Lizzington1 Posted June 27, 2018 Report Share Posted June 27, 2018 I was wondering if anyone could give us any advice regarding if commuting from Yell to Brae 4 days a week is viable? We are due to move to Shetland in August, so I can start a nursing job based initially based at Brae. Our small problem is that we would love to live on Yell (we've visited a number of times) but realise that travelling as a tourist and doing the commute 4 days a week will be totally different. I realise that we'd have to factor in the cost of ferry travel and consider what would happen in very bad weather but is it something people manage regularly? Thanks in advance for any advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Allan Posted June 27, 2018 Report Share Posted June 27, 2018 Yes very viable, many people do this. The Yell ferry doesn't take long. Weather is just a factor that employers understand on Shetland, "It Happens" so to speak, though its not often they cancel the Yell ferry. The drive from Toft to Brae is not too bad (15-18 miles maybe?). though a dark one in Winter of course! You would probably want to block book your ferry place, though outside of the summer season I can't imagine you'd have a problem getting on board. Yell has fine people and some great activities through the summer. Lizzington1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuckleJoannie Posted June 27, 2018 Report Share Posted June 27, 2018 9.4 miles from the Toft ferry terminal to the Brae health centre according to google. One way round the ferry booking system is to have a car on both sides then you only need to travel as a foot passenger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulb Posted June 28, 2018 Report Share Posted June 28, 2018 remember late sifts and weekend working. ps wife is a district nurse if you need help im sure she will be happy to help. are you the band 6 if so there is a vacancy in yell. there may be nfs housing available at mossbank dont buy straight off Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Allan Posted June 28, 2018 Report Share Posted June 28, 2018 Yes MuckleJoannie is correct. It's only nine or so miles for one way. I was not clear at all. When I look at work I always look how far there and back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheelsup Posted June 28, 2018 Report Share Posted June 28, 2018 If I remember correctly your car in Yell doesn’t required an mot so it can be cheaper to own one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzington1 Posted June 28, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2018 Thanks so much all for all the replies/advice, it's helped put my mind at rest that living on Yell is achievable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrashBox Posted June 28, 2018 Report Share Posted June 28, 2018 My concern would not be the fear of getting to work because of ferry service suspension, but the fear of not being able to get home after a shift in work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulb Posted June 28, 2018 Report Share Posted June 28, 2018 its important to note in winter the ferry can be cancelled. you may be lone working and some patients will be time sensitive. you will be working either christmas day or new years day not sure the ferry sails. its going to cost £13.60 per day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shetlander Posted June 28, 2018 Report Share Posted June 28, 2018 The ferry usually does 2-3 return trips on Christmas/New Years Day if I mind right. And if you’re going to be a regular traveller you can buy a discounted 10 journey car ticket which works out at £9 a day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
layla Posted June 29, 2018 Report Share Posted June 29, 2018 Yes, it's perfectly possible to commute from Yell to Brae. If you know which ferry you need to be on, it's a good idea to book if it's peak time. Travel delays are possible anywhere you live, and although it's frustrating when the ferries are off, it's not really any worse than commuting on mainland UK, with motorway delays, traffic jams, trains cancelled etc. Auld Mossyface 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeyboy Posted June 30, 2018 Report Share Posted June 30, 2018 Plenty of folk commute and even do it by public transport. Not sure what time you start and finish at but check the bus timetable and see if it fits in for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulb Posted July 1, 2018 Report Share Posted July 1, 2018 it will normally be between 8.30 and 4.30 however it can be upto 9.30pm with on calls overnight that must be reached within 2 hours. there will be weekend working and bank holidays work. just as a new person to shetland it may be better to stay in the north of the mainland and once sure your staying then move to yell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scorrie Posted July 1, 2018 Report Share Posted July 1, 2018 Buy a book of tickets, it's a lot cheaper. The ferry very rarely cancels all day, early morning runs are the first casualties in winter as it's difficult for the skippers to assess conditions. If there is bad weather closing in through the day then they'll go down to single ferry and leg it backwards and forwards until they have to cancel. Most employers have no issues with people leaving a bit earlier because of ferry disruption, but it would be wise to have a few B&B numbers on your phone. But in all the years I've been commuting between Yell and mainland I've never been caught out and got stuck. I have a car on each side, bear in mind that will cost you apx £1800 pa in car ferry fees. That would easily pay for a runabout. The drive and ferry is completely stressless, in fact it's a bit baffling as to why some people believe commuting to mainland is a big deal..... Selkie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulb Posted July 1, 2018 Report Share Posted July 1, 2018 its not just a little more complex when nursing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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