In Shetland, a Böd was a building used to house fishermen and their gear during the fishing season. Today, we’ve borrowed the term to describe basic accommodation for those who want a simple holiday on our beautiful islands. We have numerous böds scattered across our islands each situated within their own unique scenery.
All böds have the following facilities unless otherwise stated. Facilities include: Shower, solid fuel stove, hot water heater, crockery, basic cooking utensils, fridge, microwave, kettle, compact cooker with grill, oven and 2 hotplates. Toilet with wash hand basin. Please note that electricity is provided by a coin meter which accepts £1.00 coins only. Guests are required to pay for their own electricity. Rooms may be booked exclusively, subject to availability.
The furthest south is the traditional Betty Mouat’s Böd. This stone cottage offers economic, self-catering accommodation. Originally it was the home of a redoubtable lady who, in 1886, drifted alone on a fishing boat to Norway and lived to tell the tale. The accommodation includes: 3 public rooms and 2 bedrooms. Bedroom 1 - sleeps 10 with solid fuel stove. Bedroom 2 - sleeps 4.
Further north, situated in Whiteness lies Nesbister Böd. It is the only original fishing böd in the group. Facilities include: NO ELECTRICITY, chemical toilet, basic crockey, solid fuel stove, cold water stand pipe outside. Limited seating and dining table. Sleeps: 4 in bunk beds in 1 common room.
An ideal location for exploring Shetland’s west side is Skeld böd, the most recent addition to the network. It has been converted from its original function as the local shop with considerable care and attention to detail. Situated in the thriving village of Skeld it sits right above the marina within a stone’s throw of the sea. Sleeps: 6 in bunk beds in 1 common room.
Voe House Böd is a fascinating building which has been carefully restored using recycled building materials, situated in the West Mainland. Sleeps: 16 in 5 sleeping areas. Separate dining and kitchen area. Bedroom 1: sleeps 4. Bedroom 2: sleeps 4. Bedroom 3: sleeps 4. Bedroom 4: sleeps 2. Bedroom 5: sleeps 2.
The Sail Loft in Voe, was once a store for sail fishing boats' gear and later a knitwear workshop. This is the largest of our böds, standing between the tideline and a handy bakery, in an idyllic village setting at the head of a mini-fjord. Suitable for larger parties, it makes an ideal central base for exploring the islands. Sleeps: 16 in two separate rooms which include Lounge and communal spaces. Separate kitchen / dining room. Bedroom 1: sleeps 12. Bedroom 2: sleeps 4 with solid fuel stove.
Grieve House offers economy, self-catering accommodation in a traditional building on the island of Whalsay on the east coast of Shetland. Facilities include: NO ELECTRICITY, solid fuel stove, cold running water, external access flush toilet. Basic crockery, food prep area and small dining area. Note: Travelling to Whalsay requires a ferry journey. Sleeps: 5 in 1 bedroom.
Johnnie Notions Böd is situated on the North-West coast of the Shetland mainland. This small cottage is associated with the pioneering 18th century smallpox inoculator, John Williamson, locally known as Johnnie Notions. Facilities include: NO ELECTRICITY, cold running water, 2x external access flush toilets, a solid fuel stove and dining table. Basic crockery and food prep area with external access. Sleeps: 4 in 1 bedroom.
The Windhouse Lodge in Yell is the solidly built gatehouse to Shetland's most haunted ruin. This is one of our best-equipped böds and a perfect base for touring the North Isles of Shetland. Note: Travelling to Yell requires a ferry journey. Sleeps: 8 in 3 rooms. Bedroom 1: sleeps 2. Bedroom 2: sleeps 2 with solid fuel stove and seating area. Bedroom 3: sleeps 4.
The böd at Aithbank on the island of Fetlar was once home to a legendary local storyteller Jamsie Laurenson and is ideally placed for visiting the RSPB reserve on the island where you can view the only breeding site for Red Necked Phalarope in the British Isles. Seating area with solid fuel stove and wood panelling. Disabled toilet with wash hand basin - external access. Note: Travelling to Fetlar requires a ferry journey. Sleeps: 5 in 2 common rooms. Bedroom 1 (upper floor): sleeps 3. Bedroom 2 (upper floor): sleep 2.
