Black Skerry

Island in Shetland

Scotland

Black Skerry

Spiggie and Loch of Spiggie
Spiggie and Loch of Spiggie Credit: Mike Pennington

Black Skerry is a small island located in the Shetland archipelago, off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Situated in the North Sea, it is part of the United Kingdom. The island is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, with a total land area of approximately 1.5 hectares.

The name "Black Skerry" refers to the dark-colored rocks that dominate its landscape. The island is uninhabited and lacks any permanent structures or vegetation, making it a true natural wilderness. The surrounding waters are known for their strong currents and challenging sailing conditions, attracting experienced sailors and adventure seekers.

Black Skerry is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts due to its significance as a breeding ground for seabirds. Species such as Atlantic puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes can be spotted nesting on the cliffs and rocks around the island. The surrounding waters also support a diverse marine ecosystem, attracting seals, dolphins, and occasional sightings of whales.

Access to Black Skerry is limited, with no regular transportation services available. Visitors can reach the island by private boat or by joining organized boat tours departing from nearby Lerwick, the main town in the Shetland Islands. Due to its remote location and lack of amenities, visitors are advised to come well-prepared with appropriate clothing, food, and supplies.

Black Skerry offers a unique opportunity to experience the raw beauty of the Shetland Islands' natural environment. With its dramatic cliffs, abundant wildlife, and isolation from human activity, it is a haven for those seeking a true wilderness experience.

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Black Skerry Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.949729/-1.3634497 or Grid Reference HU3518. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Spiggie and Loch of Spiggie
Spiggie and Loch of Spiggie
Sand dunes at Sands of Scousburgh
Sand dunes at Sands of Scousburgh
Colsay from the air
Colsay from the air
Stack o' da Noup, Spiggie, from the air
Stack o' da Noup, Spiggie, from the air
Bay of Scousburgh at dusk
Bay of Scousburgh at dusk
Loch of Spiggie at dusk From Scousburgh looking towards Fitful Head.
Loch of Spiggie at dusk
From Scousburgh looking towards Fitful Head.
Looking across the Bay of Scousburgh to the Ness of Rerwick
Looking across the Bay of Scousburgh to the Ness of Rerwick
The north end of the Loch of Spiggie
The north end of the Loch of Spiggie
House at Spiggie, beside Loch of Spiggie
House at Spiggie, beside Loch of Spiggie
Sands of Rerwick A south-facing and sheltered sandy beach at the north end of the Bay of Scousburgh.
Sands of Rerwick
A south-facing and sheltered sandy beach at the north end of the Bay of Scousburgh.
Sheep at the Roadside The B9122 is a narrow, mostly single-track road with passing places. It provides a pleasant diversion from the A970 near Channerwick, travelling to the western (Atlantic) coast at Bigton and then Scousburgh before turning east again to rejoin the A970 at Boddam.
Sheep at the Roadside
The B9122 is a narrow, mostly single-track road with passing places. It provides a pleasant diversion from the A970 near Channerwick, travelling to the western (Atlantic) coast at Bigton and then Scousburgh before turning east again to rejoin the A970 at Boddam.
Rocky Shoreline, Bay of Scousburgh
Rocky Shoreline, Bay of Scousburgh
Sheep Farming on the Hill above Scousburgh Bay The sands of Scousburgh is a long, sandy beach a sheltered bay on the Atlantic coast of Shetland mainland.
Sheep Farming on the Hill above Scousburgh Bay
The sands of Scousburgh is a long, sandy beach a sheltered bay on the Atlantic coast of Shetland mainland.
The outflow from Loch of Spiggie Into Muckle Sound.
Colsay in the distance.
The outflow from Loch of Spiggie
Into Muckle Sound. Colsay in the distance.
Swan nesting on shore of Loch of Spiggie South Scousburgh across the loch. Spiggie Hotel on the right.
Swan nesting on shore of Loch of Spiggie
South Scousburgh across the loch. Spiggie Hotel on the right.
Bay of Scousburgh Beautiful on a hot sunny day!
Bay of Scousburgh
Beautiful on a hot sunny day!
Sands of Rerwick With seals and kayaks on the shore.
Sands of Rerwick
With seals and kayaks on the shore.
Roadside view across the Bay of Scousburgh near Seli Stack Scousburgh Beach and, beyond it, Fitful Head can clearly be seen here. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6293571">HU3718 : Looking across the Bay of Scousburgh on a cloudy day</a> for a photo taken the day before this one - in very different weather!
Roadside view across the Bay of Scousburgh near Seli Stack
Scousburgh Beach and, beyond it, Fitful Head can clearly be seen here. See HU3718 : Looking across the Bay of Scousburgh on a cloudy day for a photo taken the day before this one - in very different weather!
Show me another place!

Black Skerry is located at Grid Ref: HU3518 (Lat: 59.949729, Lng: -1.3634497)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///whisker.grumbling.aimed. Near Sandwick, Shetland Islands

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