An Ultimate Guide to Fair Isle: History, Travel and Wildlife
Tucked between the Orkney Islands and the southern tip of Shetland Mainland, Fair Isle is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the Shetland archipelago - second only to Foula, its even more isolated counterpart to the west.
Though small and windswept, Fair Isle is steeped in beauty, history, and resilience. Famed for its intricate knitwear, staggering seabird colonies, and strong island spirit, it offers an escape into a slower, more connected way of life. For travellers seeking solitude, wildlife, and authentic culture, Fair Isle, Shetland Islands is nothing short of a hidden gem.
Key Takeaways
Where is Fair Isle in the Shetland Islands? Fair Isle is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the UK and lies halfway between Orkney and Shetland Mainland.
Fair Isle has a small, close-knit population of around 50 residents.
You can reach the island by flight, operated by the Airtask Group, via Fair Isle Airport, or by the Good Shepherd IV ferry.
Best visited May to August for wildlife, daylight, and travel reliability.
Famous for Fair Isle knitwear, stunning hikes, and world-class birdwatching.
Home to the legendary Fair Isle Bird Observatory, now under reconstruction.
A Brief History of Fair Isle
The name Fair Isle likely comes from the Old Norse Fridarey, which has been interpreted as “Tranquil Isle” or “Sheep Isle” - fitting for a place known for its open landscapes and quiet resilience.
People have lived here for over 6,000 years. Early settlers were drawn to its fertile soil and rich fishing grounds, carving out lives in one of Britain’s most remote and weather-exposed landscapes.
By the 8th or 9th century, Norse settlers had arrived, weaving Fair Isle into the Viking world that stretched across the North Atlantic. Norse influence is still seen in place names and echoes of the old Norn language once spoken here.
When Shetland passed from Norwegian to Scottish rule in the 15th century, life on the island remained largely unchanged. Crofting and seasonal fishing shaped daily life well into the 20th century.
By the 1950s, the population had begun to decline, prompting the National Trust for Scotland to purchase the island in 1954. Their support helped preserve the community and landscape.
Today, around 50 residents live here year-round. Though small in number, they continue to uphold the island’s rich traditions, stories, and crafts.
How to Get to Fair Isle
Despite the island’s remoteness, visitors can reach Fair Isle by both air and sea, making your journey to reach this hidden haven part of the adventure.
Flights to Fair Isle
The fastest and arguably the most memorable way to reach the island is by air. Airtask provides scheduled inter-island passenger flights from Tingwall Airport (near Lerwick) to Fair Isle Airport, usually operating several times a week. The flight takes approximately 25 minutes and offers jaw-dropping aerial views of the Shetland archipelago.
You can book here or contact us at 0845 805 7465 or via email at enquiries@hebridean.com.
Ferry to Fair Isle
The Good Shepherd IV ferry operates year-round between Grutness (at the southern tip of Shetland Mainland, near Sumburgh) and Fair Isle, with a reduced schedule in winter. During the summer months, it sails up to three times a week, with the crossing taking around 2.5 hours.
The journey offers a scenic, sea-level perspective of Shetland’s southern coastline and the open waters beyond. However, conditions can be unpredictable with swells and wind being common.
Best Time to Visit
Summer in Shetland, namely May through August, are ideal, bringing long daylight hours, milder weather, and the full spectacle of seabird activity. Flight and ferry services run year-round, but schedules are more frequent and reliable in summer. Spring and early autumn can also be rewarding, especially for twitchers observing bird migration.
Winter, while atmospheric, is harsh - short days, strong winds, and stormy seas often lead to travel disruptions. Visiting during the colder months is best left to the well-prepared and weather-hardened, however such visitors can be rewarded by breathtaking views of the Northern Lights in winter months.
Where to Stay in Fair Isle
Accommodation on Fair Isle is limited but full of character, offering comfort, hospitality, and a real sense of island life.
Fair Isle Bird Observatory
After six years of rebuilding following a fire in 2019, the Fair Isle Bird Observatory and its accommodation has reopened. More than just a base, it offers modern en-suite rooms, home-cooked meals, a guest lounge, and a bar.
It's a hub for bird enthusiasts, drawing visitors from around the world, especially during spring and autumn migration, when rare and unexpected species can appear. Whether you’re a seasoned twitcher or simply curious, it’s an ideal place to stay and experience the island’s remarkable wildlife up close.
South Lighthouse B&B
Set in one of the island’s iconic lighthouses at the southern tip, this traditional bed-and-breakfast offers cosy rooms, hearty breakfasts, and sweeping sea views—perfect for those seeking solitude and atmosphere.
Auld Haa Guest House
A charming historic laird’s house offering both self-catering and full-board options (including breakfast and dinner). With two spacious rooms and a welcoming host, it’s an ideal base for those wanting a relaxed, homely experience.
Wildlife
Fair Isle may be small, but its remote setting and dramatic landscapes make it a remarkable refuge for wildlife. From towering sea cliffs to quiet inlets, the island offers rich opportunities to spot birds and marine animals throughout the year.
Birds
Fair Isle is one of Britain’s most important birding locations. It hosts thriving colonies of seabirds such as iconic puffins, razorbills, fulmars, kittiwakes, and great skuas (bonxies). During spring and autumn, the island becomes a magnet for rare and migratory birds, attracting twitchers from around the world hoping to spot something extraordinary.
Marine Life
Grey and common seals are a regular sight along the shoreline, often seen hauled out on rocks or bobbing just offshore. In calmer waters, visitors may spot harbour porpoises or dolphins, and occasionally even orcas passing through.
Things to Do in Fair Isle
Despite its size, Fair Isle offers plenty for visitors who appreciate nature, history, and craftsmanship.
Birdwatching
The island is a world-class birding destination, especially during spring and autumn migration. Puffins, great skuas, kittiwakes and many rarities pass through or breed here, and the Fair Isle Bird Observatory is the heart of it all, recording sightings and bringing birders together in a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.
For more information about birding in Shetland, read our dedicated blog.
Hiking
With no need for marked trails, the island invites you to explore freely. Walk along the cliffs to the North and South Lighthouses, take in the dramatic views from Malcolm’s Head, or visit the towering sea stack of Sheep Rock. Expect breathtaking vistas and plenty of seabirds along the way.
Museum & Culture
The George Waterston Memorial Centre offers a thoughtful introduction to island life—past and present. Exhibits cover everything from shipwrecks and seabirds to crofting, daily life, and the island’s world-famous Fair Isle pattern knitwear.
Final Thoughts
Fair Isle, Shetland is a place of elemental beauty - remote but welcoming, traditional yet resilient. With dramatic cliffs, warm hospitality, and a deep connection to nature, it offers a travel experience that’s both grounded and unforgettable. For those seeking something truly off the beaten path, Fair Isle awaits.