Mousa is a small island adjacent to Sandwick in the south mainland of Shetland.
The island is one and a half miles long and one mile wide. It was inhabited since prehistoric times till 1853. There are many remains of habitation including the impressive Iron Age broch standing over 13 metres (42ft) high and measuring 16+ metres (49ft) at the base. You can climb up stone steps inside the wall of the broch for a commanding view from the top.
Rodney Smith runs the “Mousa Boat” daily during the summer months, weather permitting, allowing visitors to enjoy several hours exploring the island.
The cache is a small plastic box containing a log, a pen and a few swappable items.
Mousa is now classed as a Nature Reserve run by the RSPB. They have a designated trail mapped for visitors allowing people to observe nature without disturbing their habitat.
The island provided the opportunity to see many species of wild flowers/plants as well as Arctic Terns and Wheatears which nest there along with other nesting seabirds.
On the ferry crossing you may spot porpoises, guillemots, Arctic skuas, seals, solans, oyster catchers, puffins and sometimes whales.
Special late evening crossings allow for the opportunity to see Storm Petrels. An elusive small bird which nests in the walls of the Broch and under stones along the shoreline. These birds come ashore at nightfall when returning to their nests.
Rodney, the boatman, is very friendly and knowledgeable about the island and its history and is willing to share this with visitors.
The cache is a large box BESIDE the wall under a few stones, not where there are lots of stones