Unst, Shetland

This is the third largest island in Shetland covering an area of about 46 square miles and the northern most inhabited one. The island has two nature reserves, Hermaness and Keen of Hamar. The history of Unst goes back to at least Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages and into Pictish and Norse times. Ferry services link Belmont in the south of Unst to Gutcher in Yell and Hamars Ness in Fetlar.

The largest settlement is Baltasound, halfway along the east coast in the bay of Balta Sound. The islands airport is located here.

Muness Castle-

This site has the remains of a three storey town house with round corner towers. Construction of the castle began in 1598 but the castle had been abandoned by the mid-eighteenth century. The castle is located in the southeast of Unst about four miles from Belmont.

Unst Heritage Centre

This is open between 11am and 5pm daily from 1st April until 30th September. It is located in Haroldswick which is on the east coast north from Belmont. The centre looks at the history, geology and archaeology of Unst and has a number of artefacts. Link: Unst Heritage Centre.

Image: Muness Castle image © Copyright Colin Park licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.