Hascosay (Old Norse "Hafskotsey" ) is a small island lying between Yell and Fetlar in the Shetland Islands, Scotland.

Geography and geology

The island's rock is coarse micaceous gneiss. It has several pools, but the fresh water in them is frequently contaminated by salt spray. Its area is just over 1 sqmi.

History

The population of the island was 42 in 1841, but had shrunk to thirteen within a decade. In 1871, the population numbered 4, and in 1881, the island was uninhabited. The laird, Arthur Nicolson, who had bought it had "cleared" parts of Fetlar, and it is possible that the islanders removed themselves in anticipation of a possible future forcible eviction by this landowner.

Wildlife

The island is designated as a Special Area of Conservation on account of its largely undisturbed blanket bog habitat. It is also home to a population of otters.