Bressay… Lerwick’s little sister.
Bressay lies to the east of Lerwick, shielding the town from the mighty North Sea. Bressay is Shetland’s fifth largest island at 11 square miles, and is home to around 360 lovely people.
Because Bressay is so accessible given it’s just a 7 minute ferry crossing from Lerwick, it can often be dismissed as a destination to go and check out. But don’t be fooled by its ‘toonie’ connections, Bressay is an island rich in splendor. With its seabird population residing on the notable cliffs that boast a number of sea caves and arches, a dozen freshwater lochs, a stunning retired but refurbished lighthouse, a heritage centre, a friendly local café and a pub, restaurant and hotel Bressay definitely is a place to be visited and explored.
Bressay has always been the protective sister to Lerwick throughout its existence – in the 20th century that role turned especially seriously when, during World War One, two naval guns were placed on either end of the isle to protect Lerwick form any unwanted visitors approaching via the sea. We’d learned our lesson with the Vikings, this wasn’t going to be an option again!
As someone who actually resided in Bressay for an all too short time I have a soft spot for the isle and its locals. There is a strong sense of community in Bressay. Although it is very much a commuting isle being so close to Lerwick, the community works hard to preserve that special island lifestyle. Although I left the isle a few years ago, I regularly go back to events in the hall, or to the local for a dram, or for a cycle or walk which I loved to do so much when I lived there. I still feel very much part of it and at home when I get on that ferry. The people in Bressay are some of the most welcoming and genuine people I’ve been lucky enough to know.
Which brings me to introducing you to one of them. This is Chris. Chris is originally from the south of England and moved to Shetland thirteen years ago and has been in Bressay eleven years now:
Chris
“I liked that there were lots of folk I could ask for crofting advice, and folk gave me an opportunity to help out, volunteer and work to get more experience in Shetland agriculture.”
Chris lives on and runs ‘Garths Croft’ which is the quaintest, tidiest and most beautiful story book croft I’ve ever seen. He takes great pride in his set up which is reflected in his happy and friendly animals who are delighted to welcome their visitors. His beautiful white croft house, sprawling land, fruitful polytunnel and stunning views out over the sea to Lerwick makes for the ideal modern day croft life.
When Chris got in touch to announce the arrival of some new additions I got over to Bressay as soon as I could. How adorable it was to see some brand new piglets:
Chris has a keen interest in breeding top quality animals and prefers to focus less on mass-market breeds but more on native and heritage breeds. His main focus is on his Saddleback, Tamworth and Iron Age pigs, which he cleverly uses to plough and fertilise his land before reseeding. This method is working well for Chris – you can visibly see how beneficial this system is working for his land, beautifully complemented by the hundreds of tons of drystone dyking undertaken to create a new yard, garden and shelter for existing and newly planted trees – hopefully one day to be a woodland! The dykes provide shelter for the amazing polycrub that’s growing plums, cherries, apples, pears, raspberries, strawberries, grapes and then, outside in the beds, you’ll find veg, tatties, corn and salads growing….. I told you this was story book stuff!
Other residents on the croft include our adorable native Shetland sheep who are bred for their uniquely coloured fleeces, some Norfolk Bronze turkeys, and Shetland and Orpington hens who just strut around unphased by visitors.
Chris works in conjunction with local restaurateurs The String to supply produce for their seasonal, local menu and to the cafe at the marts. Chris aims to supply more local restaurants, cafes and hotels with his produce to provide excellent fresh low-mileage ingredients to feature on menus across Shetland.
Chris’s traditional croft with a contemporary twist is well worth a visit. It’s a delight and a welcome addition to Bressay’s offerings.
Chris
“I’ve developed and diversified the croft to incorporate croft tours as part of the business model. I welcome and encourage visitors keen to visit and look around and learn about native, heritage breeds and crofting and sustainable agriculture to come and get up close and personal with the animals, fleeces etc. This started with Shetland Wool Week but I now work with a number of local tour operators, and I’m enthusiastic to welcome further future visitors. All they have to do is call me on 07748 926454 to arrange.”
Garths Croft is en route to the Bressay lighthouse which makes for the perfect combined afternoon visit to Bressay, or as part of a much larger exploration of the island. Go check it out and experience this quaint and happy place.
Have you ever noticed how the sun is always shining down on Bressay?
Shetland Islands with Leah
For more information on the Bressay ferry timetable click here
Shetland Islands with Leah 