Fetlar
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| OS Name: | Fetlar |
|---|---|
| Shetland Name: | Fetlar |
 | |
| UK Grid Reference: | HU640910 |
| Area (ha): | 4078 ha |
| Population: | 60 |
| Community Council: | |
| Ferry Services: | From Belmont, Unst, and Gutcher, Yell. |
| Notes: | |
Fetlar (Old Norse : Fetaland = Fat Land ) is one of the North Isles of Shetland, with a population of about 60 people. Its main settlement is Houbie on the south coast, home to the Fetlar Interpretative Centre.
The northern part of Fetlar is a RSPB reserve, home to several important breeding species including Arctic Skuas and Whimbrels. Of greatest importance though are Red-necked Phalaropes, for which the Loch of Funzie is the most important breeding site in the United Kingdom, and for a while during the 1990s was the only breeding site in the country. A pair of Snowy Owls famously bred here in the 1960s, they lasted until the 1980s but are no longer present.
Another attraction on the island is Brough Lodge, built by Arthur Nicolson in the 1820s.
Ferries sail from Hammars Ness on Fetlar to Gutcher on Yell and Belmont on Unst.
The Vandela/Wendela wrecked on the east coast of the isle on December 18th-19th 1737, as did the Good Intent in the Wick of Little on March 23rd 1799, the Clarendon on 19th December 19th 1847, the Johann Caesar at Aithbank on December 20th 1870, the Lizzie, "at the back of Stranburgh Ness" in December 1882, the Hedevig on Daaey Isle on 17th February 1900, and the Maia near the Broch of Houbie on February 2nd 1962.
Additionally other wrecks have occured in Funzie Bay and the Wick of Tresta, and can be found on the respective pages.
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