Noss
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Noss is a small island in Shetland, Scotland. It is separated from the island of Bressay by the narrow Noss Sound. The island has been a National Nature Reserve since 1955 and is a sheep farm. It is linked to Bressay by a seasonal ferry service, run by the wildlife wardens using a rigid-hulled inflatable boat.
Noss had a population of 20 in 1851 but has had no permanent inhabitants since 1939.
The main focus of settlement on Noss was around the low lying westside of the island at Gungstie (Old Norse: a landing place). Gungstie was built in the 1670s and is currently used by the seasonal wildlife wardens. Another settlement at Setter, on the south east of the island was inhabited until the 1870s and now lies derelict.
Attractions on Noss include a visitor centre, the Pony Pund built to breed Shetland Ponies, the Holm of Noss rock and the Noup cliff. The sandstone cliffs of Noss have wethered into a series of horizontal ledges making ideal breeding grounds for gannets, puffins, guillemots, shags, kittiwakes, razorbills, fulmars and great skuas. Otters are frequently seen around the island.
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