Out Skerries - Bruray Housay Grunay Information

Out Skerries Shetland Isles - The Friendly Isles

Out Skerries is the most easterly group of islands in Shetland and are made up of three main islands: Housay (West Isle) and Bruray (East Isle), which are joined by a bridge, and the presently uninhabited island of Grunay.

The islands are well connected to Mainland by ferries and flights. Their main attraction for visitors is the wildlife, particularly birdwatching, and the coastal walks. The skerries are dotted with stunning scenery and caves, arches, geos and blowholes. There is evidence of ancient civilisations on the islands with chambered cairns and stone circles having been found but many have yet to be explored.

Traditionally the community of the islands have depended heavily on the sea to survive. Agriculture has played a smaller role over the years. Tourism is building in the Out Skerries but there is currently only one B&B although plans are afoot to build more near the airstrip.

Housay and Bruray have several shops, a fish processing plant, a primary school and the smallest secondary school in the UK, with a total population of two students! If you do venture out this far it will be the peace, tranquillity and beautiful views that will recharge your batteries.

Out Skerries - Inter-Island Shetland Ferries

The roll on/roll off ferries to Out Skerries, leave Vidlin in North Mainland, a pretty village overlooking Vidlin Voe fjord.

The trip over to Out Skerries takes 90 minutes and can be a bit rough once you're out of the shelter of the Mainland. Cars are strapped down for the journey!

Ferries also run from Lerwick to Out Skerries taking 150 minutes. Check the timetables for ferry crossings as journeys from Vidlin and Lerwick tend to be on different days of the week. With a bit of planning a day trip is possible from Vidlin. It is advisable to book.

Skerries Ferries Booking Information: Voicebank: 01595 743975 Bookings: 01806 566259. Ferry services general information: 01595 743970. Booking office opening hours: 8.30am-4.45 pm.

Flights to Out Skerries

Out Skerries is also served by Direct Flight "Islander" planes. The Out Skerries Airstrip is on Bruray.

Inter-island flights to Out Skerries leave Tingwall Airport on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Some flights may stop-off at Whalsay on the way. For the latest flight times or information contact DirectFlight on (Bookings): 01595 840246. The Fair Isle travel section of their website has some summer and winter timetables for Tingwall-Out Skerries flights.