If you are arriving in Shetland by sea then Sumburgh Lighthouse will probably be one of your first images of the islands. Set atop the rugged cliffs of Sumburgh Head, the combination of imposing architecture and spectacular seascapes ensures that it will be an image that will remain with you for a long time.

Due to its geography, situated at the southern tip of mainland Shetland where the North Sea meets the Atlantic, Sumburgh has the added advantage of providing a wildlife bonanza too. During the summer months, when the sun barely sets in Shetland, the warmer Atlantic waters and cooler North Sea mix off Sumburgh to produce a rich plankton soup that fuels a dynamic food chain supporting a rich diversity of marine animals including seabirds, seals, dolphins and whales.

Little wonder then that Sumburgh is high on the list of places to visit and it attracts more people than any other outdoor location in the islands. The 'head' is an RSPB reserve and hosts about 35,000 seabirds during the breeding season - including everyone's favourite - the Puffin, probably as easy to see here as anywhere else in the British Isles.