What's on at Nielanell
SHETLAND WOOL WEEK
28 September – 4 October 2025
Join us in Hoswick for free events including our daily Open Studio and two Behind the Scenes tours of our knitwear studio and workshop.
On 5 October, the day after Wool Week ends, we are also hosting a relaxed Makkers' Drop-in for knitters, spinners and crocheters.
Along with Hoswick Visitor Centre & Café, Hoswick has a cluster of artisan businesses to visit. And, there is our lovely, south-facing pebble beach (find out more about what you'll find in Hoswick).
Scroll on for full event details
Open Studio at Nielanell
FREE, unticketed
Nielanell, Hoswick
- Daily during Shetland Wool Week
- Sunday 28 September: 10am - 5pm
- Mon 30 Sept to Sat 4 Oct: 9am - 5pm*
- [After SWW] Sun 5 Oct to Sat 12 Oct: 10am - 4pm
- Listing on SWW website
Come and hang out in our peerie emporium of colour and texture. Find out about the stories behind our collections of contemporary knitwear or just inhale some wool fumes...
Visitor info
Find out more about visiting the Nielanell knitwear studio, including access information.
*on Saturday 4 Oct we'll also be at the Shetland Wool Week Makers Market in Lerwick.
Behind the Scenes at Nielanell
TALK & TOUR
FREE, unticketed
Nielanell, Hoswick
- Two sessions: Mon 29 Sept, Fri 3 Oct
- 2.00pm - 2.45pm
- Listing on SWW website
Join the Nielanell team for an informal chat and tour of the Nielanell studio and workshops. Hear about how knitwear collections often start with unexpected stories and peek behind the scenes to see various stages of the design and manufacturing processes.
Visitor info
During this tour we will go into one of our workshops, which has one step up to the door. Full access and visitor information.
Hoswick Makkers' Drop-in
FREE, unticketed
Hoswick Visitor Centre
- Sun 5 Oct: 10am - 2.30pm
- Teas, coffees, sweet and savoury nibbles.
-
NB please bring cash: refreshments will be on an honesty box system.
- Transport: if you're coming by bus we can pick you up from the bus stop at Sandwick (a short drive from Hoswick) please get in touch to arrange.
Join the Nielanell team on Sunday 5 October as we take over Hoswick Visitor Centre. Bring along your makkin (knitting), spinning or crochet to our relaxed drop-in.
This popular, informal event is a lovely way to round off a busy week, with Katie and family hosting woolweekers, locals and tutors in the interesting surroundings of Hoswick Visitor Centre.
Peruse the local history displays – the building used to be Hoswick’s weaving shed – and browse the craft shop (card payments welcome for craft purchases but please bring cash for refreshments).
Less than 100 metres away, the Nielanell studio will also be open 10am-4pm. And, we’re also open daily during Shetland Wool Week.
All welcome: full visitor info.
The view from the no. 6
Getting to Hoswick
Nielanell is right in the centre of the village, on the main street – a few hundred yards from Hoswick Visitor Centre.
It's worth allowing a bit of time to visit other business and talk a stroll on the beach (a few minutes walk from the studio).
Driving
Hoswick is located off the main road that runs between Lerwick and Sumburgh Airport – Hoswick is about 20 mins drive from each.
There is ample parking in the village, with an EV charging point. You can usually also pull up right outside Nielanell.
Public transport
Sandwick (a short distance from Hoswick - 10 mins walk) is served by the bus routes running between Lerwick and Sumburgh. Some buses do stop in Hoswick itself: check timetables for the number 6 bus linked to below.
Buses from Lerwick to Sandwick take 30 minutes, then there's a 10 minute walk to Nielanell. Ask the driver to let you off by the Sandwick shop or Sandwick Hall.
Find bus timetables and information at Zettrans.
Please do get in touch if you'd like any advice on getting here.
On the shore at Hoswick