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Borse Skerry

Island in Shetland

Scotland

Borse Skerry

Fogla Skerry and Lyra Stack, Papa Stour, from Huxter, Sandness
Fogla Skerry and Lyra Stack, Papa Stour, from Huxter, Sandness Credit: Mike Pennington

Borse Skerry is a small uninhabited island located in the Shetland archipelago, which is situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. The island is positioned approximately 8 miles northeast of Papa Stour and 13 miles west of the mainland of Shetland.

Borse Skerry covers an area of around 10 hectares and is predominantly made up of sheer cliffs rising up to 30 meters in height. The island is composed of basalt rock, which was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. These cliffs provide important nesting sites for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills.

The island is surrounded by treacherous waters and strong currents, making it challenging to access. It is often shrouded in mist and fog, adding to its rugged and mysterious appeal. Despite its inhospitable nature, Borse Skerry is a popular spot for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts who visit the area to observe the diverse bird species that inhabit the island.

Additionally, Borse Skerry is part of the Shetland Nature Reserves, a network of protected areas managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The RSPB has implemented conservation measures to safeguard the island's fragile ecosystem and ensure the preservation of its unique wildlife.

In summary, Borse Skerry is a remote and uninhabited island in the Shetland archipelago, known for its dramatic cliffs and abundant birdlife. It offers a captivating and untouched natural environment that attracts visitors seeking a glimpse of Scotland's wild and untamed beauty.

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Borse Skerry Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.347013/-1.7193416 or Grid Reference HU1562. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fogla Skerry and Lyra Stack, Papa Stour, from Huxter, Sandness
Fogla Skerry and Lyra Stack, Papa Stour, from Huxter, Sandness
Aesha Head One of the many fine stretches of coast on Papa Stours, Aesha Head is the furthest west point of the main island, though there are various smaller islands and skerries beyond.
Aesha Head
One of the many fine stretches of coast on Papa Stours, Aesha Head is the furthest west point of the main island, though there are various smaller islands and skerries beyond.
Natural Arch, Aesha Head This is a closer view of the fine arch in Aesha Head, with a glimpse of Lyra Skerry beyond.
Natural Arch, Aesha Head
This is a closer view of the fine arch in Aesha Head, with a glimpse of Lyra Skerry beyond.
Storm Beach These boulders, thrown up by the waves to form a storm beach 30 metres above the sea, demonstrate the power of the seas which pound the exposed north side of Papa Stour
Storm Beach
These boulders, thrown up by the waves to form a storm beach 30 metres above the sea, demonstrate the power of the seas which pound the exposed north side of Papa Stour
The Loch that Ebbs and Flows The interior of Papa Stour is mainly moorland, though there are several lochans in the central part. This one's curious name reflects its closeness to the sea, from which it is cut off only by an ayre or shingle spit.
The Loch that Ebbs and Flows
The interior of Papa Stour is mainly moorland, though there are several lochans in the central part. This one's curious name reflects its closeness to the sea, from which it is cut off only by an ayre or shingle spit.
Lang Geo One of the many inlets typical of the north coast of Papa Stour.
Lang Geo
One of the many inlets typical of the north coast of Papa Stour.
Remains of Observation Post The concrete and iron are the only remains of a World War Two observation post that used to stand here. As can be seen from the image, in good visibility this location provides an excellent view of the surrounding area.
Remains of Observation Post
The concrete and iron are the only remains of a World War Two observation post that used to stand here. As can be seen from the image, in good visibility this location provides an excellent view of the surrounding area.
Natural Arch by Sholma Wick The map marks this as a Natural Arch - one of many arches, subterranean passages or caves to be found on the island.
Natural Arch by Sholma Wick
The map marks this as a Natural Arch - one of many arches, subterranean passages or caves to be found on the island.
Plastic beach The beach had a depressingly large amount of plastic waste which had been washed up onto it. This largely comprised plastic bottles , footwear, floats/buoys etc. Most identifyable items originated in the UK, but a large subset were from Spain, Norway and Iceland. This latter set probably represents the boats fishing in these waters and the manufacturers supplying those boats.
Plastic beach
The beach had a depressingly large amount of plastic waste which had been washed up onto it. This largely comprised plastic bottles , footwear, floats/buoys etc. Most identifyable items originated in the UK, but a large subset were from Spain, Norway and Iceland. This latter set probably represents the boats fishing in these waters and the manufacturers supplying those boats.
Plastic Beach A further selection of the plastic contamination in this area.
Plastic Beach
A further selection of the plastic contamination in this area.
Snolda Sea Stack
Snolda Sea Stack
Lyra Stack Lyra Stack lies just to the south of Lyra Skerry which is the land in the right half of this image.
Lyra Stack
Lyra Stack lies just to the south of Lyra Skerry which is the land in the right half of this image.
Summit shelter The well constructed circular stone wall surrounds the triangulation pillar at the highest point on Papa Stour. The wall provides excellent shelter from the inevitable Atlantic winds.
Summit shelter
The well constructed circular stone wall surrounds the triangulation pillar at the highest point on Papa Stour. The wall provides excellent shelter from the inevitable Atlantic winds.
Ruined mill complete with stream This side of the island has many disused mills, all situated on the outflows of the few sizeable lochans found here. This mill, unique amongst those that I observed, still has some water running through it - all others appear to have had the channels blocked off at some point. It should be noted that most of the usable arable land is/was on the other side of the island. The mills have been located on this northwest side of the island presumably to be close to the supplies of water.
Ruined mill complete with stream
This side of the island has many disused mills, all situated on the outflows of the few sizeable lochans found here. This mill, unique amongst those that I observed, still has some water running through it - all others appear to have had the channels blocked off at some point. It should be noted that most of the usable arable land is/was on the other side of the island. The mills have been located on this northwest side of the island presumably to be close to the supplies of water.
Clifftop at Akers Geo The image shows typical clifftops in the area: gradual erosion of edge and very shortly cropped grass indicative of overgrazing by sheep.
Clifftop at Akers Geo
The image shows typical clifftops in the area: gradual erosion of edge and very shortly cropped grass indicative of overgrazing by sheep.
Cliffs on the northeastern side of Akers Geo
Cliffs on the northeastern side of Akers Geo
Natural Arch at Cribbie Another example of one of the many natural arches found around the coastline of Papa Stour.
Natural Arch at Cribbie
Another example of one of the many natural arches found around the coastline of Papa Stour.
Cliffs beneath Virda Field Just to the right of the image is Virda Field, the highest point on Papa Stour.
Cliffs beneath Virda Field
Just to the right of the image is Virda Field, the highest point on Papa Stour.
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Borse Skerry is located at Grid Ref: HU1562 (Lat: 60.347013, Lng: -1.7193416)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///finalists.shampoos.touched. Near Walls, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

Shaaberg's Cribbie Redbeard Geo of Bordie Ollie's Boat The Kiln

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