The Kame

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

The Kame

Swarta Skerry, Noss, Spiggie, from the air Credit: Mike Pennington

The Kame is a prominent coastal feature located in Shetland, an archipelago off the northeast coast of Scotland. It is specifically situated on the western side of the main island, known as Mainland, near the village of Sandness. The Kame is classified as a headland or point, characterized by its distinct geological formation and dramatic coastal cliffs.

Geologically, The Kame is a glacially formed feature, shaped by the movement of ice during the last Ice Age. It is composed of layers of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone and shale, which have been eroded over time by the relentless action of the North Atlantic Ocean. As a result, the cliffs of The Kame stand tall and rugged, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and landscapes.

The location of The Kame makes it a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts. The cliffs provide nesting sites for various seabirds, such as puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. Visitors can witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, soaring above the crashing waves and diving into the ocean to catch fish.

Additionally, The Kame offers opportunities for outdoor activities, including coastal walks and photography. It is an ideal place to immerse oneself in the raw beauty and tranquility of nature, with the sound of the waves and the fresh sea breeze creating a serene atmosphere.

Overall, The Kame is a remarkable coastal feature in Shetland, offering stunning views, diverse wildlife, and a chance to connect with the natural world. Its geological significance and ecological importance make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a unique coastal experience.

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The Kame Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.915489/-1.3800565 or Grid Reference HU3414. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Swarta Skerry, Noss, Spiggie, from the air

Mike Pennington

The Nev, Fitful Head, from the air

With a view to Ward of Scousburgh

Mike Pennington

Fitful Head from the air

Mike Pennington

The Ords, Fitful Head

David Purchase

Cliffs at The Nev, north of Fitful Head

David Purchase

The bend in the track

There is a well-graded track up to the communications masts on Fitful Head. Clearly, it is not open to the public to drive up, but it is an easy walk from Quendale. At this point, there is a sharp bend. Coming down, I certainly would not want to lose control here, or miss the turn in mist. The consequences are pretty clear! I think that the rocks just left of centre must be Swarta Skerry, in HU3415.

David Purchase

The track from Fitful Head

A well-graded track serves the communications station on Fitful Head. Clearly, it is not open to the public to drive, but it gives an easy walk. This is looking back downhill towards Quendale.

David Purchase

The track from Fitful Head

Looking east towards Gord Farm and Quendale. The public are not allowed to drive up this track, which is used by engineers servicing the masts on Fitful Head. But it makes for a very easy walk to this 283m high hill.

David Purchase

Fitful Head: view from a few miles east

Looking out from the Northlink ferry to Aberdeen as cloud covers Fitful Head on a beautiful sunny evening.

Chris Downer

Mystery Feature

An absolute mystery when first located, but close investigation revealed its identity. It turns out to be a Protective Wall for a Target Zone on an old disused firing range (some evidence here HU3513 : Blitzed Target Zone. It faces another Target Zone (down-range) about 450 metres away; see - HU3613 : Unmarked Feature. The platform (maybe planks) on which the targets stood, is missing.

Derek Mayes

Fire Wall

This is the protective wall at a Target Zone on an old disused firing range. There are no names, nor designations, on the map, nor references (that I could find) on the Internet. Looking from this protective wall, across the valley, one can see another obvious Target Zone HU3613 : Unmarked Feature - centre and to the right of the quarry. This Fire Wall but not the Target Zone is shown on the OS map.

Derek Mayes

Blitzed Target Zone

The front edge of the protective wall, behind which, on a raised platform I assume, targets stood. The 'blitzing' suggests that a lot of 'incoming fire' had raked the wall, as the rear edges and the protected front ones appear as sharp as new. The whole area must have been used for weapon training.

Derek Mayes

Unmarked Feature

In the field I could find no direct evidence on the OS maps for such an obvious feature (unlike the one mentioned below). A later desktop search found a small trace-mark on the larger-scale maps. It is the sheltered Target Zone on a rifle range and linked to - HU3513 : Mystery Feature.

Derek Mayes

Claypotts

A row of tiny derelict 'cells'. Reminiscent of quarrymen's barracks I have seen elsewhere. Very neat layout about five rooms, all identical.

Derek Mayes

Target Zone

This is the target housing for an old and disused firing range. See here for a very similar one SX7573 : Rippon Tor rifle range It is directly related to another target zone here HU3513 : Mystery Feature. Amazingly all the mechanism for raising torso-sized targets into position is still ready for use (though of course, very rusty). Even the torso shapes are waiting in the little hut HU3613 : Torsos and Flag. Surprisingly, this whole feature does not seem to appear on the OS maps.

Derek Mayes

Target Raising Mechanism

Closer inspection of the mechanism HU3613 : Target Zone shows it is still intact but not, of course, usable. Protected by a huge bank and a concrete wall, it is here that target riggers spent their on-range time, raising and lowering torso-shaped targets HU3613 : Torsos and Flag

Derek Mayes

Torsos and Flag

At the Target Zone a small building HU3613 : Target Zone still houses the torso-shaped target that were raised into the line of fire. During firing sessions, many flags would be flying in strategic places

Derek Mayes