Brae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brae |
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 "Toy Town", Brae |
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 Brae
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| Population | 750 (2020) |
| OS grid reference | HU359681 |
| • Edinburgh | 314 mi (505 km) |
| • London | 616 mi (991 km) |
| Civil parish |
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| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | SHETLAND |
| Postcode district | ZE2 |
| Dialling code | 01806 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Brae is a village located on the island of Mainland in Shetland, Scotland. Its name comes from an Old Norse word, Breiðeið, meaning "the wide isthmus." An isthmus is a narrow strip of land that connects two larger landmasses. Brae is an important community in Shetland.
Contents
Discovering Brae: A Shetland Village
Brae's History and Growth
Brae was once a small fishing village. However, it grew very quickly in the 1970s. This happened when the Sullom Voe Oil Terminal was built nearby. Brae then joined with the village of Northbrae.
Where is Brae Located?
Brae is found at the northern end of Busta Voe. It sits on a narrow strip of land. This land connects Northmavine to the rest of the Shetland Mainland.
Community Life in Brae
Brae is a central place for many services in northern Mainland. It has police and fire stations. There are also schools and an NHS clinic. These services help people living in the area.
Brae is home to one of only two secondary schools in Shetland. This school teaches students for all six years of Scottish secondary education. The other secondary school is in Lerwick.
Brae's Unique Festival: Up Helly Aa
The village of Brae also hosts its own special festival. It is called Up Helly Aa. This is a fire festival that celebrates Shetland's Viking heritage.
Understanding the Name "Brae"
The word "Brae" has a few possible meanings. In Lowland Scots language, "brae" means the slope or brow of a hill.
However, in the Shetland dialect, the word "Brae" might come from the Old Norse word breiðr. This word means "broad." The village could be named after the broad piece of land it sits on. This land is between Sullom Voe and Busta Voe. It is wider than another narrow strip of land nearby called Mavis Grind. Another idea is that the name means "a slope to the sea."
Famous Faces from Brae
Jonathan Sutherland
Jonathan Sutherland is a well-known television and radio broadcaster. He is also the main anchor for the sports show Sportscene. Jonathan grew up in Brae.
Erraid Davies: Swimming Star
Erraid Davies is a talented swimmer. She is a member of the Delting Dolphins swimming club. This club is based in Brae. It is known as "the most northerly active swimming club in the UK."
