In 1468, King Christian I of Denmark, Norway and Sweden pawned the Orkney Isles to Scottish King James III in lieu of a royal dowry for 50,000 florins. And the Shetlands were then pawned for more money.
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When considering tourist attractions in the Scottish islands in modern times, there are beautiful places to visit. But an old bus shelter on a remote northern island with few passing buses is unlikely to appeal. Yet it attracts many visitors to Unst in North Shetlands.
With some of the harshest and most changeable weather in the British Isles, a decent structure was needed to protect school students. 6-year-old Bobby McCauley (b1989) and his friends caught the bus there but the shelter was becoming a broken hut with a rusting iron chair.
The local council planned to remove the shelter, until Bobby wrote a letter to the local newspaper, The Shetland Times, asking for a new waiting area. His letter explained that the shelter is where he kept his bike while at school. He was growing tired of the often long, cold and wet waits each morning. The newspaper, touched by the six-year old’s feelings, petitioned the Council for a new shelter. Bobby DID get his way and a shiny, new shelter was soon installed.
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The humble old bus shelter became a warm and welcoming place. Items began mysteriously appearing inside, starting with a small wicker table, couch, microwave, carpet, desk, telephone, some art, an old tv, library and curtains. This Shetland Islands bus shelter may have been small, but it squeezed in a lot. And it had its very own visitors' book for those seeking time to think about the Shetlands.
Then his mum became involved and started putting in additions eg cushions and a hot snack dispenser. Eventually a specialist maintenance team became involved each year, helping the bus shelter became one of the island’s main tourist attractions.
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The shelter even gets redecorated each year to match a new theme. Since 2002 some of the imaginative themes have included life underwater, sheep, women’s suffrage, outer space, Van Gogh, Tall Ships and the Queen’s Jubilee. And when Bobby went to study in Swaziland, the shelter was converted into an African theme, to honour the lad.
The bus stop may have also acted as an unmanned store. There were different objects for purchase such as sunglasses and jewellery. An honesty box was left where visitors could leave payments.
On an island which sees just six hours of winter sunlight, Bobby’s Bus Stop provides a sparkly intermission from the darkness. And there’s a Christmas tree every year. The guest book suggests the bus stop is certainly very popular.
Bobby, now in his 30s, has long since left and is studying for his PhD in Glasgow, but the legacy of his Bus Shelter continues, with entrants in the visitors’ book from across the globe. Nobody could have predicted how popular it would become. There are many photos showing visitors enjoying the experience eg in the Facebook page
What else is there to visit? Shetland has excellent internal links operated by the Shetland Islands Council, including a fleet of inter-island ferries that run to half the inhabited islands. Frequent ferries go to Yell and Unst.
The Isle of Unst has only 650 residents, but tourists venture far out into the North Sea to visit this beautiful, remote outpost. Remote and moody, Unst is a flat expanse of greys, greens and rocky outcrops; Scotland’s last port of call before diving off into the Norwegian Sea’s icy waters. Walk over ancient rocks that once formed the ocean floor. Visit Unst Heritage Centre and Unst Boat Haven to investigate Shetland’s lace knitting and fishing heritage.
Explore the Hermaness National Nature Reserve, a place of global importance for wildlife; with its towering cliffs and extensive moorland, it is home to a rich variety of birds and plants. Then hike to the northerly, historic Muckle Flugga Lighthouse. Visit the replica Viking longship, Skidbladner, and reconstructed Viking longhouse at Haroldswick, some of Shetland’s Norse roots. The northerly beaches, Norwick, the Eastings and Skaw, are very picturesque. There are various Up Helly Aas, the famous fire festivals, around Shetland between Jan-March to celebrate Viking heritage and community spirit.
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Roam the grounds of Muness Castle, a remarkably fine tower house of the late 1500s. This example of tower house architecture is full of delightful touches, divided between the family, servants and visitors. It was built for Laurence Bruce of Cultmalindie, a prominent, turbulent figure accused of oppressing the Shetland people. Finally enjoy Victoria’s Vintage Tearooms with its fine array of cakes!
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Muckle Flugga Lighthouse
photo from Northern Lighthouse Board
With some of the harshest and most changeable weather in the British Isles, a decent structure was needed to protect school students. 6-year-old Bobby McCauley (b1989) and his friends caught the bus there but the shelter was becoming a broken hut with a rusting iron chair.
The local council planned to remove the shelter, until Bobby wrote a letter to the local newspaper, The Shetland Times, asking for a new waiting area. His letter explained that the shelter is where he kept his bike while at school. He was growing tired of the often long, cold and wet waits each morning. The newspaper, touched by the six-year old’s feelings, petitioned the Council for a new shelter. Bobby DID get his way and a shiny, new shelter was soon installed.
Children can enjoy the toys and tv
Then his mum became involved and started putting in additions eg cushions and a hot snack dispenser. Eventually a specialist maintenance team became involved each year, helping the bus shelter became one of the island’s main tourist attractions.
Adults enjoy the tv, library, nibbles and flowers
and the views
The bus stop may have also acted as an unmanned store. There were different objects for purchase such as sunglasses and jewellery. An honesty box was left where visitors could leave payments.
On an island which sees just six hours of winter sunlight, Bobby’s Bus Stop provides a sparkly intermission from the darkness. And there’s a Christmas tree every year. The guest book suggests the bus stop is certainly very popular.
Bobby, now in his 30s, has long since left and is studying for his PhD in Glasgow, but the legacy of his Bus Shelter continues, with entrants in the visitors’ book from across the globe. Nobody could have predicted how popular it would become. There are many photos showing visitors enjoying the experience eg in the Facebook page
What else is there to visit? Shetland has excellent internal links operated by the Shetland Islands Council, including a fleet of inter-island ferries that run to half the inhabited islands. Frequent ferries go to Yell and Unst.
The Isle of Unst has only 650 residents, but tourists venture far out into the North Sea to visit this beautiful, remote outpost. Remote and moody, Unst is a flat expanse of greys, greens and rocky outcrops; Scotland’s last port of call before diving off into the Norwegian Sea’s icy waters. Walk over ancient rocks that once formed the ocean floor. Visit Unst Heritage Centre and Unst Boat Haven to investigate Shetland’s lace knitting and fishing heritage.
Explore the Hermaness National Nature Reserve, a place of global importance for wildlife; with its towering cliffs and extensive moorland, it is home to a rich variety of birds and plants. Then hike to the northerly, historic Muckle Flugga Lighthouse. Visit the replica Viking longship, Skidbladner, and reconstructed Viking longhouse at Haroldswick, some of Shetland’s Norse roots. The northerly beaches, Norwick, the Eastings and Skaw, are very picturesque. There are various Up Helly Aas, the famous fire festivals, around Shetland between Jan-March to celebrate Viking heritage and community spirit.
The replica Viking longship,
Shetland.org
Roam the grounds of Muness Castle, a remarkably fine tower house of the late 1500s. This example of tower house architecture is full of delightful touches, divided between the family, servants and visitors. It was built for Laurence Bruce of Cultmalindie, a prominent, turbulent figure accused of oppressing the Shetland people. Finally enjoy Victoria’s Vintage Tearooms with its fine array of cakes!
Many thanks to Laurie Goodlad
Muness Castle,
Historic Environment Scotland