VisitShetland

Out Skerries

Out Skerries - Nearest to Norway

On the map, Out Skerries looks almost too small to be inhabited, yet more than 70 people live on these two square miles (4km2) of rock and pasture. In Old Norse the name means 'the eastern islets' and indeed the Bound Skerry Lighthouse is only 164 nautical miles (320km) from the nearest light in Norway.

The first sight of Out Skerries is spectacular, either from the ferry entering the narrow harbour entrance with its imposing stacks or flying in to the tiny airstrip over scattered islands dominated by the lighthouse.

The dramatic scenery, historical interest, outstanding wildlife and, not least, the warm welcome of the Skerries folk make a visit to this mini-archipelago unforgettable.

Skerries Lighthouse

Thanks to two excellent natural harbours, Skerries folk make most of their living from the sea, although the small area of cultivated land and grazing land is intensively used. Fishing and fish farming are the mainstays, along with some traditional knitting and, perhaps surprisingly, a document-scanning company using the latest computer technology!

This is a lively community where visitors are always welcome. There's a thriving school and a new community hall where the famous Skerries dances are held - notably at the annual Lerwick to Skerries Yacht Race in August.

The two inhabited islands, Bruray and Housay, are joined by a bridge but the road is less than a mile (1.6km) long so much the best way to see Skerries and meet the islanders is to explore on foot.

From the top of Bruray and Housay or there's a superb view over the rugged east coast of Shetland, all the way from Noss to Unst. Around the Skerries shoreline you'll find plenty of interest, from rocky coves where famous wrecks occurred (such as the 17th century Dutch East Indiaman De Liefde) to driftwood beaches and the abundant wildlife. In summertime Skerries has nesting flocks of Eiders, gulls, terns and other seabirds and waders. Seals are common and the sea around the islands is one of the best places in Shetland to see Harbour Porpoises and Minke Whales.

During the spring and autumn migrations Skerries can rival Fair Islefor sightings of rare birds, mainly because this is the first landfall after flocks leave Norway. Some of the local folk take a keen interest in ornithology and record their sightings, so there's often a second 'migration' of 'twitchers' from Mainland Shetland when something exciting blows in. For more information about tours visit Shetland Nature Cruises.

There's bed & breakfast and self-catering accommodation on the island.

Getting There

Compared with some other small islands in Europe, Skerries is well-connected to the outside world.

A big, new car ferry runs daily from Vidlin (or Laxo if the weather is bad from the north) and twice a week from Lerwick.

Direct Flight operates scheduled charter flights from Tingwall Airport, seven miles outside Lerwick.

For more information, see our interpretive leaflet on Out Skerries.

Advertising Feature

2008 Wildlife Holidays In Shetland

Shetland offers the best wildlife-watching in Scotland - FACT.

Over a million breeding seabirds, the highest density of Otters in Europe, regular sightings of Killer Whales and superb displays of rare sub-arctic flora. Our award-winning holidays offer everything from fully guided wildlife weeks and long weekends, dedicated birdwatching holidays plus photographic, walking and insight holidays.

Visit our extensive website www.shetlandwildlife.co.uk or call Shetland Wildlife on 01950 422483 for a choice of over 30 holidays!

Feature

Swan Trips 2008

Enjoy a trip on the Swan this summer and experience the world of a resilient vessel restored to glory. Join a crew who love the sea, and be part of a learning experience!

Find out more

Sunday Times article

Feature

Focus on Wildlife - Spring 2008

Fair Isle is famous in spring for its huge seabird colonies and rare migrants. Shetland birder Hugh Harrop is your expert guide on the ‘Mecca’ of British birding…

Read more

Feature

White Nights

'White Nights', Ann Cleeves' sequel to her award-winning 'Raven Black', has now been published.  Don't miss a reading and signing from Ann in the Lerwick tourist office, Market Cross at 11.30am on Saturday 17th May.

Feature

21st Century Shetland Travelogue

'Between Weathers', the new Shetland Travelogue will be launched in Lerwick on 6th June 2008... 

 

 

Read more

News

Shetland's First Ever Festival of Nature

Organisers of Shetland’s first ever Festival of Nature, to be piloted from 4th to 12th July 2008, are calling on local businesses...

Read full Press Release (pdf)

More information

View all news stories