St Ninian’s Isle, located in Shetland, Scotland, is a stunning and unique destination known for its breathtaking natural beauty and fascinating history. One of its most remarkable features is the large tombolo – a natural sand causeway – that connects the isle to the Shetland Mainland. This tombolo is one of the finest examples in the UK and, indeed, Europe, making St Ninian’s Isle a distinctive and memorable place to visit.
The island is famed for its beautiful beaches, which comprise two mirror-like beaches on either side of the tombolo. These beaches boast fine, white sand and crystal-clear waters that can appear almost tropical on sunny days. The beaches are perfect for walking, picnicking, and simply enjoying the beauty of the surroundings. While the water might be too cold for most swimmers, it does not detract from the enjoyment of the area.
The landscape of St. Ninian’s Isle and its beaches are visually stunning and rich in wildlife and unique flora and fauna. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting a variety of seabirds, while the surrounding waters are home to seals and occasionally otters.
St. Ninian’s Isle is famous for the discovery of the St. Ninian’s Isle Treasure – a hoard of Pictish silver dating back to the 8th century, found buried in the ruins of a chapel during an archaeological excavation in 1958. While the discovered artefacts can be found in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, the site and the small chapel ruins add a historical and mystical aura to any visit.
Access to St Ninian’s Isle is relatively easy, thanks to the tombolo that allows visitors to walk across from the mainland at low tide. There’s a car park near the start of the tombolo. Visitors should be mindful of the tides and weather conditions, which can change rapidly.
The experience of walking across the tombolo to explore the island and its beaches is unforgettable and we believe it is a must-see for anyone visiting Sheltand.
In addition to the car park at the tombolo, you have a small community shop back up the road in nearby Bigton.
