Accredited since: 2011

Unst is a popular tourist destination in Shetland as it is the most northerly island in the UK. It has good coastal and hill walks and a variety of wildlife, especially seabirds. Hermaness National Nature Reserve is home to many seabirds e.g. gannets and puffins and has a large skua population. Otters and occasionally whales can be seen around the coast.
Unst holds two local Up Helly Aa’s (Viking festivals) in February each year. It has an annual summer festival called “Unstfest” in July, a week long programme of activities and walks for residents and visitors.
There is a Junior High School on the island with a Nursery, Primary and Secondary Department, taking children from 3-16. It has a Leisure Centre with swimming pool, fitness suite, squash court and games hall. There are three Community halls which put on events and occasional restaurant nights. There is a Hotel in Baltasound and a tourism resort at Saxavord in Haroldswick, utilising an RAF Radar base which was closed in 2005. There are several self-catering properties and a few B and B and AirBnB establishments on the island.
For more information on Unst, go to the “Visit Unst” website at www.visit-unst.com