Unst Boat Haven
Unst Boat Haven in Haroldswick is one of Shetland’s most atmospheric maritime museums, celebrating the island’s long relationship with small wooden boats. Founded by the late Tom Henderson, who spent decades rescuing and restoring traditional craft, it now houses the largest collection of Shetland boats anywhere—each one telling a story of skill, danger and everyday life on the northern edge of Britain. One of the most interesting facts is the variety of hull shapes on display. You’ll see sixareens, once used for deep‑sea fishing; yoles, built for coastal work; and delicate model boats that preserve designs no longer made. Many of these vessels were constructed using Norwegian techniques brought by centuries of contact across the North Sea, giving the collection a unique blend of Scandinavian and Scottish heritage. Inside, the boats are arranged in a bright, airy hall, surrounded by tools, oars, sails and photographs that show how islanders relied on these craft for transport, trade and survival. Interpretive panels explain boatbuilding methods, from clinker planking to tar sealing, and highlight the dangers faced by crews who ventured far offshore in open boats.
Unst Scotland
The Unst Boat Haven is a remarkable maritime museum dedicated entirely to preserving the rich wooden boatbuilding and fishing heritage of Shetland. Housed in a former storehouse on the waterfront of Haroldswick, it holds an extraordinary collection of over twenty traditional wooden craft. These range from small rowboats and sixareens—the six-oared open boats once used for deep-sea fishing—to full-sized fishing vessels. The boat haven is located at Haroldswick, Island of Unst, Shetland, ZE2 9EF, Scotland, United Kingdom. It sits right on the edge of the bay in Haroldswick on the northern island of Unst. Because of its setting in Haroldswick, visiting the Unst Boat Haven places you directly next to several iconic northern attractions and historical sites. Just across the road stands the Unst Heritage Centre, famous for its exhibits on local crofting and delicate fine lace knitting. Nearby, you can stop by the famously styled Unst Bus Shelter or take a short drive south to explore Muness Castle, the most northerly castle in the British Isles. Heading further north brings you to the dramatic sea cliffs of Hermaness National Nature Reserve, the historic Saxa Vord distillery, the ancient Clivocast Standing Stone, and the ruined medieval St Olaf's Church.
Museum