West Voe Beach Shetland - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Old Scatness is an archeological site on the Ness of Burgi, parish of Dunrossness in the south end of Mainland, Shetland, near Sumburgh Airport and consists of medieval, Viking, Pictish, and Iron Age remains. It has been a settlement for thousands of years, each new generation adding buildings, and leveling off old ones. Enter Iron Age houses, learn ancient crafts and games or dress up like a Pict or Viking. Visitor centre, workshops, tours, reconstructions and events throughout the summer.

The Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlements in Shetland are one of the most important and inspirational archaeological sites in Scotland. This extraordinary site has a complex of ancient settlements which cover more than 4,000 years of human history. You will be amazed to find such a range of archaeological treasures in one place, including late Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, a Norse longhouse, a medieval farmstead and a 16th century laird’s house.

A beautiful narrow peninsula that stretches to the south from the Scat Ness headland of Mainland, Shetland island. Shetland has a rich and accessible archaeological record, spanning the period from Neolithic settlement to remains from the 20th century’s wars. The Ness of Burgi fort, probably built around 100 BC in the Iron Age, lies on the Ness. The fort is isolated by a rampart and had a ditch on either side.

Sumburgh Head is characterised by steep cliffs, a historic lighthouse building and one of Britain’s most accessible seabird colonies. The head is a 100 m high rocky spur capped by the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse. Visit, and explore the history and natural heritage of Sumburgh Head from early geological beginnings and Iron Age settlers to Lighthouse Keepers, Whales, Puffins and much more.

The Quendale Watermill is a beautifully restored 19th century overshot watermill complete with visitor centre and hot and cold drinks facilities. It was located in a rural location with historical locations and also scenic views too. Visitors to the mill are invited to watch a short professional video of the mill, with local people operating the machinery.

In the Bronze and Iron Age houses at Jarlshof, visitors can see saddle querns. These hand powered mills were large versions of a pestle and mortar. Later in Shetland, small ‘Norse’ water mills with vertical axis wheels were built next to a running burn. Examples can be seen at Huxter, Burland, Mousa and at the Croft House Museum at Boddam.