THIS British island is so remote that it can only be reached by plane or a ferry – and it boasts only 30 residents.
But the seemingly picturesque isle of Foula near the Shetland Islands in north Scotland comes with a serious drawback – visitors who maim the local’s pets.
GettyThe tiny isle lies in the far north of Scotland[/caption]
The local livestock fall victim to one particular visitorGetty Images – Getty
AlamyThe Great Skua wreaks havoc on the island yearly[/caption]
The pretty island has two guest houses and a spattering of campsites, but has no wifi, pubs, or shop.
For those who make the journey, they’ll be greeted by stunning Shetland ponies, Foula sheep and thousands of birds who migrate to the island once a year and wreak havoc on the local livestock.
One bird in particular is a menace – the great skua, or as its known locally, the bonxie.
Sheila Gear has lived in Foula for nearly six decades, and said the creatures are disgusting.
She told the BBC: “The real problem is that fishing boats discarding catch has created an artificially high population, beyond what the natural ecosystem can support.”
The terrifying bird has a wingspan of nearly 5feet, and what it lacks in talons it makes up for with its vicious pecking.
Poor Shetland ponies and Foula sheep have been pecked to death by the horrific birds.
But locals are still pleased to see the birds each year, as Gear said: “For all I’ve said about them, we’re still really glad to see them come back each time.
“They’re part of life here and we’re fond of them, even if we’re not so fond of their behaviour.”
The Bonxie also eats Puffins, Razorbills and Kittiwakes, as well as killing innocent livestock on the island.
Despite the fierce nature of the place, locals still adore the desolate island and many choose not to leave often.
Local cottage owner Magnus Holbourn said: “This is not a place where humanity is in the ascendancy. It’s just clinging on.”
Another British isle is so remote that its residents face being marooned for weeks on end.
The Calf of Man – a rugged, storm-lashed island off the southern tip of the Isle of Man – is only 2.5 square kilometres.
It’s also one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the British Isles, home to rare, endangered species including Manx shearwater, puffins and choughs.
GettyEven Shetland pony foals have fallen victim to the birds[/caption]
Getty – ContributorBut the island still draws friendly human visitors thanks to its stunning landscapes[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
