Ness of Westshore

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Ness of Westshore

Trondra bridge from the air Credit: Mike Pennington

Ness of Westshore is a prominent headland located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago in Scotland. Situated on the west coast of the main island, it is a well-known coastal feature that juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean.

The headland of Ness of Westshore is characterized by its rugged cliffs and rocky terrain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. It is composed of sedimentary rocks, primarily sandstone and shale, which exhibit distinct layers and textures. These geological formations provide valuable insights into the region's history and have attracted the attention of geologists and researchers.

The coastal area surrounding Ness of Westshore is diverse and rich in marine life. Seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and fulmars can often be spotted nesting on the cliffs, while seals and otters can be seen swimming in the nearby waters. The headland also offers excellent opportunities for fishing, with a variety of fish species found in the surrounding seas.

Ness of Westshore is also of historical significance. The remains of an Iron Age broch, a type of round stone tower, can be found at the headland, dating back over 2,000 years. This ancient structure provides evidence of human habitation and offers a glimpse into the lives of the people who once inhabited the area.

Overall, Ness of Westshore is a striking coastal feature, combining natural beauty, geological importance, and historical significance. It serves as a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, researchers, and history buffs alike, offering a unique and captivating experience on the Shetland Islands.

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Ness of Westshore Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.135411/-1.2945023 or Grid Reference HU3939. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Trondra bridge from the air

Mike Pennington

Scalloway Piers

Taken at the viewing area beside the Shetland Bus Memorial, Scalloway, Shetland, I am looking southwest across Scalloway Harbour to the piers and the marina beyond. The islets and settlements of Trondra can be seen on the other side of the Voe.

Carroll Pierce

Scalloway Castle

Taken on the viewing point beside the Shetland Bus Memorial, Scalloway, Shetland, I am looking across the eastern side of the harbour to Scalloway Castle which at the time of my visit was undergoing repairs.

Carroll Pierce

Shetland Bus Memorial

This is the memorial to what became known as the Shetland Bus, a special operation which ran between Shetland and occupied Norway from 1941 until the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945. The purpose was to transport arms and other supplies to the Norwegian resistance and fishing boats were used as cover with crossings being made under cover of darkness however stormy the weather. The nearby Scalloway Museum has an excellent exhibit detailing the operations and the people involved.

Carroll Pierce

East Voe, Scalloway

This was taken from our coach as we were leaving Scalloway, Shetland. I was charmed by the Scandinavian appearance of these houses in East Voe.

Carroll Pierce

House on the corner of Kirkpark and Main Street

Dated 1887.

Oliver Dixon

Road blocks

During World War II, these road blocks were kept by the road in to the village, intended to be rolled into position in case of invasion. Now sited outside Scalloway Museum.

Oliver Dixon

Scalloway Museum

In the window, the flags of Shetland and Norway. Shetland retains a very strong affinity with Norway. The Museum was opened in 2012 by Jens Stoltenberg, then Prime Minister of Norway, now head of NATO.

Oliver Dixon

Memorial to the Shetland Bus

This is the memorial to the bravery of the men who sailed what became known as the Shetland Bus between occupied Norway and Shetland during WW2. The full story can be learned at the nearby Scalloway Museum - Link

Carroll Pierce

Scalloway Castle

Scalloway Castle, Scalloway, Shetland, once home to the infamous Earl Patrick Stewart (see Link

)

Carroll Pierce

Scalloway: postbox № ZE2 16

Looking along the main road just as it has passed through the main part of Scalloway, past this George V-reign postbox which is emptied at 10:15am on weekdays and Saturdays.

Chris Downer

Trondra: postbox № ZE2 55

The postbox serving Trondra stands alongside a bus shelter by a road junction towards the northeast of the island. We are looking along the B9074 back towards Scalloway on the Shetland mainland.

Chris Downer

Light at Point of Pund

A navigational light at the entrance to Scalloway Voe.

John Allan

Beach at the head of Pund Voe

Plenty of maritime debris is washed up onto the beach.

John Allan

Maa Ness

A small promontory on the north side of the entry to Scalloway.

John Allan

Evening view west from the Ness of Westshore

Once the ridge is climbed to the west of Scalloway the view extends over the nearby islands of Lunga, Linga and Hildasay before the long stretch of sea to Foula on the western horizon.

Julian Paren