West Burra

Island in Shetland

Scotland

West Burra

West Burra is one of the smaller islands within the Shetland archipelago, located off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is situated in the southern part of the Shetland Islands, just west of the larger island of Trondra. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, making it easily accessible to visitors.

Covering an area of approximately 7 square kilometers, West Burra is predominantly rural and boasts a picturesque and tranquil setting. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills, rugged cliffs, and beautiful sandy beaches. The island is also dotted with numerous freshwater lochs, adding to its scenic charm.

Despite its small size, West Burra is home to a close-knit community, with a population of around 800 people. The main settlement is Hamnavoe, located on the eastern side of the island, which features a small harbor where fishing boats and pleasure craft can be found.

West Burra is known for its rich history, with archaeological sites such as Iron Age brochs and Viking remains found throughout the island. The island also has a strong connection to the fishing industry, and visitors can explore the Burra History Group Museum to learn more about the island's maritime heritage.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy on West Burra, with opportunities for walking, birdwatching, and photography. The island is home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, fulmars, and kittiwakes, making it a popular spot for ornithologists and nature lovers.

In summary, West Burra offers visitors a tranquil and scenic retreat, with a rich history and abundant natural beauty waiting to be explored.

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West Burra Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.070514/-1.3442903 or Grid Reference HU3631. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

West Burra: overlooking Bridge End

A fine view past the war memorial and down South Voe, the marina nestling below.

Chris Downer

East Burra: the Baptist church

Looking across the dip between the two Burras towards this small church on East Burra.

Chris Downer

East Burra: Houss from West Burra

Looking across South Voe towards the scattered dwellings of Houss with the mighty slopes of Shetland's south mainland on the far side of Clift Sound beyond.

Chris Downer

Houss: view from Papil

Looking across the water separating West Burra (our side) from East Burra, on which we see a few of the buildings, one of them ruined, in the hamlet of Houss. Immediately to the south (right) of these is the narrow strip of land connecting Houss Ness to the 'main' part of East Burra. The Clift Hills, on the mainland, are the backdrop, shrouded in cloud.

Chris Downer

Houss: a house with a dramatic backdrop

Looking across to a Houss house, as it were, from West Burra. I haven't been able to exactly locate the house on the map but it's somewhere hereabouts. In the background, a couple of vessels, below the cliffs of the Clift Hills, are catching a very rare bit of sun today - the rarity of the fine weather hinted at by the low mist towards the top of the hills.

Chris Downer

Boats at The Taing

The boats seen here are moored at a yard on the east coast of the Voe of North House, on the small peninsula called The Taing on East Burra. East Burra is a very narrow island (as is West Burra) that is linked to Mainland Shetland via bridges to Trondra and West Burra. The bridge between West and East Burra is a simple stone arch bridge in Bridge End.

Rob Farrow

The Taing and Voe of North House

The Taing is a small promontory of East Burra island into Clift Sound, with the Voe of North House on the right. The little stream entering the Voe at this point is a drain from the small Loch of Houss a few hundred yards to the north. A closer view of the end of the Taing can be seen here HU3831 : Boats at The Taing and of the cottages on the left of the image, here HU3831 : Cottages on The Taing

Rob Farrow

Cottages on The Taing

A cluster of current and former dwellings at the northern end of The Taing, a small promontory of East Burra island. The Clift Hills of Mainland Shetland rise up behind them as a quite dramatic backdrop.

Rob Farrow

West Burra: war memorial

The war memorial at Bridge End stands at a fantastic viewpoint as we look beyond it down South Voe, separating East Burra (left) from West Burra.

Chris Downer

West Burra: postbox № ZE2 14, Bridge End

This small postbox serves the southern villages of West Burra, as well as East Burra, and is emptied each weekday and Saturday morning at half past seven.

Chris Downer

West Burra: the marina

Looking down on the marina, which is at the head of South Voe which separates the island of West Burra from East Burra (background).

Chris Downer

East Burra: view down South Voe

Looking down South Voe, the long inlet separating the islands of East Burra and West Burra.

Chris Downer

West Burra: Toogs from across Lang Sound

Looking across Lang Sound from the island of East Burra, towards the hamlet of Toogs on West Burra.

Chris Downer

East Burra: across Voe of North House

Looking across this small bay, towards a house with coastal outlooks both front and back - Clift Sound is beyond, with the Clift Hills on the Shetland mainland rising into the mist.

Chris Downer