Boddam Wildlife Sanctuary is part of The Sovereign Nation of Shetland. It is not part of the UK or Scotland and their legislation does not apply here. If you have proof to the contrary, please let us know, but please read Stolen Isles first. We set the rules:

1. There is no parking at Boddam. If you are coming by car, please find alternative parking and approach on foot.

2. Please do not obstruct local traffic.

3. Please stay on the road. There is no public access to the Sanctuary. Any implied right of access is denied.

4. Dogs must be on a lead at all times.

5. No Drones. Drones and model aircraft are not allowed anywhere over the Sanctuary.

6. We treat you with respect. We expect the same in return.

7. Every photograph has a cost to the wildlife. Keep it low.

8. We support non-invasive observation of the wildlife.

9. We do not support harassment of the wildlife.

10. We do not support bird-brained witless twitchers with mair money as wit.

These are our rules. Other land owners may have different ones. Do not make the automatic presumption that you have the right to enter land anywhere in Shetland.

Udal law is the land law for Shetland. Udal rights extend from "the highest in the hill to the lowest ebb". Rights in the seabed extend as far as the 'Marebeke' - the point where the seabed suddenly drops off. 

The Registers of Scotland Manual on Udal Law and the Foreshore in Orkney & Shetland states:

"Because of the implications of udal law, special considerations apply to the mapping of coastal titles in Orkney and Shetland. The legal assumption is that a udal title adjoining the coast will include the foreshore. The Crown has no prior right to the foreshore under udal law".

Photo Hugh Harrop.