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Head of the Buird

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Head of the Buird

Storm Beach These boulders, thrown up by the waves to form a storm beach 30 metres above the sea, demonstrate the power of the seas which pound the exposed north side of Papa Stour
Storm Beach Credit: Anne Burgess

Head of the Buird is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago in Scotland. This headland, also referred to as a point, is situated on the northeastern coast of the main island, known as Mainland.

Rising up to an elevation of approximately 70 meters (230 feet), Head of the Buird commands spectacular views of the surrounding rugged coastline. Its location offers an unobstructed vantage point, allowing visitors to witness the dramatic meeting of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The headland is characterized by steep cliffs that plunge dramatically into the sea, creating a striking visual contrast.

The geology of Head of the Buird is predominantly composed of rugged and weathered rocks, common to the Shetland Islands. These rocks showcase the area's rich geological history, displaying layers of sedimentary formations formed over millions of years.

The headland is also an important site for seabird colonies, providing nesting grounds for various species such as fulmars, guillemots, and puffins. Birdwatchers are often drawn to Head of the Buird to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Access to Head of the Buird is relatively easy, with nearby parking and a well-maintained footpath leading to the headland. Visitors are advised to take caution near the cliff edges, as they can be unstable and dangerous.

Overall, Head of the Buird offers a captivating coastal experience, combining breathtaking views, geological interest, and abundant wildlife. It is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Shetland Islands.

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Head of the Buird Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.335005/-1.6892893 or Grid Reference HU1761. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Storm Beach These boulders, thrown up by the waves to form a storm beach 30 metres above the sea, demonstrate the power of the seas which pound the exposed north side of Papa Stour
Storm Beach
These boulders, thrown up by the waves to form a storm beach 30 metres above the sea, demonstrate the power of the seas which pound the exposed north side of Papa Stour
Plantiecrub near Flaes Point A plantiecrub is a small walled enclosure in which cabbage seedlings are grown until they are big enough to plant out in croft gardens. They are usually built well away from the croft to protect the seedlings against the crofters' hens.
Plantiecrub near Flaes Point
A plantiecrub is a small walled enclosure in which cabbage seedlings are grown until they are big enough to plant out in croft gardens. They are usually built well away from the croft to protect the seedlings against the crofters' hens.
Ruined Meal Mills Several traditional mills straddle this little burn. Inside the building was a fixed lower millstone, and a rotating upper millstone driven by the water falling on to the paddles below, which were mounted at 45º to the vertical drive shaft.
Ruined Meal Mills
Several traditional mills straddle this little burn. Inside the building was a fixed lower millstone, and a rotating upper millstone driven by the water falling on to the paddles below, which were mounted at 45º to the vertical drive shaft.
The Loch that Ebbs and Flows The interior of Papa Stour is mainly moorland, though there are several lochans in the central part. This one's curious name reflects its closeness to the sea, from which it is cut off only by an ayre or shingle spit.
The Loch that Ebbs and Flows
The interior of Papa Stour is mainly moorland, though there are several lochans in the central part. This one's curious name reflects its closeness to the sea, from which it is cut off only by an ayre or shingle spit.
Lang Geo One of the many inlets typical of the north coast of Papa Stour.
Lang Geo
One of the many inlets typical of the north coast of Papa Stour.
Hurdibrack The last stretch of the footpath back from the west side of the island. In the middle distance is the wall which crosses the entire island, separating the arable land in the east from the pasture to the west.
Hurdibrack
The last stretch of the footpath back from the west side of the island. In the middle distance is the wall which crosses the entire island, separating the arable land in the east from the pasture to the west.
The Wall This is the wall which cuts across the whole island. The west side (left) has a steep face to prevent animals climbing over it. The east (right) side has a sloping face so that any animals which have managed to cross it can easily be driven back on to the pasture land.
The Wall
This is the wall which cuts across the whole island. The west side (left) has a steep face to prevent animals climbing over it. The east (right) side has a sloping face so that any animals which have managed to cross it can easily be driven back on to the pasture land.
Robie's Noust This is a very dull shot of a square which would certainly have yielded a more interesting image if we had had time to explore it before the ferry left.
Robie's Noust
This is a very dull shot of a square which would certainly have yielded a more interesting image if we had had time to explore it before the ferry left.
The Dales As with the next-door square, HU1861 would certainly have yielded a more interesting shot if we had not had to rush to catch the ferry!
The Dales
As with the next-door square, HU1861 would certainly have yielded a more interesting shot if we had not had to rush to catch the ferry!
Papa Stour Pier and Ferry The ferry runs regularly but infrequently, so that day trips to the island are only possible on Fridays or Saturdays.
Papa Stour Pier and Ferry
The ferry runs regularly but infrequently, so that day trips to the island are only possible on Fridays or Saturdays.
Ruined House
Ruined House
Ruined house The number of ruined buildings on the island seem to far outnumber those still habitable or used.
Ruined house
The number of ruined buildings on the island seem to far outnumber those still habitable or used.
Road and ruins This is the main road for the island. Even this close to the pier the ruins of abandoned crofts can be found just off the road.
Road and ruins
This is the main road for the island. Even this close to the pier the ruins of abandoned crofts can be found just off the road.
View towards Papa Stour Airstrip The cleared and smoothed ground in the upper right of the image is the airstrip for Papa Stour which is located in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU1759">HU1759</a>.
View towards Papa Stour Airstrip
The cleared and smoothed ground in the upper right of the image is the airstrip for Papa Stour which is located in HU1759.
Rocky coastline
Rocky coastline
View from North Ness The view here is from North Ness towards the highest point on the island. The ground shown in the foreground is typical of this rather barren area.
View from North Ness
The view here is from North Ness towards the highest point on the island. The ground shown in the foreground is typical of this rather barren area.
The "New" Pier The image here is taken from the old pier looking towards the new pier. The line of rusting fenceposts serves no useful purpose. The rocks along the shoreline are very popular with young seals - although they proved to be somewhat camera-shy.
The "New" Pier
The image here is taken from the old pier looking towards the new pier. The line of rusting fenceposts serves no useful purpose. The rocks along the shoreline are very popular with young seals - although they proved to be somewhat camera-shy.
A puzzling wall The purpose of this isolated section of wall is far from clear: you might think that perhaps it was in place to stop sheep wandering down onto the rocks beyond, but it would seem to be easy enough for them to walk around the wall.
A puzzling wall
The purpose of this isolated section of wall is far from clear: you might think that perhaps it was in place to stop sheep wandering down onto the rocks beyond, but it would seem to be easy enough for them to walk around the wall.
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Head of the Buird is located at Grid Ref: HU1761 (Lat: 60.335005, Lng: -1.6892893)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///absorb.sympathy.jumped. Near Walls, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

West Voe Stacks of Breidayre Robie's Noust Crubarbara Crabbabery Head of the Buird

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.335005,-1.6892893
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Dog's Head Shetland
Hengistbury Head Hampshire

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