Skate of Marrister

Island in Shetland

Scotland

Skate of Marrister

The Whalsay ferry, MV Linga, leaving Symbister pier Bound for Laxo on Shetland Mainland.
The Whalsay ferry, MV Linga, leaving Symbister pier Credit: David Purchase

Skate of Marrister is a mesmerizing coastal area located on the Shetland Islands, situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. This hidden gem offers visitors an enchanting experience with its rugged natural beauty and rich marine life.

Nestled between the villages of Scalloway and Burra, Skate of Marrister is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, pristine sandy beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to an abundance of seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. Visitors can observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat, diving and soaring through the skies.

For those seeking adventure, Skate of Marrister is a popular spot for water sports, including surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The strong currents and waves that crash against the cliffs provide the perfect conditions for adrenaline-pumping experiences. Additionally, the area is a paradise for anglers, offering excellent fishing opportunities both from the shore and by boat.

In addition to its natural wonders, Skate of Marrister boasts a rich history. The nearby ruins of Scalloway Castle, a 17th-century tower house, stand as a reminder of Shetland's past. Visitors can explore the castle and learn about its connection to the notorious Shetland Bus operation during World War II.

Overall, Skate of Marrister is a captivating destination that captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and intriguing history. Whether you are a nature lover, adventure enthusiast, or history buff, this idyllic corner of the Shetland Islands has something for everyone.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Skate of Marrister Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.355951/-1.0228174 or Grid Reference HU5463. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Whalsay ferry, MV Linga, leaving Symbister pier Bound for Laxo on Shetland Mainland.
The Whalsay ferry, MV Linga, leaving Symbister pier
Bound for Laxo on Shetland Mainland.
Houb and Suther Ness, Whalsay Suther Ness, with its beacon, is connected to the mainland of Whalsay. But you can't walk there direct from here, you have to approach from the left. Houb (on the left) would, I imagine, make a fine natural harbour were it not for the fact that the channel ahead which prevents a direct approach to Suther Ness is too shallow for all but the smallest craft (such as the little one seen here).
Houb and Suther Ness, Whalsay
Suther Ness, with its beacon, is connected to the mainland of Whalsay. But you can't walk there direct from here, you have to approach from the left. Houb (on the left) would, I imagine, make a fine natural harbour were it not for the fact that the channel ahead which prevents a direct approach to Suther Ness is too shallow for all but the smallest craft (such as the little one seen here).
The road to Brough, Whalsay
The road to Brough, Whalsay
Approaching Symbister, Whalsay A rare stretch of road on Whalsay which does not need passing places!
Approaching Symbister, Whalsay
A rare stretch of road on Whalsay which does not need passing places!
A field at Marrister, Whalsay Daisies in profusion.
A field at Marrister, Whalsay
Daisies in profusion.
North Voe, Symbister, Whalsay Is there a South Voe? Not on the map, but I could well imagine that the harbour where the ferry from Mainland comes in has this name.
North Voe, Symbister, Whalsay
Is there a South Voe? Not on the map, but I could well imagine that the harbour where the ferry from Mainland comes in has this name.
Whalsay Leisure Centre
Whalsay Leisure Centre
View at Symbister The eastern part of Symbister. Sodom, according to the map.
View at Symbister
The eastern part of Symbister. Sodom, according to the map.
Pier House Museum, Symbister Whalsay's most photographed building. The museum details Shetland's connections with the Hanseatic League, from a time when trade links with Europe didn't generate so much hot air. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pier_House_Museum" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pier_House_Museum">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Pier House Museum, Symbister
Whalsay's most photographed building. The museum details Shetland's connections with the Hanseatic League, from a time when trade links with Europe didn't generate so much hot air. LinkExternal link
Fishing Boats, Symbister
Fishing Boats, Symbister
Symbister House A mansion built in 1823 for the owners of Whalsay, the Bruce family. According to this article <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbister_House" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbister_House">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> they were an obnoxious bunch.
The house is now used by Whalsay secondary school.
Symbister House
A mansion built in 1823 for the owners of Whalsay, the Bruce family. According to this article LinkExternal link they were an obnoxious bunch. The house is now used by Whalsay secondary school.
Small Boat Harbour, Symbister In a corner of the main harbour is an inner haven for small craft.
Small Boat Harbour, Symbister
In a corner of the main harbour is an inner haven for small craft.
The Next Hut Along I am standing beside the historic and much photographed Pier House Museum looking towards a similar location just a short distance away which also features a building on a small stone pier. The scene is somewhat less picturesque.
The Next Hut Along
I am standing beside the historic and much photographed Pier House Museum looking towards a similar location just a short distance away which also features a building on a small stone pier. The scene is somewhat less picturesque.
Pier House Museum, Symbister, Whalsay, Shetland The Pier House was formerly a trading post for the Hanseatic League
Pier House Museum, Symbister, Whalsay, Shetland
The Pier House was formerly a trading post for the Hanseatic League
Symbister Pier House Museum Formerly a Hanseatic League trading post
Symbister Pier House Museum
Formerly a Hanseatic League trading post
Symbister Harbour, Whalsay
Symbister Harbour, Whalsay
Symbister Harbour, Whalsay, during the "Simmer Dim" Taken after 11pm on 20th June during the "Simmer Dim".  It becomes slightly darker between about midnight and 2am.
Symbister Harbour, Whalsay, during the "Simmer Dim"
Taken after 11pm on 20th June during the "Simmer Dim". It becomes slightly darker between about midnight and 2am.
LK394 Zephyr in Symbister Harbour
LK394 Zephyr in Symbister Harbour
Show me another place!

Skate of Marrister is located at Grid Ref: HU5463 (Lat: 60.355951, Lng: -1.0228174)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///apes.yell.headboard. Near Symbister, Shetland Islands

Related Wikis

Skate of Marrister

The Skate of Marrister is a flat ledge that extends about 300 yards (270 m) from the western shore of Whalsay, in the Shetland islands of Scotland. It...

Marrister

Marrister is a settlement on the west coast of Whalsay in the parish of Nesting in the Shetland islands of Scotland. It looks across Linga Sound to the...

North Park, Whalsay

North Park is a hamlet in southwestern Whalsay in the parish of Nesting in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. It lies to the north of Saltness and Symbister...

Setter Hill, Whalsay

Setter Hill is a hill in western Whalsay, Shetland Islands, Scotland. It lies to the southeast of the village of Marrister and northeast of the main village...

Hamister

Hamister is a village in southwestern Whalsay in the parish of Nesting in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. It lies to the north of Symbister, just to...

Linga Sound, Shetland

Linga Sound is the strait between the islands of Whalsay and West Linga in the Shetland islands of Scotland. The sound has a depth of 11 to 12 fathoms...

Scarfmoor Burn

Scarfmoor Burn is a burn (stream) in western Whalsay, Shetland Islands, Scotland. The source of the stream is on the southeastern side of Setter Hill....

Saltness

Saltness is a hamlet in southwestern Whalsay in the parish of Nesting in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. It lies in the northern part of Symbister, just...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.355951,-1.0228174
Marrister
Is In: Shetland
Place: hamlet
Source: OS OpenData StreetView
Lat/Long: 60.3575681/-1.015245
Seamark Light Character: Fl
Seamark Light Colour: green
Seamark Light Height: 4
Seamark Light Period: 6
Seamark Light Range: 4
Seamark Light Reference: A 3803.8
Seamark Light Sequence: 0.3+(5.7)
Seamark Type: light_minor
Source: US NGA Pub. 114. 2011-05-26.
Lat/Long: 60.3559333/-1.0231
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 60.3546668/-1.0190199
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 60.3564856/-1.016471
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3532786/-1.0155666
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3538585/-1.0151817
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3545123/-1.0147487
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.354992/-1.014417
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3555292/-1.014065
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3559914/-1.0137409
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3546926/-1.0188405
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3542167/-1.0182708
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3540852/-1.0171035
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3539863/-1.0162249
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3578962/-1.0153766
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3579075/-1.0157641
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Skate of Marrister?

Leave your review of Skate of Marrister below (or comments, questions and feedback).