Bressay
| Norse name | Breiðey/Brusey |
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| Meaning of name | Old Norse for 'broad island' or 'Brusi's island' |
 Bressay Lighthouse at Kirkabister Ness overlooking Bressay Sound |
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| Location | |
 Bressay
Bressay shown within the Shetland Islands
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| OS grid reference | HU507406 |
| Coordinates | 60°09′N 1°05′W / 60.15°N 1.08°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Shetland |
| Area | 2,805 hectares (10.8 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 30 |
| Highest elevation | Ward of Bressay 226 metres (741 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Shetland Islands |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 368 |
| Population rank | 25 |
| Pop. density | 13 people/km2 |
| Largest settlement | Maryfield |
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| References | |
Bressay is a populated island in the Shetland Islands of Scotland.
Bressay lies due south of Whalsay, west of Noss, and north of Mousa. At 11 square miles (28 km2), it is the fifth largest island in Shetland. The population is around 360 people, concentrated in the middle of the west coast, around Glebe and Fullaburn.
The island is made up of Old Red Sandstone with some basaltic intrusions. Bressay was quarried extensively for building materials, used all over Shetland, especially in nearby Lerwick. There are a number of sea caves and arches. The largest of eleven lochs on the island are the Loch of Grimsetter in the east, and the Loch of Brough.
Bressay has a large number of migrant birds, especially in the east. The Loch of Grimsetter is a haven for waders and whooper swans. In the far south, there is a colony of Arctic skuas.
The name of the island may have been recorded in 1263 as 'Breiðoy' (Old Norse "broad island"). In 1490 the island is referred to as "Brusoy" - "Brusi's island".
The Bressay Stone is an outstanding example of Pictish art.
The slender sides are engraved with ogham, and the two faces with various examples of knotwork, and imagery. The top of each face has a cross. On one side, there is an engraving of two men with crosiers, as well as various animals including horses, pigs, and what appears to be someone in the process of being swallowed by two sea monsters. It has been suggested that this is Jonah.
During World War I and II gun emplacements were built to guard Bressay Sound.
Attractions on the island include Bressay Lighthouse. At Maryfield there is a heritage centre, a hotel and the old laird's mansion, Gardie House, built in 1724. The Northern Lights Spa Hotel at Uphouse is Britain's most northerly spa.
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Wikipedia