Unst Boat Haven

Shetlopedia - The Shetland Encyclopaedia that anyone can edit

Inside the Boat Haven, 2003.

Unst Boat Haven is one of Shetland's fantastic local and regional museums. Close to the old pier in Haroldswick, The Unst Boat Haven is one of the most attractive and interesting museums in Scotland.

The Museum is dedicated to the local fishing industry and the Shetland open boats which were used in the business. Local boats like whillies, yoals and sixareens are displayed as are similar Norwegian and Faeroese boats for comparison.

However, Unst Boat Haven is about more than the boats themselves. The exhibition includes fantastic model boats and a comprehensive documentation of the crafts and skills related to boatbuilding, repairing and the fishing industries including a blacksmith's workshop.

A mural on the northeast wall, painted by Haroldswick artist Liam O'Neill, gives a vivid impression of how the beach at Haroldswick would have looked at the end of the 19th century.

The Boat Haven owes much to the enthusiasm of local man Duncan Sandison.
Opening hours are May to September, 11am to 5pm.