At the southern tip of mainland Shetland, Sumburgh Head holds a colony of about 5,000 birds all breeding in the steep grassy banks and cliffs leading up to the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse. This is probably the easiest colony to visit, as it is an RSPB reserve and there is a public road all the way to the lighthouse and ample parking facilities. This is a very ancient colony as Puffin bones are common in the ninth and tenth century dwellings at the nearby Jarlshof Viking settlement.

Within the reserve there are 3 viewing platforms. Nature trails - The path is too steep for wheelchair users who can, instead, drive to the lighthouse where there is a small parking bay and suitable viewing area at the top of the cliff. Visitors walking up to the lighthouse from the car park can view cliff nesting birds from behind any of the stone dykes along the way.

Location: Sumburgh Head, Shetland Grid Reference: HU407079 Ceremonial County: Shetland Isles Map Link: Multimap Aerial photo: Multimap Aerial Getting there: On the A970 about 0.3 mile (0.5 km) east of the turn off to Sumburgh Airport, turn right (south-east) at Grutness and carry on for about 1.25 miles (2 km) until you reach the main car park. From there it's a 0.3 mile (0.5 km) walk to the lighthouse. For less mobile visitors, there is a small disabled parking area near the lighthouse. Access: Main Car Park at the reserve entrance, for less mobile visitors there is a car park near the lighthouse. Website: www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/s/sumburghhead/about.asp Other Useful Websites: www.nature-shetland.co.uk/birdclub/puffins.htm Visit Shetland    Visit Scotland - Shetland Email: Address: Lerwick, Mainland Shetland Postcode: Telephone: 01950 460800 Opening Times: At all times Charges: Free entry Nearby Locations:  Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, Shetland Other Location Pages: Notes: Dogs should be kept on a lead at all times, but especially during 1 April and 30 June when many birds nest on the ground.

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By: Tracey Park	Section: Wildlife	Key:
Page Ref: sumburgh_head	Topic: Coastal Cliffs	Last Updated: 06/2010

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