Hillswick can be explored through three distinct themes: its coastal landscape, archaeological traces and the Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary rescues seals, otters, whales or dolphins in distress and, over the course of its history, has cared for and sheltered hundreds of seals, otters and other marine mammals. Rehabilitated wildlife is then released into its natural habitat. The facility was established in May 1987, after Jan Bevington rescued a seal pup that had washed ashore on the beach in front of The Booth in Hillswick.

Coastal Landscape and Circular Walk

Hillswick Ness is a headland with varied geology and archaeology. The Drongs are rock pinnacles offshore from the Pund of Grevasand. The comparison helps distinguish two different landscape features: the headland, with its geological and archaeological themes, and the rock pinnacles off the coast. There is a car park for the Hillswick circular walk on the coastal stretch opposite the Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary. If you are planning the circular walk, you can use the car park as a convenient landmark.

Archaeological Traces and Local History

The outlines and foundations of a Neolithic house are still visible on the Hillswick Ness circular walk; the protective forewall in front of the entrance is also visible. The features on view therefore include both the house outline and the area by the entrance. At Tur Ness are the remains of a very old building that may date from Norse or medieval times. Unlike the house, which is identified as Neolithic, the dating of the Tur Ness building remains uncertain.

The ruins of a once-thriving crofting settlement lie in the Niddister area. The remains include buildings, wells, a pond and stone walls. This sets the settlement area apart from the remains of a single building described above: in Niddister, several built and landscape features form part of the historic picture.

The Booth was an inn with a history dating back to 1698. It is one of the oldest buildings in the Shetland Islands and was formerly a Hanseatic trading post. The date, its former use as an inn and its trading history give the building several distinct historical associations. The shoreline at Hillswick also bears traces of earlier use: there is an artificial beach that was used for drying fish. A visit can therefore bring historic buildings and a former use of the coast into view as distinct themes.

Getting There and Where to Stay

Public transport to Hillswick is limited. If you are considering accommodation in Hillswick, factor this limitation into your travel plans and check connections again before your trip. This will help you coordinate your choice of accommodation with your journey.

Discover more destinations: Shetland Islands, Lerwick.

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