Noss National Nature Reserve
Travel
The Noss ferry normally runs between the beginning of May and the end of August, except Mondays and Thursdays, and when the sea is too rough. Please call the Noss Ferry Line on 0800 107 7818 for up-to-date information before travelling.
Ferry fare is £5 return adults, £3 children / students, under 5s free.
A seabird skyscraper
The towering 180-metre sea cliffs of Noss are dramatic. In summer especially, gannets, guillemots and fulmars seem to occupy every available nook on the cliffs. Marauding great skuas – or bonxies, as they’re known locally – nest further inland.
The thrilling 3-minute trip out to Noss in a small inflatable boat is a highlight in itself, as you speed across the waves. The ferry service is run by NatureScot. From landing it’s just a short walk to the visitor centre.
Find out more about visiting Noss NNR. Podcast - A seabird skyscraper.
Top attractions
- Get the full multisensory experience, with all the sights, sounds and smells of a seabird high-rise city.
- Wander the coastal path to learn about the history of the island.
- Watch out for whales and porpoises.
Learn more about the reserve and its natural history. Read our annual reports including the recent 2022 report and find out what kind of year it was for the wildlife on Noss.
What’s on?
Visit our Events page to see what upcoming events you can get involved in at this reserve.
Contact
Reserve manager: Juan Brown
NatureScot
Ground Floor
Stewart Building
Alexandra Wharf
Lerwick
ZE1 0LL
Telephone: 07787 864144
Email: [email protected]
Related Links
Follow Noss on Facebook for the latest news from the reserve.
Follow the Scotland's NNR Facebook page for up-to-date information on reserves across Scotland.
Follow NatureScot’s Scotland’s Nature blog and find interesting articles on Scotland’s natural heritage.
Our visitor centre is rated Gold under the GTBS (Green Tourism Business Scheme).
Noss NNR is a member of VisitScotland.
Enjoyed your visit?
- Make a donation to support nature and visitor facilities on our NNRs.
- Let us know what you thought on TripAdvisor.
Discover more about why Scotland’s National Nature Reserves were created and the partners who manage them.
