Arvra Skerry

Island in Shetland

Scotland

Arvra Skerry

The Kame of Foula Britain's highest cliff (unless, like some, you think that the 'ledge' halfway down disqualifies it). It is, of course, impossible to take a meaningful photograph wholly within the square. In fact, it is probably impossible to stand up on two feet within the square!
The Kame of Foula Credit: Mike Pennington

Arvra Skerry is a small uninhabited island located in the Shetland archipelago, off the northern coast of Scotland. It is situated approximately 1.5 miles northeast of the larger island of Papa Stour and covers an area of around 13 acres.

This rocky island is known for its rugged terrain and steep cliffs, which provide a nesting habitat for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. The surrounding waters are also rich in marine life, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts.

Arvra Skerry is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its importance as a breeding ground for seabirds and its geological features. The island is composed mainly of Old Red Sandstone, a type of sedimentary rock formed during the Devonian period.

Access to Arvra Skerry is challenging due to its remote location and rocky shoreline. However, it is possible to view the island from boat tours or by taking a chartered boat to reach the nearby cliffs. Visitors are advised to observe from a distance to avoid disturbing the nesting birds and to respect the fragile ecosystem.

The Shetland Islands, including Arvra Skerry, are steeped in rich history and folklore, with archaeological remains dating back thousands of years. The islands are also known for their stunning natural beauty, with dramatic coastlines, pristine beaches, and a unique blend of Scottish and Norse cultural heritage.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Arvra Skerry Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.157948/-2.0857319 or Grid Reference HT9541. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Kame of Foula Britain's highest cliff (unless, like some, you think that the 'ledge' halfway down disqualifies it). It is, of course, impossible to take a meaningful photograph wholly within the square. In fact, it is probably impossible to stand up on two feet within the square!
The Kame of Foula
Britain's highest cliff (unless, like some, you think that the 'ledge' halfway down disqualifies it). It is, of course, impossible to take a meaningful photograph wholly within the square. In fact, it is probably impossible to stand up on two feet within the square!
View from Da Kame to Da Sneug, Foula The highest hill on Foula and the second highest in Shetland. Taken from near da Kame. On the left are the Lochs o' da Fleck and the Loch o' Ouvrafandel is in the distance.
View from Da Kame to Da Sneug, Foula
The highest hill on Foula and the second highest in Shetland. Taken from near da Kame. On the left are the Lochs o' da Fleck and the Loch o' Ouvrafandel is in the distance.
Gaada Stack The stack has two separate arches.  This is the eastern arch.
Gaada Stack
The stack has two separate arches. This is the eastern arch.
Da Nort Bank On this slope the skuas attacked and the sheep tried to chase me over the cliff. It was the nesting season but both skuas and sheep meant business.
Da Nort Bank
On this slope the skuas attacked and the sheep tried to chase me over the cliff. It was the nesting season but both skuas and sheep meant business.
The cliffs of Foula The highest point, the Kame, is in the mist.
The cliffs of Foula
The highest point, the Kame, is in the mist.
The croft of Harrier 1964 The skuas did not attack if you were on the island road, but it was always useful to carry a long bonxie stick, and wave it in the air above your head when they sized you up.
The croft of Harrier 1964
The skuas did not attack if you were on the island road, but it was always useful to carry a long bonxie stick, and wave it in the air above your head when they sized you up.
Hiorawick and Strem Ness A storm prevented our leaving by boat or plane but created massive breakers in Hiorawick Bay
Hiorawick and Strem Ness
A storm prevented our leaving by boat or plane but created massive breakers in Hiorawick Bay
South Harrier Rough and improved grazings at South Harrier.  The hill at extreme left is The Kame, the second highest seacliffs in UK.
South Harrier
Rough and improved grazings at South Harrier. The hill at extreme left is The Kame, the second highest seacliffs in UK.
Da Baas o Stremness Waves were reaching tops of cliffs on this stormy day
Da Baas o Stremness
Waves were reaching tops of cliffs on this stormy day
Gaada Stack from Hamnafield, Foula The house on the left is North Harrier and further back towards the coast is Ristie.
Gaada Stack from Hamnafield, Foula
The house on the left is North Harrier and further back towards the coast is Ristie.
Aerial view, Stremness, Harrier
Aerial view, Stremness, Harrier
Gaada Stack, Foula Gaada Stack's three pillars tower over the rugged north coast of the island of Foula, with its stacks, steep-sided geos, and a storm beach called Da Stanes.
Gaada Stack, Foula
Gaada Stack's three pillars tower over the rugged north coast of the island of Foula, with its stacks, steep-sided geos, and a storm beach called Da Stanes.
Hiorawick Coastal View Foula (population: 30) is one of Britain's most remote inhabited islands and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits.  Foula's natural heritage is exceptionally rich and diverse for such a small area. The name means 'Bird Island' in Old Norse and Foula is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, a National Scenic Area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its plants, birds and geology.
Hiorawick Coastal View
Foula (population: 30) is one of Britain's most remote inhabited islands and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits. Foula's natural heritage is exceptionally rich and diverse for such a small area. The name means 'Bird Island' in Old Norse and Foula is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, a National Scenic Area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its plants, birds and geology.
Da Kame A super scenic spot today with Tricky Speirs.
Name: Da Kame
Hill number: 103797
Height: 376m / 1234ft
Area: 22: Shetland Islands
Class: 3
Grid ref: HT940400 (est)
Drop: 60m
Col: 316m  HT944397
Da Kame
A super scenic spot today with Tricky Speirs. Name: Da Kame Hill number: 103797 Height: 376m / 1234ft Area: 22: Shetland Islands Class: 3 Grid ref: HT940400 (est) Drop: 60m Col: 316m HT944397
Fulmars Attack This is one of a number of Fulmars that decided to attack Tricky Speirs and me as we descended beside Blobers Burn.
Fulmars Attack
This is one of a number of Fulmars that decided to attack Tricky Speirs and me as we descended beside Blobers Burn.
Skiordar Memorial And Seat A modest ridge in the N of the island of Foula in Shetland, Skiordar rises to around 75m (246 feet) 1¼ miles (2 km) north northwest of Ham. Extending out from the steep slopes characteristic of the west of the island, it is crossed by the road which runs to the north of the island. There is a memorial at its summit.
A great view today towards Gaada Stack.
Skiordar Memorial And Seat
A modest ridge in the N of the island of Foula in Shetland, Skiordar rises to around 75m (246 feet) 1¼ miles (2 km) north northwest of Ham. Extending out from the steep slopes characteristic of the west of the island, it is crossed by the road which runs to the north of the island. There is a memorial at its summit. A great view today towards Gaada Stack.
Ristie and the Foula stacks from the side of Soberlie Gaada Stack and da Sheepie are the prominent stacks.  Ristie is the isolated croft house.
Ristie and the Foula stacks from the side of Soberlie
Gaada Stack and da Sheepie are the prominent stacks. Ristie is the isolated croft house.
Below Da Nort Bank Beneath the steep straight coastline of Da Nort Bank.  No GPS in 1964 so this is my best estimate.
Below Da Nort Bank
Beneath the steep straight coastline of Da Nort Bank. No GPS in 1964 so this is my best estimate.
Show me another place!

Arvra Skerry is located at Grid Ref: HT9541 (Lat: 60.157948, Lng: -2.0857319)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///cheetahs.living.wordplay. Near Walls, Shetland Islands

Related Wikis

Foula

Foula (), located in the Shetland archipelago of Scotland, is one of the United Kingdom's most remote permanently inhabited islands. Owned since the turn...

Foula Airfield

Foula Airfield (IATA: FOA) is an airfield located on the remote island of Foula, part of the Shetland Islands in the north of Scotland. == History == The...

RMS Oceanic (1899)

RMS Oceanic was a transatlantic ocean liner built for the White Star Line. She sailed on her maiden voyage on 6 September 1899 and was the largest ship...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.157948,-2.0857319
East Hævdi
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 60.1557849/-2.089237
Gaada Stack
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 60.1581505/-2.0771498
Arvra Skerry
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 60.1581394/-2.0856684
Logat
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 60.1559125/-2.0818763
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Arvra Skerry?

Leave your review of Arvra Skerry below (or comments, questions and feedback).