Whalsay Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

Whalsay, a picturesque island located in the Shetland archipelago of Scotland, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. With its unspoiled natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant community, Whalsay offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Nature enthusiasts will be in awe of Whalsay's stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for marine lovers. Take a boat trip and witness the majestic whales and playful dolphins that call these waters home. For birdwatchers, the RSPB Nature Reserve is a must-visit, where you can spot a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills.

History buffs will be captivated by Whalsay's fascinating past. The island is home to several ancient sites, such as the Mousa Broch. This Iron Age tower is one of the best-preserved examples in the world and offers a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors. Explore the local heritage center, situated in a restored herring station, to learn about the island's rich fishing history and the importance of the sea to the community.

Whalsay is not just about nature and history; it also boasts a lively and welcoming community. Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending one of the island's many traditional events, such as the Up Helly Aa festival, where a Viking longship is set ablaze in a spectacular fire festival. Visit the charming harborside pubs and restaurants to savor delicious local seafood, including the famous Shetland mussels and scallops.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities to keep them entertained. Explore the island's rugged coastline on a scenic hike, or try your hand at fishing in the abundant waters. Whalsay also offers fantastic opportunities for sailing and kayaking, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the island's natural beauty.

Alternative names: Area: 7.61 mi²Elevation: 161 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 60°21'31"N, 0°58'16"W

Location

ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Whalsay Top Attractions

Whalsay Attractions - What to See and Explore

Whalsay offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Whalsay Parish Church, Huxter Fort, Standing Stones of Yoxie, Loch of Huxter. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church
Whalsay Parish Church
Whalsay Parish Church or Whalsay Kirk is a Church of Scotland parish church on the island of Whalsay, Shetland Islands, Scotland. It lies to the north of the village of Brough, on the southern part of a promontory known as Kirk Ness, connected to the mainland by a neck of land.
Forts and castles
Huxter Fort
Huxter Fort is an Iron Age fortification on the island of Whalsay, in the Shetland islands of Scotland, dating to around 300 BC. It is on an islet in the Loch of Huxter, connected to the shore by a causeway.
Archaeological site
Standing Stones of Yoxie
The Standing Stones of Yoxie is a Neolithic site in the parish of Nesting on the northeastern coast of Whalsay, in the Shetland islands of Scotland.

60°20'22"N • 0°59'30"W
Loch of Huxter
Loch of Huxter is a loch of southeastern Whalsay, Shetland Islands, Scotland, to the southwest of the village of Huxter. There is a water pumping station on its bank. Huxter Fort is located on an islet to the southeast of the loch, connected by a causeway.
Archaeological site
Benie Hoose
Benie Hoose, also Bunyie Hoose, is a Neolithic site in the parish of Nesting, northeastern Whalsay, in the Shetland Islands of Scotland.
Archaeological site
Pettigarths Field Cairns
The Pettigarths Field Cairns is a Neolithic site in the parish of Nesting, northeastern Whalsay, in the Shetland islands of Scotland. It is located approximately 140 metres to the northwest of Benie Hoose. The site contains upright stones as well as masonry.
60°21'4"N • 0°59'37"W
Little Water
Little Water is a small loch of southern-central Whalsay, Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is located to the north of the Loch of Livister, south of the Loch of Houll, and west of the Loch of Stanefield.
60°21'26"N • 0°59'31"W
Loch of Houll
Loch of Houll is a loch on Whalsay, one of the Shetland islands of Scotland. It is located to the southeast of Brough and on the eastern side of Setter Hill. An eastern tributary of the Scarfmoor Burn passes into the western side of the loch.
60°20'50"N • 0°59'27"W
Loch of Livister
Loch of Livister is a loch of southern-central Whalsay, Shetland Islands, Scotland, located to the north of the Loch of Huxter.
60°21'31"N • 0°57'24"W
Loch of Isbister
Loch of Isbister is a loch of Whalsay, Shetland Islands, Scotland, located on the northern side of Isbister on the eastern side of the island.
60°20'20"N • 1°1'13"W
Symbister House
Symbister House is a former country house in Symbister, Whalsay island, in the Shetland islands of Scotland. It was built in 1823 by the Bruce family who were lairds of the island for about 300 years from the 16th century.
60°22'29"N • 0°57'2"W
West Loch of Skaw
West Loch of Skaw is a loch of northern-central Whalsay, Shetland Islands, Scotland, to the southwest of the village of Skaw, Whalsay.
60°21'5"N • 0°58'16"W
Nuckro Water
Nuckro Water is a loch of southeastern Whalsay, Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is located to the east of the Loch of Stanefield, northwest of Treawick and southwest of Isbister, passes by the main road on its eastern side.
60°21'7"N • 0°58'51"W
Loch of Stanefield
Loch of Stanefield is a small loch of southern-central Whalsay, Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is located to the northeast of the Loch of Livister, west of Nuckro Water, and east of Little Water.
60°22'43"N • 0°55'27"W
East Loch of Skaw
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Day trips

Whalsay – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Whalsay, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Jarlshof (Sumburgh), Sumburgh Head (Sumburgh), Shetland Museum and Archives (Lerwick).

36 milesS
Ruins, Historical place, Museum
Jarlshof, Sumburgh
Jarlshof is the best known prehistoric archaeological site in Shetland, Scotland. It lies in Sumburgh, Mainland, Shetland and has been described as "one of the most remarkable archaeological sites ever excavated in the British Isles".
36 milesS
Nature and wildlife, Park, Lighthouse
Sumburgh Head, Sumburgh
Sumburgh Head Lighthouse is a lighthouse on Sumburgh Head at the southern tip of the Mainland of Shetland.
15 milesSW
Specialty museum, History museum, Maritime museum
Shetland Museum and Archives, Lerwick
The New Shetland Museum and Archives at Hay's Dock, Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, was officially opened on 31 May 2007 by Queen Sonja of Norway and the Duke & Duchess of Rothesay.
35 milesS
Historical place, Museum, Archaeological museum
Old Scatness, Sumburgh
Old Scatness is an archeological site on the Ness of Burgi, near the village of Scatness, parish of Dunrossness in the south end of Mainland, Shetland, near Sumburgh Airport and consists of medieval, Viking, Pictish, and Iron Age remains.
33 milesN
Island
Holm of Skaw
The Holm of Skaw is a small islet off the northeast coast of the island of Unst. It is just northeast of the settlement of Skaw. The island is 57 feet in height. There is a lighthouse on the island. Tidal currents are slack between Holm of Skaw and Herma Ness at high water, and the passage may be made by small boats.