Opportunities to spot some of Europe’s most unique wildlife lies on this small island, 12 miles long by 4 miles wide. Our tip? Don’t forget the camera.

BIRDS

Birds are the most obvious wildlife to be seen by the visitor to Unst. Hermaness National Nature Reserve (NNR) includes one of Shetland’s largest seabird colonies, with 15 breeding species, however this wildlife can be spotted throughout the whole island.

Unst’s position means that it has played host to many rare birds. Although fewer than 50 species breed, more than 300 species have been recorded of many rare vagrants from far corners of the globe: Collared Flycatcher from eastern Europe, Serin from southern Europe, Sykes’s Warbler from central Asia, Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler from Siberia or Swainson’s Thrush from North America. Eye’s peeled!

 

OTTERS, SEALS, WHALES AND DOLPHINS

Otters: Although the Otter (Dratsie) is thought to have been brought to Unst by humans for its pelt, they are now a sought after sea creature for the perfect picture. With luck, Otters can be seen almost anywhere around Unst, including in the voes and bays around the main settlements at Uyeasound, Baltasound and Haroldswick.

Seals: Both species of seal, Grey Seal (Haaf Fish) and Common Seal (Tang Fish) may also be seen, with the latter most often seen inshore but the former species usually commoner off Hermaness.

Whales and dolphins: Feeling lucky? These beautiful sea mammals can occasionally be seen in summer, usually off the north coast – try Hermaness or Lamba Ness. Don’t forget the camera.

 

SHETLAND PONIES

The Shetland Pony is a famous breed of pony from The Shetland Islands. Despite their short stumpy legs, large bodies and heavy coats, they are a strong breed. Previous years, the pony was used for driving and packing purposes, however it is more commonly used as a small riding pony. These ponies are generally very friendly, and often found at the side of the roads minding their own business (Belmont and Muness). Don’t be afraid to stop and say hello, but please treat them with care and consideration.

Ponies in Muness
Ponies in Muness

 

BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS

Butterflies are fairly uncommon. The Large White may breed for several years at a time, but may be rare in other years, while Red Admiral and Painted Lady are almost annual. Other species are all rare. Moths attracted many visitors in the early 20th century as Shetland has several unusually dark varieties. One, the Exile, is found nowhere else in Britain and Hermaness was the most famous locality.

Migrant moths also occur. The Convolvulus Hawkmoth, Britain’s largest moth, is recorded almost annually in August or September, while one of the most remarkable natural events of recent years was the arrival of literally millions of Silver Y moths in August 1996.