Location

Shetland is an archipelago of over 100 islands located in the heart of the North Atlantic, roughly 100 miles north of mainland Scotland. The Mainland is the principal island of Shetland in Scotland and home to the capital, Lerwick, which serves as the administrative and cultural centre. Bressay is an island located just east of Lerwick, separated by the sheltered stretch of water known as Bressay Sound. It is easily accessible via a seven-minute ferry crossing from Lerwick, making it one of the most conveniently reached of Shetland's outlying islands.

The islands are known for their rugged landscapes, expansive coastlines and rich biodiversity. Wildlife includes seabirds such as puffins and fulmars, marine mammals like seals and occasionally orcas, and native species such as the Shetland pony. Nature reserves, coastal walks, and historical sites — including Iron Age brochs, Viking settlements, and crofting townships — offer visitors a wide range of outdoor and cultural activities. The local population of around 23,000 maintains strong ties to the land and sea through industries such as fishing, farming, renewable energy, and aquaculture.

Shetland is accessible by both air and sea. Direct flights operate year-round from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness, arriving at Sumburgh Airport, located at the southern end of Mainland. Flights are operated by Loganair. Alternatively, NorthLink Ferries run a daily overnight service from Aberdeen to Lerwick, with an optional stop in Kirkwall, Orkney. The crossing takes approximately 12–14 hours and includes options for cabins, lounges, and vehicle transport.

Once in Shetland, travel is supported by a network of roads, inter-island ferries, and local buses. Car hire is available at the airport and in Lerwick. Inter-island ferries, run by Shetland Islands Council, connect the main inhabited islands, while small air services link more remote islands like Foula and Fair Isle. Visitors are advised to plan ahead, especially in summer months when services may be in high demand.

Description

Bressay Lighthouse is located at Kirkabister Ness, on the southwestern tip of the island of Bressay, in Shetland.

Built in 1858 by the lighthouse engineers David and Thomas Stevenson (the father and brother of writer Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island), it served to guide vessels safely through Bressay Sound, the sheltered channel separating Bressay from Lerwick. The lighthouse is constructed of stone and features a cylindrical white tower with a black lantern and ochre trim, making it a prominent landmark in an exceptionally unique coastal position.

Although the light was automated in 1987 and is no longer essential to modern navigation, the site remains an important symbol of Shetland's maritime history. Since 1995, the Shetland Amenity Trust has owned and managed the lighthouse and associated buildings.

The former keepers' cottages and outbuildings have been adapted to support the Bressay Lighthouse Artists' Residency, offering accommodation and studio space to visiting artists, with East and West Cottage previously in use as holiday lets.

The lighthouse complex comprises several buildings: the original lighthouse tower, two former keepers' cottages, a former engine room, and an artist's residence and studio. The entire site is designated as a Category B Listed Building, which means that any restoration or alteration work must follow the standards set by Historic Environment Scotland, using appropriate traditional materials and techniques.

The remote setting, historical character, and views over the sea and nearby Noss National Nature Reserve make the site attractive for those seeking solitude, inspiration, or a connection with Shetland's natural and cultural environment.

Buildings on site:
Former Principal Keeper's Building
A single-storey, detached structure built of stone with a harled exterior and a flat felt-covered roof. Internal finishes include a mix of timber and stone flooring, plasterboard-lined walls, timber-framed single glazing, and wall-mounted electric heaters.

Accommodation includes: a former engine room, a living/bedroom/kitchen area for artist residency use, a shower room, three display rooms, a kitchen, and an accessible toilet.

Lighthouse Tower
The original stone-built lighthouse structure remains a key feature of the site, although no longer staffed.

East and West Cottages
A pair of semi-detached, single-storey cottages within a stone-built structure, harled externally with pitched slate roofs. Each cottage includes a small single-storey front extension with a flat felt roof. Internal specifications include timber floors, a mix of plastered and plasterboard-lined walls, single-glazed timber windows, and electric heating.

Accommodation for each cottage includes: entrance hallway, living room with adjoining kitchen, three double bedrooms, and a bathroom. A shared laundry room is also available.