Loch of Aithness

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Shetland

Scotland

Loch of Aithness

Gun emplacement at the summit of Score Hill Score Hill is on Aith Ness at the north of Bressay. All previous photos of this spot (they are worth looking at!) show the gun itself. I therefore assumed, wrongly, that it had been removed between 2013 and 2018, which felt like a rather pointless and expensive operation to me.

However, I soon realised that I was wrong. In this photo we are looking almost straight down the gun barrel! (Of course the barrel had been blocked, not that it could have been used in anger anyway.) Apologies to anyone misled by that error.

Immediately ahead are Inner Score and Outer Score, with the tiny channel (Gloup of the Scores) between them. On the horizon beyond them is Whalsay, with the Out Skerries on the right.

David Purchase — Gun emplacement at the summit of Score Hill Credit: Michael Earnshaw

Loch of Aithness is a picturesque freshwater loch located on the Shetland Islands, situated in the northernmost part of Scotland. Surrounded by rolling hills and heather-covered moorland, the loch is a prominent feature of the landscape and a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

Covering an area of approximately 22 hectares, Loch of Aithness is a relatively small body of water but boasts a diverse ecosystem. The loch is fed by several small streams and springs, ensuring a constant supply of freshwater. The water is crystal clear and supports a rich variety of aquatic plants and wildlife.

The loch is home to numerous species of fish, including brown trout and Arctic char, making it a popular spot for anglers. Its calm waters also attract a variety of waterfowl such as mallards, tufted ducks, and mute swans. Birdwatchers can spot various species of wading birds, including lapwings and redshanks, among the reed beds.

Surrounding the loch, freshwater marshes provide a vital habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. Sedges, reeds, and rushes dominate the marshland, creating a lush and vibrant landscape. This habitat supports a diverse array of insects, amphibians, and small mammals, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the area.

Loch of Aithness offers not only a peaceful retreat for visitors but also an opportunity to observe and appreciate the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Shetland Islands.

Show me another place!

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Loch of Aithness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.178253/-1.0795641 or Grid Reference HU5144. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gun emplacement at the summit of Score Hill

Score Hill is on Aith Ness at the north of Bressay. All previous photos of this spot (they are worth looking at!) show the gun itself. I therefore assumed, wrongly, that it had been removed between 2013 and 2018, which felt like a rather pointless and expensive operation to me. However, I soon realised that I was wrong. In this photo we are looking almost straight down the gun barrel! (Of course the barrel had been blocked, not that it could have been used in anger anyway.) Apologies to anyone misled by that error. Immediately ahead are Inner Score and Outer Score, with the tiny channel (Gloup of the Scores) between them. On the horizon beyond them is Whalsay, with the Out Skerries on the right. David Purchase

Michael Earnshaw

The summit of the Hill of Setter, Bressay

With the remains of a World War II anti-aircraft battery.

David Purchase

Skerry-hopping at Loder Head

Last time I'd been to Bressay nine years ago, we didn't even get round the corner to see Noss, as the wind was too much. On this trip, despite a spell of bad weather as we came to Shetland on the ferry, the wind had dropped dramatically by our second day, and the east side of Shetland was relatively protected from the big swells. Coming round the top of Bressay, there was still enough for rock-hopping (paddling over reefs and rocks that would be too shallow without the help of a wave and good timing) but it was unpredictable enough (the result of two separate swell directions interfering producing occasional big waves) that sport was certainly to be had. The first through this gap had been caught by a bigger set as he came over, then three of us had popped through before the next set arrived. The last paddler has dropped back a little to wait for the next calmer spell and is just about to make her way through.

Andy Waddington

Score Head, Bressay, from the sea

Mike Pennington

Score Head, Bressay, from the sea

Mike Pennington

Outer Score, Score Head, Bressay, from the sea

Mike Pennington

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