Called the "Garden of Scotland", Fetlar is one of the Shetland Islands. Only about 100 people live on this fertile island and the main economy is farming. There are about 300 different species of plants that bloom here and the island is a birdwatcher's paradise. There are many ruins here that show this island was home to prehistoric people. A history buff could spend days exploring the many historic sites and then probably not get to see them all.
Some of the ruins on Fetlar include the Stone of the Ripples, the Fiddler's Crus stone circles, the Haltadans Ring of Stones and the Finnigert Dyke that literally divides the island in half. The Giant's Grave is believed to be the site of a Viking boat burial, where a Viking brooch dating back about 1000 years was uncovered.
In the 18
th century, the population of Fetlar was close to 800 people. Due to the Clearances, many of the crofters were turned off the land to make room for grazing land for the sheep. For a look at the history of the island, you have to visit the Fetlar Interpretative Centre where you will see many historic artefacts on display and images of early life.
A car ferry links the village of Oddsta with Belmont on Unst and Gutcher on Yell. There is also a small airstrip just north of Houbie, the main village on the island. In spite of its small population, tourism is alive and well on Fetlar. Stay at a self-catering cottage, a guesthouse or pitch a tent. The choice is yours with the array of accommodations you will find here. The area is the place to come for a vacation where you can enjoy peace and solitude as you stroll through magnificent scenery and take in the wonders of nature.
