St Ninian's Isle - Walk across one of Britain's finest sand tombolos to discover spectacular Shetland scenery and fascinating history.

St Ninian's Isle lies off the south-west coast of the Shetland Mainland and is connected to the mainland by a remarkable natural sand tombolo. This beautiful strip of pale sand has sea on both sides and provides access to the island on foot, creating one of the most distinctive and photographed coastal landscapes in Shetland.

Visitors can walk across the tombolo and explore the island's rugged coastline, grassy hills and archaeological remains. St Ninian's Isle is particularly famous for the discovery of the St Ninian's Isle Treasure in 1958, when a collection of remarkable early medieval silver objects was uncovered beneath the floor of a ruined chapel. The original treasure is now held by National Museums Scotland.

The island is an excellent destination for walking, photography and wildlife watching, with beautiful views across the surrounding coastline and Atlantic waters. Visitors should be prepared for exposed conditions and changing weather, and care should be taken around cliffs and uneven coastal terrain.

Find directions easily using Google Maps.