Visiting
Getting to and from Papa Stour
Papa Stour is located to the west of the Shetland mainland and is the 8th largest of the Shetland isles. The only transport to the island is via ferry, the MV Snolda. There used to be a flight once per week, however, that ceased to operate in May 2020.
The ferry departs from West Burrafirth ferry terminal at the following times:
(Please check the website for the latest timetables as changes may occur.)
Monday: 09:00 & 15:00
Wednesday: 09:00 & 15:00
Friday/Saturday: 09:00 & 18:10
Sunday: 18:00
Some public transport is available to West Burrafirth, for more information from ZetTrans. A community taxi also operates, call 01595 745745 to book.
The reintroduction of cash fare payment has been implemented on all Shetland Islands Council Ferries. This will be on an “exact fare-no change” basis. Passengers who wish to pay by cash are asked to have the correct fare, as no change will be given. Credit cards can be used on Shetland Islands Council Ferries.
Account Cards will remain as an alternative method of payment for regular travellers.
On the island
Please note that there is no shop on the isle, though there is a Waiting Room at the ferry pier where you can use the facilities and grab yourself a cuppa!
There is visitor information both at the waiting room and the Kirk; we are at present working on plans to upgrade the Kirk with better visitor facilities. Take a look at the Kirk Development page to find out more.
Camping/Caravans/Campervans
There is a small grassed area near the waiting room where you can pitch a tent. If you plan to wild camp, please ask landowner if possible. There are at present no facilities for caravan/campervan hook ups, though you are welcome to use the hard standing around the pier and waiting room areas.
Defribillator
With the help of the charity Lucky2BHere the islanders have positioned a Defibrillator in the waiting room and are shortly to undergo training in its use. We hope it never has to be used, but it may save a life.
Looking after our island
Papa Stour is our home and we can’t wait to welcome you here. Whether you’re coming for a day trip or staying a few days, you’ll have loads to explore and enjoy. However, please respect our home and don’t leave your litter, especially on our beaches. For most of us, a holiday to the beach is an idyllic get-away. Papa Stour has some incredibly sandy, blue water beaches so whether you’re relaxing with a good book or enjoying a fun filled family day out, you’re sure to have a memorable day but don’t let plastic ruin it and take your littler home. Take a look at our poster below to see how plastic is affecting Papa Stour and it’s inhabitants.
We love our island and everthing it has to offer but it can only stay beatiful and unspoilt if we all pick up after ourselves and take our rubbish home. Please do not litter…or as we say in Shetland, ‘Dunna Chuck Bruck!’
Share your Papa Stour memories
We always love to see people enjoying their time on Papa Stour so if you have any photos or videos you could share with us, we would be thrilled to see them. You can share them with us on Facebook and/or Instagram by tagging us or you can simply email them to us.
Nature Scot,
formerly Natural Heritage Scotland, published this leaflet on the Special Area of Conservation within Papa Stour and it’s marine life.
