Shetland Sojourn 2018: Part 3

Another day of good weather and we decided to take the boat trip to the nearby island of Mousa. There are three reasons why this is a good place to go: firstly, it has the best preserved broch in Scotland, secondly, it is a good site for various birds; and, thirdly, it's a very pleasant place to stroll around.

Mousa is a small island just off the east coast of Mainland. Here's an interesting fact I learnt from somewhere: apparently the Vikings termed anything they could circumnavigate an island, even if they had to drag a boat overland for part of it. Hence Mousa was considered to be two islands - the North Isle and the South Isle. Mousa (“Mossy Island” in Old Norse) today is an RSPB Nature Reserve with important breeding colonies of seals and seabirds including the diminutive storm petrel, hundreds of which have made their home within the walls of the broch and even in the dry stonewalls that criss-cross the island.

As we waited for the ferry, we took a stroll along the coastal path, passed the 16th Century Sand Lodge, and came across a stone seat with this plaque attached. The least I can do is to show you Alan Slater's favourite view. And what a fine view it is, too, looking as it does towards our island destination.

And here comes the Mousa Boat, the Solan IV, to take us on the 20 minute crossing to the island.

Hee, hee, hee. Did you see the woolly hat that chap Parsons is wearing? He thinks it makes him look a rugged outdoors type. He's wrong. £3 from Tescos? He was robbed. Shall we go and crap on it?

Broch of Mousa (or Mousa Broch) is said to be the finest preserved example of an Iron Age broch or round tower. It is the tallest broch still standing and amongst the best-preserved prehistoric buildings in Europe. It is thought to have been constructed c. 100 BC.

It's about 50 foot high and has a single entrance. Because of its islaoted position it is thought to be relatively free from the ravages of time and those who thought it would be a good idea to use its stones for various building projects. It was thought to be used for a mixture of domestic and defensive purposes.

I've been to Mousa and my admiration for the skills of its builders increases with each visit. No mortar, just the skillful placement of local stones to make a structure that has withstood the vagaries of the Shetland weather for over 2000 years.

The thick walls contain a central passage that gives access not just to the roof but also a number of side-compartments, some used for storage and some used as living quarters.

From the top of the broch looking southwards with Sumburgh Head on the far horizon, probably some 20 miles away.

A pair of Eider Ducks. If you don't already know, guess which is the male.

A Great Skua, known as the 'Pirate of the Seas' because of its aggression. Getting too close to their territory generally results in a swooping attack on the unwary. This one was photographed at a suitable distance with a zoom lens because I had no wish to be pecked and I'm a great believer in self-preservation.

And this is the same bird in flight. They don't have many friends as they seem to spread panic wherever they go. Which is not surprising as they like nothing more than to snack on a tasty egg or, even better, a nice fresh chick. They really are nasty birds but are very adept at what they do.

A Shag drying its wings after what was, no doubt, a refreshing dip. How can I tell its a Shag and not a Cormorant? Amongst other things, the shape and colour of the base of its beak.

The day was completed with another trip to Sumburgh Head to see if the Puffins were still around. Hardly any on view this time so here's a shot from our previous visit. Actually, I think this is amongst the best of my Puffin shots so far. And it's in focus, Dai Phillips, it's in focus.