Margaret Cooper

Margaret Cooper has lived in Shetland for over 33 years, developing a deep connection to the Isles through both her personal life and professional career. A qualified Green Badge Guide (Scottish Tourist Guides Association, 2022/23), she is listed on the STGA website and has completed three full guiding seasons.

She works with several Shorex companies, leading guided walks and bus tours across Shetland, and is also a guide for the Mousa Boat, taking visitors around the island of Mousa. Her in-depth local knowledge is recognised by visiting Scottish Blue Badge Guides, who occasionally hire her as a specialist guide. Passionate about Shetland’s history, culture, and wildlife, she completed the University of the Highlands and Islands course “History of Shetland in 100 Sites” with distinction (SCQF Level 7, Grade A).

Originally trained as a nurse in Glasgow in 1972, Margaret went on to qualify in midwifery and intensive care, later holding senior hospital roles across surgery, medicine, outpatients, and pre-operative assessment. She also gained qualifications in management and advanced clinical practice. Her nursing work across almost every inhabited island in Shetland (except Papa Stour) has given her a rare, first- hand insight into island life.