For our August 2018 WAP, Mind Your Head heads to the enchanting island of Mousa!

The Mousa Boat leaves from the Sandwick Sandsayre Pier (on 12 August 2018, Sunday) at 13:30 and returns at 16:30. This trip is free of charge but places should be booked through [email protected] or by phoning 01595 745035.

Mousa is a place where you can see and feel the ages of time with its archaeological sites, desolate ruins and most famously the Mousa Broch – the best preserved Iron Age tower in existence, where the visitor can still climb the staircase to marvel at the commanding view and workmanship of this 2000 year-old building. The broch is truly legendary featuring in a couple of the old Norse Sagas as a place of captivity and hiding, and in comparatively more recent times as the secret store for smugglers.

Mousa (“Mossy Island” in Old Norse) today is an RSPB Nature Reserve with important breeding colonies of seals and seabirds including the diminutive storm petrel, hundreds of which have made their home within the mighty broch walls. There are many opportunities for visitors to observe a range of plant and wildlife including some quite rare species, and you may even be fortunate enough to catch sight of an elusive otter or passing whale!

Mousa has many stories to tell in its long history some of which may be myths, but one thing we do know, a visit to this delightful island will have a special place in your memory for a long time to come. (Information from The Mousa Boat website)