Foula Island, Pony Paradise

Foula Island is located in the Scottish archipelago of Shetland and is one of the most remote pieces of land in the UK. Foula Island is about 5 square miles and has just about 40 inhabitants who are split between 2 towns, Ham and Hometown. This island is even more precious thanks to the fact that it boasts an amazing landscape where hundreds of ponies run free throughout the green valleys!



This small island has been home to these Scottish ponies since the Bronze Age when they were first bred and became destined to spread throughout the world. These ponies are quite clever indeed and were once used to guide people about. Foula means “bird island” in Norwegian since the island is also home to many species of birds, including the puffin, fulmar and the razorbill bird. The island is also home to sheep, sheep dos and seals!

The island is quite far from bustling city life and is not very easy to reach which means it offers an uncontaminated beauty. Travelers who want to visit Foula Island should note that there are only 2 flights per week and that ferries are dependent on weather conditions



Foula Island has no shops, bars or restaurants. It has one small post office, a B&B and just a few houses for rent for only the most daring tourists. Life is quiet on this island with shepherds and farmers getting by with what the island offers. Inhabitants of Foula Island follow the “new” Gregorian calendar, celebrating Christmas on January 6^th and New Year’s Day on January 13^th!



Foula Islans is the perfect happy oasis to visit, far from city stress where visitors can enjoy a pristine environment filled with ponies and prairies!

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