Fair Isle, the island
Fair Isle is an extraordinary and magical place, the perfect location to relax and get away from it all. It is a truly far-flung island, just 1 1/2 miles wide and 3 miles long, lying 80 miles north of the Scottish mainland and 25 miles south of Shetland, at a place where the Atlantic meets the North Sea. Being remote means that the community of 50 residents is close-knit and you are sure to receive a kind-hearted welcome.
Crofting forms the main way of life on the island. Here, sheep are kept for their wool and some for meat. The main breed of sheep reared on Fair Isle is the Shetland which produces the finest wool of all the native UK sheep breeds but you can see other varieties too, such as Texel and Suffolk. If you visit in the summer, you may be lucky enough for your stay to coincide with the community getting together to gather in the sheep and cut their wool. If arriving in spring, you might witness lambing time (a glimpse of new-born lambs is always a heart-warming sight).
travelling to Fair Isle
There is a flight connection from Tingwall (on the Shetland mainland) to Fair Isle, operated by Airtask with a 7-seater plane. Like all flights, it can be disrupted by weather. However, as it is much smaller than a standard plane, there is a slightly greater likelihood of disruption. Another option is the island ferry, which runs once a week in the winter and three times a week in the summer, from Fair Isle to Grutness (southern Shetland mainland).
All travel is weather-dependent and often disrupted, regardless of the time of year. This is an important consideration to keep in mind when planning a trip to Fair Isle.
exploring Fair Isle
The island is rich in natural beauty, suffused with colour and light to inspire you. Fair Isle is best explored on foot (do bring stout walking boots and we recommend wet weather gear for the intrepid!); the landscape is both dramatic and wonderful. Marie’s warm, comfortable croft house is situated on the southern end of the island with stunning views of the sea. You are free to wander the land and the coast – we have maps for your use and, of course, binoculars for those keen to observe the many rare bird species that visit.
Walks can be arranged with resident ecologists and ornithologists on the island for those who are interested. If the sea is calm and the weather is mild, it might be possible to arrange local trips out in a small boat to see the many caves in the rocky coastline and maybe see some seals too!
welcome to wilderness
Whether you find yourself blessed with clear skies, shrouded in mist or weathering a storm, we urge you to come and experience the allure of this wild place. You will find a unique way of life at one with the natural world.
The island website holds more detailed information about Fair Isle: https://www.fairisle.org.uk/
