Fetlar Island (Scotland Shetland)

Fetlar is one of North Isles of Shetland Scotland. The island covers a total area of approx 4078 hectares (15,8 mi2) and has population under 100.

The main settlement on Fetlar Island is Houbie, situated on the south coast and home to Fetlar Interpretive Centre. Fetlar is the 4th largest island of Shetland.

Fetlar boasts a long tradition of fishing. In August 2012 (according to Guinness World Records) what was then the oldest message in a bottle (of June 1914), was discovered by Andrew Leaper, skipper of Copious, coincidentally the same fishing ship involved in a 2006 record recovery. Mr.Leaper's World Record certificate, along with the bottle, have been donated to Fetlar Interpretative Centre.

Fetlar Island also features an international selection of shipwrecks, such as German, English, Soviet, Danish and Dutch vessels.

Ferries sail daily out of Hamars Ness on Fetlar Island to Belmont on Unst island and Gutcher on Yell Island. A breakwater and berthing facility was constructed at Hamars Ness and officially opened on December 1, 2012.

According to Digital Scotland, Fetlar Island is "Under Evaluation" for superfast broadband.

Island's wildlife is as varied as Fetlar's geology. More than 200 wildflower species have been identified here. Fetlar's northern part is an RSPB reserve and home to important breeding species, such as Arctic skuas and whimbrels. Nearby Haaf Gruney and Lamb Hoga peninsula feature some of the largest storm petrel colonies. Of greatest importance are the red-necked phalaropes, for which Loch of Funzie is the major breeding site in the UK, and for a while in the 1990s was the country's only breeding site. 

FDL-Fetlar Developments Ltd (a company set up by the community in order to counter the depopulation of the island) continues to work toward securing a sustainable future for Fetlar Island both economically and socially.

Fetlar Island cruise terminal