Burra

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**Shetland Islands**
OS Name:	Burra
Shetland Name:	Burra

UK Grid Reference:	HU373330
Area (ha):	1258 ha total 515 ha East Burra 743 ha West Burra
Population:	819 total East Burra 66 West Burra 753
Community Council:
Ferry Services:	None
Notes:

Beach at Bannaminn, West Burra

Bannaminn Beach - Looking northwest towards Kame of Riven Noup.

Burra, (Old Norse : Borgarey =Broch Island ), is a small island linked to the Shetland Mainland via Trondra, (Old Norse :Thronderey = Thrond's Island ), by a series of bridges, and is usually seen as two islands (though they are joined) East Burra has 66 residents meanwhile West Burra has 753 islanders.

The main village is Hamnavoe, ( Old Norse : Hafnavagr = Harbour bay ), in the north of West Burra. Among villages in Shetland, it is unique in having been planned and laid out by the factors of the estate, in much the same way as many estate villages created by 'improving' landlords in Scotland; another parallel, albeit on a larger scale, is Ullapool, created by the British Fisheries Society. The original plan form is still clearly visible, despite the accretion of later development. Hamnavoe was once an important fishing centre. Today, none of the larger Shetland fishing boats is likely to be seen here but smaller vessels catch shellfish. Although full-time fishermen still live in the area, the fishing tradition is nowadays more evident in fish farming; there are several mussel and salmon farms around Burra.

Meal Beach: Jack Jamieson

The nearby south-facing sandy beach at Meal is a popular place on a warm day. At the south end of West Burra is Kettla Ness, with impressive cliff scenery; it is linked to the main island by a shingle and sand tombolo which also provides another attractive sandy beach. At Duncansclett, a traditional thatched cottage has recently been restored for use by the local history group; the building featured in the BBC television series, 'Restoration'. Papil, at the south end of West Burra, was an important early religious site (see the link below), where fine symbol stones have been found, including the famous Papil Pictish Symbol Stone.

At the West Burra end of the bridge that links the island to East Burra, is Bridge End, with a marina, and Bridge-End Outdoor Centre, located in a converted school house. The outdoor centre has self catering accomodation and a camping area. It is base for Sea Kayak Shetland and Shetland Canoe Club.

East Burra, formerly also known as House Island, has a much smaller population than West Burra and no substantial settlement; rather, there are a few hamlets and a scattering of individual croft houses. It is known for its Neolithic remains including a burnt mound, and for sea cave|sea caves. The roofless, plain, Old Haa (manor or laird's house) of Houss is a prominent feature. From Houss, it is possible to walk the two kilometres or so to the cliffs at the southern end of the island.

From there, the island of South Havra, once the home of the Sinclair's of Havra but nowadays home only to sheep and seabirds, can be clearly seen. The island is notable for the stone structure that was once the islanders' windmill. It was used for grinding grain on an island so small, and therefore lacking in watercourses, that no watermill of the kind seen elsewhere in Shetland could be constructed. Young children on South Havera were tethered to prevent them falling over the cliffs.

Burra was home to the musician Thomas Fraser, the sculptor John Cumming, author John Magnus Tait, and artist Harry Horse. Artist Roxane Permar lives on Burra.

The Flying Hart wrecked on the isle in September 1594, as did the Magdalene near Meal on October 17th 1743, the Pioneer between Banna Minn and Duncansclett in early March 1880, the Bonnie Jane on the tip of Fugla Ness on June 27th 1905, the Castor at Fugla Geo on February 17th 1910, and the Saint Kentigern on Kettla Ness on November 3rd 1979.