Booth Skerry

Booth Skerry is a small uninhabited island located off the coast of Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. Situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, it lies about 190 miles northeast of mainland Scotland. The island is part of the Booth National Nature Reserve, managed by Scottish Natural Heritage.

Booth Skerry covers an area of about 24 hectares and is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain. The island is composed of ancient volcanic rock formations, with steep cliffs rising up to 50 meters above sea level. The coastline is jagged and indented, providing numerous nesting sites for seabirds.

The island is a crucial breeding ground for several bird species, most notably the globally significant colony of Arctic terns. These migratory birds travel thousands of miles from the Antarctic to breed on Booth Skerry during the summer months. Other seabirds that call the island home include puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes.

Booth Skerry is also notable for its rich marine life. The surrounding waters are teeming with diverse species, including seals, dolphins, and porpoises. The island's isolation and lack of human disturbance make it an important sanctuary for these marine mammals.

Due to its protected status, access to Booth Skerry is restricted, with no public landing facilities available. However, the island can still be observed and enjoyed from a distance, either from boats or from nearby viewpoints along the Shetland coastline.

In summary, Booth Skerry is a small and uninhabited island off the coast of Shetland, renowned for its rugged cliffs, important bird colonies, and thriving marine life.