Yell is the second largest of the Northern Isles after Mainland Shetland and holds great appeal for geologists, botanists and birdwatchers, claiming to be the ‘Otter Capital’ of Britain. During the summer the coastline of Yell is also alive with breeding birds such as whimbrel and golden plover. The landscape inland is one of blanket peat bog dotted with crofting settlements. Yell has been inhabited since the Neolithic times, and a dozen broch sites have been identified from the pre-Norse period. Notable buildings on the island include the 17th century Old Haa of Brough in Burravoe, a merchant’s house now converted to a museum and visitor centre.