Getty Images/imageBROKER RM

Unst Bus Shelter

Top choice in Shetland


At the turn-off to Littlehamar, just past Baltasound, is Britain's most impressive bus stop. Enterprising locals, tired of waiting in discomfort, decided to do a job on it, and it now boasts posh seating, novels, numerous decorative features and a visitors' book to sign. The theme and colour scheme changes yearly.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Shetland attractions

1. Skidbladner Longship

1.4 MILES

Unst has the highest concentration of Viking longhouse sites in the country. The Viking Unst project manages three excavation sites, and has as its…

2. Unst Boat Haven

1.66 MILES

This large shed is a boatie’s delight, packed with a beautifully cared for collection of Shetland rowing and sailing boats, all with a backstory. Old…

3. Unst Heritage Centre

1.85 MILES

This heritage centre houses a modern museum with a history of the Shetland pony and a recreation of a croft house.

4. Shetland Distillery Company

2.3 MILES

This small producer distils the Shetland Reel gin that you see around the place. Its version infused with local seaweed is well worth a try. Their plan is…

5. Hermaness Visitor Centre

3.54 MILES

For tips on wildlife-watching, duck into the Hermaness Visitor Centre, near the entrance to the Hermaness National Nature Reserve. You can also learn the…

6. Hermaness National Nature Reserve

4.06 MILES

At marvellous Hermaness headland, a 4.5-mile round walk takes you to cliffs where gannets, fulmars and guillemots nest, and numerous puffins frolic. You…

7. Muness Castle

5.31 MILES

This picturesque, sturdy 16th-century tower house in Unst's southeastern corner was built by Laurence Bruce, foud (bailiff) of Shetland, who was, by all…

8. Shetland Gallery

10.12 MILES

Not far from the ferry to Unst and Fetlar, this gallery has rotating exhibitions of Shetland artists and craftspeople.