Our First Booking - The Cardwells Visit Unst!

30th May 2022

A wildlife watcher's dream!

Marie-Louise and Patrick Cardwell were the first people to place a booking with isleHoliday. After their 2020 plans were disrupted, the couple decided to rebook their wildlife watching adventure for this year.

On the first day of their visit, they spotted an otter, which they were able to watch frolicking for a full hour!

Marie-Louise came across isleHoliday in her search and loved our community-centred approach - the rest, as they say, is history! 

Keen wildlife watchers, the couple travelled all the way from Cape Town, South Africa to visit the island. We have to agree that Unst was a perfect choice. On the first day of their visit, they spotted an otter, which they were able to watch frolicking for a full hour! 

A trip to Hermaness National Nature Reserve also did not disappoint; one of the largest seabird colonies in the UK, the site hosts over 100,000 nesting and breeding pairs each year. As well as everyone's favourite cheeky chappies (puffins), gannets and skuas also number in the thousands at this truly special site. 

Did you know that skuas (known as Bonxies in Shetland) are 'piratical'? Not only because they are sea-faring, but because they feed mostly by scavenging or stealing from other birds. 

For more information on what to look out for, and to benefit from some fantastic local knowledge, why not download the Scottish Islands Passport app? Collect stamps in your digital 'passport' as you island hop - each one is unique, inspired by the island's culture and history. You can also submit your own experiences for a chance to be featured on the app and help others to explore our fabulous islands! 

Every booking we take is positively shaping the future of Scotland’s island communities, putting their residents at the heart of island economies. 

Explore our amazing island accommodation options here, and plan your next adventure!