Uyea, UnstUyea, Unst at a Glance
About Uyea, Unst
Uyea, Unst is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Unst in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. The island is noted for steep cliffs, sea stacks and rocky shores that provide nesting habitat for seabirds. There is no permanent settlement and access is by private boat from Unst; landing can be difficult in rough weather. The landscape is largely coastal heath and rock, and the island is visited for birdwatching and coastal walking rather than services or facilities.
Nearby Attractions to Uyea, Unst
Best Time to Visit Uyea, Unst
Summer months give the best chance of landing and clear wildlife viewing; always check local weather and tidal conditions.
Weather & Climate near Uyea, Unst
Uyea, Unst's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1203 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 4° - 7° | 0° | 137 mm | overcast | 81% | 9.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
| February | Poor | 3° - 7° | -1° | 95 mm | overcast | 81% | 8.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.8h |
| March | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 121 mm | overcast | 81% | 8.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | 4° - 8° | 2° | 72 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.4 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 14.4h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 10° | 5° | 49 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 17.0h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 12° | 10° | 55 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 18.5h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 14° | 12° | 57 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.8 m/s | 1.0 high | 17.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 11° - 14° | 13° | 79 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 15.4h |
| September | Poor | 9° - 13° | 11° | 116 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.2 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.7h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 11° | 5° | 130 mm | overcast | 83% | 8.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.9h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 9° | 3° | 150 mm | overcast | 82% | 8.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.2h |
| December | Poor | 4° - 8° | 1° | 142 mm | overcast | 81% | 8.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.5h |
How to Get to Uyea, Unst
Access is by boat from Unst (the northernmost inhabited island in the Shetlands). Small local operators run charter crossings-routes and safety depend on wind and tide. On Unst, the quay at Baltasound is a common departure point; crossings are often short but can be rough. Foot travel on Uyea is limited and terrain can be hazardous-good footwear and local guidance are recommended.
Tips for Visiting Uyea, Unst
- Book a local boat operator from Unst-tours are weather-dependent and often cancel at short notice.
- Wear windproof layers and waterproof boots; landings can be wet and rocky.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a tele lens-Uyea is prized for seabirds and dramatic cliffs that are best viewed from the boat if landing is impractical.