WITH series nine of Shetland now only hours away, fans of the popular BBC crime drama can finally catch up with DI Ruth Calder and DS Alison "Tosh" McIntosh.

The beloved series, which first aired all the way back in 2013, has been a TV highlight for audiences across Scotland and the UK for a long time now.

If you're looking to watch the newest season of Shetland, here is everything you need to know.

What can we expect from series 9 of Shetland?

According to the synopsis for the first episode of the BBC show's ninth series, DI Ruth Calder will be seen talking down a jittery young man with a shotgun.

With the body of the man's brother lying on the floor between them, how will Ruth and the rest of the team resolve this tricky situation?

Elsewhere, Tosh attends her friend's birthday party and witnesses the argument of two married friends, Annie and Ian Bett.

After their nine-year-old son, Noah, tells her that his parents are separating, Annie arranges a meeting with Tosh to discuss something very important.

When Tosh arrives the next morning to chat, there’s no sign of Annie’s car, and she’s not picking up her phone.

When does series nine of Shetland begin?

Series nine of Shetland will begin on Wednesday, November 6 at 9pm.

There will be six episodes this season with each airing at the same time every week. This means the final episode will take place on Wednesday, December 11.

How to watch series nine of Shetland

Those hoping to catch all the action as it happens can do so on BBC One at 9pm.

Fans who are unable to watch the premiere live can catch up via the broadcaster's streaming platform BBC iPlayer.

All previous episodes of Shetland can be found on BBC iPlayer.