Saint Ninian’s Isle

Overnight report: choppy north of the Orkneys. We were in bed in the dark, strangely exciting as the ship corkscrewed around. Eventually dropped off to sleep to awake at 6.00am in calmer waters approaching Lerwick. I was up on deck by 6.30 watching the coast pass as we approached the port. A grand, if breezy early morning.

Off the ship at 7.30, sitting down to a mega breakfast at the New Harbour cafe by 8.00. Talked to locals, one of whom was a lady from Maidstone moved up to Shetland 50 years ago from the Tonbridge Road near where Susan and I began our teaching careers. What a coincidence!

We dropped off luggage at the house, what a spectacular place. A scandi style bungalow in Quarff. Exceptionally well equipped, very comfortable and with fine views. A quick trip to Tesco’s to pick up our click and collect order.

The afternoon was brilliant. We drove down to St Ninian’s Isle just a few miles from here to do a circular walk around the island along the most amazing of cliff and ocean scenery. Plenty of birds to see, nesting or wheeling around the skies including the massive greater black backed gull, a diver, arctic terns, oyster catchers, eider ducks, arctic skuas, fulmars and many more.

So much to see. St Ninian’s is popular for its sand tombolo which joins the island to the mainland. See extra. There were quite a few people on the tombola but we were the only people to do the circuit of the island today.

A long day ended with planning for the rest of the week, booking trips and ferries. Time for bed after a long day. It’s 22.25 and still light! Sunburgh Head tomorrow