The powerful murder-mystery is set against the stunning Scottish backdrop of the Shetland Isles and centres on Detective Jimmy Perez played by Henshall, a native Shetlander who has returned home after a long spell away.

Recently widowed Perez possesses a bone dry sense of humour and an idealistic desire to protect his beloved Shetland Isles from inevitable change, making him a fascinating detective to watch at work.

When a young archaeologist discovers a set of human remains, the island community is intrigued to know if it’s an ancient find or a contemporary mystery. And when an elderly woman is shot on her land in a tragic accident, Perez and his team find themselves at the centre of two feuding families whose envy, greed and bitterness has divided the surrounding community.

Douglas Henshall says: “I am very much looking forward to working with David Kane, filming in Scotland and being back on BBC One.”

Elaine Collins, Executive Producer, ITV Studios, adds: “We are delighted to be working with the BBC on this commission. Shetland combines eccentric yet warm characters and a classic murder mystery story with the beautiful landscape and rich history of the Shetland Islands and we believe it will be hugely popular with viewers.”

Christopher Aird, Head of Drama, Scotland and Executive Producer, BBC says: “Shetland has a fantastic combination of writing, acting, directing and producing talent. It is a hugely exciting story and part of a project to bring the very best drama to BBC Scotland in the coming years.”

Shetland produced by ITV Studios through BBC Scotland, and starts filming on location in Scotland for transmission later in 2012.