The largest and westernmost island of the Out Skerries, Housay lies 12 miles (19 km) east northeast of the Shetland Mainland. It rises to 48m (157 feet) at the Ward of Mioness, in the west of the island. One of the two inhabited islands in the group, Housay is separated from the other, Bruray, by the North and South Mouths which are crossed by the Skerries Bridge. The population of Housay is recorded as 71 (1961), 63 (1971), 49 (1981), 58 (1991), 50 (2001) and 50 (2011). The Out Skerries cemetery and the attractive white-washed church which serves the island group are located here, along with the post office, community hall and a small marina. The discovery of gold and silver coins, in the 1960s off Mio Ness, led to the location of three wrecks, including the Dutch East Indianman De Leifde which had treasure amongst its cargo.
