-- Where is it ? --

Like St Kilda the Out Skerries is actually an archipeligo of islands, neither of which carries the name Out Skerries. Lying about 24 miles North East of Lerwick near the island of Whalsey the archipeligo is made up of Housay, Bruray and Grunay together with many other islets and rocks. Housay and Bruray were joined by the present bridge in 1957. The other island in the group Grunay is uninhabited.

-- History --

The extent of settlement by early man still awaits proper investigation. However, Norse habitation is clearly recorded by the many Norse place names in the Out Skerries. The real history of the Out Skerries is the history of the sea that surrounds them as many a ship has come to grief on the rocks of the Skerries. From as far back as the 17th century ships have met their end on the dangerous waters, rocks and stacks which surround these isolated islands.

There are unexpected historical sites to investigate, such as the "Battle Pund", on the West Isle. It is thought that blood feuds were once settled here. The shores in and around the harbour bear the signs of Skerries' fishing heritage: At the North Mills on the West Isle and the Lang Ayre on Bruray, you can see the remains of the lodges lived in by haaf fishermen during the summer season; by the pier sits one of the last iron kettles in Shetland, once used to melt fish livers and later to prepare cutch bark for coating fishing lines and nets by those same intrepid fishermen.

On the currently uninhabited island of Grunay, once home to the keepers of the now-automated Skerries lighthouse, tragedy of a different kind is remembered. Here a Canadian bomber crashed during World War II. A plaque commemorating the event was placed on the island in 1990. Out on the south-westerly tip of the Point of Mioness, you can dream of treasure, for it was here, in 1960, in the Dregging Geos, that old Skerries stories about gold and silver coin being found came home to roost. A silver ducatoon and a 1711 gold ducat were found, prompting a mini-treasure hunt !!

Nowadays the 80 or so inhabitants of the Out Skerries are mainly involved in farming and fishing.

-- Books --

Most books listed on lonleyisles.com should be available from any on-line book seller such as Amazon.

Out Skerries: An Island Community - Joan Dey This book traces the history of Out Skerries, from its neglected past to its flourishing present. It describes how life on the islands revolved around its perfect natural harbour, far out in the fishing grounds of the North Sea, the key to why a small group of families clung through the centuries to this rocky outcrop. It follows their descent from being free Norse udallers, to tenants in an economy dominated by the notorious truck system; fishermen crofters fighting the fierce elements and enslaved by the laird and his tacksmaster. Smuggling and salvaging wrecks added some spice to their lives. The lighthouse brought outsiders into the community The story continues into the 20th century, with an accelerating increase in prosperity, culminating in the 1980s oil boom, which has helped to give Out Skerries one of the highest standards of living of any island community. Finally, in the 1990s, have come the uncertainties affecting the future of fishing and fish-farming; and the social pressures which led to the depopulation of peripheral areas. Containing 134 pages with map/illustrations.

Walking The Coastline Of Shetland (No. 7) Eastside - Peter Guy The Eastside Mainland of Shetland and the islands of Noss, Out Skerries, Bressay and Whalsay offer all who enjoy walking the delights and challenges of exploring remarkable landscapes. Here you will find vibrant and caring communities, major nature reserves and fascinating archaeological sites. This book is a mine of information about the long distance walk from Lerwick to Mavis Grind and also what can be seen on a selection of memorable circular walks. It is well illustrated throughout with route maps, photographs and diagrams. "Eastside" completes the highly acclaimed series of seven walking guides to the entire coastline of Shetland. Shetland captivated Peter Guy and his late wife, Christine, when he was posted to RAF Saxa Vord, Unst, thirty years ago and they subsequently lived in Yell.

-- DVD's & Videos --

None available to my knowledge....please contact lonely-isles if you know of any and we'll add them to the site !!

-- Links --

Shetland Heritage - Out Skerries section of the informative Shetland Heritage site contains a good history of the archipeligo. Some good but small photo's of the Skerries as well as a limited but none the less interesting collection of local information.

Vidlin - Page from the excellent Undiscovered Scotland site about Vidlin, the departure point for the ferry to Whalsay and the Out Skerries.