23:08 > 0:23:09Only in Unst. Only in Unst.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17The procession reaches its finale at Baltasound Hall,
0:23:17 > 0:23:19where crowds gather for the judging
0:23:19 > 0:23:22and the announcement of the coveted Unst carnival trophy.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24Hello, everybody.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Thank you for turning out for the UnstFest carnival.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31ALL CHEER
0:23:31 > 0:23:35The second-place prize goes to Braveheart.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38CHEERING
0:23:38 > 0:23:42Well done, Braveheart. And the first prize goes to Whaar's Tammie?
0:23:42 > 0:23:46CHEERING
0:23:49 > 0:23:55Hip-hip, hooray! Hip-hip, hooray! Hip-hip, hooray!
0:23:55 > 0:23:57Winning isn't everything.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00- It helps.- But it sure beats losing, that's for sure.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03What a great day we've had. It's all come together.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05The bairns have enjoyed it.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08They've been dancing the birdie dance and singing their songs.
0:24:08 > 0:24:09And we won!
0:24:09 > 0:24:13This year, victory belongs to the Robertsons.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16But there is some consolation for the Gills.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18The prize for the most bizarre entry.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20A dog driving a bubble car.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22I thought he drove rather well, actually -
0:24:22 > 0:24:23right behind us all the way.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26You did well, girls. You got the bottle of red wine,
0:24:26 > 0:24:28which you're not allowed.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30People assume on the UK mainland
0:24:30 > 0:24:33that we're sort of tending the croft,
0:24:33 > 0:24:36or sitting round a peat fire wrapped in a sheepskin!
0:24:36 > 0:24:38Stop it! No, we don't!
0:24:38 > 0:24:40Little do they know!
0:24:43 > 0:24:46Over at Uyeasound Harbour, at the south of the island,
0:24:46 > 0:24:49crowds welcome an important delivery.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53It's the start of the new stone-skinning competition.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58I'd prefer something round, that...
0:24:58 > 0:25:00That fits in the hand.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03Something like that.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05We now know that in David's day,
0:25:05 > 0:25:10armies had great slingshot soldiers,
0:25:10 > 0:25:12who were highly accurate,
0:25:12 > 0:25:16and they must have known the exact stone to choose.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19OK, who wants to go first?
0:25:20 > 0:25:22- Right, name?- Connor.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24Pretty nervous.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27Please try not to hit the boats.
0:25:32 > 0:25:33I doubt it was 10.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40Up for the bragging rights are competitors of all ages.
0:25:46 > 0:25:4810.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51But one decides to keep his powder dry.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55I don't know how these people are getting 10 and 12 leaps.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58They must be staying very much on the surface of the water.
0:25:58 > 0:26:03They're mainly using bigger stones than I used as well.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05Anybody else?
0:26:09 > 0:26:12- Who's next?- I'll go this time and I'll throw three.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16- OK, you can throw all three, that's fine.- All right.
0:26:19 > 0:26:20- Two.- Oh!
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- Two!- This one will be as high as the Tyne Bridge.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Two!
0:26:30 > 0:26:32But they're not going far! Ha-ha!
0:26:32 > 0:26:35Very consistent!
0:26:35 > 0:26:37Well, a weary arm.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41Not many bounces on that at all.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45But great consistency with three stones.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58As UnstFest draws to a close,
0:26:58 > 0:27:02everyone is congregating at one place, Brucehall -
0:27:02 > 0:27:05much to organiser Jane's delight.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08Fantastic. We've had a really good response.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10Lots and lots of people from the community
0:27:10 > 0:27:12but from much further afield as well.
0:27:12 > 0:27:13And that's what UnstFest does.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15I think the residents have done really well.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Pretty much all of the residents
0:27:17 > 0:27:19are out and involved in what's going on.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21And they've been watching and they've been laughing
0:27:21 > 0:27:23and they've been eating
0:27:23 > 0:27:25and, of course, crowds of folk who they know.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27So it's a good chance to catch up as well.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29I think it's gone really well for them.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31You're outside?
0:27:31 > 0:27:34We're outside, yes.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36It's the kind of gathering that happens here
0:27:36 > 0:27:39because folk do enjoy being together.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41It's quite extraordinary.
0:27:48 > 0:27:49In the days to come...
0:27:52 > 0:27:55..Unst welcomes some visitors from afar.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57SHE SINGS
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Hopefully they will like it.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02I think it looks more like the kids have made it!
0:28:02 > 0:28:04It tastes good, that's the main thing.
0:28:05 > 0:28:10The island's only Eastern Orthodox nun is having a clear-out.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14It's an ecumenical inter-island parish freezer!
0:28:17 > 0:28:21And Frank the horse whisperer struggles with stallion Heston.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23Are you OK?
0:28:23 > 0:28:25I thought we performed very well too...
0:28:25 > 0:28:27apart from knocking the vet over!