It Doesen't Take Much.

[Tarrel]

Shetland has been populated since the bronze age, probably earlier. Early settlers chose their living space in coastal, sheltered locations. See our blog entry for a detailed description of Jarlshof. Crops were planted in the fertile, coastal soil. Driftwood was scavenged for firewood. Dwellings were imaginatively constructed of stone, with butresses to support a roof made from the limited amount of timber available. It's a myth that Shetland has no trees. There are areas of copse that have been planted and survive. Admittedly, it is more difficult to grow trees there than on more sheltered mainland locations. Much of the deforestation on Shetland is as a result of sheep grazing, as in many other parts of the UK.

As Highlander says, the big difference now is the population. It's unlikely that the current population could be supported without importing some commodities. Electricity, for example, is supplied by a coal-fired power station, and the coal is imported (as far as I know). Surprisingly, there is little wind power evident on Shetland.

As with other posters, I find it surprising that there isn't a greater focus on maintaining greater stocks. If I was running Shetland Isles Council, I would ensure this is the case as a duty to the islanders, as well as encouraging the islanders themselves to maintain stocks (as I'm sure many do). I wouldn't rely on an organisation who's prime motives are profit and fast stock-turn to do this for me.