A Dot In The Ocean

Discover towering cliffs, bustling seabird colonies and breathtaking coastal vistas on the enchanting and remote Shetland island of Fair Isle

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PART of the Shetland Islands, Fair Isle is a birdwatcher's paradise.

For species that migrate between Scandinavia, Greenland or Iceland to the warmer climates of the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa, it is a vital stopping point to break up the journey.

"Fair Isle is just a dot in the ocean," says Phil Harris, a lifelong birdwatcher, naturalist and vice chair of Shetland Bird Club. "But you've got to remember there are things like thrushes - different species of thrush - that take off from Scandinavia, Norway and Sweden in the night.

"Then suddenly they can be hit with really strong winds and rain and find themselves in the middle of the North Sea - but then there's Fair Isle, this tiny little island," he continues. "They see the high cliffs from miles away and make a beeline for it."

The island has long been known for its wildlife - and seabirds in particular. Even rare species not often spotted in the UK - such as the Arctic warbler - are spotted there.

"Shetland birders love visiting," Phil says. "It's spectacular birds like the Arctic skua breeding there, and it's a real stronghold in the UK. It has the most spectacular seabird colonies, so it's just a very important place."

Decades ago, locals already came together to open a site for those looking to witness Fair Isle wildlife.

Fair Isle Bird Observatory was opened in 1948 and became a place for birdwatchers visiting the island to stay and congregate, as well as a place for local wardens to continuously record seabirds spotted.

"The scientific data that's been running there is invaluable, given the current status of seabirds," Phil adds. "So that work really has to continue."

In 2019, a fire burned the observatory to the ground, but after years of renovations, the site has now reopened for people to come and stay.