Community / Sumburgh Head lighthouse reopens
THE SUMBURGH Head Lighthouse and Visitor Centre reopened today (Sunday).
The number of people allowed in the visitor centre is now limited to ensure social distancing and a new one-way system has been put in place to direct folk through the engine room, smiddy, marine life centre and radar hut.
Painted puffin pointers have been put in place to help direct visitors through the various elements of the site in a one-way system and to help with social distancing.
Visitors will be encouraged to use hand sanitiser at regular intervals during their visit and they will be asked to wear face coverings.
The plan is to reopen for a month at this stage, with the opening hours Sunday-Thursday 10am-5pm with last entry at 4.30pm.
Jane Outram, who manages the site on behalf of the Shetland Amenity Trust, said: “We have seen lots of people at the site in recent weeks enjoying the wonderful weather, scenery and of course the puffins.
“Lots of people have been asking when we will reopen the visitor centre and facilities and we have been working hard to make that happen.
“We are excited to be welcoming people back. It is a great opportunity for people from Shetland to come and visit the site and rediscover all that we have to offer. There is lots to do outside but we also have lots to keep the whole family interested indoors too.”
She added that “every ticket sold or donation made goes directly into the upkeep of the facilities including the viewing platforms, car parks, toilets and the lighthouse itself”.
Tickets for Sumburgh Head are now available to buy online and on site.
The Amenity Trust, meanwhile, now also has a vacancy for custodian of its self-catering accommodation at the lighthouse.
Duties would include being the first point of contact for guests during their stay and ensuring that the property is in a clean and tidy condition at the start of each let.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.