People have lived on the island of Whalsay for at least 4,000 years. Traces of former settlements include hilltop burial cairns and prehistoric field boundaries as well as the Neolithic houses of Yoxie and the Beenie Hoose at Pettigarths Field. Over 1,800 stone tools were found inside the Beenie Hoose. #prehistoy

 

Between the 15th and 17th centuries, Whalsay, along with the rest of Shetland, became a trading port of the Hanseatic League. Ships from Hamburg, Bremen and Lubeck sailed here every summer, bringing seeds, cloth, iron tools, salt, spirits, luxury goods and hard currency. See the {Hanseatic Booth} below. #hanseaticbooth

 

Whalsay's {fishing legacy} lived on throughout the centuries and today it is still a proud fishing community, home to a fleet of trawlers as well as a huge variety of other boats and sea craft. #fishing 

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Scottish poet {Hugh McDiarmid} (Christopher Grieve) lived on the island in a croft house that is now the Grieve House Böd (currently closed for maintenance). He lived in Whalsay for nine years in the 1930s, where he wrote some of his best work including 'On a Raised Beach'. #hughmcdiarmidpoet

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Whalsay is one of the more densely populated of the Shetland islands, with a population of around 1,000 and it is 8 kilometres (5 miles) long and just over 3 kilometres (2miles) wide, #islandlife

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There is a wealth of birds, seals and wild flowers, attractive coastal walks and magnificent cliff scenery.

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The ferry terminal for Whalsay is at Laxo, a 32 kilometre (20 mile) drive north of Lerwick. The crossing to Symbister takes 25 minutes and the service is frequent, although booking is advised in the peak season {click here} #ferry

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Things to do

 

The Whalsay Leisure Centre {see below} has a variety of wet and dry activities for all ages. It is next to one of Whalsay's two play parks. The other playwark is at Brough. 

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There are many local craftspeople giving various adult and children's classes throughout the year on a range of arts and crafts, examples include the creative kids club; lampshade making; fair isle knitting; watercolour painting; and felting classes. Please see Shetland Arts, social media or local papers for advertising and information. #whalsayartsandcrafts

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There are two local shops. {Tetley & Anderson Ltd}, at Harlsdale, is a shop, butcher and Postoffice, they stock a huge range of groceries as well as pre-packed wraps, salad boxes, filled rolls and fancies. Be sure to check out their delicious stuffing along with other butchery delights. {JWJ Whalsay Ltd}, at Symbister, is a two storey shop with fuel pumps, where you can find almost anything you'd need,

including groceries, DIY tools, local produce, toys, yarn, haberdashery, cards and a gift department. 

#islandshopshaveeverything

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Symbister has a small boat marina with some visitor berths. Fuel, water, repairs and services are available. The stone buildings opposite the marina are what remains of a former herring curing station. Events such as the Whalsay Regatta take place in the Whalsay Boating and Sports Club which has a licensed clubhouse with toilets and showers. #whalsayboatingandsportsclub 

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There are two active community halls, one at Symbister and one at Isbister, that host Sunday teas; various clubs; Thai, Indian and {Hel's Kitchen} food nights; dances; live music and charity events. #bustlingcommunity

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This is also the famous Shoard charity shop, open Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday form 2pm-4pm.

#thriftlife

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 You'll find a sandy beach at the Kirk Ayre, Brough, and there are many scenic local walks, a perfect way to see the abundance of birds, seals, whales and wild flowers.

• There is the hill walk to the Wart o Clate {see below} and Braewick beach.

• Or the scenic coastal walk at the north of the isle, the Skaw Taing, near the Golf Club {see below}

• Many of the locals enjoy a stroll around the Houll Loch, near the Shoard charity shop

• Or a trek around the quieter east coast taking in the abandoned croft houses of Traewick {see below} and Pettigarths Field #localwalks 

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Challister Bakes is Whalsay's delicious cake fridge, check their {facebook} page for opening times. #mmmhomebakes

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The Oot Ower Lounge pub at Livister offers refreshments and Chinese food on Saturdays. There are also caravan plug in points. #publichouse

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There is also the Auld Manse Bed and Breakfast and Cafe for an overnight stay and delicious food in a lovely location. #localcafe

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