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Noss

A dramatic island with soaring cliffs, Noss is home to an amazing array of nesting seabirds. In spring and summer, gannets, guillemots, fulmars and kittiwakes seem to occupy every available nook and cranny on the cliffs while marauding great skuas nest further inland. A coastal path meanders through colourful patches of flower-filled grassland.

• Best time to visit

  Mid-May to mid-July for breeding seabirds. Seals, otters, flowers until end of August.

• Getting there

  Hourly car ferry from Lerwick to Bressay (visit www.shetland.gov.uk/ferries) and follow Noss signs for three miles to the car park. Local bike hire is available in Lerwick. Then take the SNH inflatable boat (small charge) for three minute crossing. The SNH boat operates between 11am and 5pm each day in summer (except Mondays and Thursdays).
  

• Visitor facilities

  Visitor centre, toilets. Walk around island takes about three hours over moderate ground that can sometimes be very steep. Sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing required.
  

• Contact

  SNH, Ground Floor, Stewart Building, Alexandra Wharf, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0LL. Tel: 01595 693345.
  
  Noss information line, Tel: 0800 107 7818.

• Managed by

  Scottish Natural Heritage