Scalloway Islands facts for kids
The Scalloway Islands are a group of islands in Shetland, a part of Scotland. They are located near the town of Scalloway on the southwest side of the Mainland island. These islands form a small archipelago, which is a fancy word for a group of islands.
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Exploring the Scalloway Islands
The Scalloway Islands are a fascinating collection of landmasses. Some are connected by bridges, making them easier to visit. Others are smaller and less populated.
The Burra Islands and Their Neighbours
The largest islands in this group are Burra, which is actually two islands connected by a bridge.
- East Burra is one part, known for areas like Houss Ness.
- West Burra is the other part.
Both East and West Burra are linked by bridges to each other and to Trondra. Trondra is then connected to the Mainland by another bridge. This makes it easy to travel between these islands by car.
Other islands close to Burra include:
- South Havra
- Little Havra
- Papa - This island is considered part of the larger Lerwick area.
- West Head of Papa - This island is tidal, meaning it can be reached on foot at low tide.
Smaller Islands of the Scalloway Group
Several other smaller islands are part of the Scalloway Islands. These islands are often less inhabited or used mainly for farming.
- Hildasay (sometimes spelled Hildesay)
- Langa
- Linga - Be careful! There are many islands named Linga in Shetland. This one is near Hildasay.
- Oxna
These smaller islands are often considered part of the Tingwall area.
St Ninian's Isle: A Unique Connection
St Ninian's Isle is located a bit further south but is still part of the wider Scalloway area. What makes this island special is its connection to the Mainland. It is linked by a natural sand causeway called a tombolo. This sandy path appears at low tide, allowing people to walk across to the island. It's a very popular and beautiful spot to visit.
