Location

Often referred to as the friendly isle, Yell, with a population of just over 900, is Shetland's second largest. It supports a wealth of bird and wildlife across its extensive unspoilt moorland and around its long and varied coastline. Due to its low lying, peaty coastline, it’s renowned as one of the best places in the country to see otters.

The island offers unlimited options for both coastal and hill walks and the island’s relatively gentle topography means that it is accessible to even the most inexperienced of hillwalkers. You’re never more than a few miles from the sea in Yell and the award-winning beaches at West Sandwick and Breckon are amongst Shetland’s finest. Both are less than half an hours’ drive from Coel Na Mara and Mid Yell's own beach is just a short stroll down the hill from the house.

On rainy days, visit the excellent Yell Leisure Centre and swimming pool just a short walk away or the Old Haa Museum in Burravoe, fittingly housed in Yell’s oldest building. Yell has over 30 listed buildings, including Windhouse, reputed to be haunted and eerily located on the hillside just west of the Mid Yell junction, and a number of sites of archaeological interest. The Gloup Memorial, unveiled in 1981 to commemorate the lives of 58 fishermen who perished in a summer storm in July 1881 and the White Wife, the figurehead from the German training vessel the Bohus which ran aground off the east cost of Yell in April 1924 are also worth a visit.

There are three well-stocked shops in the island at Mid Yell, Aywick and Cullivoe and post offices at Burravoe, Aywick and Cullivoe. The nearest supermarkets (Tesco and Co-Op) are in Lerwick.

For teas, coffees and snacks, visit the tearoom within the Old Haa in Burravoe in the summer months. Isle Eats and LJs Diner and Pizzeria, both in Mid Yell, are open during the summer months and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The licensed Mid Yell Boating Club is situated a 15-minute walk back up through the village from the house and is open most evenings from 8pm. Chinese food is served on the first Friday of the month.

Socially, Yell is active throughout the year and many social events are held in the network of community halls around the island. The hall in Mid Yell has occasional Fish and Chip or restaurant nights on Fridays or Saturdays throughout the year.