Ness of Beosetter

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Ness of Beosetter

View across Gunnista churchyard to Aith Voe Gunnista is a little settlement at the north of the island of Bressay. There is a walled churchyard here for the long vanished St Ola&#039;s Church. The graveyard contains a notable mausoleum and gravestones many of them quite recent. Beyond the land can be seen the landward end of Aith Voe, an inlet that curls round southeastwards from the north, and beyond that the land is the southern end of Aith Ness. For photographs of the mausoleum and churchyard, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2707684">HU5043 : Churchyard and Mausoleum, Gunnista</a> <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2707683">HU5043 : Gunnista Mausoleum</a> — View across Gunnista churchyard to Aith Voe Credit: Rob Farrow

Ness of Beosetter is a prominent coastal feature located in Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. It is a headland or point that juts out into the North Sea, offering stunning views of the surrounding rugged coastline.

The Ness of Beosetter is characterized by its steep cliffs, which rise dramatically from the sea, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape. The cliffs are composed of layers of sedimentary rock, displaying a fascinating geological history. The headland is predominantly made up of sandstone and shale, with occasional outcrops of granite.

The area surrounding Ness of Beosetter is rich in wildlife, providing a habitat for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, fulmars, and guillemots. Visitors to the site can often observe these birds nesting on the cliffs during the breeding season. The headland is also home to a wide range of plant species, with hardy grasses and wildflowers clinging to the rugged terrain.

Access to Ness of Beosetter is relatively easy, with a footpath leading from the nearby village of Voe. The path winds through heather-covered moorland before reaching the headland, providing walkers with an enjoyable and scenic hike. The site is popular among locals and tourists alike, who come to admire the breathtaking views and experience the natural beauty of the Shetland coastline.

Overall, Ness of Beosetter is a remarkable coastal feature in Shetland, offering a glimpse into the region's diverse geology and providing a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

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Ness of Beosetter Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.180497/-1.1136629 or Grid Reference HU4944. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View across Gunnista churchyard to Aith Voe

Gunnista is a little settlement at the north of the island of Bressay. There is a walled churchyard here for the long vanished St Ola's Church. The graveyard contains a notable mausoleum and gravestones many of them quite recent. Beyond the land can be seen the landward end of Aith Voe, an inlet that curls round southeastwards from the north, and beyond that the land is the southern end of Aith Ness. For photographs of the mausoleum and churchyard, see HU5043 : Churchyard and Mausoleum, Gunnista HU5043 : Gunnista Mausoleum

Rob Farrow

Gunnista Mausoleum

This small mausoleum in the churchyard of the now vanished St Ola's Church was built for the Hendersons of Gardie. St Ola's was the parish church for the island of Bressay until the 1720s when a new church was built at Mail on the west of the island. The old church fell into ruin and was demolished. The mausoleum dates from the C18th and may stand where the old church once stood.

Rob Farrow

Churchyard and Mausoleum, Gunnista

The churchyard of the vanished St Ola's church, once the parish church for the island of Bressay contains the Henderson Mausoleum and a number of more recent headstones. Information about the Hendersons of Gardie here Link

Rob Farrow

Inside the Henderson Mausoleum at Gunnista

The rectangular mausoleum in the churchyard of the former St Ola's church at Gunnista was built for the Hendersons of Gardie. see Link

Rob Farrow

A tomb with a view

A view through the eastern window of the Henderson Mausoleum in the churchyard of the long-demolished church of St Ola at Gunnista on Bressay. Through the window can be seen the landward end of Aith Voe. Information on the Henderson family of Gardie here Link

Rob Farrow

Ruin across Aith Voe from Gunnista

Looking across Aith Voe from the churchyard at Gunnista, the ruins of a building which I believe was a factory involved in the herring industry. It has a large concrete "courtyard" in front of it, presumably for dealing with the landed catch. Beyond the ruined building can be glimpsed a little of the small Loch of Aithness. It seems there were several quarries on Aith Ness which I think produced slate.

Rob Farrow