Yell is the second largest island in Shetland, the biggest of the North Isles (Unst, Yell and Fetlar) with a long and varied coastline 17 miles long and 7 miles wide. The only main road runs directly from each ferry terminal at Ulsta to Gutcher, all remaining routes are single track with plenty of passing places which are ideal to enjoy the wildlife and scenery ... or just enjoy the drive!
Yell is also known as a peaceful, friendly island of just under 1,000 inhabitants with a beautiful, rugged coastline ideal for uninterrupted walks to blow the cobwebs away. We also have several secluded scenic beaches at Westsandwick, Gossabrough and Breckon which are alive in the summer with various species of seabirds and wildlife … and sometimes people too! Yell is also famous for seeing otters in their natural habitat and, on occasion, even in a local garage or garden when curiosity gets the better of them!
As well as being such a peaceful island, Yell also has a lifestyle that blends tradition and a vast range of up-to-date facilities including a Junior High and three Primary Schools, a fully equipped Public Hall in each village (which are used on regular basis throughout the year), local authority Residential Care Centre, modern Health Centre with Dental Practice, active churches and several very well stocked general stores among other facilities. Yell has many attractions to visit including several ancient broch sites, panoramic views of surrounding isles from coastal routes, the figurehead known as the "White Wife" from the sunken German training ship Bohus at Otterswick, the Old Haa Museum and Gallery at Burravoe (with tea room), Gloup Memorial at North Yell and an Iron Age Fort at Burgi Geos. Further information available through Tourism links below.
Yell also has more than 60 local community groups ranging from boating clubs to drama, dancing and reading groups and over 70 local business's which won Yell the title of Scottish Calor Community of the Year, Business Award 2003. Peaceful and quiet ... yet industrious and keen.
New ferries with larger capacity were introduced to Yell Sound in 2004 and have been a great success for improved service to Yell and the North Isles. Good transport links are available at certain times of the day enabling commuters to get to and from mainland Shetland. Contact Shetland Islands Council website for further information at www.shetland.gov.uk/transport
Yell Community Council hope you enjoy visiting this site which may prompt you to visit our wonderful island(s!) and enjoy the tranquility or the roar of the crowd at community events for yourself.
For any further help or suggestions please contact clerk.ycc@gmail.com
For more information on Shetland for both visitings and moving here see - http://www.shetland.org/
For info on Yell - http://visit.shetland.org/yell
Travel - http://visit.shetland.org/plan-and-book
See and do - http://visit.shetland.org/see-and-do
