Photo journal: Life on a croft

Helping out on the croft for James, 16, and Mairead, 12, is part of daily life.

From an early age they have learned about animal husbandry, welfare and self discipline.

Their sister Kathleen, 20, who is studying nursing in Edinburgh, plans to return to live in Shetland, although not to croft.

James would like a trade as a car mechanic, and his parents hope he will take on the croft for the future.

"I have no ideas of going anywhere else. I haven’t even got a passport," says James.