The UK's most isolated island - where just 30 people live and there are no shops
Foula has claimed the crown of the country's most remote inhabited island. It's about 20 miles west of the Shetland mainland, and roughly 100 miles north of the Scottish mainland.
The island itself is quite small - it'd take about half an hour to walk from one side to the other. But, despite its teeny tiny size and incredibly remote location, it's not entirely empty.
About 30 people live on Foula, which loosely translate to 'Bird Island' in Old Norse. It's been inhabited since Neolithic times, and the community has a strong Norse transition and folklore.
It's become well-known as the island celebrating Christmas and New Year 12 days later, as it adheres to an ancient calendar for both occasions. The community's Christmas Day is on January 6 and Newerday (New Year's Day) is not until January 13.
Islanders traditionally gather in one house to celebrate Christmas where they will exchange gifts and greetings.
Shop prices 'are yet to peak and will remain high' as inflation hits new heights
Foula has claimed the crown of the country's most remote inhabited island (Universal Images Group via Getty Images)One islander previously said: "It is not just part of our tradition - but the world's. It is everybody else who changed - not us.
"We are not unique - other parts of the world, such as areas of Russia, still celebrate the old calendar."
Foula got running water in 1982 and full electricity by 1984, supplied by a diesel generator. It currently has a renewable energy system - mainly photo voltaic - backed up by diesel.
Anybody choosing to spend a day in Foula should also expect their travel back home to be delayed by the weather (De Agostini via Getty Images)The island also has few major landmarks or attractions. There are just four main places to note on Foula; an airport, a primary school, a post office, and a wool shop.
Visitors have been warned that they'll need to be self-sufficient and have plenty of snacks, because there aren't any supermarkets on the island, according to the Shetland Islands Council.
Seeing as it's so remote, anybody choosing to spend a day in Foula should also expect their travel back home to be delayed by the weather.
But, don't let that put you off! Foula is also home to some magnificent views, with huge coastal rock formations and sea stacks.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
