During 2003 I had begun research on a couple of aircraft that came down on the Island of Foula in the Shetland group in WW2. More research led me to a number of books to seek out geographical locations. Also a film produced by British director Michael Powell was viewed and I became more and more intrigued by this tiny island.
More interest in both the aircraft & the movie inspired me to make plans for a trip to this island, though by no means an easy task even in todays world of modern transport. Foula lies some 16 miles west of Shetland at a latitude of 60 degrees, as far north as the southern tip of Greenland, and getting there from my hometown near Manchester would take 3 aircraft and a lot of luck with the weather.
May 2006 - Having flown to Sumburgh in heavy rain & foul weather via a short stop at Edinburgh & Wick, we landed at Sumburgh, Shetland in bright blue skies & sunshine. A few days were spent on Shetland and then on the morning of the 24th we departed Tingwall with Loganair for Foula `THE EDGE OF THE WORLD` (The 1937 movie title)
The flight was calm with fantastic views across the islands, and soon the heights of Hamnafield hill & the tiny crofts of Foula came into view, what a marvelous sight.
We touched down and were greeted by the Islands ranger Isobel Holbourn who we had planned to stay with for a few days in her self catering cottage at Ristie, an old converted crofthouse on the north of the isle close to the famous Gaada Stack, a twin stone arch and memorable setting for the 1937 movie scenes.
Not wanting to waste the great weather we set off for the hills straight away, and were soon aloft Hamnafield and greeted by magnificent views all around the island. `What a fantastic place!!!`
Visits were made with many of the local population regarding the aircraft, the film, and life on Foula in general. Eric Isbister told us of the Whitley aircraft that came down in 1943 near his house at South Biggins. Jim Gear told us of his fathers involvement in the rescue of another airman from the blazing wreck of a Canso flying boat in 1944.Steve Smith took us around the various sites of old crofts and Edith Gray an extra in the movie `Edge of the World` told us of her involvement in the making of the film and life on the island.
All in all a fantastic time on this wonderful island was had, I thank the people from the bottom of my heart for all the time they gave us on our visit.
`LONG LIVE FOULA!`
PLEASE NOTE: *Photographs are copyright (c) David W.Earl.
Stills from the `Edge of the World` are courtesy
of the Estate of Michael Powell & BFI.(*Unless
otherwise stated)
Find below some good links to other sites on Foula & the Movie `THE EDGE OF THE WORLD` directed by Michael Powell.
"It started out as just a film,but became an experience
that changed all our lives" - John Laurie. 1978.
NEW..NEW...NEW..
Pictures from my 2008 trip in May now in the gallery.
STOP PRESS...
EDGE OF THE WORLD screening at The Cornerhouse Cinema
Oxford Road, Manchester.
Sunday 13th July 2008.
Bookings on their website:
http://www.cornerhouse.org/film/info.aspx?ID=1858&page=0
 Foula - About the Isle |
| MY EDGE OF THE WORLD SITE |
| EDGE OF THE WORLD 2 - THE RETURN |
| FOULA HERITAGE SITE |
| POWELL & PRESSBURGER SITE |
| WANTED! EofTW COLLECTIBILES |
Send E-Mail to: islands@earl25.fsnet.co.ukCopyright © 2008 David W.Earl. All Rights Reserved