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MM6ONL/p Activation of Noss National Nature Reserve (GMFF-054) in August 2012

 


In August 2012, another rare Shetland location made its debut on the bands when Noss National Nature Reserve (GMFF-054) was activated by Peter Destoop, operating as MM6ONL/p (home call ON2WAB). This isolated island, lying just off Bressay, is famous for its dramatic cliffs, seabird colonies, and wild natural beauty. For radio, it provided both challenges and unforgettable rewards.

Getting to Noss

Reaching Noss is not as straightforward as driving to a trailhead. The only way across is by small boat, and the weather dictates the schedule. On this occasion, it took three separate attempts in a Zodiac before a safe crossing could be made. When the team finally reached the island, they were warmly welcomed by Kat, an enthusiastic reserve warden.



The Climb to Noss Head

With clear skies, 20°C temperatures, and no wind, the decision was made to operate from the top of Noss Head, the island’s summit, which is also valid for SOTA. The climb took about an hour and a half, keeping close to the shore to avoid the dive-bombing attacks of protective skuas. The effort was well rewarded: from the summit, the team enjoyed a spectacular 360° view of Shetland’s rugged seascapes.

Setting Up the Station

The trig point at the top of Noss Head provided the perfect anchor for the fibreglass mast. With help from Alec (MØPUD) and XYL, the station was quickly on the air:

  • Transceiver: Icom IC-703

  • Power: small battery

  • Output: 10 watts

Conditions on 40m were poor, but once a QSY to 20m was made and the station was spotted on the cluster, the pile-up was immediate. Demand for the new reference was so strong that Peter had to work by numbers to get through the chasers quickly while conserving battery power.



Midges and Mayhem

Operating on a calm summer’s day in Shetland has its drawbacks — namely, midges. The swarm was so intense that Peter had to be covered with a mosquito net while logging contacts. Despite the distractions, many QSOs were made before time forced the descent. With another hour and a half needed to walk back down and a deadline for the final Zodiac crossing, the first activation had to be cut short.

True to his word, Peter returned the following day to activate the reserve again, this time from a lower location rather than the summit. Both sessions gave hunters around the world the chance to log this rare GMFF reference.



Reflections on Noss

Noss is not the easiest place to reach, but the rewards are immense. Dramatic seabird cliffs, unspoiled nature, and panoramic views combine to make it one of Shetland’s treasures. For operators, the challenge of activating such a remote reserve only adds to the sense of achievement.

The first activation of Noss National Nature Reserve (GMFF-054) proved not only successful on the bands but also a memorable adventure on an island that feels as wild and remote as anywhere in Britain.

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