Bressay Heritage Centre

About the museum

Bressay Heritage Centre opened in 1996 and is owned and run by the Bressay History Group. It stands next to the car park of the Bressay ferry at Maryfield, a short walk from the ferry terminal, on an island that has been inhabited for about 6,000 years.

The centre holds local artefacts, photographs and exhibitions on the industrial, military and crofting history of the island, and it stages changing exhibitions in summer. Displays include the story of Bressay’s quarries and stonemasons, whose stone built many houses in Lerwick and Bressay, the history of the former island ferry Brenda, runic and early Christian stones found on Bressay, finds from archaeological digs, and a collection of marine engines that once powered local boats. An archive of photographs, maps and genealogy records helps visitors trace family links to the island.

Outside, a reconstructed Bronze Age burnt mound, rescued from the sea by the History Group, can be visited all year. In winter the centre is used for talks and discussions on Bressay and Shetland history, and it also works as a visitor information point.

Highlights

• Bressay quarries and stonemasons
• History of the island ferry Brenda
• Runic and early Christian stones
• Reconstructed Bronze Age burnt mound outside
• Photograph, map and genealogy archive

Permanent exhibition

• Bressay history displays – Quarries and stonemasons, the ferry Brenda, runic and early Christian stones, archaeological finds, marine engines and a photograph and genealogy archive.

Founded

1996

Operated by

Bressay History Group

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free; voluntary donations support the work of the volunteers.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Disabled access is listed.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Bressay is reached by ferry from Lerwick; no fares or timetable are given on the centre’s page.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Tea and coffee facilities only (no café), a small gift shop and Wi-Fi are listed.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit