ACTOR Douglas Henshall has unveiled a plaque in his name as a thanks from Shetland for the success of the namesake TV series and the tourism boost it has given to the islands.
The plaque was revealed by the TV star in the road outside his fictional home in the show – one of the Lerwick Lodberries, a place of pilgrimage for many fans of the series.
The Hollywood star-type plaque was commissioned by Shetland Islands Council (SIC), along with a smaller glass version created by Rae Simpson – a local craftsman and Guizer Jarl of Lerwick Up Helly Aa in 2010 – for Henshall to keep. The 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.
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.”
He was joined at the unveiling by Steve Mathieson, VisitScotland development manager, and Malcolm Bell, convener of SIC.
Mathieson 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 DI 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.”
Bell added: “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.”
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