The far northern tip of a remote Scottish island is up for sale after being uninhabited for almost 80 years.
The 98-hectare Fethaland croft, in North Roe, Shetland’s most northerly village, has belonged to David Murray’s family for more than 150 years.
It is on the market for £595,000 alongside three smaller, tenanted crofts, one of which has a four-bedroom family home.
The 98-hectare Fethaland croft, in North Roe, Shetland’s most northerly village, has belonged to David Murray’s family for over 150 years and has been uninhabited for 80 years. Fethaland, which is popular with walkers and tourists, boasts a rich heritage – with evidence of human settlement from prehistoric times – and incredible opportunities to see killer whales, puffins and ospreys
It is on the market for £595,000 alongside three smaller, tenanted crofts, one of which has a four-bedroom family home(pictured is the kitchen in the house on Hooplees croft). Owner David Murray blames health reasons for the sale. His father, Douglas Murray, was the last person to be born there, before moving to North Roe in 1944
Fethaland, which is popular with walkers and tourists, boasts a rich heritage – with evidence of human settlement from prehistoric times – and incredible opportunities to see killer whales, puffins and ospreys.
It includes the old fishing station which was established in the 15th and 16th centuries, which became ‘the biggest in Shetland’ before being abandoned in 1906.
Owner David Murray blames health reasons for the sale. His father, Douglas Murray, was the last person to be born there, before moving to North Roe in 1944.
The largest of the four crofts, or small arable farms, the Fethaland croft, is accessible only by a track leading from the end of the public road. It needs to be reached either on foot or with a 4×4.
It encompasses the north-most point of the mainland contains a number of archaeological sites, including an Iron Age house and a Viking quarry.
Mr Murray described the feeling of leaving Fethaland as ‘heartbreaking’, and expressed a preference for selling the entire estate as a whole.
Mr Murray described the feeling of leaving Fethaland as ‘heartbreaking’, and expressed a preference for selling the entire estate as a whole. Pictured is the four-bedroom house on Hooplees croft
The largest of the four crofts, or small arable farms, the Fethaland croft, is accessible only by a track leading from the end of the public road. It needs to be reached either on foot or with a 4×4. It encompasses the north-most point of the mainland contains a number of archaeological sites, including an Iron Age house and a Viking quarry
Mr Murray described the feeling of leaving Fethaland as ‘heartbreaking’, and expressed a preference for selling the entire estate as a whole. ‘Fethaland itself is unimaginable – there’s no place like it,’ he said. ‘The wildlife is just phenomenal. You quite often see killer whales, puffins, even ospreys…. I can’t do it justice’
‘Fethaland itself is unimaginable – there’s no place like it,’ he said. ‘The wildlife is just phenomenal. You quite often see killer whales, puffins, even ospreys…. I can’t do it justice.’
He said that the remains of 23 buildings are situated on the land, along with moorings for the boats.
A survey by Historic Scotland and Shetland Amenity Trust in 2010 found that a number of these structures were collapsing due to coastal erosion, with more thought to be at risk.
The peninsula is also part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, protected and administered by Scottish Natural Heritage.
Part of the ‘North Roe Coast’ site, this designation means that SNH’s consent must be sought for any development, including erecting or removing structures or modifying any features.
A map showing the far northern tip of the remote island, which has been uninhabited for more than 80 years
Mr Murray said the remains of 23 buildings are situated on the land, along with moorings for the boats. A survey by Historic Scotland and Shetland Amenity Trust in 2010 found that a number of these structures were collapsing due to coastal erosion, with more thought to be at risk. The peninsula is also part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, protected and administered by Scottish Natural Heritage
Although it is uninhabited, Fethaland is a popular place for scenic walks.
The area is even explorable virtually, via a video-game style simulation in the Shetland Museum in Lerwick, which allows members of the public to ‘walk’ around the landscape and learn about its history.
SIC councillor for Shetland North, Andrea Manson, described the area as an ‘outstanding piece of land’, and called the news ‘a marvellous opportunity’.
Neil Risk Solicitors, who are selling the site, said: ‘Fethaland is known for its incredible scenery, and maritime and Viking history.
‘Along with the other crofts it would be ideal for someone looking to experience rural living in arguably one of the most beautiful places in the UK.’
SIC councillor for Shetland North, Andrea Manson, described the area as an ‘outstanding piece of land’, and called the news ‘a marvellous opportunity’. Neil Risk Solicitors, who are selling the site, said: ‘Fethaland is known for its incredible scenery, and maritime and Viking history. Pictured is the living room of the four-bedroom house on Hooplees croft
‘Along with the other crofts it would be ideal for someone looking to experience rural living in arguably one of the most beautiful places in the UK,’ Neil Risk Solicitors added