OUT SKERRIES, lying twenty-four miles north-east of Lerwick, consists of three main islands – Housay and Bruray, the east and west isles joined by the present bridge in 1957, and the uninhabited island of Grunay – together with many other islets and rocks. The total land area is less than two miles square, but this is a prosperous and active community of around 80 folk. There is one mile of road, a church and community hall, both well used by the islesfolk, two shops and Britain’s smallest secondary school. The school is a participant in the Eco Schools project. Fishing is an essential part of the community and this is reflected by the growing number of local fishing boats which can be seen at anchor in the beautiful natural harbour and anchorage. Skerries can offer some of the best diving in the UK with crystal clear waters warmed by the passing Gulf Stream. There are many interesting wrecks around the shoreline including the Dutch East Indiamen Kennermerland (1664) and De Liefde (1711), and the Danish warship Wrangels Palais (1677). Some artefacts can be seen in the Shetland Museum. Wood, procured from the wrecked German sailing ship, the Norwind (1906), clads the walls of many Skerries’ homes. Bound Skerry, with its lighthouse, built at a cost of £21,000 in 1857, 90% above Stevenson’s estimate, is Shetland’s easternmost point. The light is now automatic. The keepers were housed on Grunay, but although the island was for sale in 1993, it is still uninhabited. Bird watching and botany are also of major interest to the visitor – many of the UK's rarest birds and flowers can be seen throughout the year here. Recent rare migrants include dark eyed junco, Isabelline shrike, pine bunting and thick-billed warbler to name a few. Sea pinks cover the cliff tops in abundance, and alpine and meadow flowers give a colourful show in the fields and verges. There are small stone circles – from the Bronze age – the largest being the 13 metre circle at Battle Pund. In Scotland battle punds were the site of blood feuds, settled in single combat. The isles are well served by regular ferry services in the new vessel M/F Filla.Visitors can choose to fly in and out using the Loganair islander service . There is ample visitor accommodation available and a warm welcome awaits all in this friendly community.