ENJOY SUMMER WILDLIFE TREATS WHEN YOU BASE YOURSELF AT BELMONT
In July beautiful Unst in Shetland, the UK’s most northerly island, is in full summer bloom. A paradise for bird and nature lovers, Unst is also known for its impressive Viking Heritage sites.
Self catering Belmont House on the island, a lovingly reclaimed Georgian Mansion House brought back to life to cater for groups, and now a VisitScotland 4 star property, has prices from £1800 for a week long let, and from £900 for a short break stay.
Up to twelve people can stay at Belmont, which is ideally placed for taking advantage of the island’s many charms.
Puffins can be seen on Unst until mid-August, with plenty of Great Skuas and Gannets still around, along with Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Guillemots. Red throated Divers and their chicks can be seen around on many small pools.
Late summer is also good for spotting Minke Whales, and there is always the chance of harbour porpoise and of course Orcas! Otters can be seen all year round on Unst – it’s one of their favourite places – and unlike other parts of the UK, otters can be seen during daylight hours – another draw for wildlife enthusiasts. Again, expert local wildlife guides can be hired for this purpose to enhance a group stay. Many of the rare wild flowers found only on the islands are still in abundance in summer too.
Many visitors to Belmont House clearly think it’s a very surprising find on a small island- a kit house “Mansion House”, shipped in its entirety from Edinburgh to be re-assembled on Unst by its proud owner! Thanks to a group of dedicated islanders, the once run down House was lovingly saved to enjoy a new use as a holiday home.
A registered charity run by a Board of Trustees, Belmont House now offers a very special and unique place to stay. Those staying in this charming place can know that they are doing their bit to ensure its future.
With its five bedrooms and three bathrooms, the House gives the flexibility that groups are often looking for, whether its social space together to plan out the various tours and plans of action, or a bit of privacy at the end of a long day out and about exploring the island.
Belmont House can put groups in touch with expert birding guides for land tours around this very accessible and interest packed island, just forty six miles square in size, with stunning coasts and grasslands. Or you can get out on the water for a marine safari to see other marine wonders such as seals, porpoises and dolphins.
Unlike other parts of the UK, otters are often seen during daylight hours – another draw for wildlife enthusiasts. Again, expert local wildlife guides can be hired for this purpose to enhance a group stay.
For further details on staying at Belmont House, Unst please call 01957 711870, www.belmontunst.co.uk, emailbookings@belmontunst.co.uk.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
