Black Skerry

Island in Shetland

Scotland

Black Skerry

Mavis Grind This is the narrowest land in the British Isles. The inlet on the right is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean; and on the left is Sullom Voe, which is an inlet of the North Sea. — Mavis Grind Credit: Anne Burgess

Black Skerry is a small, uninhabited island located off the coast of Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. Situated in the North Sea, this remote island is known for its rugged beauty and rich wildlife.

Covered in peat and heather, Black Skerry is approximately 50 acres in size and rises to a height of around 40 meters above sea level. The island is mainly composed of sandstone and has a distinctive black appearance, hence its name.

Black Skerry is renowned for its diverse bird population, attracting ornithologists and nature enthusiasts from around the world. The island serves as an important breeding ground for various seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. These birds nest among the cliffs and grassy slopes, creating a vibrant and noisy spectacle during the breeding season.

In addition to its avian residents, Black Skerry is also home to a variety of other wildlife. Seals can often be spotted lounging on the rocky shores, while otters can be seen frolicking in the surrounding waters. The waters around the island are teeming with marine life, making it a popular spot for divers and snorkelers.

Due to its remote location and lack of facilities, Black Skerry is not accessible to the general public. However, boat trips and guided tours are available to those who wish to visit and explore its natural wonders. The island offers a unique opportunity to experience the untamed beauty of Shetland's coastline and observe the fascinating wildlife that call this rugged island home.

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Black Skerry Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.405964/-1.4228661 or Grid Reference HU3169. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mavis Grind

This is the narrowest land in the British Isles. The inlet on the right is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean; and on the left is Sullom Voe, which is an inlet of the North Sea.

Anne Burgess

Virdins Quarry

A large roadmetal quarry, with many veins of red granite cutting the surrounding grey diorite.

Anne Burgess

Holm of Culsetter

The holm is the tiny island in this voe. In the foreground is a 'roche moutonnée', on which can be seen grooves carved by pebbles under the ice sheet during the last ice age. These grooves, called striae, show the direction of movement of the ice.

Anne Burgess

Egilsay

From the head of Mangaster Voe.

Mike Pennington

Lochs and a lumpy landscape, near Islesburgh

This area is fascinating for the series of small lochs (lochans) some forming a circle. Many are connected one to the next by small burns. The landscape itself is largely devoid of human settlement, and even of sheep. Yet in its barren-ness, it is very beautiful.

Ruth Sharville

Head of Mangaster Voe from Isleburgh

Ken Craig

Pier at the head of Mangaster Voe

Mike Pennington

Virdins Summit Cairn

Bagged with Tricky Speirs for our 21st TuMP of the day. Name: Virdins Hill number: 104001 Height: 68m / 223ft Area:22: Shetland Islands Class: 0 Grid ref: HU338687 (est) Drop: 44m Col: 24m

Rude Health

Ness of Culsetter

Third TuMP of a short circuit with Tricky Speirs. Name: Ness of Culsetter Hill number: 103921 Height: 96m / 315ft Area:22: Shetland Islands Class: 0 Grid ref: HU329677 (est) Drop: 68m Col: 28m

Rude Health