FAIR ISLE

• GBFIE
• Latitude: 59.5392
• Longitude: -1.60409
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in UK

Location: Fair Isle Shetland Islands UK

Phone number: +44 1595 760258

Web-site: http://www.fairisle.org.uk/port

Fair Isle is a remote island located south of the Shetland Islands, Scotland, and north of the Orkney Islands. It is one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the UK, known for its natural beauty, birdlife, and unique cultural heritage. Below is a detailed description and specification of the marine port facilities available on Fair Isle.

Port Description

Name: Fair Isle Harbour

Location: Fair Isle, United Kingdom
Coordinates: Approximately 59.5375° N latitude, 1.6331° W longitude
Governing Body/Authority: The port is managed by the Shetland Islands Council (SIC).

Port Specifications

Harbour Type: Small harbour, primarily used for local ferry services, fishing vessels, and occasional recreational boats.

Facilities:

1. Berthing: The pier offers limited berthing space due to its small size. It is mainly suitable for smaller vessels, local ferries, and fishing boats.
2. Water Depth: Depth at the berthing area is shallow, commonly ranging from 2 to 4 meters, making it unsuitable for large commercial ships.
3. Anchorage: Vessels may anchor in designated areas outside the harbour if they are unable to use the limited berthing facilities.
4. Navigation: Entry to the harbour requires cautious navigation due to surrounding shallows and rocks. Local maritime pilots may offer guidance.

Services:

1. Fueling: Basic fueling facilities may be available, primarily for smaller vessels and local ferries.
2. Repairs & Maintenance: Limited repair and maintenance services, mainly focusing on minor repairs and local fishing boats.
3. Provisions: Basic provisioning services from the local community, sufficient for smaller vessels and requirements of short durations.
4. Waste Disposal: Basic waste disposal facilities are present, adhering to environmental regulations.

Transport Links: The island is connected by a ferry service operated by the Shetland Islands Council, providing linkages to the Shetland mainland. Additionally, there is an airstrip that accommodates small aircraft, providing further connectivity.

Local Community & Amenities:

1. Accommodation: Limited accommodation options are available, including guesthouses and B&Bs.
2. Tourism & Attractions: The island offers a host of natural attractions, particularly for birdwatching, as it is an important point for migratory birds.
3. Communication: Basic telecommunication services are available on the island.

Usage:

The port is essential for the island's connectivity with Shetland Mainland and supports the local economy, heavily dependent on fishing, small-scale agriculture, and tourism.

Seasonal Conditions:

Fair Isle experiences challenging weather conditions, particularly in the winter months when strong winds and rough seas can affect accessibility. Mariners should prepare accordingly for the changeable and often harsh weather conditions that can affect the area.

Port Contact Information:

For more detailed information regarding navigation, berthing, and other services, it is advisable to contact the Shetland Islands Council or the local harbour authority.

Environmental Considerations:

Efforts are made to protect the unique environmental heritage of the island, so vessels may need to comply with specific guidelines to minimize ecological impact.

Conclusion:

The Fair Isle harbour is a small but vital facility providing essential services to one of the UK's most remote communities. While limited in scale, it adequately supports the local needs, particularly in fishing and inter-island connectivity, and is a gateway to experiencing the island's unique natural environment.

For further details, it is suggested to consult local maritime resources or the Shetland Islands Council directly.