Fetlar
Shetland
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Quick Guide
See below grid for details |
One of the northerly
islands, Fetlar holds a population of about 1,500
Puffins
 almost all of
which breed in steep grassy banks and in cracks in the cliffs. They are
found all around the higher parts of the island although there are few large
concentrations.
Along the coast you might
be lucky enough to see otters, while if you look out at the Loch of Funzie
or spend time in the RSPB hide you should see the red-necked phalarope, a
truly fascinating bird. The female is more colourful than the male, and
performs most of the courtship rituals!
Fetlar's fertile soils and green landscape
have led to its reputation as the Garden of Shetland. A persistent tradition
says that Gruting in Fetlar was the site of the first Norse landing in the
west. Wandering through the different parts of the island, visitors can
trace the occupation of Fetlar from the Stone Age, through the Picts and the
Norse, to the more recent past when townships of people were evicted by the
laird to make room for sheep. The Clearances left vast uninhabited areas and
ruined croft houses, once the homes of hundreds of people and even today a
source of sadness. These areas, however, now provide a rich and varied
landscape of ancient sites, exquisite flowers and habitats for ground
nesting birds.
Particular beauty spots are Tresta Beach on
the west side of the island, Urie and Gruting in the north, the Sands of
Sand near Brough Lodge and Funzie (pronounced Finnie) in the east.
How to get there
Take the inter-island car ferry from Toft in the north mainland to the
island of Yell. Travel north across Yell to the Gutcher ferry terminal and
take the ferry to Fetlar. Prior booking is recommended as there are only 5
or 6 ferries per day to and from Fetlar. An RSPB warden is present on the
island throughout the year and an
interpretive centre
 is
situated along the main road about 200 metres past the shop.
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Location: Fetlar, Shetland |
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Grid Reference: HU655900 |
Ceremonial County:
Shetland Isles |
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Map Link:
Multimap
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Aerial photo: |
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Getting there: From the ferry terminal at
Hamarsness, drive six miles east. Park at the small car park to the west of
the Loch of Funzie. Walk east c100m and follow signs to the hide, c300 m
from the road. |
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Access: Car park for 5 cars to the west of
Loch Funzie. Remote location |
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Website:
RSPB
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Other Useful Websites:
Visit Shetland
www.shetland-heritage.co.uk/brochures/area_pages/fetlar/fetlar.htm
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Email: fetlar@rspb.org.uk |
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Address: |
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Postcode: |
Telephone: 01957 733246 |
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Opening Times: RSPB Hide Open April to October |
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Charges: Free |
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Nearby Locations: |
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Other Location Pages: |
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Other Relevant Pages: |
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Notes: There is no public transport on Fetlar
and no diesel or petrol for sale.
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