Otterswick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Otterswick |
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 East Yell Methodist Kirk, Otterswick |
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 Otterswick
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| OS grid reference | HU516855 |
| Civil parish | |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | SHETLAND |
| Postcode district | ZE2 |
| Dialling code | 01957 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Otterswick is a small village located on the island of Yell in the Shetland Islands. It sits by an inlet called Otters Wick, on the eastern side of the island. There is also another place named Otterswick in the Orkney Islands, on the island of Sanday.
Contents
History of Otterswick
Otterswick has an interesting past, including a famous shipwreck story.
The White Wife of Otterswick
In 1924, a German ship named the Bohus was wrecked near Otterswick. This ship had a special carving on its front, called a figurehead. This figurehead was a wooden statue, often found on old sailing ships.
The figurehead from the Bohus became known as the "White Wife of Otterswick." You can still see a version of it near the village today. The original wooden figurehead eventually rotted away. It was replaced with a new one made from a strong material called fibreglass.
Interestingly, even though the Bohus was a German ship, it was actually built in Grangemouth, Scotland. Its first name was the Bertha.
Nature and Wildlife in Otterswick
Otterswick is a special place for nature and animals. It is part of an important area for birds and other wildlife.
Important Bird Area
The area around Otterswick and Graveland is known as an Important Bird Area (IBA). This means it's a place that BirdLife International has identified as very important for bird conservation. Many different bird species rely on this habitat.
The Landscape
The land in Otterswick is mostly covered by blanket bogs. These are wet, spongy areas of land. There are also parts with dry heath moorland. This type of land is home to many unique plants and animals.
Amazing Animals
Otterswick is a breeding ground for red-throated divers. These are beautiful water birds known for their striking red throats during breeding season. As the name "Otterswick" suggests, you can also find many otters living in the area. They love the water and the rich food sources found here.
