Mail is located on the south-eastern side of the island of Mainland adjacent to the A970 road some 10 miles (16 km) south of Lerwick, between Cunningsburgh and Sandwick.

Bur Ness contains the Mail churchyard, which has been the site of various archaeological finds.

[3] Gravestones have also been found with Norse runes, indicating Viking activity in the area, as well as inscriptions in Ogham.

Located on a tidal islet at Bur Ness is the site of the former Broch of Mail.

However, a visit in 1934 indicated the circular foundation of a broch tower, although there are no visible traces, having been covered by turf.