Burra

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For the town of the same name in South Australia, see Burra, South Australia.

Burra is one of the Shetland Islands in Scotland. It is shaped like the letter "H", and so divides naturally into West Burra and East Burra.

The main village is Hamnavoe in the north of West Burra. Among villages in Shetland, it is unique in having been planned and laid out by the factors of the estate, in much the same way as many estate villages created by 'improving' landlords in Scotland; another parallel, albeit on a larger scale, is Ullapool, created by the British Fisheries Society. The original plan form is still clearly visible, despite the accretion of later development. Hamnavoe was once an important fishing centre. Today, none of the larger Shetland fishing boats is likely to be seen here but smaller vessels catch shellfish. Although full-time fishermen still live in the area, the fishing tradition is nowadays more evident in fish farming; there are several mussel and salmon farms around Burra. The nearby south-facing sandy beach at Meal is a popular place on a warm day. At the south end of West Burra is Kettla Ness, with impressive cliff scenery; it is linked to the main island by a shingle and sand tombolo which also provides another attractive sandy beach. At Duncansclett, a traditional thatched cottage has recently been restored for use by the local history group; the building featured in the BBC television series, 'Restoration'.

East Burra has a much smaller population than West Burra and no substantial settlement; rather, there are a few hamlets and a scattering of individual croft houses. It is known for its Neolithic remains including a burnt mound, and for sea caves. The roofless, plain, Old Haa (manor or laird's house) of Houss is a prominent feature. From Houss, it is possible to walk the two kilometres or so to the cliffs at the southern end of the island. From there, the island of South Havera, nowadays home only to sheep and seabirds, can be clearly seen. The island is notable for the stone structure that was once the islanders' windmill. It was used for grinding grain on an island so small, and therefore lacking in watercourses, that no watermill of the kind seen elsewhere in Shetland could be constructed. Young children on South Havera were tethered to prevent them falling over the cliffs.

Burra is linked to the Shetland Mainland via Trondra by a series of bridges.

Coordinates: 60°05′N 1°20′W