West Burra
Island Inhabited Shetland island with fishing communities
West Burra, part of Shetland, combines jagged coastlines, sheltered bays and crofting communities. Visitors come for coastal walks, birdwatching, local seafood and the region’s stone-built villages.
West Burra is an island in the Shetland archipelago of Scotland, forming part of the Burra group. It is a small inhabited island with a history of crofting and fishing.
Coastal scenery, small settlements and a working island landscape are the main features, with walking along shorelines and observing local marine and bird life the typical visitor activities.
The island has long-standing communities engaged in fishing and crofting; its settlement pattern and local economy reflect traditional Shetland island life.
Located off the south side of Shetland’s Mainland, West Burra lies within the council area of Shetland and is one of several small islands forming the Burra group.
- Island character: Part of the Burra island group in the Shetland Islands, characterised by small crofting communities and coastal scenery.
How to Get to West Burra #
Access via regional ferries and causeways that connect the Burra islands; services operate from Lerwick and nearby terminals depending on season and weather.
Tips for Visiting West Burra #
- Plan ferry or small‑boat crossings in advance - services to the Shetland islands can be weather dependent.
- Respect crofting land and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code when crossing private land.
- Bring binoculars: sea cliffs and offshore skerries host rich seabird colonies.
Best Time to Visit West Burra #
Summer months are best for access and outdoor activities; shoulder seasons are quieter but weather is more changeable.
Weather & Climate near West Burra #
West Burra's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1154 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cool with highs of 12°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (144 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
