-- Where is it ? --

The island of Foula is often described as the "Edge Of The World". This probably appears to be the case as the island lies some 20 miles west of mainland Sheltand and is Britains most remote inhabited isle. Despite it's isolation it's home to a community determined to make sure it remains a lonely but populated part of Scotland.

-- History --

Named after the Norse ‘fugl ey’, meaning ‘bird island, Shetland’s most westerly island is home to the rare Leach’s Petrel and Britain’s largest colony of Great Skuas, or ‘Bonxies’ as they are locally known. One reason for its popularity with the birds is its dramatic coastline rising to the sheer Cliff of Kame, Britain’s second highest at 1220ft. Only St Kilda has higher sea cliffs than Foula.

Over a century ago, in 1881, Foula had a population of 267, mostly employed in fishing...at the last census in 2001 that figure had dropped to just 31. Today crofting as well as fishing are the main activities, half the population living at Hametoun in the south east and the remainder to be found at Ham near Ham Voe on the east coast.

An interesting feature of the island's people is that they still observe the old Julian calendar, replaced in 1752 in Britain by the present Gregorian system which deleted 11 days from the year. Remote areas of the country kept to the old calendar, adding an extra day in 1800, which was a leap year, and some parts of Shetland continued to observe festivals 12 days after the dates in the new calendar. The most remote areas kept to the old calendar longest, and the people of Foula still celebrate Christmas on 6 January and New Year's Day on 13 January.

-- Books --

Both books listed should be available from any on-line book seller such as Amazon. For a more specialist source of books on Scotland and in particular the Shetland Isles then the Shetland Times Bookshop is a good place to visit.

The Isle Of Foula - Ian Stoughton Holbourn Ian Stoughton Holbourn's The Isle of Foula remains the classic account of this lonely and beautiful island off Shetland. First published in 1937, it gives a glimpse both of the enormous range of interests of the author and the enduring fascination of this most remote of islands. As well as being a superb work of scholarship, the book is full of human interest and memories of the people of Foula from the early years of the twentieth century.

Foula Island West Of The Sun - Sheila Gear The portrayal of life 'on the edge of the world', season by season, as seen through the eyes of islander Sheila Gear. The book has over 200 pages and features some illustrations.

-- DVD's & Videos --

The Edge Of The World 1937 Film shot on Foula in the Shetland Isles but very much based on life in St Kilda. The island is referred to as Hirta and the film would have been shot there if permission had been granted. Directed by Michael Powell and starring John Laurie the film is a classic and is a must see for anyone interested in life on the Scottish islands. Also included on the dvd are some fantastic extras including the short film "Return To The Edge Of The World" in which the Michael Powell, John Laurie and others return to Foula in 1978. All in all an absolute must buy !! (Cheapest place I know of on the web to buy this film at dvd.co.uk)

-- Links --

Foula Heritage - Site which is effectively the official web presence for the island and it's residents. Packed full of information and it's a must visit for anyone planning a trip.

Virtual Tour of Foula - Superb site featuring clickable maps of many of the Shetland islands including Foula. Another quality effort from the people at OriginArt.

Shetland Heritage - Foula pages from the Shetland Heritage website. Containts a few interesting features on the Islands including a brief history as well as some local information.

Charles Tait Photography - A small range of quality pictures of Foula and the surrounding stacks and cliifs from the consistantly good Charles Tait photo library.

Visit Shetland - Foula page from the well presented Visit Shetland website.

Cycharters - Tourist charters to several Shetland islands including Foula.

Birds Of Foula - Site by Kenny Ensor about the birdlife of Foula.