Filming has begun on the latest series of Shetland, the BBC has revealed.
The hit BBC Scotland crime drama returned for its seventh series last year and with fans keen to see more of their favourites, it won't be long before they can get just that.
The eighth series will film across several locations around Scotland and Shetland over the coming months.
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Previously, as reported by Glasgow Live, a well-known institution in the city revealed that they had a "starring role" in the new series of Shetland last series with it being filmed at the Glasgow Women's Library in the Bridgeton area of the city.
The series, which will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, has no official release date but is being teased as being released l ater this year.
Originally based on award-winning novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves, the new series sees Met Police Detective Inspector Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen), return to her native Shetland to retrieve the vulnerable witness to a gangland murder. Tosh (Alison O’Donnell) must pause her investigation into a string of mysterious animal deaths to help DI Ruth Calder find the witness before it’s too late.
However, Calder’s hostility to Shetland will challenge Tosh’s view of her adopted home and their journey into the darker recesses of Shetland's past and present will test this fragile, new partnership.
In addition to the filming which is now underway, it has been announced that Phyllis Logan (Guilt), Jamie Sives (Guilt), Dawn Steele (Granite Harbour), Don Gilet (Sherwood), Ann Louise Ross (River City) and Lorraine McIntosh (Outlander) will all feature in the upcoming eighth series.
The guest cast will star alongside series regulars including Steven Robertson (playing DC Sandy Wilson), Lewis Howden (Sgt Billy McCabe), Anne Kidd (Cora McLean), Angus Miller (Donnie), Conor McCarry (PC Alex Grant) and Eubha Akilade (PC Lorna Burns).
Gaynor Holmes, Commissioning Editor for the BBC said: “We couldn’t be more delighted to see Shetland return with such a stellar cast and a brand new, taut and thrilling murder mystery to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. We’re very excited to see the show embark on this fantastic new chapter, with its unique blend of haunting atmosphere, rich character and emotional storytelling.”
Kate Bartlett, Executive Producer for Silverprint Pictures added: “We're so excited about this new series of Shetland with Ashley and Alison and all our wonderful returning and guest cast. Paul Logue has created a distinctive and emotionally complex story, set against the stunning and evocative landscape of the Shetland Isles. We're thrilled to be making this new series with such incredible Scottish talent.”
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