From the Norse word meaning "Whale Island", Whalsay is a fairly heavily populated island for its small size. The 1000 or so people that live here make their living from the land or the sea. A ferry connects this island with the mainland through Vidlin and Laxo from the main settlement of Symbister.
This island off the east coast of Shetland is the "bonnie isle" that inspired much of Hugh MacDiarmid's poetry. The bountiful birds, seals and beautiful blooming flowers make walking around this island a true delight. The highest hill on the island is Ward of Clett and from here you have a breathtaking view of the east coast of Shetland.
Play golf at the most northerly golf course in Scotland and relax at the leisure centre in Symbister and dine at the family operated pub and restaurant in Livister. Stroll along the beaches and catch a glimpse of the minke and orca whales that give the island its name. You will also see porpoises and dolphins as they skip through the waves.
The harbour at Symbister is a marvel with its boats of all sizes. With small dinghies, privately owned fishing boats and ocean–going trawlers, the harbour is an odd mix and a spectacular sight. Whalsay has some of the biggest trawlers in Europe, all locally owned. Visit the museum to see how the ships from Germany came here every summer to trade goods for fish. The building itself was once a warehouse and dates back to the early 18
th century. The Auld Haa was once the home of the laird where the soil in the garden came from Spain as ballast in the holds of the ships.
There are many reminders of the Stone and Bronze Ages, since people have lived here for thousands of years. Burial cairns on the hilltops, two large Neolithic houses known as Yoxie and Benie Hoose and the remains of many brochs suggest that at one time there were many people on this island.
You are perfectly welcome to walk across any fields on Whalsay. The people only ask one thing of visitors and that is to follow the countryside code of closing all the gates you open when you go through and don't disturb the wildlife or livestock.
There are accommodations available on Whalsay, but if you plan to spend the night it is best to make reservations in advance.
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