TOURISM chiefs are hoping a new BBC drama, which is being dubbed "Scotland's The Killing", could swell visitor numbers to Shetland.

The two-part murder mystery, written by David Kane and starring Douglas Henshall, below, began filming on the islands last week.

Yesterday, scenes filmed in Lerwick recreated Shetland's famous Up Helly Aa festival, while earlier in the week other segments were shot in the Whiteness area.

It is hoped the drama, entitled Shetland, will help attract "set-jetters" – fans who visit the locations of their favourite television shows and films.

The adaptation of Ann Cleeves' novel, Red Bones, which forms part of her quartet of crime novels set on the islands, stars Henshall in the lead role of detective Jimmy Perez alongside Shetland actors Sandra Voe and Steven Robertson.

Taggart and Rebus writer Kane has written the screenplay which will be produced by Sue De Beauvoir and directed by Peter Hoare.

The two-part drama, whose story begins with the discovery of human bones in an archaeological dig, will be shown on BBC One this winter.

One of the most acclaimed dramas in recent years was the 20-part Danish crime series The Killing, and there are similar hopes for Shetland and the work of Cleeves, as the other three books in her series could also be turned into tele-plays if Shetland is a hit.

The novelist, who was also the author behind ITV drama Vera, has been on set to watch filming. "It's a beautiful setting," she said. "It's just right for the scene I described with a croft house, valley and the water. It fits the image I had in my head perfectly."

Cleeves, who fell in love with Shetland 25 years ago while working on Fair Isle, added: "I hope seeing Shetland on screen will entice people to visit. It's such a beautiful place and as remote as you can get in the UK."

She played down the "Shetland noir" tag however, saying: "This isn't noir, it isn't going to be as bleak as that. It has more warmth to it. It's about families and relationships – it's not a serial killing."

Andy Steven, destination manager of Promote Shetland, said: "The combination of the unique Shetland backdrop, together with a fine cast will showcase Shetland and we hope will inspire viewers to explore these stunning islands for themselves."