Shetland: Unst
Unst is one of the North Isles of the Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is the northernmost of the inhabited British Isles and is the third-largest island in Shetland after Mainland and Yell. It has an area of 120 km2 and a population ofaround 650. Unst has a rich and diverse history, culture and nature, attracting many visitors who want to explore its unique attractions.
Unst was settled by Norsemen in the Viking Age, and traces of their presence can be seen in the numerous longhouses, place names and traditions. Unst was also an important trading post for the Hanseatic League, a network of merchants from northern Europe who exchanged goods and services. The remains of a Hanseatic warehouse can be found in Uyeasound, along with Muness Castle, a 16th-century tower house that was attacked by pirates in 1627.
Unst has a varied and spectacular landscape, with grasslands, cliffs, beaches and moorlands. It is home to several nature reserves, such as Hermaness, Keen of Hamar and Saxa Vord. Hermaness is a haven for seabirds, including puffins, gannets, fulmars and skuas. Keen of Hamar is a sub-arctic desert with rare plants that survive in harsh conditions. Saxa Vord is the highest point on Unst and offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands and sea.
Unst has a vibrant and creative community, with many local craftspeople, artists and musicians. Unst is famous for its fine lace knitting, which dates back to the 19th century when women made shawls for Queen Victoria. Unst also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as UnstFest, Shetland Wool Week and Unst Bus Shelter Day. Unst is also involved in innovative projects, such as space exploration and renewable energy.
I found Unst a fascinating place!
