Muness, Isle of Unst, Shetland Isles
★★
Scotland’s most northerly castle is found on Unst’s eastern Mu Ness peninsula, a good distance from the island’s main settlements. This Z-plan tower house was built in 1598 for Laurence Bruce of Cultmalindie, a powerful but controversial Shetland figure, and half-brother of the 1st Earl of Orkney. There is some fine architecture to admire – surprisingly ornate for this latitude and remote location – and two floors to explore. The interior can be quite gloomy; mobile phone torches may come in handy, though Historic Environment Scotland had stashed some on site on our 2024 visit.
Location
O.S. Grid Reference: HP 630012
GPS coordinates: 60.688712,-0.849078
No public transport within 1 mi
Layby
Key info
Always open
Free
