Sunday, December 22, 2024

Tiny UK island home to 30 people where Christmas Day is celebrated in January

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A picturesque island in Shetland is home to the second-highest sea cliff in Britain, towering 1,220 feet above sea level.

Foula also attracts visitors from around the world due to its array of seabirds, including Arctic terns, red-throated divers, and great skuas.

The island’s coastline is almost entirely rockbound, with just one beach located near the exposed pier. Here, boats are winched out of the water when not in use to protect them from damage.

Foula is home to just 30 full-time residents, who share the responsibility of running the island.

The local workforce includes ferry crew, fire crew, a nurse, a postman, three rangers, a fisherman, accommodation providers, and maintenance workers for electricity and water.

Due to its remote location, Foula was one of the last places in Shetland where the old Norn language, a remnant of Norse times, was still spoken.

These days, the island continues to use the Julian calendar, unlike the rest of the UK, which adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752. As a result, Christmas Day is celebrated on January 6, and New Year’s Day on January 13.

In terms of entertainment, Foula is strictly for nature lovers who relish crisp, fresh air or those seeking a truly unique experience away from the usual routine.

It’s not a destination for those who are indifferent to towering cliffs and abundant wildlife.

Foula is a place with no WiFi, no pubs, and no shops. Anyone making the trek to this remote island must bring everything they need with them, as reported by the BBC.

When it comes to accommodation, there are three choices: two guest houses, Burns and Ristie, or one of the few camping sites on the island.

Foula offers the perfect escape for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

With its tranquil atmosphere, this island is ideal for a relaxing getaway. What makes it so special is how untouched it feels by the modern world.

Many visitors find the limited phone signal liberating—offering the rare opportunity to disconnect, recharge, and fully enjoy the natural beauty around them.

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