Unst

Baltasound 60°45’.24N 000°51’.31W; Uyeasound 60°41’.15N 000°55’.09W
Visit Unst, Britain's most northerly island
Contact Name Ruth Grainger
Telephone +44 (0) 7532 237 892
Email ruthinunst2@btinternet.com
Unst
Unst

Some say Unst was the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, the author having visited Muckle Flugga lighthouse which sits off the north tip of Unst. True or otherwise, Unst is a treasured island to many, locals and visitors alike, and is the perfect location for fun-filled festivities.

Approaching from the southwest, you can round Muckle Flugga and Out Stack, the most northerly point of Britain. Hermaness has magnificent cliffs and is one of the wonders of the bird world. Baltasound is a large and well-serviced harbour, sheltered by Balta Island at the mouth of the sound. Uyeasound, at the south end of the island, also has a pier and is the main salmon and mussel farming area.

Haroldswick is home to Unst Boat Haven, Shetland's only museum dedicated to the history of Shetland's distinctive wooden boats and the line fishermen who used them. It is also home to the fascinating Unst Heritage Centre, which includes displays on the island's famous fine lace knitting and spinning with opportunities to try your hand at it.

There is a 76ft replica Viking longship, and many archaeological Viking sites. In 2011 Uyeasound Galley Shed celebrates a century of "Up Helly Aa" - Viking fire festival held annually in February.

For more Unst information visit our website.

Quay Capability

Class A Yes
Class B Yes
Class C & D Yes

Port Facilities

Anchorage Yes
Berthing Depth Baltasound 5m; Uyeasound 4m;
Pilot Available No
Tug Available No
 

Distances in Nautical Miles - Greenock; Baltasound 520 ;Uyeasound 510; Lerwick; Baltasound 41; Uyeasound 38;

Harbour Conditions

  • Baltasound Length 120m • Depth 5m
  • Uyeasound Length 55m • Depth 4m
  • Unst has a small tidal range of 1.6m (spring)

Available For Crews

Activities/Excursions

  • Beer festival
  • Guided walks, archaeological tours
  • Dinghy racing
  • Viking history tours
  • Fun football tournament
  • Dances - local rock bands, Shetland dance music
  • Silver jewellery workshop
  • Craft fair exhibition and sale
  • Beach yoga
  • Peat casting, bannock making
  • Ghost mystery tours
  • Knitting, dyeing, felting, weaving and spinning workshops
  • Shetland pony grooming workshops
  • Fiddle and singing workshops

Sports Facilities

  • Leisure centre with swimming pool, games hall, squash court, gym, outdoor football pitch and tennis court

General Facilities

Baltasound

  • Fresh water on pier, toilets and showers at Boating Club, 130 litre fuel drum on trolley, power
  • Hotel and pub 150m from pier

Uyeasound

  • Water, toilets and showers available 10 minutes walk from pier