Fetlar's fertile soils and green landscape have led to its reputation
as the Garden of Shetland. This rich natural heritage, along with the
strong sense of community in Fetlar, has made the island attractive to
generations of visitors.
A
persistent tradition says that Gruting in Fetlar was the site of the first
Norse landing in the west. Wandering through the different parts of the
island, visitors can trace the occupation of Fetlar from the Stone Age,
through the Picts and the Norse, to the more recent past when townships of
people were evicted by the laird to make room for sheep. The Clearances left
vast uninhabited areas and ruined croft houses, once the homes of hundreds
of people and even today a source of sadness. These areas, however, now
provide a rich and varied landscape of ancient sites, exquisite flowers and
habitats for ground nesting birds.
Particular beauty spots are Tresta
Beach on the west side of the island, Urie and Gruting in the north, the
Sands of Sand near Brough Lodge and Funzie (pronounced Finnie) in the east.
The social life of the island is varied, and visitors are a welcome addition
to any local event.
Of particular interest are the Sheep Dog Trials in July and the Home Produce
Show in August, each with a dance in the hall in the evening.
