Ask an Islander
Fair Isle, sitting halfway between Shetland and Orkney is a birders paradise, a walkers dream and a knitters heaven! Rachel from Barkland Croft was keen to tell us why she loves her island home, and share a few of the island’s hidden gems.
“Walk to the top of Vaasetter for spectacular views over to Sheep Rock and, depending on the time of year, there is a seal colony that comes out to rest on the shore around its base. Climb up Ward Hill, the highest point on the isle, and wander among the remains of the old radar station and trig point. Explore the southwest coastline and find Gunglesund, the isle’s natural ‘swimming pool’!”
If you find yourself twiddling your thumbs on a rainy day, never fear, there’s plenty to do, as Rachel explains. “Visit the George Waterston Memorial Centre and Museum – we have a treasure trove of displays and artefacts, ranging from agriculture to the lighthouse board, shipwrecks to fishing and, of course, Fair Isle knitwear.”
September is Rachel’s favourite month on the island, and she tells us why. “I have always loved September partly that sense of ‘new school year’ and the beginning of a new cycle, but also colourful fungi start to pop up everywhere! That said, I really enjoy the time of year we’re currently at – just a week or so before lambing starts so there’s the excitement of that building!”
Collect your travelogue stamp!
If you have one of our paper travelogues you can collect your stamp using the brass rubbing plate located at Fair Isle Community Hall.
Why not download the Scottish Islands Passport app to collect digital stamps!
Getting Here
Shetland Islands Council runs a regular ferry service between Grutness on Mainland Shetland to Fair Isle, and a fortnightly service between Lerwick on Mainland Shetland and Fair Isle during the summer.
Airtask operates regular flights between Tingwall on Mainland Shetland and Fair Isle.
More information: getting to Mainland Shetland
Explore More
Want to find out more about Fair Isle and explore more of our amazing islands?
Download the free Scottish Islands Passport app to:
- discover your perfect island match,
- find out about the experiences each island has to offer,
- collect passport stamps for the islands you visit,
- find information on accommodation, travel and island amenities.
