Bressay
| Bressay | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
 |
|
| OS grid reference: | HU507406 |
| Names | |
| Gaelic name: | Unknown |
| Norse name: | Breiðey/Brusey |
| Meaning of name: | Old Norse for 'broad island' or 'Brusi's island' |
| Area and Summit | |
| Area: | 2,805 ha |
| Area rank (Scottish islands): | 30 |
| Highest elevation: | Ward of Bressay 226 m |
| Population | |
| Population (2001): | 384 |
| Population rank (inhabited Scottish islands): | 23 out of 97 |
| Main settlement: | Maryfield |
| Groupings | |
| Island Group: | Shetland |
| Local Authority: | |
  |
|
| References: | [1][2][3][4] |
Bressay is one of the
Geography and geology
The island is made up of old red sandstone with some basaltic intrusions. Bressay was quarried extensively for building materials, and these have been used all over Shetland, especially in nearby Lerwick. [2]
There are eleven lochs on the island, the biggest being the Loch of Grimsetter in the east, and the Loch of Brough.
The island also has a number of sea caves and arches.
Bressay is due south of Whalsay, and west of Noss. Mousa is due south.
Wildlife
The island has a large number of migrant birds, especially in the west. The Loch of Grimisetter is a haven for waders and whooper swans. In the far south, there is a colony of Arctic Skuas.[2]
History
The Bressay Stone is an outstanding example of Pictish art.
- "It is a slab of chlorite slate, about 16 inches wide at the top, tapering to less than a foot at the bottom.[5]
The slender sides are engraved with ogham, and the two faces with various examples of knotwork, and imagery. The top of each face has a cross. On one side, there is an engraving of two men with crosiers, as well as various animals including horses, pigs, and what appears to be someone in the process of being swallowed by two sea monsters. It has been suggested that this is Jonah.[6]
The name of the island may have been recorded in 1263 as 'Breiðoy', Old Norse meaning 'broad island'. However in 1490 the name is referred to as 'Brusoy', - 'Brusi's island'.[2]
During World War I and II gun emplacements were built here to guard ships in Bressay Sound.
Infrastructure
Frequent ro-ro ferries sail to Lerwick on the Shetland Mainland from Maryfield.
Other attractions on the island include, Bressay Lighthouse. During the summer months, a passenger ferry service links the east coast of Bressay with the nature reserve island of Noss.
Also at Maryfield there is a heritage centre,[7] a hotel and the old laird's mansion, Gardie House, built in 1724.[8] The Northern Lights Spa Hotel at Uphouse is Britain's most northerly spa.[9]
See also
References
- ^ 2001 UK Census per List of islands of Scotland
- ^ a b c d Haswell-Smith, Hamish. (2004) The Scottish Islands. Edinburgh. Canongate.
- ^ Ordnance Survey
- ^ Anderson, Joseph (Ed.) (1893) Orkneyinga Saga. Translated by Jón A. Hjaltalin & Gilbert Goudie. Edinburgh. James Thin and Mercat Press (1990 reprint). ISBN 0-901824-25-9
- ^ Anderson, Joseph (Ed.) (1893) Orkneyinga Saga (introduction). Translated by Jón A. Hjaltalin & Gilbert Goudie. Edinburgh. James Thin and Mercat Press (1990 reprint). ISBN 0-901824-25-9
- ^ Anderson, Joseph (Ed.) (1893) Orkneyinga Saga (introduction). Translated by Jón A. Hjaltalin & Gilbert Goudie. Edinburgh. James Thin and Mercat Press (1990 reprint). ISBN 0-901824-25-9
- ^ Undiscovered Scotland - Bressay Heritage Centre Retrieved 30 June 2007.
- ^ Undiscovered Scotland - Bressay Retrieved 30 June 2007.
- ^ Visit Scotland - Northern Lights Spa Hotel Retrieved 30 June 2007.
|
|
 |
|---|---|
| Inhabited islands: Mainland | Bressay | Burra | Fair Isle | Fetlar | Foula | Muckle Roe | North Isles | Out Skerries | Papa Stour | Trondra | Unst | Vaila | Whalsay | Yell | |
| Other islands: Mousa | Noss | Scalloway Islands | List of Shetland islands | |
| Towns and villages: Lerwick | Aith | Baltasound | Brae | Grutness | Gutcher | Haroldswick | Scalloway | Symbister | Toft | Ulsta | Uyeasound | Vidlin |Walls | |
| Extreme points: Hermaness | Sumburgh Head | |
| Archaeological sites: Jarlshof, Mousa Broch | |
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
