Getting to the island
Fair Isle can be reached from the Shetland mainland either by sea or by air. Bear in mind that travel to the island can be disrupted by high winds and fog, at any time of year.
By seaThe Good Shepherd IV carries twelve passengers, and the journey takes about two and a half hours. In summer the ferry sails three times a week to/from Grutness at the south end of Shetland (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) and once a fortnight it sails to Lerwick. In winter there is only one sailing per week (Tuesday). Good Shepherd bookings and information: 01595 760363 |
By airFlights leaves from Tingwall airport, a ten minute drive from Lerwick. There are flights to the isle each week day, weather permitting, and Saturday flights during the summer months. One flight each Saturday departs from Sumburgh airport. A subsidised taxi service to Tingwall can be booked at 01595 745745 (must be booked the day before travel). Current timetable. Airtask bookings : 01595 840246 |
Private transport
Yachts can tie up at the North Haven, with a small nightly charge for use of the harbour.
Private aircraft are welcome to use the Fair Isle airstrip, but care and experience is required due to the vagaries of the weather.
Getting to Shetland
By seaNorthlink ferries sail daily between Aberdeen and Lerwick (Shetland). Ferries stop at Orkney every second evening. Reservations can be made on their website or by phoning 0845 6000 449. |
By airLoganair flies to Sumburgh (Shetland) from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness (some via Kirwall, Orkney). See their website for connections to other UK and European destinations. |