Shetland Life 1992

Burra is an exciting place approached as it is across two long bridges and the Isle of Trondra. Leaving the main traffic to go on to Hamnavoe, one follows a moorland road which drops down to the water at Bridge End. Here two long promintaries divide into East and West Burra, forming arms enclosing the West Voe.

At the point where the two islands all but meet, the old school and schoolhouse stand on a rocky spit, almost surrounded by the sea. What a wonderful spot in which to be educated: But times change, and in recent years the children have travelled to Hamnavoe and Scalloway.

For years the school building stood deserted, until the Shetland Islands Council converted it. at a cost of £150,000, into an Outdoor Leisure Centre for the pleasure of both adults and children. the work was carried out by a local contractor, who took a personal interest in the project. This involved stripping back the harling to the stone walls, which needed repointing, and reslating the roof. Very handsome doors have been inserted along with double-glazed windows. Former pupils would hardly recognise their old classrooms.

Inside, everything is of first rate quality to include modern cooking area, four bedrooms accommodating six comfortable bunk beds in each, and a small room for group leaders. Showers and washing facilities which cater for the disabled are all excellent.

The Centre was opened at the end of April by Mr John Nicolson, Director of Leisure and Recreation, but as there was doubt about the date of completion the Centre has not been advertised. However according to Trustee, Mr Tom Smith, it is already proving popular with local groups. No formal courses are offered. The leader of the group is responsible for the choice of activity, for feeding the party, and for seeing that the building is left in pristine condition.

On a perfect Saturday at e beginning of June, when hardly a ripple stirred the voe, the door of the Centre stood open. Two smart buses labelled "SIC Leisure and Recreation Department" were parked outside. Obviously some scheme was afoot.

Inside we were greeted by the leader of the Boys' Brigade from Aith and Dunrossness. along with three male helpers, she had brought along some twenty candidates all eager to set off independently to camp for one night before being reunited on Sunday for the return bus journey.

On the previous night the boys had been thrilled to collect wood to light a fire on the beach on which to cook a sausapper. Dueemphasis was laid on the danger o heather fires, atnd the safety of such activities on stony beaches. The process proved lengthy and the party was still enjoying the simmer dim at midnight. Several youngsters looked not quite awake at ten the next morning.

The scene was one of quiet preparation. The younger group of 13 to 14 year olds was engaged in studying their route from a large scale map. With the aid of pieces of string they proudly discovered that Saturday's trek vocered five and a half miles, leaving four and a half for Sunday morning. The bus was to take them as far as Voe, from whence they were to make their way to Sand vie the Aithsting peatlands, a region quite unkown to the boys. From a distance the leaders would keep a discreet watch, hoping not to assert their presence.

The plan was to camp for the night near a local school. To be sure that the lads could erect their tents, they had a practice on a rocky headland outside the centre. The site overlooking West Voe, and south as far as Fitful Head, looked so attractive it is probable that the more faint-hearted candidates saw little reason to go further.

Next arose the all important question of food for the trek. Talks were given on the value of a balanced diet to include protein and carbohydrates, and lists of each compiled by the boys. They learnt that a cube of sugar provided energy for an hour when one was watching television, but only eight seconds when climbing a steep hill with a haversack. It is therefore important to choose suitable foods when camping.

One group was busy weighing potatoes, and comparing them against packets of Smash. Dried vegetables and packet soups were obviously more appropriate than tinned varieties. There remained a visit to the local shop to purchase suitable meals, and a lesson in packing before the group set off on what one hoped would be an enjoyable and instructive challenge.

The older group of 15-year-olds were undertaking a longer walk of 15 miles. They already knew about tents and foods. They were studying grid references and the use of the compass. They were eager to stress that they were old hands at the job. Several wore not the usual trainers, but serviceable leather walking boots.

Other groups already booked in at Bridge End include several primary schools, and a couple of youth clubs, one from Shetland and one more distant from Orkney. These are to followed by a church society, and a group of adult ornithologists. Many will combine the attractions of walking, camping and bird watching.

The centre is excellent also for water sports, situated as it is at the head of a Shetland voe. Several canoes are available for the use of visitors, but members of the local club bring their own craft twice a week in summer. In June, enthusiasts who had canoed right around the islands completed their round with a night at Bridge End.

This is a very worthy enterprise. Local lovers of these beautiful islands are fortunate to have this amenity on their doorstep. Those from further afield may come to share in Shetland's treasure, and return home enriched by their visit.