Bressay Island

Very close to Lerwick, but locals are determined it should not become capital’s island suburb. You can take car ferry departing from Alexandra Wharf there. Population around 300 is spread mainly over western side. Good walking around deserted north, the flatter end with voes and lochs, the eastern side over-looking spectacular bird reserve of Noss and southern end, perhaps the best, with marvelous views over mainland from cliffs, even better from 743 ft conical Ward of Bressay behind. It takes about three hours to walk to Bard Head from Ord Lighthouse – another built by the Stevenson family, 1858. Open fo visitors during summer afternoons.

Maryfield House, quite close to the pier, is the island inn and guesthouse, serving bar lunches in summer, also evening meals. Weather permitting, Robin Hunter does boat trips around the island and if sea is calm enough might include a visit to the echoing Cave of the Bard, with its marble-like walls.

There is a nice little sandy beach in north at Beosetter, and look out for rusting 40 ft World War I guns at Aith Voe and the Ord, hauled into place by mules; and two ruined churches at Gunnista, with roofless family vault of the Hendersons, early Bressay lairds; and St. Mary’s at Cullingsburgh where there is a 17th century tomb of Dutch sea captain Claes Janssen Bruyn.