Wick of Tresta and Lamb Hoga in Fetlar, Shetland

Shetland > Fetlar


Located to the east of Yell and described as the 'Garden of Shetland' (because it is so fertile and covered with wild flowers), Fetlar is 7 miles wide and has much to interest the visitor. Most of the islands Houbie in Fetlarresidents stay close to Houbie. Fetlar is also home to a small group of Anglican nuns, the Society of Our Lady of the Isles. The ferry, the Geira, from Gutcher in North Yell, takes 25 minutes and docks at Hamars Ness. It also continues on to Belmont in Unst.

Fetlar experienced a brush with fame during the 60s and 70s, when the island was a breeding site for Snowy Owls. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case, but the island teams with plenty of other birds including most of the UK's population of Red necked Phalarope. Otters are also abundant in Fetlar and can be easily seen close to the ferry terminal.

Otters are found in abundance in FetlarSites of interest include:

  1. Brough Lodge - a deteriorating but unique 19th century house, chapel and tower with turrets. Plans are afoot to renovate Broch lodge. The tower nearby was an astronomical observatory. The large lens from the telescope can be found in Fetlar Interpretive Centre.

  2. Fetlar Interpretive Centre - has a wealth of information about the island, it's history and Most of the UK's Red Necked Phalarope population can be found in Fetlareconomy. There are also exhibitions to be seen here, which change on a regular basis.

  3. RSPB reserve - access to the RSPB reserve is limited between May and September, though most of the birds can be seen from the roadside in Fetlar. Within the RSPB reserve is the Funzie Girt, an ancient dyke which divided the island in two.

     

Map of Fetlar
Map of Fetlar
Getting to Fetlar
Travel from Aberdeen or Kirkwall to Lerwick with NorthLink Ferries. On arrival at 7.00am in the morning, as soon as you leave the boat, you will be in Lerwick. Turn right when leaving Holmsgarth terminal and take the A970. At Hillside join the A968 and follow the road as far as it will go - up to Toft. From Toft you can catch the ferry to Yell. Once on Yell, drive on the A968 all the way through the island until you reach Gutcher. From there you can catch a ferry to Feltar.
Top tips
• Social life in Fetlar is interesting and varied - we recommend the Home Produce Show in August and the Sheep Dog Trials in July which both end with dances in the evening.
• There is no public transport on the island, and nowhere to buy fuel for your car, so fill up before you leave the mainland of Shetland.

 

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