Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve is run by a small charity, Shetland Amenity Trust, in partnership with the RSPB. We offer an engaging visitor experience for the whole family to explore the history and natural heritage of Sumburgh – from the geology and Iron Age settlers to the lighthouse keepers, whales and seabirds, especially the comical puffins.

The care of the site is entirely funded by ticket sales and donations and whilst you can visit the nature reserve for free, buying a ticket lets you explore the Engine Room, Marine Life Centre Smiddy and Radar Hut where you can see, hear and learn so much more about past and present inhabitants and visitors to Sumburgh.

The huge loss of income through the global Coronavirus pandemic makes the future of the Visitor Centre less certain. We rely on the generous support of our visitors to keep the site staffed and maintained, the buildings and collections cared for, and to welcome visitors through our doors. 
 
 If you can, please support us with a donation - no matter how large or small. Your support will help us to continue caring for this important heritage site and make it more accessible to our community and visitors. It will enable us to improve your visitor experience, both on site and virtually. Any income will be invested in caring for heritage and making it accessible to all, through a maintenance programme, improve access and reach, and employing experts to share their knowledge and lead activities in person and online.