Aithsting and Sandsting
Bressay and Noss
Shetland > Whalsay
The island of Whalsay, to the east of the mainland, is not as fertile as other islands and so most of the island's men fish the sea for a living. In Symbister harbour can be seen an impressive fleet of fishing vessels, owned by their crews.
Whalsay is known as a prosperous and densely-populated island which has gained the nickname 'The Bonny Isle'. As crofting is not a major industry, few animals graze on the 
land and so in spring and summer, Whalsay is covered with wildflowers.
There is a lovely beach to explore at Sandwick and, located at Skaw, is the UK's most northerly Golf Course. The poet, Hugh MacDiarmid stayed in Whalsay from 1933 to 1942. Getting to Whalsay is a 30 minute ferry journey (which operates 17 times a day) from Laxo and Vidlin to Symbister on either the Hendra or Linga.
Sites of interest include:
-
Symbister - a perfect natural harbour and home to Whalsay's fishing fleet. Symbister also has a leisure centre and swimming pool and as sailing is a popular pastime, there is an annual regatta at Symbister. -
Sandwick beach - a small and lovely beach found in the south of the island.
-
Skaw Golf Course - an 18-hole golf course with a club house - this is the most Northerly Golf Course in Great Britain.
Travel from Aberdeen or Kirkwall to Lerwick with NorthLink Ferries. On arrival at 7.00am in the morning, as soon as you leave the boat, you will be in Lerwick. Turn right when leaving Holmsgarth terminal and take the A970. Before you reach Hillside, turn right and take the B9071 to Laxo. From Laxo you can catch a ferry to Symbister in Whalsay.
• Booking the ferry journey from Laxo to Symbister is advised, especially during the peak summer season.
• During the 1930s the poet Hugh MacDiarmid lived in Whalsay and wrote some of his finest poetry there. His home is now a camping böd, run by Shetland Amenity Trust.
Booking directly with NorthLink Ferries on www.northlinkferries.co.uk is cheaper than booking 
with another website and we never charge for any amendments made to your booking!
