Bruray

Island Small inhabited island in the Out Skerries, Shetland

An Out Skerries island in Shetland, Bruray draws birdwatchers, boat visitors and those curious about crofting life and remote island communities in northern Scotland.

Bruray is a small inhabited island in the Out Skerries group in Shetland, northern Scotland, forming part of the local island community. It is a working fishing community with a small population and simple local services.

The island is linked to the neighbouring island of Housay by a bridge and is the location of the Out Skerries airstrip, which provides air connections to the Shetland mainland. Visitors arrive by small plane or by boat services that serve the Out Skerries during suitable weather.

The landscape is low-lying and maritime, oriented around harbours, quays and coastal grasslands, and the island’s economy and daily life are closely tied to fishing and small-scale local services.

Air service: Contains the Out Skerries airstrip used for scheduled flights to the Shetland mainland and for private charters.

What to See #

Bruray airstrip: A small public airstrip on the island provides the scheduled inter-island air link between the Out Skerries and the Shetland mainland.
Link to Housay: A short causeway and bridge link the island to the neighbouring island of Housay, providing road access between the two main Out Skerries settlements.

How to Get to Bruray #

From Lerwick, take the Northlink or local ferries/charter boats to Out Skerries (Housay). Bruray is joined to Housay by a short causeway; the walk from Housay pier to Bruray village is under 10 minutes. Weather can cancel services - check Shetland Islands Council ferry alerts and local boat operators before traveling.

Tips for Visiting Bruray #

Walk the short causeway from Housay rather than relying on the small ferry when weather is calm - it's 100 metres and gives the best coastal view.
Bring windproof layers: the Out Skerries sit in the North Sea and conditions can change in minutes.
Respect private crofts and sheep; much of the island is inhabited and agricultural.