Island 17 - West Burra, Shetland

West Burra is linked to Trondra and to East Burra by road bridges.  The island is approximately 7km from north to south and 3km from east to west at its widest point.  The highest point on the island is 65 m above sea level.  In 2011 West and East Burra had a combined population of 852.  The main settlement on the island is Hamnavoe, which I have decided is the place in Shetland where I would most like to live. 

There is a lighthouse at Fugla Ness opposite Hamnavoe.  It was built by David A. Stevenson in 1893 but rebuilt by Charles and David A. Stevenson in 1936.

There are smaller settlements at Bridge End in the centre of the island and Papil at the south end.  The roofless Kirk of St Laurence is at Papil.  3 early Christian carved stones were found there.  A replica of one of them is situated in the kirkyard and a photograph of it can be seen below.

Easthouse Croft at Papil featured in the first series of  the television programme Restoration in 2003.  Since then it has been restored and is open to the public on summer Sundays.  

Hamnavoe Harbour

Hamnavoe

Meal Beach near Hamnavoe

Meal Beach

West Burra from the Reservoir on East Burra

Replica cross at Papil Kirk

Ruined kirk at Papil, West Burra

Easthouse Croft, Papil

Papil, West Burra

 Shetland sheep at Duncansclett
 - wherever we went on Shetland the sheep were always happy to pose for a photograph.  These 4 looked very contented on a sunny morning

 Shell House at Hamnavoe

Hamnavoe Harbour

Fugla Ness Lighthouse

Fugla Ness Lighthouse

Fugla Ness Lighthouse

Picnic Site

Ruined Church at Papil


Bridge End Kirk - Church of Scotland