VisitShetland

Unst

Britain's most northerly inhabited island

Unst is one of the most spectacular, varied and interesting islands in Europe. It has everything that attracts visitors to Shetland - and a little bit more.

Traditional Shetland Ram

Packed into an area just 12 miles long by five miles wide are stupendous cliffs, jagged sea stacks, low, rocky shores, sheltered inlets, golden beaches, heathery hills, freshwater lochs, peat bogs, fertile farmland - and even a unique, sub-arctic, stony desert.

This intricate landscape supports a rich variety of wildlife, as well as purebred Shetland sheep and ponies which roam the common grazing land. Here you can meet Unst's world-famous Shetland Ponies at the roadside.

Unst is a major European breeding site for seabirds, such as Gannet, Puffin, Guillemot ('murre' in USA), Razorbill, Kittwake and Shag, and for moorland-nesting rarities such as Great Skua, Arctic Skua and Whimbrel.

Seals abound, porpoises are common and you may even see the shy otter or a pod of passing Orcas.

Unst is an ideal place to enjoy bird-watching, botany, geology, archaeology, walking, sailing, angling or traditional music - or just to enjoy the peace and quiet. It's also a very sociable community of some 500 people who welcome visitors at concerts, dances, regattas and other local events.

As well as the great outdoor attractions of birdwatching at Hermaness National Nature Reserve, rare arctic-alpine plants on the Keen of Hamar, sea- and loch-angling and some wonderful coastal walks, there's plenty on offer if the weather keeps you indoors.

The Unst Boat Haven is Shetland's only museum dedicated to the history of the islands' distinctive wooden boats and the line-fishermen who used them until the early 20th century. The pleasure-boat descendants of these Viking-inspired craft can be seen at the Unst Marina in Baltasound, along with the 'Far Haaf', a locally-built replica of a sixareen (six-oared boat).

The Unst Heritage Centre tells the engrossing story of the islanders' struggle for existence over the centuries. Most Unst families are still involved with the traditional crofting life depicted here, but there's a variety of other work based on the island's resources and position, such as quarrying, fish farming, craftwork (fine knitwear in particular), wildlife tourism - and an important role in the nation's defences.

Perhaps the most welcome surprise on a cold, wet day is the heated swimming pool in the modern Unst Leisure Centre, where visitors are always welcome to use the pool and other facilities.

We hope you enjoy your visit to this remarkable, accessible and welcoming island.

Find out more about Unst.
View our Unst interpretive leaflet.
Find out about the Stones, Sea & Settlements (pdf) trail.
Download the Discover Yell, Unst & Fetlar (pdf) leaflet.

Advertising Feature

2009 Wildlife Holidays In Shetland

Shetland offers the best wildlife-watching in Scotland - FACT.

Over a million breeding seabirds, the highest density of Otters in Europe, regular sightings of Killer Whales and superb displays of rare sub-arctic flora. Our award-winning holidays offer everything from fully guided wildlife weeks and long weekends, dedicated birdwatching holidays plus photographic, walking and insight holidays.

Visit our extensive website www.shetlandwildlife.co.uk or call Shetland Wildlife on 01950 422483 for a choice of over 30 holidays!

Feature

2008 Photo Competition

VisitShetland are pleased to announce their fourth annual photographic competition, open to local and visiting amateur photographers. The competition seeks entries which capture the imagination and the role that the Shetland landscape plays in our cultural identity.

Find out more

Feature

Shetland Food Directory

From lamb to seafood, Shetland's produce is considered a benchmark for quality. A new website, The Shetland Food Directory, lists sources of fine Shetland food and drink and some of the wonderful places to eat out in Shetland.

www.foodshetland.com

Feature

Buy Shetland Knitwear

Choose from our wide range of Shetland knitwear including Fair Isle tank tops, cushion covers and bags.  Also a range of rugs made with 100% pure Shetland wool.

Shop Now

Feature

Swan Trips 2008

Enjoy a trip on the Swan this summer and experience the world of a resilient vessel restored to glory. Join a crew who love the sea, and be part of a learning experience!

Find out more

Sunday Times article

News

Treasure Returns to Shetland

Shetland Museum and Archives welcomes St Ninian’s Isle Treasure for three month loan...

Read More

View all news stories