Collafirth brig (bridge), marina, caravan site and pier

Collafirth Pier and Marina nestles at the foot of the Ronas massif and it's where the spectacular Collafirth Burn reaches the sea, the road hooking around over the Collafirth brig. This is fantastic otter territory - wherever fresh and salt water collide, you'll find otters cleaning the salt off their fur. And great efforts have been made to make Collafirth, a former whaling station, a really great place to spot wildlife - seals, otters and sometimes whales. There is a hide made from a former ship's wheelhouse, picnic tables and for caravanners, there are showers, toilets and even clothes washing facilities, all spick and span and always available. Donations always welcome. The showers and washing machines are coin-operated.

Visiting yacht crews are welcome to tie up at the marina and also to use the toilet, washing and shower facilities. Again, donations are welcome.

The pier is dominated by the huge purser-seiner fishing boat Altaire, one of the biggest vessels in the Shetland fleet, whose base Collafirth is, and it's important to remember that this is a working pier, with fishing boats landing catches and vehicles coming and going at all hours.

 Exploring the burn is great fun, and as close to canyoning as it's possible to get in Shetland, if you happen to have packed a crash helmet and wetsuit.