UnstFest kicks off ‘feel-good factor’

UnstFest, the UK’s most northerly festival kicked off this weekend with a variety of events, workshops and experiences laid on by volunteers in the community.

Despite the cold South Easterly winds and rain which meant that the Unst Yoal Regatta was cancelled there was still lots of activities for everyone to enjoy at the Baltasound Pier in the Marquee.

Saturday morning started off with a very well attended cooking demonstration for children and young people at Baltasound Junior High School by Marian Armitage.

They had the opportunity cook fish recipes from her global award winning cookery book Shetland Food and Cooking. Nearly every ingredient used in the recipes was from Unst.

Other events included a Bairns Pool Party at the Leisure Centre and the ever popular Chip Suppers at the Baltasound Hall.

This was followed by two gigs by the local band the Bashies at the Haroldswick Hall, an early one for bairns and a later event for the adults.

Kellie Naulls, tourism development officer for the North Isles said: “There is a real buzz and a feel-good factor in the island.

“We are all really looking forward to the rest of the week’s events including the Island Parish themed mystery tour and the UnstFest carnival on Saturday.”