relax, explore, or be active  

Unst has something for everyone. You will be spoilt for choice.  

birdlife  

Unst boasts two National Nature Reserves (NNR) – Hermaness and the Keen of Hamar (about 50m from Keenlee). Hermaness is a well known seabird colony. Possibly over 100,000 pairs of seabirds of 13 species breed on the reserve.  The most popular with visitors are the 25,000 + pairs of Puffins, which are so tame that the careful visitor can get within a few inches of them. Other species of birds to be found here include: Great Skua, Gannets and the Black Browed Albatross.  

botany  

The Keen of Hamar is a favourite with botanists as it home to Edmondston's Chickweed. This plant is unique to Unst and is named after the man who discovered it – Thomas Edmonston of Buness, Unst. It is a small plant that grows out of the rock debris. Other plants to be found include Norwegian Sandwort, Northern Rock-cress, Moss Campion and Alpine Meadow-rue.  

wildlife  

Otters can be seen almost anywhere around Unst, including the voes and bays around the main settlements of Uyeasound, Baltasound and Haroldswick. Both species of seal, Grey Seal and Common Seal may also be seen. Whales and dolphins may occasionally be seen in summer, usually off the north coast - try Hermaness or Lamba Ness.  

fishing

There are seven lochs to choose from where excellent fishing is to be had. Local advice is freely given and an excellent guide book, Trout Fishing In Shetland is available from the Tourist Information Office in Lerwick. Also see Trout Fishing leaflet.

 

For information on all other activities and places of interest, visit unst.org