And so to the Fair Isle
Sunday, June 25, 2023 @ 9:53 AM
What on earth could a little island off Shetland have in common with Spain? Half way between North Ronaldsey in Orkney and Sumburgh Head in Shetland, there is a grand sight to behold. The little island boasts a wide range of activities, and, is of course, a fabulous environment. However, little appears to be know about the presence of the naval action, and the downfall of an Admiral of the Spanish Armada.
Admiral Juan Gomez di Medina was the Commander of the Spanish Armada - the “Invincible” Armada was dispersed by the combined artillery of the skies and the English fleet, was wrecked in 1588. They attempted to , return to Spain, by sailing round the west of the British Isles. It was difficult to land on the craggy outcrop after their galleon was driven into a creek on the east side of the island. It is said that during his stay in Fair Isle, the Spanish commander behaved "most chivalrously", and "ordered his men to pay handsomely" for all the provisions they required from the natives. However, the Spaniards waited too long at the scene of their shipwreck, apparently from apprehensions lest they should not be well received in Shetland, which was under the sway of the Protestant King of Scotland who was friendly with Queen Elizabeth I.