Hillswick: Coastal Scenery, Wildlife Care and History

Hillswick combines the work of a wildlife sanctuary with a coastal landscape that also preserves archaeological and historical traces. If you are considering Hillswick as a destination for your stay, you can explore these different themes: wildlife care and nature, a coastal walk, or the history of earlier settlements and buildings.

Wildlife Care and the History of the Sanctuary

Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary rescues seals, otters and whales or dolphins in distress. Over the course of its history, it has provided care and refuge to hundreds of seals, otters and other marine mammals. After rehabilitation, wildlife is released back into its natural habitat. Rescue, care and return to the wild are all part of the process, rather than reducing the sanctuary’s work to a single step.

The sanctuary was founded in May 1987. At the time, Jan Bevington rescued a seal pup that had washed ashore on the beach in front of The Booth in Hillswick. This specific event connects the history of the place with the work of the sanctuary: the rescue of one animal led to the creation of an organisation with a broader mission to help marine mammals.

Coastal Scenery and Walking Routes

The Drongs rise from the sea as sea stacks off the Pund of Grevasand. Hillswick Ness is a headland with diverse geology and archaeology. These two aspects of the landscape give Hillswick both natural and historical interest: alongside the coast, traces of earlier use are also part of the area’s character.

There is a car park for the Hillswick walk on the stretch of coast opposite Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary. On the Hillswick Ness circular walk, the outline and foundations of a Neolithic house are still visible. The protective forewall in front of the entrance is also visible. Those interested in archaeology will find not only the remains of a building here, but also a feature of its design.

Buildings and Traces of Earlier Settlements

The Booth dates from 1698 and was an inn; it previously served as a Hanseatic trading post. It is one of the oldest buildings in the Shetland Islands. These different historical descriptions tell of the building’s role at different times without equating its former function with any current use.

At Tur Ness are the remains of a very old building, which may date from Norse or medieval times. Its date therefore remains uncertain. By contrast, the Niddister area contains the ruins of a once-thriving crofting settlement, including buildings, wells, a pond and stone walls. There is also an artificial beach on the shore at Hillswick, which was used for drying fish. Together, these places show different traces of life and livelihoods in the area.

Practical Information for Your Stay

Public transport to Hillswick is limited. Check connections again before your trip. When choosing a destination, you can also consider whether you are particularly interested in the work of the wildlife sanctuary, the coastal scenery, or the archaeological and historical traces.

Discover more destinations: Shetland Islands, Lerwick.

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