Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Hermaness National Nature Reserve, located on the island of Unst in the Shetland Islands, Scotland, spans over 1,200 acres. It is renowned for its rugged cliffs and dramatic coastal scenery, which provide critical breeding grounds for a large variety of seabirds, including puffins, gannets, and great skuas. Historically, Hermaness was used for peat cutting by local crofters, but today its main allure lies in its untouched natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Visitors can take on hiking trails that weave through heathlands, greet stunning cliff-top views, and experience the fascinating plunge of seabirds diving from the cliffs. With a diversity of ecological zones, from bogs to moors, Hermaness also hosts an array of plant life adapted to the windy, saline conditions. The landscape and the vast sky especially appeal to photographers looking for dynamic and rugged terrain.
