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The Poil

Island in Shetland

Scotland

The Poil

East Yell: postbox № ZE2 59 A small postbox alongside a bus shelter at the junction, a short distance from the post office. The box is emptied at half past nine on weekday and Saturday mornigs.
East Yell: postbox № ZE2 59 Credit: Chris Downer

The Poil is a small, picturesque island located in the Shetland archipelago, which is a part of Scotland. It lies about 3 miles northeast of the larger island of Yell and is surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean. The island covers an area of approximately 1 square mile and has a population of around 10 people.

The landscape of The Poil is characterized by rugged cliffs, rocky shores, and rolling hills. It is mostly uninhabited, with a few scattered houses and farmsteads. The island is known for its diverse wildlife, including seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes, as well as seals and otters that can often be spotted along the coastline.

Access to The Poil is limited, as there are no regular ferry services. However, private boats can be chartered from nearby islands or mainland Shetland to reach the island. The lack of amenities and infrastructure on the island adds to its charm, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and seclusion.

The Poil offers stunning natural beauty, with breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and neighboring islands. Visitors can enjoy walking along the rugged coastlines, exploring the rocky coves, or simply taking in the peacefulness of the island. It is a haven for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and photographers, who can capture the unique landscapes and wildlife that call The Poil their home.

Overall, The Poil is a hidden gem in the Shetland archipelago, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and a chance to reconnect with nature in its purest form.

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The Poil Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.564146/-1.0066381 or Grid Reference HU5487. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

East Yell: postbox № ZE2 59 A small postbox alongside a bus shelter at the junction, a short distance from the post office. The box is emptied at half past nine on weekday and Saturday mornigs.
East Yell: postbox № ZE2 59
A small postbox alongside a bus shelter at the junction, a short distance from the post office. The box is emptied at half past nine on weekday and Saturday mornigs.
Hogalee Burn The burn rises on the hill of Hoga Lee and flows into the Loch of Vatsetter but, like several other Shetland burns, it has several names along the way.
Hogalee Burn
The burn rises on the hill of Hoga Lee and flows into the Loch of Vatsetter but, like several other Shetland burns, it has several names along the way.
Moorhouse, North Aywick
Moorhouse, North Aywick
Tin house at South Aywick Once quite widespread in Shetland, very few of these houses remain.
Tin house at South Aywick
Once quite widespread in Shetland, very few of these houses remain.
Valley of the Burn of Hogalee Looking towards Vatsetter.
Valley of the Burn of Hogalee
Looking towards Vatsetter.
Whitehill Lighthouse This low light stands about 70ft above the sea and looks north to Hascosay and east to Fetlar.
Whitehill Lighthouse
This low light stands about 70ft above the sea and looks north to Hascosay and east to Fetlar.
Loch of Birrier A dry summer had resulted in a relatively low water level in this shallow loch below the gentle slopes of the White Hill of Vatsetter (to east/right). It was populated by large numbers of birds.
Loch of Birrier
A dry summer had resulted in a relatively low water level in this shallow loch below the gentle slopes of the White Hill of Vatsetter (to east/right). It was populated by large numbers of birds.
Birrier from the bay This broad stack of psammitic rock is linked to mainland Yell by a narrow arch, over which sheep cross to graze its flat top.
Birrier from the bay
This broad stack of psammitic rock is linked to mainland Yell by a narrow arch, over which sheep cross to graze its flat top.
Sea Cave at Birrier The small island is joined to the mainland of Yell by a narrow strip of grass over this sea cave which is an obvious through-route for passing sea kayakers exploring this exciting stretch of coast.
Sea Cave at Birrier
The small island is joined to the mainland of Yell by a narrow strip of grass over this sea cave which is an obvious through-route for passing sea kayakers exploring this exciting stretch of coast.
Ness of Queyon In the foreground is the Skerry of the Hogs.
Ness of Queyon
In the foreground is the Skerry of the Hogs.
North Aywick from the sea
North Aywick from the sea
Whitehill Lighthouse, Vatsetter
Whitehill Lighthouse, Vatsetter
Gamla and Whitehill Lighthouse, Vatsetter
Gamla and Whitehill Lighthouse, Vatsetter
The turn for North Aywick North Aywick to the right, Mid Yell straight on.
The turn for North Aywick
North Aywick to the right, Mid Yell straight on.
Aywick Shop
Aywick Shop
Filling up the car at Aywick The pump is in the yard in front of the shop.
Filling up the car at Aywick
The pump is in the yard in front of the shop.
Towards the Loch of Vatsetter A view from the very scenic road between Aywick and Mid Yell.
Towards the Loch of Vatsetter
A view from the very scenic road between Aywick and Mid Yell.
Near Aywick A small area of pasture down by the road, with moorland beyond.
Near Aywick
A small area of pasture down by the road, with moorland beyond.
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The Poil is located at Grid Ref: HU5487 (Lat: 60.564146, Lng: -1.0066381)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///pronouns.demotion.this. Near Houbie, Shetland Islands

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Aplins Geo The Snuti Stoal Skerry Bight of Keen Stoal Geo Skerry of Eric's Ham

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