Scottish Places of Interest. Shetlands.

Best for bird-watching

Close enough to Norway to make Scottish nationality an ambiguous concept, the Shetland Islands are Britain’s northernmost outpost. The stirringly bleak setting – recognised as a precious UNESCO Geopark – still feels uniquely Scottish, though, thanks to its deep, naked glens flanked by steep hills, twinkling, sky-blue lochs and, of course, wandering sheep on little-trafficked roads. It’s the birdlife, however, that really draws visitors here.

From their first arrival in late spring to the raucous feeding frenzies of high summer, the vast colonies of gannets, guillemots, skua, puffins and kittiwakes at Hermaness, Noss, Sumburgh Head and Fair Isle provide some of Britain’s most impressive birdwatching experiences.

Local tip: Shetland is one of the best places in the UK to spot orcas, as well as the northern lights.