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Isle of Noss

Shetland

Quick Guide
See below grid for details

Lying only a few hundred metres off the east coast of Bressay (just across from the main town of Lerwick), the Isle of Noss holds about 2,000 pairs of Puffins. They breed around the grassy cliff tops, and in cracks in the high cliffs of the isle, especially around the Noup of Noss (the highest point).

It is a National Nature Reserve, managed by Scottish Natural Heritage with over 100,000 pairs of breeding seabirds. The island is also grazed by around 350 Shetland ewes and demonstrates a good example of conservation and agricultural practices working together. It is staffed by seasonal wardens who provide a boat service. A coastal path meanders through colourful patches of wild flower filled grassland.

At Gungstie there is a small visitor centre and a restored Shetland Pony pund. Between 1871 and 1900 Noss was leased by the Marquis of Londonderry for breeding Shetland ponies to work underground in his coal mines at Durham.

Visitor Facilities include a Visitor centre and toilets. The walk around the island takes about 3-4 hours over moderate ground but includes steep, high cliffs. Weather conditions can change rapidly. You'll need sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing.


Location: Isle of Noss, Shetland

Grid Reference: HU547402 Ceremonial County: Shetland Isles

Map Link: Multimap

Aerial photo:

Getting there: Take the hourly inter-island car ferry from Lerwick to Bressay. Cross Bressay (about 3.5km) to the Scottish Natural Heritage landing stage where the two annual wardens operate a Zodiac inflatable ferry service across the narrow sound.

Access: via the Noss Ferry which takes 3 minutes to cross. There is a .5 mile steep farm track from the car park to the inflatable ferry point, rocks may be slippery.
Website: Shetland Heritage

Other Useful Websites: www.snh.org.uk/nnr-scotland/reserve.asp?NNRId=3

www.nature-shetland.co.uk/birdclub/puffins.htm

Visit Shetland    Boat to Noss

Email:
Address:
Postcode: ZE1 Telephone: 0800 107 7818
Opening Times: 10am to 5pm except Mondays and Thursday from  late May to the end of August but this is very weather dependant. Boats leave from the shore at Noss sound.

Charges: see boat trip websites for details

Nearby Locations:
Other Location Pages:

Notes: Daily information relating to the crossing is displayed at the Lerwick to Bressay ferry terminal.   No dogs allowed on boat.

 

 


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By: Keith Park Section: Wildlife Key:
Page Ref: isle_of_noss Topic:  Coastal Cliffs  Last Updated: 03/2010
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