"Fair Isle - More than a Knit Pattern" Fair Isle by kathymof

Fair Isle Travel Guide: 59 reviews and 85 photos

Fair Isle is about half-way between Orkney and the Shetland Islands. It is known as Britain's most isolated inhabited island. There are about 70 full-time residents and a few thousand sheep, along with a few dogs, cats and cattle who call the island home. It is best known for its famous Fair Isle Knit Pattern but birders know the real secret to Fair Isle is the large breeding population of seabirds and the large migratory populations that pass this way.

Getting there is half the fun

There are two ways to Fair Isle - water and air. Logan Air flys regularly scheduled flights, weather permitting. The Good Shepherd IV, a ferry, makes trips twice a week from Fair Isle to Sumburgh at the southern tip of Shetland (mainland island). Some people fly back after enduring sea sickness on the way over. The Good Shepherd is actually the mail boat that can take 12 passengers and two small vehicles. It is the first time I have ever seen a ferry's passenger compartment come with seat belts. It is best to stand on deck unless you are told to go in. The fresh air helps prevent sea sickness. The 4-person crew is very gentle with those who get sea sick. I enjoyed the ferry but make sure you are dressed warmly and in windproof garmets, have gloves and a hat. Don't do anything bad on Fair Isle because you can't sneak off this island!

Pros and Cons

Pros:An isolated location with wonderful people
Cons:If you can't enjoy the outdoors and nature, you're in trouble

Last visit to Fair Isle: Jun 2003
Intro Updated Nov 27, 2004
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Reviews (23)

Wool spinning done by Stewaret Thompson Sr. - Fair Isle

Wool spinning on Fair Isle Things to Do (13)

Stewart Thompson Sr, the patriarch of the Thompson family, demonstrated spinning to us. It takes a lot of skill to keep... more travel advice

Stewart Thompson Jr with a straw-backed chair - Fair Isle

Stewart Thompson Jr Straw Chairs Things to Do (13)

Stewart Johnson Jr, part of the amazingly musical Thompson Family, has been making straw-backed chairs for many years.... more travel advice

Tiny little bits of beauty Things to Do (13)

If you keep your eyes open you will see all sorts of beautiful little things all over Fair Isle. Here is a spider web... more travel advice

Frog Orchid - rare plant find Things to Do (13)

There are some very rare plants growing on Fair Isle - here is a pic of a Frog Orchid. It is very hard to see. This was... more travel advice

Local Customs (2)
See All The lone phone booth
Warnings and Dangers (4)
See All Local 4-footers like to play
Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All Baggage Handling on Fair Isle

What to Pack (1)
Take a walking staff
Hotels (1)
Few choices makes it easy
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Comments (14)

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Jim_Eliason Mar 5, 2010 at 7:29 PM

great tips Kathy!
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daarth Mar 2, 2010 at 4:14 AM

Thanks, and great to see your pictures! I've been there four times now and just keep coming back ;-)
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SLLiew Dec 2, 2009 at 10:44 PM

Wow... amazing place for bird watching. Enjoyed viewing your pages of Scotland - rustic windswept highlander landscape. Hope to visit one day. SL
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nickandchris Apr 27, 2009 at 4:17 AM

Ah, enjoyed this. I wonder whether the phone box is still there?
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AlbuqRay Aug 12, 2008 at 7:10 PM

I had never heard of Fair Isle but it certainly seems like a relaxing, friendly place unless one decides to take the "work hard" option. The anti-avian stick is interesting. Wonder why it works.
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angiebabe Jul 15, 2008 at 3:36 PM

Hi nice to see yr pg thx - i flew in a few yrs back which landing on the tiny strip on what looked like a big rock was an experience in itself - but a special one!and did get to see some old Fair Isle woolly jumpers too!
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MikeStarr5 Dec 9, 2007 at 6:12 PM

Excellent 5 star tips - Have added Fair Isle to my wish list - Certainly different from where I live in the forgotten but very historic part of London called Barking Town.
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Trekki Jul 21, 2007 at 4:12 AM

Ah so lovely :-)) Working with one of the volunteer groups sounds pretty good ! I'll consider this :-) Haha, are you aware that the Bonxie in your photo looks like a flying sea lion ? And puffins and other animals - just perfect :-)
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adelaidean Mar 22, 2006 at 7:18 PM

sounds like a great place to visit..Family life would high on priorites in a place like this..Could teach many a thing or two!!
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tini58de Mar 19, 2006 at 9:16 AM

Great update!! I was startled to see "my" telephone booth picture - ha ha - you might have thought the same looking at my page!