Bressay Heritage Centre

Bressay Heritage Centre

Bressay's Heritage Centre stands above the car park for the Bressay Ferry making it just a short walk from the ferry itself. Current opening hours can be checked with the Tourist Information Centre in Lerwick.

Interior of the Heritage Centre Display of Stuart Turner Engines Heritage Centre

The heritage centre is owned and operated by the Bressay History Group and offers a wide range of fascinating displays and exhibitions throughout the summer months. In the winter the centre is used as the venue for a range of talks and discussions on the history of Bressay in particular, and Shetland more widely.

The centre is also used as a research base by members of the Bressay History Group, and doubles as a Neighbourhood Information Point, carrying a range of information and leaflets about attractions on Bressay and neighbouring Noss.

Heritage Centre Resident

Anchor Outside Heritage Centre

A visit to the Heritage Centre is a useful starting point for anyone visiting Bressay. When we visited a wide range of exhibits and information displays were on view. Perhaps most striking was a cabinet - and its contents - which came from a shop on the island when it closed in the early 1980s. This contained a range of household goods dating back thirty years or more earlier: for the over 40s, a bit like your grandmother's kitchen cupboard when you were a child. Absolutely fascinating.

Elsewhere is a display of runic and early Christian stones found on Bressay, artefacts from archaeological digs on the island, pictures of birds to be seen on Bressay and on Noss, and local artwork. There is even a collection of Stuart Turner marine engines which once lived in locally based boats.

Contents of Abernethy's Shop, Early 1980s