Bus Stop, Unst, Scotland

The meaning of the name 'Unst' is unknown, but it appears to be of pre-Norse origin, like a number of other islands in the Shetland archipelago (e.g. Yell and Fetlar). It is therefore presumably a name given by the pre-Scandinavian inhabitants, and perhaps originated among people speaking a dialect of the Pictish language. In Old Norse the island was called "Ornyst". This is possibly Old Norse for "eagle's nest".
Unst is currently in the middle of a project to excavate and display the island's Norse heritage. The Viking Unst scheme is funded until 2010, and has already begun excavation on three longhouses - 30 are known of on the island. The project also runs living history events during the summer. The replica Viking ship Skibladner can currently be seen ashore at Haroldswick.