NORTHERN ISLES

SUMBURGH HEAD LIGHTHOUSE, VISITOR CENTRE

AND NATURE RESERVE can be found at the southern tip of mainland Shetland, only 2½ miles from Shetland’s main airport, Sumburgh. There’s loads here for all the family, from a tour of the site and children’s activity sheets, to getting up close to nature on the well-established RSPB nature reserve.

During the summer breeding season the nearby cliffs are teeming with lots of nesting seabirds and the site is particularly well known as a great place to see puffins, which are always a favourite with visitors. You may also see seals, whales and other marine wildlife in the surrounding waters.

When you’re in Shetland, remember to look out for cute Shetland ponies which you can see throughout the islands.

These world-famous and hardy ponies roam wild and have been a feature of these islands for more than 4,000 years. They are ‘canny’ and generally quite friendly and don’t mind getting their photograph taken.

No trip to Orkney is complete without spending some time seeking out the outstanding wildlife on and around the islands. Take a boat trip over to the lovely island of SHAPINSAY and see seals basking on the coast.

Spend some time looking for birds and other wildlife on one of Orkney’s 13 RSPB NATURE

RESERVES, spread across the archipelago, and look out for pods of whales, porpoises and dolphins around the coast.