Undiscovered Scotland

 

No visit to Shetland can be complete without a visit to the magnificent Mousa Broch. But there's a catch: Mousa Broch is on an island a mile off the east coast of Mainland Shetland about 15 miles south of Lerwick.

The solution lies with Mousa Boat Trips, who for 35 years have been carrying visitors across the Sound of Mousa to Mousa and its broch. The vessel in use today is the Solan IV and can carry 60 passengers. The original Solan in 1971 could carry just 12.

Mousa Boat Trips normally operate from the well signposted Sandsayre Pier, at Leebitton in Sandwick. There is ample parking and public conveniences nearby. A waiting room and exhibition area has been built by the pier, giving background about Mousa and the boats that have served it: and displaying the old Mousa flit boat.

The crossing takes about 15 minutes. The timetable can change within the season, so it is important to check times on the operator's website, linked from this page. This is also where you can find information about current fares. Booking is advisable, and it is recommended to check ahead by phone to ensure adverse weather has not prevented that day's sailing.