My quest to the most northerly point of the British Isles: A journey around the ‘island above all others’

She spoke with local historians who shared stories of lighthouse keepers

Travel writer Amelia Neath set out on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, to reach Muckle Flugga, the northernmost point of the British Isles, located off the coast of Unst in Shetland. Her fascination began years ago after seeing photographs of the remote lighthouse perched on the jagged rock, sparking a determination to visit the place often called „the island above all others.” The journey involved multiple ferry crossings and a final boat trip from Haroldswick, navigating through unpredictable North Atlantic waters. The obsession with Muckle Flugga grew from its reputation as both a geographical extreme and a symbol of isolation. Neath described how the lighthouse, built in 1854 to guide ships through treacherous currents, has become a beacon for adventurers seeking the edge of the map.

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She spoke with local historians who shared stories of lighthouse keepers enduring months of darkness and storms, reinforcing the site’s deep cultural resonance in Shetland identity. What drives someone to chase a dot on the map? For Neath, the pull was not just about ticking off a geographical milestone but understanding what such places mean to those who live near them. She visited the Unst Heritage Centre to learn how the island’s Norse roots shape its present-day resilience. Interviews with residents revealed a quiet pride in being Britain’s northernmost community, where traditions like Up Helly Aa coexist with modern challenges of depopulation and climate change.

The lighthouse, though automated since 1995, remains a powerful emblem of

The lighthouse, though automated since 1995, remains a powerful emblem of endurance. How does remoteness shape local life? Life on Unst moves to the rhythm of the sea and weather, with Neath noting how even simple tasks require planning around ferry schedules and daylight hours in winter. She observed that the island’s population of under 600 relies heavily on crofting and renewable energy, with wind turbines dotting the landscape as a sign of adaptation. Despite its remoteness, Unst maintains strong digital links, allowing residents to work remotely while preserving a way of life deeply tied to the land and ocean. The journey left Neath reflecting on how places like Muckle Flugga challenge perceptions of distance and belonging. While the British Isles are often thought of in terms of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the far north reminds us that the nation’s edges hold stories just as vital.

Her experience underscored that extreme geography is not just about coordinates but about the people who persist in shaping meaning from the margins. Frequently Asked Questions Why is Muckle Flugga considered the northernmost point of the British Isles? Muckle Flugga, a small rocky island north of Unst in Shetland, holds this title because it lies farther north than any other part of the UK, including mainland Scotland and other outlying islands. Can visitors go to Muckle Flugga? While the island itself is inaccessible due to its steep cliffs and protected status, boat tours from Unst offer close views, and the nearby Hermaness Nature Reserve provides excellent vantage points. What is the significance of the lighthouse on Muckle Flugga?

Built in 1854 by the Stevenson engineering family, the lighthouse warned ships of dangerous rocks for over a century before automation, and it remains a key symbol of maritime safety and Shetland’s heritage.