The weird reason UK’s most isolated island celebrates New Year’s Day today… 12 days late
AN ISLAND in the Shetlands, without any pubs, shops, or WiFi, is celebrating New Year’s Day today, January 13.
Located 20 miles off the west coast of Shetland, lies Foula – a Scottish island where its 35 residents ring in the New Year nearly two weeks after the rest of the country.
This is because Foula, sometimes referred to as Ultima Thule, doesn’t use the same calendar as the rest of the UK.
In the UK, the Gregorian calendar – the one we’re all used to – came into popularity in 1752, when the country switched from the Julian calendar.
While most of the country switched calendars, residents on Foula decided to stick with the calendar they knew.
The difference caused the days to shift and ever since a single leap year in 1900, locals on Foula have celebrated Christmas and New Year 12 days after everyone else.
With only 35 residents, and no ties to the National Grid, Foula is considered one of the country’s most remote islands.
The island has no WiFi, pubs, bars or shops, with locals relying on deliveries via sea or air.
Despite this, there are plenty of attractions and activities to keep holidaymakers who are after a wholesome break entertained.
The island is spread over five square miles and has five distinctive peaks, including Da Kame.
Da Kame is said to be one of the highest sheer sea cliffs in Britain.
The Shetland Islands, including Foula, is also one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the UK.
While the aurora season is weather dependent, the best time to see the Northern Lights, known locally as Mirrie Dancers, is between mid-October to mid-March.
In addition to its 35 human residents, Foula is a haven for wildlife and is famous for its native sheep.
Following a long-term ban on the imports of sheep, there has been no cross-breeding of the farmyard animal on Foula.
This means its entire population of sheep is completely unique and often characterised by their diversity of colours, which is present in their wool.
The island’s Old Norse name (Fugla-ey) literally means ‘bird island‘, making it an ideal spot for bird watchers.
Lucky visitors to the island can potentially glimpse Puffins, Kittiwakes, Guillemots and Fulmars.
Foula is also a popular spot for scuba diving thanks to the many shipwrecks surrounding its shores, including the RMS Oceanic.
While the RMS Oceanic launched in 1899, it was called into military service during the First World War and ran aground three miles east of Foula.
For those who prefer to stay on land, the Foula Ranger Service operates guided walks.
Holidaymakers can also embark on self-guided walks, with maps and further information issued by Foula Heritage.
Foula can be reached by ferry or a flight from the Shetland Mainland.
Ferry crossings operate three times per week, with journeys taking two hours and 15 minutes.
The island is also home to self-catering accommodation, with visitors needing to bring their own supplies.
Two other little-known islands to visit in the UK
HERE are two other little-known islands to visit in the UK.
The Isle of Erraid, Scotland
The tiny Inner Hebridean Isle of Erraid is a tidal island, just off the tip of the Ross of Mull.
For an hour or two either side of low tide, the Isle of Erraid is linked to the mainland by a broad expanse of sand that you can cross.
But Erraid’s major claim to fame is its inspiration for the famous novel Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Erraid is one of the driest and sunniest places in Scotland, with less than 1,000 millimetres of rain and 1,350 hours of sunshine annually, so you’re virtually guaranteed great days out on the beach.
Unst, Scotland
Unst is roughly 178 miles away from the Scottish mainland.
There are thought to be just 600 people living on the tiny island, making it the most northerly inhabited place in the UK.
Unst has just one pub, one hotel, one school, three shops and a lone bus route.
Skaw Beach, the most northerly in the UK, is packed with golden sand, and it’s backed by a meadow that’s home to an array of wild flowers in the spring and summer.
Because of its shape, the beach is fairly sheltered from the winds.
There are limited facilities at the beach, so holidaymakers should aim to pack everything they need before visiting.
Despite its remote location, around 100 people have reviewed the beach on Google, with one person writing: “Wild and wooly, with nobody around. The water was freezing, as you would expect.”
It’s also a haven for birds including corncrake, lapwing, peregrine, hen harriers and sandpipers and you’ll also see plenty of deer, hedgehogs and Black Face sheep.
Osea Island is a tiny private island where all of the celebs go, with A-listers including Rihanna, Stormzy, and Jude Law staying over the years.
Often dubbed the “English Necker Island” most of the famous faces visit for the recording studio – although tourists can book overnight stays on part of the island.