Cruise ships and craft

On Monday this week we had a splendid day out on the lovely island of Fetlar, East of Yell and Unst.

The small island is known as "The Garden of Shetland" and is well-regarded for its birdlife, particularly the red-necked phalarope which has a splendid Latin appelation - Phalaropus lobatus. However it was not these migrants that we came to see but some summer visitors who duly arrived on a cruise ship (left) and anchored just offshore in the bay where we could see them from the hall being ferried to and from the beach in little boats. You can see one of the craft in the photograph as it headed towards shore.  

The event was organised by Robert who is the Development Worker in Fetlar, and a few craft makers went across at his invitation to set-up stalls and tables, and to chat to the visitors. As you can see from the picture on the right, Kirsty and I had a lot of things to take over and our table looked very inviting, if I say so myself! There was live music from the Unst Dance Band, and even some dancing (including, inexpertly, by me). The cruise passengers were very entertained and entertaining, and along with tea and cake, soup and sandwiches, we had a Splendid Day Out. 

Late that evening, on the way home, I walked along the breakwater at the Fetlar ferry terminal to discover the favourite dining place of an otter. Scattered crabs bits of the most brilliant blue and purple lay strewn along the pebbles and stones. We returned home full of hope and enthusiasm, ideas and conversation about the holiday we had just had for the day in Fetlar!