Saaversteen

Western Fair Isle

Seen from near the summit of Ward Hill.

Troila Geo, Burrashield

One of many Geos (steep inlets) on the west coast of Fair Isle.

The middle of the Fair Isle landing strip

Flight DFL002 for Tingwall had just departed, and the next flight wasn't due to arrive for about six hours. So it was deemed quite safe for me to cross the strip on my way to the track to Ward Hill. Amusingly, when that next flight arrived, the landing was aborted at the last minute, and the pilot went round for another attempt. The reason? There was a sheep on the strip! The trip reminded me of my visit to the Isles of Scilly, at the other end of the country, in 2013. Similar small and rather noisy planes, and a runway (in SV9110) on a convex slope so that the pilots couldn't see that far ahead.

Looking to Ward Hill, Fair Isle

From near the transmission station. The two diagonal lines are clearly the routes of the cables used to haul goods up to the former radar station on the summit. What a shame that they weren't used to bring down some of the debris left on the summit after closure! Although one can argue about "What is a hill?", I think there are five hills of any significance on Fair Isle. At 217m, Ward Hill is clearly the highest.

The trig point on Ward Hill

This makes the hill look a pleasant spot. But the summit area, off to the right of this photo and about 3m higher than the trig, is littered with the debris of a former military establishment.

An unaggressive Bonxie

I was rather surprised that this bonxie did not circle above my head and try to drive me away. Perhaps it was a rare bird with no nest to protect.

Burrashield Hill

Although one can argue about "What is a hill?", I think there are five hills of any significance on Fair Isle. At 150m, Burrashield Hill is clearly the second highest, after Ward Hill, in HZ2073.

Troila Geo, Fair Isle from the sea

Taken from the ferry between Shetland and Orkney.

North Naaversgill, Fair Isle, from the sea

There appears to have been a new cliff fall at North Naaversgill. Taken from several km to the west from the ferry between Shetland and Orkney.

Kirk Stack, Fair Isle, from the sea

Taken from the ferry to Aberdeen, a few km west.

Toor o' da Ward Hill, Fair Isle, from the sea

Taken from the ferry en route to Orkney, a couple of km to the west.

Fair Isle from the air

Taken from a plane en route between Sumburgh and Aberdeen. The closest part of the island is Buness.

Evening at North Haven, Fair Isle

Even the bonxie looked relaxed, but watchful. Fair Isle experiences extremely strong winds and even heavy wooden rowing boats have to be securely tied down.

Harbour and beach, North Haven, Fair Isle

The Bird Observatory and hostel can be seen on the skyline

Sea Entrance to North Haven, Fair Isle

The harbour lies behind the breakwater

Fair Isle North Lighthouse

Radio station on Ward Hill in the background. "On 28 March 1941 the dwelling houses were machine gunned by an enemy plane. Two bombs were also dropped but landed 60 yards south east of the tower and damage was confined to broken glass. The second main attack happened on 18 April 1941 when a single enemy plane machine gunned the buildings and dropped two HE bombs one of which registered a direct hit on the buildings situated 30 feet from the back wall of the dwelling houses. The outhouses, comprising store houses and closets were completely demolished and all contents destroyed, plus 24 feet of boundary wall which was also demolished. "Roderick Macaulay, Assistant Lightkeeper, walked 3 miles from North Lighthouse, where he and his daughter had a narrow escape in the former raid, through snowdrifts and gale-force winds to lend a hand in restoring the South Light to operational order, and returned in the dark to take his own regular watch at the North Light: he received the BEM for his outstanding services" - Link