Scarf Skerry

Island in Shetland

Scotland

Scarf Skerry

Burn flowing into Wick of Aith, Fetlar
Burn flowing into Wick of Aith, Fetlar Credit: Tom Pennington

Scarf Skerry is a small, uninhabited island located off the coast of Shetland, Scotland. It lies approximately 2 miles southwest of the larger island of Foula, and it is part of the Foula archipelago. With an area of about 30 acres, Scarf Skerry is a rugged and picturesque landmass, characterized by its dramatic cliffs, rocky shores, and diverse wildlife.

The island gets its name from the Old Norse word "sker," which means a rock or a reef. This is fitting, as Scarf Skerry is predominantly composed of ancient volcanic rock formations, with its highest point reaching about 100 feet above sea level. The coastline is dotted with sea stacks, natural arches, and caves, which are home to various seabird species such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills.

Visitors to Scarf Skerry can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean and nearby islands. The strong currents and challenging terrain make it a popular spot for experienced sea kayakers and adventure seekers. However, the island is not accessible to the general public due to its status as a designated bird sanctuary, protecting the nesting sites of seabirds.

The waters around Scarf Skerry are also known for their abundant marine life, including seals and whales, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers. The island's remote location and untouched beauty contribute to its appeal for nature lovers and those seeking solace in the wild, untamed landscapes of Shetland.

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Scarf Skerry Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.590776/-0.86541483 or Grid Reference HU6290. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Burn flowing into Wick of Aith, Fetlar
Burn flowing into Wick of Aith, Fetlar
Aith Ness The cliffs below Gillis Field and the Head of Lambhoga are visible in the distance.
Aith Ness
The cliffs below Gillis Field and the Head of Lambhoga are visible in the distance.
Big Holm and the cliffs below Gillis Field On the east side of the Lambhoga peninsula, from the Wick of Tresta.
Big Holm and the cliffs below Gillis Field
On the east side of the Lambhoga peninsula, from the Wick of Tresta.
Aith Ness from Wick of Tresta
Aith Ness from Wick of Tresta
Beadlet Anemone (Actinia equina), Wick of Aith
Beadlet Anemone (Actinia equina), Wick of Aith
Flat Periwinkle (Littorina obtusata), Wick of Aith
Flat Periwinkle (Littorina obtusata), Wick of Aith
Outer Dale, Lambhoga, Fetlar
Outer Dale, Lambhoga, Fetlar
North of Hoganeap, Lambhoga, Fetlar
North of Hoganeap, Lambhoga, Fetlar
Three Geos, Hoganeap, Fetlar Although this area seems to be named Three Stacks on the OS 1:10000 map, I am informed by Andrew Leaper of Fetlar that the area in the photo is named Three Geos and that Three Stacks is further north along the coast.
Three Geos, Hoganeap, Fetlar
Although this area seems to be named Three Stacks on the OS 1:10000 map, I am informed by Andrew Leaper of Fetlar that the area in the photo is named Three Geos and that Three Stacks is further north along the coast.
South Geo of Heoganeap, Fetlar
South Geo of Heoganeap, Fetlar
Looking north from path up to Lamb Hoga There is a very good track from the car park beside Fetlar Kirk up onto Lamb Hoga with views to Out Skerries, Bressay and across the whole of Fetlar.  I had assumed that Lamb Hoga would be pronounced as written but oh no, it's pronounced as a single word "Lahmuga" with the stress on the first sylable "Lahm".
Looking north from path up to Lamb Hoga
There is a very good track from the car park beside Fetlar Kirk up onto Lamb Hoga with views to Out Skerries, Bressay and across the whole of Fetlar. I had assumed that Lamb Hoga would be pronounced as written but oh no, it's pronounced as a single word "Lahmuga" with the stress on the first sylable "Lahm".
Camping booth at Aithbank
Camping booth at Aithbank
Fields on Aith Ness
Fields on Aith Ness
The Peat Road The bogs of Lamb Hoga provided Fetlar with high quality fuel. Every year, islanders would move to the peninsula to cast and dry peats. The fuel was then taken off via this road or by boat across to Aith for the eastern side of the island.
 The beach at Tresta is in the background along with Vord Hill.
The Peat Road
The bogs of Lamb Hoga provided Fetlar with high quality fuel. Every year, islanders would move to the peninsula to cast and dry peats. The fuel was then taken off via this road or by boat across to Aith for the eastern side of the island. The beach at Tresta is in the background along with Vord Hill.
Peat Road, Lamb Hoga The route which was used to carry winter fuel off the bogs of Lamb Hoga up to the 1950s.
Peat Road, Lamb Hoga
The route which was used to carry winter fuel off the bogs of Lamb Hoga up to the 1950s.
Bog, Lamb Hoga The west side of Gillis Field which was the source of Fetlar's peat. The moorland is now home to many bonxies and they were pretty mean today.
Bog, Lamb Hoga
The west side of Gillis Field which was the source of Fetlar's peat. The moorland is now home to many bonxies and they were pretty mean today.
The Dale A shallow reentrant on the boggy Lamb Hoga plateau. There is a view over the Wick of Tresta towards Aithbank where peats cut here were once landed.
The Dale
A shallow reentrant on the boggy Lamb Hoga plateau. There is a view over the Wick of Tresta towards Aithbank where peats cut here were once landed.
Fields, Aith Ness A fertile peninsula on the south side of Fetlar.
Fields, Aith Ness
A fertile peninsula on the south side of Fetlar.
Show me another place!

Scarf Skerry is located at Grid Ref: HU6290 (Lat: 60.590776, Lng: -0.86541483)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///regulates.bathtubs.shears. Near Houbie, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.590776,-0.86541483
Fetlar General Merchants
Opening Hours: May 01-Sep 15 10:00-16:30; Sep 16-Apr 30 11:00-15:00
Shop: convenience
Lat/Long: 60.5948453/-0.8650198
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 60.5941132/-0.8607535
Wick of Tresta
Natural: bay
Source: OS OpenData StreetView
Lat/Long: 60.5888288/-0.8681898
Wick of Houbie
Natural: bay
Source: OS OpenData StreetView
Lat/Long: 60.5904094/-0.8624392
Post Office
Fetlar Post Office
Addr City: Shetland
Addr Postcode: ZE2 9DJ
Brand: Post Office
Brand Wikidata: Q1783168
Opening Hours: Tu,We,Fr,Sa 11:00-13:00
Ref Pol Id: 1604
Website: https://www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder/1108492/fetlar
Lat/Long: 60.5947604/-0.8649419
Post Box
Operator: Royal Mail
Ref: ZE2 67
Lat/Long: 60.5947746/-0.8647282
Charging Station
Operator: elektrobay
Lat/Long: 60.5939576/-0.8593967
Doctors
Fetlar Clinic
Healthcare: doctor
Lat/Long: 60.5942662/-0.8617108
Defibrillator
Emergency: defibrillator
Lat/Long: 60.5942759/-0.8617567
Cafe
Opening Hours: May 01-Sep 15 10:00-16:30; Sep 16-Apr 30 11:00-15:00
Lat/Long: 60.5947344/-0.8649128
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.5944083/-0.8617124
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.5942252/-0.8615863
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.5939737/-0.8606609
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.5934996/-0.8581987
Houbie
Place: hamlet
Lat/Long: 60.5949342/-0.8653855
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.5936256/-0.8594704
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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