Out Skerries
A Warm Welcome
Out Skerries is home to a diverse collection of nature, beautiful scenery and welcoming people alike. Visitors come year round to see all the island has to offer.
Breathtaking views, migrating animals such as birds, seals and whales, never ending walking opportunity, long dusky nights in summer and serene darkness in the winter.
There are three main islands which make up Out Skerries. Dramatic coastlines, fascinating history and outstanding wildlife - a truly unique experience.
Housay
West Isle
Housay, or 'house island' in Old Norse, now more widely known as West Isle offers stunning views over West Voe and over the sea toward Whalsay and the mainland.
The post office, public hall, kirk and the old schoolhouse can all be found here.
Bruray
East Isle
The other inhabited island is Bruray or East Isle, possibly meaning 'bridge island' in Old Norse. Housay and Bruray are connected by The Skerries Bridge originally built in 1899 and rebuilt in 1957, giving Out Skerries a total road length of one mile.
Featuring the tallest point in Out Skerries situated at the top of Bruray Wart, with a complete view all round of the sea and the neighbouring islands beyond.
Bruray situates the harbour, ferry terminal, school and the airstrip - the smallest runway in the UK.
Getting Here
Visit Out Skerries
Shetland offers excellent transport links through the mainland and outer isles, with Ro-Ro ferry services for vehicles and foot passengers.
The Skerries Ferry operates all year round for five days a week, departing from Laxo and Vidlin for most crossings, with a direct ferry to and from Lerwick twice a week. Timetables are kept updated by the Shetland Islands Council.
Wider sea travel options to get to Shetland are operated by Northlink Ferries, departing from Aberdeen every day of the week. Booking information can be found on the NorthLink Ferries website.
Air travel is also available to Shetland with flights arriving at and departing from Sumburgh airport.
Bird watching
With regular rare bird sightings, Out Skerries is one of the most remote and unique locations you can visit in Shetland. Being the first landfall for stray birds from the east and its untouched landscapes, it finds itself housing a multitude of unique visitors.
Walking routes across the islands allow fantastic places to view from high or low.
About the Islands
Housay, Bruray & Grunay
There are three main islands which make up Out Skerries. Housay, or 'house island' in Old Norse, now more widely known as West Isle offers stunning views over West Voe and out over the sea toward Whalsay and Shetland mainland. It is home to the post office, public hall, kirk and the old schoolhouse.
The other inhabited island is Bruray or East Isle, possibly meaning 'bridge island' in Old Norse. Home to the tallest point in Out Skerries situated at the top of Bruray Wart, with a complete view all round of the sea and the neighbouring islands beyond. Bruray is home to the harbour, ferry terminal, school and the airstrip - the smallest runway in the UK.
The name 'Out Skerries' comes from the Old Norse word for east, combined with Skerries meaning a rock or island in the sea.