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Journey to Foula, the island at the edge of the world

One ferry a day, three times a week. So – or with a short flight – you can reach it Foula, the most remote island of Shetlands. Politically belonging to Scotland, Foula is however halfway between the United Kingdom and Norway. It is located 32km from Mainland, the main island of Shetland, and is approximately 8km long. Dominated for years by the Nordic peoples, Foula was the last place in Great Britain to abandon the Norse language (in the 18th century), but still retains some Nordic words, especially when it comes to naming the birds, the great protagonists of this. island.

Beaten incessantly by the winds from early autumn to almost late spring, Foula is the home of thousands of birds. And not only that, more than a hundred live here too native sheepnamed just like the island and some Shetland pony. He is the man who is in the clear minority, living there only 30 people.

A pony in Foula.

JOUAN / RIUS

Foula sheep are a native species of the island and are an important voice of the island’s economy.

Michele D’Amico supersky77

Just because of the large amount of birds hosting – some all year round, other migratory species only in summer – this island is much loved by fans of bird watching. But outside of this category, Foula isn’t a very popular tourist destination and it’s not hard to see why. Indeed, it is not for everyone: there are no attractions or monuments and there are no bars or pubs or even shops. There are two guesthouses, The Burns Cottage and Ristie Foula Accomodation and a few campsites. Those who arrive must be organized (including food) and also prepared to postpone their departure. In fact, especially from October to the end of April storms of the Atlantic they are so strong that Mainland connections can be suspended frequently. Sometimes it can even take a few weeks before the ferries (and flights) are able to leave. Surprising for visitors, but not for who lives there and that he is so used to months of rain, darkness and constant wind that almost can’t do without it.

In Foula, from the autumn equinox until the end of April / May, the winds blow constantly and the storms can be so strong as to interrupt the connections.

Michele D’Amico supersky77

Source: Vanity Fair

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