Lying halfway between the Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands, Fair Isle is renowned for its knitted Fair Isle sweaters, which provides an income for many of the women that live here. Although it is a very small island, being only three miles long and one and a half miles wide, it shows evidence of having been inhabited since prehistoric times. The fact that there are very few raw materials on the island makes this a very amazing. While there are no pubs or restaurants, accommodations are available at the Fair Isle Observatory Lodge, a boarding house in Upper Leogh or a rental cottage at Koolin.
Fair Isle is famous for its shipwrecks with at least 100 known wrecks lying off the coast. One of the ships of the Spanish Armada, the El Gran Grifón was wrecked here in 1588 and 300 sailors were rescued by the islanders. There are traces and outlines of stone houses that date back thousands of years as wells as curious burnt mounds for visitors to ponder as they stroll about the island. At Lamberg, there is a promontory fort and at Kirkigeo you will find the remains of an early Christian settlement, both of which date back to the Iron Age.
There are only about 70 people living on Fair Isle and crofting is the basis of the economy. This is a great place to come to see how people make their living off the land. Watch as they shear the sheep and milk the cows. You might even be able to try your hand at some of the farm chores if you ask. This island is the favourite destination of birdwatchers because of the wide variety of species of birds that nest here. There is a bird observatory on the island and some of the rare birds you get a chance to see include Siberian passerines.
You can travel to Fair Isle aboard the Good Shepherd IV, which carries 12 passengers. The ferry ride takes about 2.5 hours but gives you a breathtaking view along the way. This means you cannot take your vehicle to Fair Isle, so you will have to walk. Stroll through the little crofting settlements and get to meet the people. You will find the best welcome in the world and will make lifetime friends.
Photographs © Graeme G Storey ShetlandTourism.Com
