Scotland’s islands are known for their history, nature, and stunning landscapes, but one, in particular, stands out for its wealth. Whalsay, a small island off the east coast of Shetland ’s mainland, is not just rich in culture but also in millionaires. Nicknamed ‘The Millionaire’s Isle’, Whalsay boasts the highest number of millionaires per capita in the UK. Despite its modest population of just over 1,000, this remote island, also known as ‘The Bonnie Isle’, owes much of its prosperity to its thriving fishing industry. For just £2.80, a half-hour ferry from Laxo takes you to Whalsay. Unlike some of its more fertile Shetland counterparts, Whalsay’s peat -covered landscape pushed its residents towards the sea to sustain the economy, Scottish Daily Express reported. The island became a key trading hub for the Hanseatic League, a legacy that lives on today in the bustling harbour of Symbister, where multi-million-pound fishing trawlers continue to dock. At Symbister’s harbour, enormous fishing trawlers, “the size of football pitches”, dominate the docks. Among them are seven state-of-the-art behemoths, each costing between £40 million and £50 million, according to Express . These vessels venture far into some of the world’s richest fishing grounds, hauling in up to 2,000 metric tonnes of fish in a single trip. With such efficiency, crews can meet their annual targets in just three months. Running this high-stakes operation comes at a price. Docking fees alone are said to reach £50,000 a week, offering a glimpse into just how lucrative Whalsay’s fishing industry truly is. Whalsay is also home to the UK’s most northerly 18-hole golf course, adding another unique touch to its remarkable character. Whalsay, the sixth-largest of the Shetland Islands, is not only a hub of wealth but also a place of deep history and striking landscapes. Located around half an hour by ferry from the Shetland mainland, the island’s economy is driven by its long-standing fishing industry, with most of its working population employed in whitefish, pelagic, or shellfish sectors. Beyond its financial success, Whalsay offers a glimpse into Scotland’s past. The island has been inhabited for over 4,000 years, and its connection to the sea runs deep. A key attraction is the Hanseatic Booth, a museum dedicated to the powerful trading network that spanned northern and central Europe for more than 500 years. Other landmarks include Symbister House, an impressive 19th-century mansion overlooking the harbour, and Skaw Golf Course, the UK’s most northerly 18-hole course, offering stunning coastal views. Whalsay has also been home to notable figures, including Hugh MacDiarmid, the controversial nationalist poet, who lived for nine years at Sudheim. Tucked away from Shetland’s busier mainland, Whalsay remains something of a hidden gem. With its strong fishing heritage and close-knit community, the island offers a glimpse into a way of life that has faded elsewhere. One blogger described Whalsay as “proper Shetland”, praising its authenticity. “Whalsay is authentically and proudly Shetland. It’s a welcoming place with a traditional fishing vibe that has otherwise been lost to the rest of Shetland, other than Burra,” they wrote.