Neil & Gina’s Guidebook
Sightseeing
Leaving Scalloway, a right turn at the bottom of Mill Brae leads you along East Voe and to the bridges linking the mainland with the isles of Trondra and Burra. Built in 1971, the bridges brought to an end the days when both people and goods had to be transported to Scalloway by sea.
Trondra Island
Leaving Scalloway, a right turn at the bottom of Mill Brae leads you along East Voe and to the bridges linking the mainland with the isles of Trondra and Burra. Built in 1971, the bridges brought to an end the days when both people and goods had to be transported to Scalloway by sea.
Burra (ON Borgarey – broch island). The main settlement is the village of Hamnavoe with its picturesque harbour, boat marina and small cottages. The Burra Haaf, to the south-west of Shetland and as far west as Foula, was the rich fishing grounds that brought prosperity to this small community.
The Burra Hall is on your right as you enter Hamnavoe, and there is a shop and post office near the pier. Boat trips to Foula are operated from here.
At Fugla Ness, on the Hamnavoe coastal walk, a storm beach of huge boulders is testament to the awesome power of the North Atlantic. A 'smugglers cave', 200 metres inland at the headland of Pundsar, has formed due to the sea exploiting the weakness of a geological fault within the rock face.
The beach at Meal (ON melr – sand, pronounced ‘Mel’) has a parking area and public toilets. A pathway leads to beautiful white sands that are safe for swimming. (Meal, mel and mail names are given to beaches throughout Shetland.)
Burra, Shetland
Burra (ON Borgarey – broch island). The main settlement is the village of Hamnavoe with its picturesque harbour, boat marina and small cottages. The Burra Haaf, to the south-west of Shetland and as far west as Foula, was the rich fishing grounds that brought prosperity to this small community.
The Burra Hall is on your right as you enter Hamnavoe, and there is a shop and post office near the pier. Boat trips to Foula are operated from here.
At Fugla Ness, on the Hamnavoe coastal walk, a storm beach of huge boulders is testament to the awesome power of the North Atlantic. A 'smugglers cave', 200 metres inland at the headland of Pundsar, has formed due to the sea exploiting the weakness of a geological fault within the rock face.
The beach at Meal (ON melr – sand, pronounced ‘Mel’) has a parking area and public toilets. A pathway leads to beautiful white sands that are safe for swimming. (Meal, mel and mail names are given to beaches throughout Shetland.)
Had a lovely day out . Stanley very kindly let us go inside the cabin museum which is currently closed (06/06/2021)so we could look around . So much history and Margaret my friend was showing me photos and items from her family . We also went to the Lunna Kirk
Lunna Kirk is a lovely church. Located at Lunna, where Lunna Ness is almost made an island by East and West Lunna Voes, Lunna Kirk probably dates back at least in part to the 1100s and is by far the oldest building in use for Christian worship in Shetland.
The church has an unusual structure, with both of the side walls supported by a series of massive buttresses. An unusual feature on the east side of the church, which is likely to date back to a major rebuild of the structure in the 1300s or 1400s, is a lepers' squint, designed to allow lepers to hear the service and see the altar without physically coming into contact with the congregation.we also visited Lunna house that was used in the early years of WW11 as the head quarters for the Norwegian resistance and boats regularly crossed from west Lunna voe to the Norwegian fjords . Funny hearing the sheep with bells on them , it was like being in Austria . We also visited the hunters monument which is said to be a place where the Laird could check the movements of his fisherman to make sure they weren't landing catches else where . A really wonderful day out .
Lunna Kirk
Had a lovely day out . Stanley very kindly let us go inside the cabin museum which is currently closed (06/06/2021)so we could look around . So much history and Margaret my friend was showing me photos and items from her family . We also went to the Lunna Kirk
Lunna Kirk is a lovely church. Located at Lunna, where Lunna Ness is almost made an island by East and West Lunna Voes, Lunna Kirk probably dates back at least in part to the 1100s and is by far the oldest building in use for Christian worship in Shetland.
The church has an unusual structure, with both of the side walls supported by a series of massive buttresses. An unusual feature on the east side of the church, which is likely to date back to a major rebuild of the structure in the 1300s or 1400s, is a lepers' squint, designed to allow lepers to hear the service and see the altar without physically coming into contact with the congregation.we also visited Lunna house that was used in the early years of WW11 as the head quarters for the Norwegian resistance and boats regularly crossed from west Lunna voe to the Norwegian fjords . Funny hearing the sheep with bells on them , it was like being in Austria . We also visited the hunters monument which is said to be a place where the Laird could check the movements of his fisherman to make sure they weren't landing catches else where . A really wonderful day out .
Find the red rock pool at Virkie
Known simply as the Red Rock Pool, this pool in Virkie is said to turn its distinctive bright red during the summer months because of sea algae decomposing. Like many of Shetland’s spectacular sights, it’s not signposted and takes a bit of finding. From the Ness Boating Club, just north of Sumburgh Airport, follow the coast north for around half an hour, taking care to avoid Arctic Tern nesting sites in the summer. Near the Millburn Geo, where there are a series of abandoned stone mill houses on the hill, the red rock pool sits just by an arch in the black volcanic rock. Just beware of the sulphurous smell – the price of a great Instagram shot.
Virkie
Find the red rock pool at Virkie
Known simply as the Red Rock Pool, this pool in Virkie is said to turn its distinctive bright red during the summer months because of sea algae decomposing. Like many of Shetland’s spectacular sights, it’s not signposted and takes a bit of finding. From the Ness Boating Club, just north of Sumburgh Airport, follow the coast north for around half an hour, taking care to avoid Arctic Tern nesting sites in the summer. Near the Millburn Geo, where there are a series of abandoned stone mill houses on the hill, the red rock pool sits just by an arch in the black volcanic rock. Just beware of the sulphurous smell – the price of a great Instagram shot.
A lovely place to visit and see just how the crofters lived. There is also the water mill still standing a short walk away from the Croft on a good path.
Croft House Museum
A lovely place to visit and see just how the crofters lived. There is also the water mill still standing a short walk away from the Croft on a good path.
Favourite Places To Visit
We love to visit the lighthouse for birdlife and Gina's Favorite the Puffins, the cliff walks and the beach is just stunning with the white sand and dunes.
The Cafe in the Lighthouse grounds is a must for a homemade cake and coffee.
Sumburgh
We love to visit the lighthouse for birdlife and Gina's Favorite the Puffins, the cliff walks and the beach is just stunning with the white sand and dunes.
The Cafe in the Lighthouse grounds is a must for a homemade cake and coffee.
Shetland Museum & Archives is open. Drop-in and visit us, no booking is necessary. For those intending to visit the Crofthouse Museum in Dunrossness please book in advance. We look forward to welcoming you back.
Free to visit - As always, entry to the Museum and Archives is free but now more than ever we need your support - please consider making a donation.
Crofthouse Museum: Tickets for the Crofthouse Museum can be purchased online - Adult £3.50 Child £1.50 - your ticket entitles entry into the crofthouse interior for 1 hour.
Opening Times
Museum - Opening Times (Drop-in)
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Wednesday: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Thursday: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Friday: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Sunday: 12noon to 5.00pm
Archives - Opening Times (Drop In)
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 10.00am to 4.30pm
Wednesday: 10.00am to 4.30pm
Thursday: 10.00am to 4.30pm
Friday: 10.00am to 4.30pm
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED
By appointment:: if Tuesday - Friday is unsuitable please email info@shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk to arrange an alternative time.
Crofthouse Museum - Opening Times (Booking Essential)
RE-OPENS SUNDAY 1 MAY - SUNDAY 2 OCTOBER 2022:
Monday: 10.00am - 4.00pm (Booking only) Closed between 1.00 - 2.00pm
Tuesday: 10.00am - 4.00pm (Booking only) Closed between 1.00 - 2.00pm
Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday: 10.00am - 4.00pm (Booking only) Closed between 1.00 - 2.00pm
Friday: 10.00am - 4.00pm (Booking only) Closed between 1.00 - 2.00pm
Saturday: 10.00am - 4.00pm (Booking only) Closed between 1.00 - 2.00pm
Sunday: 10.00am - 4.00pm (Booking only) Closed between 1.00-2.00pm
The Dowry Café / Restaurant - Opening Times
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Thursday: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Friday: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Sunday: 12noon - 5.00pm
COVID safety measures:
Mask wearing is optional
We are cleaning regularly throughout to make sure your visit is as safe as possible.
View our safety measures in detail.
Please view the Scottish Government's guidance on traveling in Scotland prior to visiting.
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Scalloway Museum
Castle StreetShetland Museum & Archives is open. Drop-in and visit us, no booking is necessary. For those intending to visit the Crofthouse Museum in Dunrossness please book in advance. We look forward to welcoming you back.
Free to visit - As always, entry to the Museum and Archives is free but now more than ever we need your support - please consider making a donation.
Crofthouse Museum: Tickets for the Crofthouse Museum can be purchased online - Adult £3.50 Child £1.50 - your ticket entitles entry into the crofthouse interior for 1 hour.
Opening Times
Museum - Opening Times (Drop-in)
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Wednesday: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Thursday: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Friday: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Sunday: 12noon to 5.00pm
Archives - Opening Times (Drop In)
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 10.00am to 4.30pm
Wednesday: 10.00am to 4.30pm
Thursday: 10.00am to 4.30pm
Friday: 10.00am to 4.30pm
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED
By appointment:: if Tuesday - Friday is unsuitable please email info@shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk to arrange an alternative time.
Crofthouse Museum - Opening Times (Booking Essential)
RE-OPENS SUNDAY 1 MAY - SUNDAY 2 OCTOBER 2022:
Monday: 10.00am - 4.00pm (Booking only) Closed between 1.00 - 2.00pm
Tuesday: 10.00am - 4.00pm (Booking only) Closed between 1.00 - 2.00pm
Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday: 10.00am - 4.00pm (Booking only) Closed between 1.00 - 2.00pm
Friday: 10.00am - 4.00pm (Booking only) Closed between 1.00 - 2.00pm
Saturday: 10.00am - 4.00pm (Booking only) Closed between 1.00 - 2.00pm
Sunday: 10.00am - 4.00pm (Booking only) Closed between 1.00-2.00pm
The Dowry Café / Restaurant - Opening Times
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Thursday: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Friday: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Sunday: 12noon - 5.00pm
COVID safety measures:
Mask wearing is optional
We are cleaning regularly throughout to make sure your visit is as safe as possible.
View our safety measures in detail.
Please view the Scottish Government's guidance on traveling in Scotland prior to visiting.
This had to be one of the greatest days out ever from the warm welcoming from the girls that welcomed us to the island to the whole wildlife experience 👍
Isle of Noss
This had to be one of the greatest days out ever from the warm welcoming from the girls that welcomed us to the island to the whole wildlife experience 👍
A lovely quiet beach. We love the walk and even if it’s windy there are sheltered spots to hide away in.
The Water is a shallow slope both sides
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St Ninians Isle
A lovely quiet beach. We love the walk and even if it’s windy there are sheltered spots to hide away in.
The Water is a shallow slope both sides
The walk up to the light house has stunning views . Can walk the route and back in under two hours . Wellies or walking boots are ideal . From the beach follow the narrow path to the left of the hill . You do climb to styles on your way .
Muckle Roe Lighthouse Walk
The walk up to the light house has stunning views . Can walk the route and back in under two hours . Wellies or walking boots are ideal . From the beach follow the narrow path to the left of the hill . You do climb to styles on your way .
Papa stour is only a 30 minute ferry trip from the mainland . £6a person so very reasonable . The walk along the coast is breathtaking . The Kirk is lovely . The ferry terminal in papa has tea and coffee and biscuits . You just make a donation . It's warm inside and has a microwave to heat things up . Lovely books to look at or purchase for 50pence . Toilet facilities too . There is no shops so take supplies
Papa Stour
Papa stour is only a 30 minute ferry trip from the mainland . £6a person so very reasonable . The walk along the coast is breathtaking . The Kirk is lovely . The ferry terminal in papa has tea and coffee and biscuits . You just make a donation . It's warm inside and has a microwave to heat things up . Lovely books to look at or purchase for 50pence . Toilet facilities too . There is no shops so take supplies