Welcome to Garths Croft Bressay

***Top 5 things to see in Shetland – Garths Croft Bressay – Top 5 things to see in Shetland | Shetland.org  ***

Garths Croft Bressay is a sustainable agricultural holding run by professional archaeologist and historian Chris Dyer, focusing on native and traditional breeds, within a landscape of spectacular natural beauty and historical heritage. Located in the island of Bressay, a short 7 minute ferry crossing from Lerwick, the capital of Shetland.

Garths Croft Bressay case study – News | VisitScotland.org

As a professional archaeologist for over twenty years, a visit to Garths Croft can be combined with the guided opportunity to view spectacular sites of natural and historical interest within the island of Bressay. The National Nature Reserve of Noss, multiperiod historical landscape at Noss Sound, Iron Age brochs, Pictish stones, Viking longhouses, early Christian chapel sites, post-medieval crofting landscapes, Victorian Lighthouse and twentieth century military remains are all within easy reach. A bespoke package can be arranged tailored to your interests.

Drystone dykes have been built by hand to provide shelter for a newly planted woodland and create an environment for nature to thrive. Native Shetland sheep are bred for the variety of coloured fleeces whilst heritage breed pigs cultivate and improve ground which is reseeded with grass, arable crops and wildflowers. Lambs are born in late April/May. A polycrub greenhouse and adjacent cultivations provide the opportunity to be largely self-sufficient in fruit and vegetables.

A visit to Garths Croft Bressay, nominated for a Food Hero Scot award in 2021, provides the unique opportunity to join Chris at his island home, experiencing an exclusive walk through the agricultural year in Shetland, looking at the sheep – ewes, rams and lambs. White/coloured/fleckit and even katmogget! Sift through fleeces from Chris’s flock and see the principal day to day tools and equipment that are used by a Shetland crofter! Chris’s croft is mixed with woodland, pigs, turkeys, hens and vegetables alongside his beautifully coloured sheep, so there is plenty to see in an island with abundant nature, wildlife and history.

#ScotlandIsNow Stories: The archaeologist on a sustainability crusade | Scotland.org