OS grid reference HU359681 | ||
 | ||
Population 660 (2001 census)est. 690 (2006) | ||
Brae (Old Norse: Breiðeið, meaning "the wide isthmus") is a settlement on the island of Mainland in Shetland, Scotland.
Contents
Description
Traditionally a fishing village, with the construction of the nearby Sullom Voe Oil Terminal in the 1970s Brae grew rapidly, merging with the nearby village of Northbrae. It is located at the northeast end of Busta Voe, on the narrow isthmus that separates the mainland from Northmavine. The village also stages its own Up Helly Aa.
The A970 which connects Lerwick to Northmavine forms the main street of Brae. Brae's police and fire stations, schools, and NHS clinic service much of the northern part of the mainland.
Etymology
Brae is the Lowland Scots word for the slope or brow of a hill. The word 'Brae' in Shetland dialect has a different meaning; it may come from the Old Norse word breiðr meaning broad. The village may take its name from the broad isthmus between Sullom Voe and Busta Voe as opposed to the narrower one a little further north at Mavis Grind. Alternatively the name may mean "a slope to the sea".
Notable people
Jonathan Sutherland, television and radio broadcaster and main anchor of Sportscene is from Brae.
Erraid Davies is a member of the Delting Dolphins swimming club based in Brae, which claims to be "the most northerly active swimming club in the UK".