Bick Skerry

Island in Shetland

Scotland

Bick Skerry

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 Credit: Mike Pennington

Bick Skerry is a small, uninhabited island located in the Shetland archipelago, off the northeastern coast of Scotland. With an area of approximately 12 acres, it is one of the smaller islands in the group. Bick Skerry is situated about 1.5 miles northwest of the larger island of Whalsay and is surrounded by the North Sea.

The island is characterized by its rocky coastline, which is exposed to the elements, making it a haven for various seabird species. Visitors to Bick Skerry can observe colonies of puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes, among others. The island's cliffs provide nesting sites for these birds during the breeding season.

Access to Bick Skerry is challenging due to the lack of regular transportation services. However, it is possible to visit the island by private boat or by arranging a trip with local tour operators. The rugged and untouched nature of Bick Skerry appeals to nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, who are drawn to its remote and wild beauty.

While there are no permanent human residents on the island, Bick Skerry has historical significance. It is believed to have been inhabited in the past, with evidence of a small settlement dating back to the Iron Age. The remains of stone structures and tools have been discovered, providing insights into the island's early inhabitants.

Overall, Bick Skerry is a captivating destination for those seeking a glimpse of Scotland's natural beauty and a chance to witness thriving bird populations in their natural habitat.

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Bick Skerry Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.568136/-1.0022834 or Grid Reference HU5487. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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.

Mike Pennington

Moorhouse, North Aywick

Mike Pennington

Tin house at South Aywick

Once quite widespread in Shetland, very few of these houses remain.

Mike Pennington

Wreck near Rana

The low-lying island of Hascosay is seen across South Sound.

Alan Bowring

Ruin at Whitehill

An unroofed house standing alone in the landscape - a common sight in Shetland.

Alan Bowring

Whitehill Lighthouse

This low light stands about 70ft above the sea and looks north to Hascosay and east to Fetlar.

Alan Bowring

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.

Alan Bowring

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.

Alan Bowring

Salt Wick and Vatsetter

This north-east facing bay is backed by a beach of shingle and cobbles.

Alan Bowring

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.

Andy Waddington