A national nature reserve since 1955, Noss is uninhabited but crowded all the same: over 60,000 seabirds nest here each summer, among them one of the largest gannet colonies in Britain and one of the biggest colonies of great skuas anywhere in the world. The main event is the Noup, sandstone cliffs some 181 metres high on the island’s east side, packed with gannets, guillemots and puffins from cliff top to waterline. NatureScot runs a small inflatable ferry across Noss Sound from Bressay, sailing May to August except Mondays and Thursdays, weather allowing; the old farmhouse at Gungstie is now a visitor centre. Boat trips from Lerwick also circle the cliffs from the water without landing. Check the reserve is open before setting out, since rough seas can cancel the crossing at short notice.
