Island in Shetland Islands, Scotland
| Coordinates: | 60.422, -0.761 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | HU 68 71 |
Housay is one of the tiny inhabited islands in the Out Skerries group off the east coast of the Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is low-lying and rocky, fringed by skerries and small cliffs, and is linked to neighbouring Bruray by a short bridge; nearby uninhabited isles attract large colonies of seabirds, making the seascapes and wildlife a major feature.
Life on Housay revolves around small-scale fishing and crofting, a close-knit community and strong Shetland/Norse cultural roots reflected in local place-names and dialect. Services are limited and weather-dependent access from the mainland Shetland helps preserve a quiet, traditional island way of life that also draws a few visitors interested in birdwatching, history and rugged coastal scenery.