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Fetlar

Shetland

Quick Guide
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One of the northerly islands, Fetlar holds a population of about 1,500 Puffins almost all of which breed in steep grassy banks and in cracks in the cliffs. They are found all around the higher parts of the island although there are few large concentrations.

Along the coast you might be lucky enough to see otters, while if you look out at the Loch of Funzie or spend time in the RSPB hide you should see the red-necked phalarope, a truly fascinating bird. The female is more colourful than the male, and performs most of the courtship rituals!

Fetlar's fertile soils and green landscape have led to its reputation as the Garden of Shetland. A persistent tradition says that Gruting in Fetlar was the site of the first Norse landing in the west. Wandering through the different parts of the island, visitors can trace the occupation of Fetlar from the Stone Age, through the Picts and the Norse, to the more recent past when townships of people were evicted by the laird to make room for sheep. The Clearances left vast uninhabited areas and ruined croft houses, once the homes of hundreds of people and even today a source of sadness. These areas, however, now provide a rich and varied landscape of ancient sites, exquisite flowers and habitats for ground nesting birds.

Particular beauty spots are Tresta Beach on the west side of the island, Urie and Gruting in the north, the Sands of Sand near Brough Lodge and Funzie (pronounced Finnie) in the east.

How to get there

Take the inter-island car ferry from Toft in the north mainland to the island of Yell. Travel north across Yell to the Gutcher ferry terminal and take the ferry to Fetlar. Prior booking is recommended as there are only 5 or 6 ferries per day to and from Fetlar. An RSPB warden is present on the island throughout the year and an interpretive centre is situated along the main road about 200 metres past the shop.


Location: Fetlar, Shetland

Grid Reference: HU655900 Ceremonial County: Shetland Isles

Map Link: Multimap

Aerial photo:

Getting there: From the ferry terminal at Hamarsness, drive six miles east. Park at the small car park to the west of the Loch of Funzie. Walk east c100m and follow signs to the hide, c300 m from the road.

Access: Car park for 5 cars to the west of Loch Funzie. Remote location
Website: RSPB

Other Useful Websites: Visit Shetland

www.shetland-heritage.co.uk/brochures/area_pages/fetlar/fetlar.htm

Email: fetlar@rspb.org.uk
Address:
Postcode: Telephone: 01957 733246
Opening Times: RSPB Hide Open April to October

Charges: Free

Nearby Locations:
Other Location Pages:
Other Relevant Pages:

Notes: There is no public transport on Fetlar and no diesel or petrol for sale.

 

 

 

 


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By: Keith Park Section: Wildlife Key:
Page Ref: Fetlar Topic: Coastal Cliffs  Last Updated: 03/2010

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