Foula

Northern Isles

Foula | Paul Turner

Ask an Islander

Foula, the island on the edge of the world, and the most westerly of the Shetland archipelago is strikingly beautiful with the largest sea stacks in the UK – after uninhabited St Kilda – and some of the best wildlife experiences in the North Isles.

Islander Leona Gear shared her favourite aspects of island life, beginning with the best places to walk on the island. “I don’t think there is a bad place to go for a walk, Foula is beautiful and there is always something interesting to see but when you stand at the top of Da Sneug you do feel like you have reached the top of the world.”

Leona explains that one of the greatest things about Foula is experiencing the simmer dim [midsummer]. At this time of the year, darkness never really falls, and Gaada Stack is a fantastic place to see in da simmer dim.

Traditionally, Foula is a very musical isle, and this musical heritage continues today as Leona tells us. “A fairly new, but so far annual event, that has been happening is Foula Fest in July. It’s a small music festival with talented musicians from around Shetland staying in Foula for a weekend of music, walks and food. There are also music sessions throughout the year, usually at the weekends.”

Collect the stamp

The passport stamp for Foula depicts the iconic Gaada Stack. Download the free Scottish Islands Passport app to start collecting!

Getting Here

A passenger ferry to Foula from Walls (and occasionally Scalloway) on Mainland Shetland is operated by BK Marine. Extra Saturday sailings in summer. Booking required.

Flights from Tingwall on Shetland Mainland are operated by Airtask for Shetland Islands Council.

Find out more about getting to Mainland Shetland.

Explore More

Want to find out more about Foula 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.

Get Your Passport

You can find lots more information about things to see and do on the island, see some amazing island photography and collect your island stamp by downloading our app.

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Download the app

App in phone

Download the Scottish Island Passport app to collect your island stamps! The app also provides lots more information on each island including recommendations from locals about things to see and do, info on how to get around, more stunning photos and useful offline maps.

  • Unlock Stamps - Collect them all! Stamp your passport when you visit each island - with an individual stamp designed to represent a unique aspect of island heritage.
  • Experiences - Discover the best experiences each island has to offer – from local boat trips to exciting traditional festivals, there is something for everyone.
  • Maps - Navigate the islands with useful offline maps, handy for areas where internet connectivity is weak.
  • Travel Jounals - Create an in-location travel journal with pictures from your island adventures, to look back on your trip.
  • Favourites - keep track of your most loved islands with the favourites feature. Available to access from your account on both the app and web.
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