Fair Isle Favorite Tips by tini58de

Caring for the Environment

Favorite thing: An island that is so small and so down to nature faces some rather worldly problems as well. I was quite amused at first when I saw the "recycling center" of Fair Isle, but thinking about it this is a very good and important measure!

For more information on this aspect you might want to have a look at this interesting article

One funny side aspect: the platform is sometimes "recycled" into a stage for open air concerts!!!

Wildlife

Favorite thing: Other than birds you might be able to see seals, orcas or other whales off Fair Isle - it is always a matter of a little luck!!!

If you go, I wish you just as much luck as we had, when we spotted some seals relaxing on the rocks....

Birdwatching

Favorite thing: Birdwatching is the number one activity on Fair Isle. There is a Bird Observatory on the island and where you go you will find people with binoculars trying to spot one of the many different birds on the island.

So if you are interested in birds, this is the place for you to go!!!

Keep in touch

Favorite thing: Just the other day VT member Daarth and I discussed whether it is possible to use a cell phone on Fair Isle or not. Well, we found out:

yes, it is possible to use a cell phone there, so it is not difficult to keep in touch with your loved ones....

Besides, there is a telephone booth on Fair Isle, but when we visited in June 2005, it was out of order....

Fair Isle

Favorite thing: Fair Isle is a tiny island between the Shetlands and the Orkneys, belonging to the Shetlands. It is only 5 km long and 3 km wide. Fair Isle is well known for its fabulous bird life, its knitware and the historic ship-wrecks.

Fondest memory: The friendly welcome in the town hall, my talk with the children from the local school and watching the puffins!