Archipelago: The Coda

August 15th: our last full day in Shetland. It's been wonderful to be back. For our final trip we all headed west to Scalloway [former capital of Shetland] and then on to West Burra. I liked Scalloway. Here's the castle. Scalloway Castle There's also an unusual post box. Ever seen a full-sized one without the monogram and initials of one of our monarchs? Potbox Scalloway

We headed south towards West Burra - an island linked to Mainland by bridges. Time for lunch? Ok, let's stop here! Meal, West Burra

Here it is. Some of our group are already down there. Meal Beach

Walking south [I think] I gained a good view of Foula. Foula from West Burra The thrift growing on the rocks near the sea had finished flowering. Thrift On the way down to the beach I passed a wonderful wild flower meadow - the remains could be seen of many orchids that had finished flowering. Here you can spot field gentian, devil's bit scabious and eyebright. Autumn Gentian There was mimulus or the monkey flower* too: this North American alien arrived in the nineteenth century and is common on Shetland. Mimulus *some species are said to have a monkey face in the flower pattern

We carried on towards the south end of West Burra until we reached Minn Beach and the end of the tarmacadammed road. There is another tombolo here with shingle on one side and sand on the other. Some reinforcement has been added to enable farm vehicles to cross. Minn tombolo, Kettla Nerss A inquisitive seal watched the visitors. Minn tombolo, Kettla Nerss A crofter's shed made from an old boat. Minn, Kettla Ness

Foula, again, this time from Minn Beach. Foula from West Burra Lots of jellyfish had been washed up on the beach. We wondered if they still sting when dead. We didn't try to find out! Jellyfish, Minn beach A traditional Shetland cottage as restored by a local history group. Restored cottage, Duncansclett, West Burra

As I crossed the tombolo a fulmar flew very close overhead. Last fulmar photos of the trip! Fulmar Fulmar

And so we made our way back to the hostel, packed and boarded our ferry back to Aberdeen. En route we passed Fair Isle really close. Fair Isle

Fair Isle

Farewell to Shetland.

Thanks again to Barry and Fiona for organising it all....

...and letting me come along. I'll never forget the whales! Fair Isle