Yell


Often referred to as the friendly isle, Yell, with a population of just over 900, is Shetland's second largest. It supports a wealth of bird and wildlife across its extensive unspoilt moorland and around its long and varied coastline. Due to its low lying, peaty coastline, it’s renowned as one of the best places in the country to see otters.


The island offers unlimited options for both coastal and hill walks and the island’s relatively gentle topography means that it is accessible to even the most inexperienced of hillwalkers. You’re never more than a few miles from the sea in Yell and the beaches at West Sandwick and Breckon are amongst Shetland’s finest. Both are less than half an hours’ drive from Coel Na Mara and Mid Yell's own beach is just a short stroll down the hill from the house.


Breckon Beach

North Yell



On rainy days, visit the excellent Yell Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool just a short walk away or the Old Haa Museum in Burravoe, fittingly housed in Yell’s oldest building.Or research your family history at Bayanne House, in Sellafirth. Yell has over 30 listed buildings, including Windhouse, reputed to be haunted and eerily located on the hillside just west of the Mid Yell junction, and a number of sites of archaeological interest. The Gloup Memorial, unveiled in 1981 to commemorate the lives of 58 fishermen who perished in a summer storm in July 1881 and the White Wife, the figurehead from the German training vessel the Bohus which ran aground off the east cost of Yell in April 1924 are also worth a visit.


Lumbister

Windhouse

Eating options in the island include the Wind Dog Cafe at Gutcher, the Hilltop Bar in Mid Yell and the tearoom within the Old Haa. The shop and post office in Mid Yell is located just a few minutes walk from the house and stocks a wide range of groceries and provisions as well as petrol and diesel. There are also general stores at Cullivoe, Aywick and by the ferry in Ulsta.



Cullivoe

Gossabrough Beach



The Hilltop Bar and the Mid Yell Boating Club are situated a 15 minute walk back up through the village from the house. Socially, Yell is active throughout the year and many social events are held in the network of community halls around the island.