Sumburgh Hotel

Shetlopedia - The Shetland Encyclopaedia

Shetland Museum photo of Sumburgh House ca 1880

Sumburgh Hotel with Jarlshof to the left, seen from Scat Ness. Photo by Kozetland1.

The Sumburgh Hotel, Shetland's most southerly hotel, was built in 1867 for the Bruces of Sumburgh as the Laird's home, and named Sumburgh House. It was the third of the Bruces' residences. The architect was David Rhind

The man who turned the house into a private hotel in the first part of the 20th century was William Laidlaw McDougall, a native of Dumfriesshire, and formerly the Bruces' factor. He also opened a 9-hole golfcourse on the nearby Sumburgh Links.
From 1953 and into the 70's, the hotel was run by Mr and Mrs Alexander.
During its time as a hotel, the building has been extended to add more accommodation ; during the oil boom of the late 70's, and more lately in 2006 when 6 chalets were built in the grounds at the south side of the hotel, to house the crews of the Bond rescue helicopter which is based at Sumburgh Airport. In 2009 an additional 2 chalets were added.

The hotel is currently (as of 2009) owned by Mark Donaldson, trading as M D Leisure Limited.

The hotel is situated next to the world famous Jarlshof archaeological site, and within easy walking distance of the Old Scatness archaeological dig and Sumburgh Head which is famous for its seabird colonies and is a favourite viewing point for whales and dolphins.

Sumburgh Hotel 2007

Sumburgh Hotel from Compass Head, 2006, after completion of 6 chalets.

2009, now with 8 chalets. Part of Jarlshof can be seen just behind the hotel to the left.