Boosting the visitor economy through a boardwalk

We hear from Juan Brown, from NatureScot, one of the partners in the development of a boardwalk at Hermaness, Shetland, on the impact this has had on the local visitor economy.

About Hermaness

Hermaness is an iconic site, boasting spectacular cliff scenery, internationally-important seabird colonies and a rich cultural heritage.

Increasing visitor numbers were causing erosion to the fragile peatland habitat and potential disturbance to nesting birds.

NatureScot, who manage the site, closed the path to the historic Muckle Flugga lighthouse signalling station. Local stakeholders felt that a boardwalk would protect the peatland from further erosion and route people away from sensitive nesting birds.

A boardwalk to the cliffs, made from recycled plastic, had been installed a decade previously, proving a great success – it’s very low maintenance, non-slip, long-lasting and recyclable.

Visitors can now enjoy nearly 2km of new boardwalk, which retraces the historic path to the signalling station on Hermaness Hill, and creates a circular route around the reserve, providing spectacular views of Muckle Flugga lighthouse.

A close up of a person smiling

Juan Brown, Operations Officer at NatureScot. Credit: NatureScot.

Benefits to the local visitor economy

The project has benefited the local economy by safeguarding one of the key visitor attractions in Unst and Shetland into the future.

The ripple effect of this project has meant benefits to both visitors and the Shetland community.

Local contractors were used in the construction phase and continue to be called upon for ongoing maintenance; and we employ a local cleaner for the toilets.

A local seasonal pop up coffee and cake trailer operates in the car park and a new café in nearby Haroldswick now offers evening meals since the new boardwalk and facilities launched.

Wild Skies Shetland, an Unst-based charity who have a Sky Trail and promote the island’s dark skies, have also made Hermaness one of their 13 trail points and have installed an audio post next to the shelter.

The project will also benefit providers of accommodation and other services, such as shops and wildlife tour operators in Unst.

The official opening conducted by (then) NatureScot CEO Francesca Osowska OBE. Credit: Steve Mathieson, VisitScotland.

Improved access for all

Since opening in May 2022, the new facilities have attracted record numbers of visitors to Hermaness, with over 12,000 people visiting the reserve each year, helping to boost the fragile local economy.

The almost 2km of boardwalk has made access easier for those who might have struggled on the hill, and by reopening the historic path to Muckle Flugga signalling station, has created a circular route around the reserve whilst protecting the fragile blanket bog and nesting birds.

New facilities at the car park, including an information hub with interpretation, trail signage and toilets, have improved the visitor experience.

The boardwalk will help ensure this popular visitor destination remains sustainable for years to come.

the back of a person walking along a boardwalk

Juan on a section of the boardwalk at Hermaness. Credit: Steve Mathieson, VisitScotland.

The impact of collaboration

Collaboration has been vital to the success of the project. Without the expertise, knowledge and resources of all the partners, the project would not have happened.

A partnership comprising NatureScot, VisitScotland and Shetland Islands Council was established, and successful funding bids made to the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund and Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

Working with community groups, we delivered the project for the benefit of not only visitors but the Shetland community.

Learn more about Scotland's visitor economy and what it means