Lights, Camera, Shetland: My Unexpected Meeting with Douglas Henshall

Shetland Series Inspiration Timeline

From Screen to Shetland

How a BBC Series Inspired a Life-Changing Move

The remarkable journey of Ed and Sarah, who transformed their pandemic experience into an extraordinary adventure inspired by the BBC series "Shetland" — taking remote work to Britain's most remote inhabited island.

Los Angeles

📺Binge-Watching Shetland

Ed and Sarah discovered the BBC series "Shetland" while living in Los Angeles. They binge-watched the entire series featuring Doug Henshall as Detective Jimmy Perez, completely captivated by the dramatic landscapes and remote island setting.

Binge-watching Shetland in Los Angeles
"Art Imitates Life: We binge-watched the series Shetland in Los Angeles starring Doug Henshall and then we actually met him"
2020-2021

🌍Pandemic Awakening

The global pandemic fundamentally shifted their perspective on work and life. Ed and Sarah "took remote work literally and figuratively," realizing they could work from anywhere — even the most remote places on Earth.

Pandemic Awakening
The pandemic amplified their desire for a more self-sufficient, off-grid lifestyle, embracing both the freedom and challenge of truly remote living.
Decision Made

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Shetland as Inspiration

Inspired directly by the "Shetland" TV series, Ed and Sarah made the bold decision to move to the actual Shetland Islands. The show served as more than entertainment — it became their roadmap to a completely different way of life.

Decision to Move to Shetland
"Interestingly, Ed and Sarah decided to move to Shetland after watching the TV series 'Shetland.'"
Fair Isle Life

🏝️Fertile Solitude

Living on Fair Isle, one of Britain's most remote inhabited islands with only 37 residents, Ed and Sarah discovered the profound difference between loneliness and fertile solitude.

Fertile Solitude on Fair Isle
"Fertile solitude is the basic unit of a full and contented life. The line between solitude and loneliness can be thin, but there is a difference."
Lerwick

🎬Meeting Doug Henshall

In a remarkable twist of fate, Ed had the opportunity to meet Doug Henshall himself while the actor was filming in Lerwick. The very star who had inspired their move was now filming in their new homeland.

Meeting Doug Henshall in Lerwick
"...and then met him filming in Lerwick." The incredible irony of their journey complete.
Present Day

👥Meeting the Real Jimmy

Ed also had the unique opportunity to meet Jimmy Stout, one of the 37 actual residents of Fair Isle. This connection bridged the gap between the fictional Detective Jimmy Perez and the real island community they now call home.

"The best things in life happen to you when you're alone and despite the camaraderie and the spirit of cooperation, for the most part we are alone on this island. That's ok."

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