Muness Castle
The UK's most northerly castle, a late-16th-century Z-plan tower house ruin standing alone on the south shore of Unst.
Muness Castle was built in 1598 by Laurence Bruce, uncle of Earl Patrick Stewart. It follows the Z-shaped plan popular in Scotland, with round towers at two corners. Its gun loops and carved details are well preserved, and it is the most northerly castle in Britain. It stands alone in fields on the southeast of Unst, with the sea beyond, and its atmosphere is bleak and haunting. Managed by Historic Environment Scotland, it is free to visit and is about a 10-minute drive from the ferry terminal.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Unst Bus Shelter
- Viking Unst (Hamar Longhouse & Skidbladner)
- Skaw Beach
- Hermaness & Muckle Flugga
- Old Haa Museum
- Isle of Noss
- Fort Charlotte
- Shetland Museum and Archives