Local Attractions | Baltasound Hotel

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Taking place during the second and fourth Fridays of February, this annual Viking Fire Festival is an event not to be missed on Unst! The festival kicks off with a torchlight procession of Guizer squads marching with lit torches in themed costumes toward a replica of a Viking longship. At the head of the procession is the Guizer Jarl, the honored Viking warrior elected years in advance to oversee the entirety of the event. In the tradition of the great Viking Chiefs, who upon their death were placed with their treasures and slaves in the galley, the procession ends with the Guizers throwing their burning torches into the ship and casting it off to sea. The squads then lead the crowds to the local community halls where they compete for the best short act, hear raucous singing and dance into the early hours of the morning.

Keen of Hamar National Nature Reserve

Less than a mile from the hotel is the lunar landscape and dramatic cliffs of the Keen of Hamar. It is both the expanse of deep oceanic serpentine rock and the colorful heath of grasses, flowers and sedges. Often heralded as a botanist´s heaven, this is best explored on hands and knees to best see the miniature mosaic of some of Britain´s rarest flowers. Here you can see the Spring squill, bell heather, fairy flax, mountain everlasting, fragrant & frog orchid, hoary whitlow grass and even the occasional moonwort, as well as many more. The Keen of Hamar is open all year round, but late spring to mid-summer is the best time to see the plants. For more information, see the Nature in Shetland site.

Muckle Flugga

Just north of Hermaness can be seen Muckle Flugga island. Although no longer inhabited, this island is home to the Muckle Flugga lighthouse, built in 1857 to guide ships during the Crimean War. The island´s name comes from the Old Norse Mikla Flugey, meaning ´large steep-sided island´, but according to local folklore, Muckle Flugga and its northerly neighbor Out Stack were are actually the result of what happens when two giants fall in love with the same mermaid. So it was that Herma and Saxa fought over her by throwing large rocks at each other, which eventually became these two islands. To get rid of the giants, though, the mermaid offered to marry whichever one would follow her to the North Pole. As they jumped in and tried to follow, they both soon drowned, as neither of them could swim.

Unst Boat Haven

Open May to September, this fantastic regional museum is just off the old pier in Haroldswick. The Unst Boat Haven is dedicated to the maritime history of Shetland boats, long used in the local fishing industry. The exhibition covers a period from the late 19th century to the 1960´s and includes comprehensive documentation of the crafts and skills related to boatbuilding, repairing and the fishing industries, even a blacksmith´s workshop. The main attraction is the boats themselves: local whillies, yoals and sixareens, as well as Norwegian, Faeroese, Welsh and Berhon boats for comparison. All are traditionally built for use under oar and sail. They are double-ended, clinker built following the Viking method of construction, tracing back around 1700 years. A mural painted by Haroldswick artist Liam O´Neill, gives a vivid impression of how Haroldswick might have looked at the end of the 19th century. For more information, see the Unst Heritage Trust site.

Unst Heritage Centre

Open May to September, the Unst Heritage Centre is a must see. Exhibiting the rich history and heritage of the island, a visit to the centre would acquaint you with the life and craft of the many settlers of Britain´s most northerly island. From crofting to fishing, quarrying, fish farming or defending the British Isles from its RAF base in SaxaVord, the history of Unst is told through a fine collection of artifacts. Of particular note are ´The Flugga´ installation, telling of the riveting 137-year history of the Muckle Flugga Lighthouse, and the display of fine lace knitting, which has won worldwide acclaim. If your visit happens to fall on a Friday, you´ll be able to even try your hand at Shetland-style spinning or knitting, lead by a talented Unst artist passionate about her craft. For more information, see the Unst Heritage Trust site.

Muness Castle

Like many other things in Unst, the Muness Castle is the most northerly castle in Britain. Built in 1598 by Laurence Bruce of Cultmalindi, this castle has remarkably fine architectural details. A Z-plan tower house with two round towers at the north and south corners, it is a very "functionally" designed building with few, but perfectly balanced, decoration elements such as the windows, gunloops and the corbelled footings of the turrets. The most notable decoration, however, is the armorial panel above the entrance with the crest and initials of Laurence Bruce. This is accompanied by a poem praying for his heirs and offspring to help and not hurt this work. Now in care of Historic Scotland, it is open to visitors who can visit the dark passageways of the ground floor with torches. For more information, see the Historic Scotland site.

Unst Leisure Centre

Not far from the hotel is the Unst Leisure Centre, built in 1988 and open 7 days a week. It boasts a 12.5 x 5m pool with lagoon, games hall, squash court, fitness suite, community room, viewing balcony with two pool tables, a football table and also various vending facilities. Outside is a multi-court and a full size grass football pitch accompanied by a training pitch. There are various programmes of events that run over the year. The "Winter" programme runs from August to March and there are also separate programmes coinciding with the school holidays - Easter, Summer and October. The member ages range from only a few months to over 90 years old and the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere caters for all types. To learn more about the leisure centre, please visit the Unst Leisure Centre site.

Bobby´s Bus Stop

Some call it Unst Bus Shelter, others call it a great stop-over on a Walkers are Welcome trek, to us it´s simply Bobby´s Bus Stop. A local phenomenon in its own right, this bus stop has even acquired an internet following. And how could it not, being that it´s in the top ranks of most frequently and over the top decorated bus stops on the planet. Its history as a Shetlands sensation dates back to 1996 when a dull, brown, roof-sloping bus shelter was declared unsafe. The original plan by the council was to remove it completely. Through the efforts of a seven-year-old schoolboy, advocating the needs of the children for shelter when waiting for the bus, however, a new shiny shelter was built instead. Soon after, furniture, snacks and even a TV began appearing in the stop, with no one claiming their origin. Its fame grew from there, with the guest book and its website, adding more and more visitors each week.