Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Out Skerries
Lying four miles out to sea, off the northeast tip of Whalsay, the
Out Skerries
consist of
three low-lying rocky islands, Housay, Bruray and Grunay, the first two linked by a
bridge (population 70). hat people live here at all is remarkable, and that it's one of
Shetland's most dynamic communities is astonishing, its a
uence based on fishing and
on salmon farming in a nearby inlet. here are a few prehistoric remains, but the
majority of visitors are divers exploring the wreck-strewn coastline, and ornithologists
hoping to glimpse rare migrants.
he Skerries' jetty and airstrip are both on the middle island of
Bruray
,
which
boasts the Skerries' highest point, Bruray Wart (173ft), an easy climb, and home to
the islands' ingenious spiral-channel collection system for rainwater, which can
become scarce in summer. he easternmost island,
Grunay
, is now uninhabited,
though the abandoned lighthouse-keepers' cottages on the island's chief hill remain;
despite appearances, the Stevenson-designed lighthouse itself sits on the outlying
islet of Bound Skerry. he largest of the Skerries,
Housay
, has the most indented
and intriguing coastline, to which you should head if the weather's fine.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
OUT SKERRIES
By plane
There are regular flights from Tingwall (Mon,
Wed & Thurs), with day-trips possible on Thursdays.
By ferry
Ferries to and from Skerries leave from Vidlin
on the Mainland (Mon & Fri-Sun; 1hr 30min) and
Lerwick (Tues & Thurs; 2hr 30min), but day-trips are only
possible from Vidlin (Fri-Sun). Make sure you book your
journey by 5pm the previous evening (
T
01806 515226),
or the ferry might not run. You can take your car over,
but, with less than a mile of road to drive along, it's not
worth it.
16
ACCOMMODATION
Camping is allowed, with permission. There is a shop, and a shower/toilet block by the pier.
Rocklea
T
01806 515228,
W
rockleaok.co.uk.
The only
B&B on the islands is a modern crofthouse on Bruray run by
the v
ery w
elcoming Johnsons, who offer optional full
board.
£64
The North Isles
Many visitors never make it out to Shetland's trio of remote
North Isles
, which is a
shame, as the ferry links are frequent and inexpensive, and the roads fast. Much of
the scenery is the familiar Shetland landscape of undulating peat moorland,
dramatic coastal cliffs and silent glacial voes. However, the spirit of independence
and self-su
ciency in the North Isles is much more keenly felt.
Yell
is best known
for its vast otter population, but is otherwise often overlooked.
Fetlar
, the smallest,
is home to the rare red-necked phalarope, while
Unst
has the widest appeal, as the
most northerly land mass in the British Isles, and for its nesting sea-bird population.
Yell
If you keep to the fast main road, which cuts across the island of
Yell
, you'll pass a lot of
fairly uninspiring peat moorland. Get onto the minor roads, though, and you'll begin to
appreciate the island and have more chance of spotting one of Yell's numerous
otters
.
Burravoe
At
BURRAVOE
,
in the southeastern corner of Yell, a whitewashed laird's house dating
from 1672 houses the
Old Haa Museum
April-Sept Tues-hurs & Sat 10am-4pm, Sun
2-5pm; free;
T
01957 702431). Stuffed with artefacts, the museum has lots of material
on the history of the local herring and whaling industry and there's a pleasant
