Boinna Skerry

Island in Shetland

Scotland

Boinna Skerry

Hurdibrack The last stretch of the footpath back from the west side of the island. In the middle distance is the wall which crosses the entire island, separating the arable land in the east from the pasture to the west. — Hurdibrack Credit: Anne Burgess

Boinna Skerry is a small island located in the Shetland archipelago, situated in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the many uninhabited islands in the region, known for its rugged beauty and diverse wildlife.

Measuring approximately 0.15 square kilometers in area, Boinna Skerry is characterized by its rocky cliffs and scattered vegetation. The island is primarily composed of ancient volcanic rocks, which give it a distinctive appearance. The coastline is dotted with caves and sea stacks, adding to its scenic appeal.

Boinna Skerry is a haven for seabirds, with large colonies of puffins, guillemots, and razorbills nesting on its cliffs. These birds can be observed during the breeding season, which typically runs from April to August. The island is also home to various other species, including seals and otters, which can often be spotted along the shore.

Access to Boinna Skerry is limited due to its remote location and lack of facilities. It is only reachable by boat, and visitors are advised to exercise caution, as the waters surrounding the island can be treacherous. Despite its limited accessibility, Boinna Skerry attracts nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers who are drawn to its untouched landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Overall, Boinna Skerry is a picturesque and ecologically significant island in the Shetland archipelago. Its dramatic cliffs, diverse birdlife, and rugged charm make it an appealing destination for those seeking a truly remote and natural experience.

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Boinna Skerry Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.332827/-1.6650423 or Grid Reference HU1861. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Hurdibrack

The last stretch of the footpath back from the west side of the island. In the middle distance is the wall which crosses the entire island, separating the arable land in the east from the pasture to the west.

Anne Burgess

The Wall

This is the wall which cuts across the whole island. The west side (left) has a steep face to prevent animals climbing over it. The east (right) side has a sloping face so that any animals which have managed to cross it can easily be driven back on to the pasture land.

Anne Burgess

Robie's Noust

This is a very dull shot of a square which would certainly have yielded a more interesting image if we had had time to explore it before the ferry left.

Anne Burgess

The Dales

As with the next-door square, HU1861 would certainly have yielded a more interesting shot if we had not had to rush to catch the ferry!

Anne Burgess

Papa Stour Pier and Ferry

The ferry runs regularly but infrequently, so that day trips to the island are only possible on Fridays or Saturdays.

Anne Burgess

Ruined House

Doug Lee

Ruined house

The number of ruined buildings on the island seem to far outnumber those still habitable or used.

Doug Lee

Road and ruins

This is the main road for the island. Even this close to the pier the ruins of abandoned crofts can be found just off the road.

Doug Lee

View towards Papa Stour Airstrip

The cleared and smoothed ground in the upper right of the image is the airstrip for Papa Stour which is located in HU1759.

Doug Lee

Rocky coastline

Doug Lee

View from North Ness

The view here is from North Ness towards the highest point on the island. The ground shown in the foreground is typical of this rather barren area.

Doug Lee

The "New" Pier

The image here is taken from the old pier looking towards the new pier. The line of rusting fenceposts serves no useful purpose. The rocks along the shoreline are very popular with young seals - although they proved to be somewhat camera-shy.

Doug Lee

A puzzling wall

The purpose of this isolated section of wall is far from clear: you might think that perhaps it was in place to stop sheep wandering down onto the rocks beyond, but it would seem to be easy enough for them to walk around the wall.

Doug Lee

Ruined homestead

Doug Lee

Oystercatcher nest with eggs

This nest was located in the pebbles at the high-point of the beach. The eggs are camouflaged to be hard to see amongst the pebbles - although thankfully these were just noticeable enough to escape being trodden on. The oystercatchers seem to be surviving relatively well on the island, whilst the previously abundant tern population has been largely destroyed by the skuas.

Doug Lee

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.

Doug Lee