Foula

Foula. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, it is one of the United Kingdom's most remote permanently inhabited islands, lying approximately west of the Shetland Mainland. The island is renowned for its dramatic coastal cliffs, which are among the highest in the British Isles, and for maintaining unique cultural traditions, including the observance of the Julian calendar. Its small community sustains a way of life deeply connected to the North Sea environment, with crofting and birdwatching being central to its economy and identity.

Geography

The island's landscape is dominated by five principal peaks, with the summit of The Sneug reaching 418 meters, making it the second-highest sea cliff in the United Kingdom after St Kilda. The geology is primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, forming spectacular features like the Kame and the towering Da Noup headland. The coastline is deeply indented with geos and caves, such as Da Slochd, and the terrain includes the notable glacial valley of Da Daal. Freshwater lochs, including Loch o' da Fleck and Loch o' da Smoo, dot the interior moorland, which is characterized by blanket peat bog.

History

Human habitation dates to the Neolithic period, with later influences from the Picts and Norsemen; the island's name derives from the Old Norse for "Bird Island". It was part of the Norse earldom of Orkney and later the Kingdom of Norway until the Treaty of Perth in 1266 transferred suzerainty to the Kingdom of Scotland. For centuries, it was part of the estate of the Traill family of Westness on Rousay. The island gained literary fame through the 1937 film adaptation of Michael Powell's *The Edge of the World*, which dramatized a community evacuation. Notable historical events include the 1772 visit by botanist John Lightfoot and the 19th-century Clearances that reduced its population.

Population and culture

The resident population, one of the smallest in Shetland, is centered around the settlements of Ham and Hametoun. The community is known for preserving the Julian calendar, celebrating Christmas and New Years Day (Old Yule) thirteen days later than the Gregorian calendar. Linguistic heritage includes traces of the Norn language, though Scottish Gaelic was never spoken here. Traditional music, particularly fiddle playing, and the annual Foula Sheep sales are key cultural events. The island has a primary school and a community hall, with governance falling under the Shetland Islands Council.

Wildlife and conservation

The island is a designated Special Protection Area and is internationally significant for its seabird colonies, including the world's largest population of Great Skua (Bonxie), as well as substantial numbers of Northern Fulmar, Black-legged Kittiwake, and Atlantic Puffin. The Foula Field Mouse is a distinct subspecies endemic to the island. Marine life in surrounding waters includes Grey Seal, Orca, and various cetacean species. The landscape is managed through crofting, and conservation efforts are coordinated by organizations like the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Transport and access

Access is primarily via a passenger ferry, the *New Advance*, which sails from Walls on the Shetland Mainland, and by a scheduled Airtask flight from Tingwall Airport. The island's airstrip is located at the north end. There are no paved roads; transport is by all-terrain vehicle or on foot along tracks and peat paths. Freight and mail are delivered by the ferry service, and tourism, while limited, is facilitated by a small guesthouse, with visitors drawn for birdwatching, hillwalking, and its exceptional solitude.

Category:Islands of Shetland Category:Populated places in Shetland