Fair Isle

Scotland > Orkney and Shetland > Shetland > Fair Isle

Fair Isle at 3 miles long by 2 miles wide, ten years ago had a population of just 60 and is one of the most isolated islands in Britain. It is situated halfway between Orkney and Shetland. Fair Isle is known tradionally for its knitwear, fiddles, crafts, model boats and straw-backed seats.

The island has 1898 acres and the highest point is 712 feet. The islands cliffs house many breeding colonies of sea birds.

The island has an airstrip and a ferry service connects Fair Isle with Sumburgh on Mainland Shetland.

There is a bird haven on the island that was built in 1969, there is also a museum for George Waterston who publicised that the island had so many different birds, he also started the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust and in 1954. He handed ownership to the National Trust For Scotland.

Two wind turbines supply the island with power and provide 170 kw of power.