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Offered languages
- English
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 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.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Layby bus stop on Lerwick Esplanade opposite The Thule Bar.
Itinerary
-
1
Meet your driver in Lerwick Town Centre and make the short journey to the Bressay Ferry Terminal, where we join the small inter-island ferry for the 7 minute crossing to Bressay.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
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 Bressay Heritage Centre which tells the story of the island's 6000 year history. On all days, we will see a reconstruction of a Bronze Age Burnt Mound which was saved from crumbling into the sea.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Our guide, Chris, 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’s flock and see the principal day to day tools and equipment that are used by a Shetland crofter! Chris’s croft is mixed with woodland, pigs, turkeys, hens and vegetables alongside his beautifully coloured sheep, so there is plenty to see in an island with abundant nature, wildlife and history.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
4
We make a short stop at Speldiburn Café where we have the chance to purchase a light lunch and refreshments (own expense).
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
At the southern tip of Bressay, the island's lighthouse is one of four designed by the Stevenson brothers. Constructed in 1858, the lighthouse was automated in 1998. Note- it is not possible to enter the lighthouse, it is not open to the public.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Visit croft houses and outbuildings plus the former manse crowd the centre of the site which also includes a Neolithic turf dyke, Viking houses and the graveyard of the cross-shaped kirk of St Mary's which stands in part on the remains of a broch.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
We bid farewell to Chris and re-join the ferry for the short crossing back to Lerwick. The drop off point is in the centre of town, so you'll be able to explore Shetland's capital at your own pace. If you're traveling on a cruise ship which is berthed out of town, you can use the free shuttle bus to return to the pier when you've finished exploring.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers with mobility problems
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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