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The archipelago of SHETLAND has been named as one of the top 10
destinations in Europe and is the only UK place to feature - at number
six - in the 2019 Lonely Planet list for international travellers this
summer ~ Lonely Planet Highlights of Shetland
Out Skerries is a group of small islands 9 miles east of Vidlin on
mainland Shetland. Out Skerries are considered by many to be a miniature
version of the Shetland Archipelago. The islands are particularly
scenic with a rugged coastline of cliffs, arches, blow holes, stacks,
voes and beaches which offer plenty of hiking and walking opportunities.
Out
Skerries is an ornithological paradise with year round interest
especially the Spring & Autumn migrations ~ all kinds of sea birds,
otters, seals and whales can be seen from the hills and the shore.
Nature in Shetland record latest bird sightings throughout Shetland along with links to other bird, entomology and sea mammal organisations.
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The principal economic activities on the islands are crofting,
fishing and tourism. The largest islands are Bruray (East Isle), Housay
(West Isle) and Grunay which is currently uninhabited.
The Ferry
Terminal, Air Strip, Play Park and School are on Bruray while Housay is
home to the Post Office, Public Hall, Kirk and Schoolhouse all of which
are within walking distance.
The population of approximately 35 people live on the islands of Bruray and
Housay which are connected by a bridge and each of the isles has a shop.
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George's Shop Bruray 515226
Monday 09:00~11:30 Tuesday 09:00~11:30 & 14:00~15:30
Wednesday 09:00~11:30 + an hour after Ferry returns
Thursday & Friday 09:00~11:30 & 14:00~15:30
Saturday 09:00~11:30 & 14:00~15:30 Sunday 14:00~15:00
Janice's Shop & Post Office Housay 515297
Monday & Tuesday PO & Shop 09:30~12:30
Wednesday 10:00~12:30 + an hour after Ferry
Thursday Shop 10:00~12:30
Friday PO & Shop 09:30~12:30 Saturday Shop 10:00~12:30
Post Box emptied
Monday 13:30 Wednesday 07:00 Friday 15:00
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Filla Skerries Bound
Passengers & Vehicles must be booked in advance
Bookings ~ Email Ferry Bookings ~ Tel 01595 745805
Travel updates ~ 01595 743975 ~ Voicebank
Out Skerries Marina & Pier
Out Skerries Weather
NB There is no Off Licence on Out Skerries
If you are using the Skerries ferry Friday to Monday
Vidlin Stores offer a good selection of beers, wines & spirits
Telephone 0044(0)1806 577285
Bound Skerry from Filla
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Year established
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1854
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Engineers
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David & Thomas Stevenson
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Position
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Latitude 60° 25.469'N Longitude 000° 43.683'W
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Character
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Flashing White every 20 secs
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Elevation
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44 metres
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Nominal Range
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20 nautical miles
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Structure
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White tower, 30 metres high
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The first light was a temporary structure built on the
island of Grunay in 1854 at the request of Her Majesty's Navy when their
Northern Squadron was engaged in the Russian War. The light was first
established on 15 September 1854. The permanent building was completed
on the island of Bound Skerry in 1858. The tower is 98 feet high and the
candlepower 159,000.
During World War II the Lighthouse Buildings at the Shore
Station were machine-gunned on 22 February 1941, fortunately on this
occasion no one was injured. On Sunday 18 January 1942 at 11:45 a single
enemy bomber approached the island from a westerly direction at low
level and passed directly over the Lighthouse dwelling houses. One or
two bombs were dropped, missed the buildings and fell into the sea. The
raider made a wide circle to the east, returning over the Lighthouse
Buildings and dropped another bomb which registered a direct hit on the
Boatman's house.
The house was completely demolished and the sole occupant at
the time, the Boatman's mother, was buried beneath the debris,
sustaining injuries from which she died at Lerwick on 20 January 1942.
Other damage on this raid was as follows ~ Boatman's wash house and coal
cellar demolished, dwelling houses of Lightkeepers and out-buildings
etc completely destroyed or otherwise badly damaged. The flagpole was
damaged and the framework of the base was also badly shaken.
The station was made automatic and demanned in 1972, the automation light becoming effective from 7 April 1972. Northern Lighthouse Board
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