SCOTTISH TV star Douglas Henshall has today unveiled a plaque in his name as thanks from Shetland for the success of the namesake TV series and the boost it has given tourism to the islands.
The plaque was unveiled by Douglas in the road outside his fictional home in the show, one of the Lerwick Lodberries – a place of pilgrimage for so many fans of the series who visit. He was joined by Steve Mathieson, VisitScotland Development Manager; and Malcolm Bell, Convener of Shetland Islands Council (SIC).
The plaque idea came about following a meeting between VisitScotland, SIC and the Lerwick Business Improvement District, Living Lerwick. There was a desire to mark the series and its effect on tourism in the isles and to demonstrate how Shetland could pay its own tribute to the man who brought the character of Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez to life so brilliantly.
The Hollywood star-type plaque was commissioned by SIC, along with a smaller glass version created by Rae Simpson – local craftsman and Guizer Jarl of Lerwick Up Helly Aa in 2010 – for Douglas Henshall to keep.
Douglas Henshall, who plays DI Jimmy Perez in the series, said: “I don’t think anyone could have guessed when we first came here that Shetland would become such a loved show that it would tempt people from all over the globe to come and see for themselves the beauty of this place. It’s been our privilege to come and work here for the last 10 years and for our work to be commemorated in this way by VisitScotland and Shetland Islands Council is both wonderfully surprising and genuinely touching.”
Steve Mathieson, VisitScotland Development Manager, said: “I was delighted to be involved in the unveiling of this plaque today. The success of the ‘Shetland’ series has been phenomenal and brought the islands to the attention of a whole new, worldwide audience. Viewers of the programme are totally absorbed not just by the superb storylines but also by the wonderful scenery of Shetland that acts as a backdrop.
“Douglas Henshall’s portrayal of D.I. Jimmy Perez is, of course, central to the entire series and ranks in the top echelon of the many wonderful TV detectives who have become household names in the UK over recent years.
“Nearly every day during the summer, visitors will come into Lerwick iCentre and ask where they can find ‘the Jimmy Perez house’ or other locations highlighted in the series. Fans of the show come from all over the world, including Australia and the US, and one couple from Denmark were so inspired by the programme that they came over and got married on Eshaness cliffs. It has had a hugely positive impact on showing off these beautiful islands to a global audience.”
Marjory Barrie, Regional Manager of the Shetland, Lerwick and Kveldsro hotels, said: “The series is a real bonus for Shetland tourism – many guests refer to it and some plan their whole trip around the locations.”
Malcolm Bell, Convener of Shetland Islands Council, said: “The ongoing popularity of the series is of enormous benefit to the local economy, and continues to highlight the isles as a tremendous place to visit. I would like to wish Douglas Henshall and the team involved in producing ‘Shetland’ continued success, and the very best for the future.”
Based on the books by crime writer Ann Cleeves , the gritty BBC crime drama, in which Douglas plays the lead role of DI Perez, was first broadcast in 2013 and 26 episodes on, continues to grow in popularity, now being shown in many countries around the world. The sixth series is soon to be broadcast and filming for the seventh series is also underway.
Visitors have long been attracted to Scotland having seen it on the big and small screen, with an estimated one in five motivated to travel here because of those appearances. Before the pandemic hit, leisure visitors to Shetland were on the rise. The 2019 Shetland Islands Visitor Survey revealed that more than half of leisure visitors (55%) reported that they had been inspired to visit Shetland by something they had seen or read. This had increased from 2017 when 46% were similarly inspired.
TV programmes were particularly encouraging, mentioned by 38% of leisure respondents. The main TV programme cited by respondents was the ‘Shetland’ series. Almost all of those who said they had been inspired by a TV programme mentioned Shetland – 90 of 103 respondents (87%).
