About this experience
The best way to experience true Shetland is to get out of town and see the rural communities which are backbone of island life. Join us as we take you off the beaten track, far away from the crowds.
Highlights
- The chance to get off the beaten path, away from other visitors
- Visit to Garth's Croft, a working family croft
- Guided tour of Bressay with qualified historian and archaeologist Chris Dyer
What's included
- Comfortable air-conditioned coach travel
- Return ferry crossing to Bressay
- Visit to Garth's Croft with tea/coffee on arrival
- Guided tour of Bressay with a qualified historian and archaeologist
How to use
- Show Mobile Ticket
- At Redemption Counter
What to expect
Join us as we cross Lerwick Harbour to the small island of Bressay (population c.350) where we're guided by an island resident who shows us the best of his island home. Experience life on a Shetland croft, meet the famous sheep and delve into Bressay's 6000 year history through the eyes of a qualified archaeologist.
Arriving in Bressay, we meet our local guide who is an island resident, crofter and archaeologist. Tours departing on Saturdays will have the chance to explore the Bressay Heritage Centre which tells the story of the island's 6000 year history. On all days, we will see the reconstruction of a Bronze Age Burnt Mound, which was saved from crumbling into the sea.
We'll meet our guide, Chris, who will accompany us to his island croft, a sustainable agricultural holding. We will be able to look at the sheep - ewes, rams and lambs - white, coloured, fleckit and even katmogget! Sift through fleeces from Chris' flock and see the principal day-to-day tools and equipment which are used by a Shetland crofter. Chris' croft is mixed, with woodland, pigs, turkeys, hens and vegetables alongside his beautifully coloured sheep, so there is plenty to see on an island with abundant nature, wildlife and history.
After the tour, you will have the opportunity to purchase tea, coffee and biscuits before Chris takes us on a tour across his island home. We'll visit Bressay Lighthouse, the church and the remote east side of the island where we take a short guided walk.
Terms & conditions
Some walking is required on uneven surfaces