Holm of Skaw

The Holm of Skaw is a small islet of around 14 acres off the north-east coast of Unst, the most northerly inhabited island in Britain. It lies just north-east of Skaw, Britain’s most northerly settlement, and rises to 17 metres, with a small solar-powered lighthouse maintained by the Northern Lighthouse Board.

Landscape

The Holm of Skaw is a low, rocky islet at the very northern edge of Shetland, with nothing but open sea between it and the Arctic. Off its shore and the headland of Lamba Ness forms the Skaw Röst, a dangerous tidal race. At high water the tides are slack between the Holm and Herma Ness, and small boats can pass through. To the north-west lie Muckle Flugga and Out Stack, the most northerly points of the British Isles.

History

Skaw, the settlement opposite the Holm, is the most northerly inhabited place in Britain, with a beach and a scatter of houses at the end of the road. During the Second World War, Lamba Ness was the site of a radar station, and the remains of its buildings can still be seen. The small lighthouse on the Holm helps guide fishing boats and other vessels around the north-east tip of Unst.

Saxa Vord, near Skaw, was once a large RAF station and is now home to a spaceport, bringing a new kind of history to the north of Unst.

More about the Holm of Skaw

Unst is a wonderful island to explore, from the seabird cliffs of Hermaness, with its gannets, puffins and great skuas, to the rare plants of the Keen of Hamar and the Viking longhouses scattered across the island. Saxa Vord, near Skaw, was once a large RAF station and is now home to a spaceport, bringing a new kind of history to the north of Unst.

Visiting

There is no ferry to the Holm of Skaw. It can be seen from Skaw beach and from the headland at Lamba Ness. Unst is reached by ferry from the Shetland Mainland via Yell. You can collect the Holm of Skaw as a landing or a sighting in your Island Passport.

Wildlife and area

The north of Unst is good for Grey Seal, Eurasian Otter and Orca, which are seen off the coast. Look out for Gannet, Puffin, Fulmar and great skuas. Other islands nearby include Out Stack, Muckle Flugga, Balta and Huney.