Gunnista

Settlement in Shetland

Scotland

Gunnista

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

Gunnista is a small village located on the island of Shetland in Scotland. Situated on the western coast of the island, it is nestled between the larger settlements of Sandwick and Hoswick. With a population of around 200 inhabitants, Gunnista is considered a peaceful and close-knit community.

The village is known for its picturesque surroundings and stunning coastal views. It is surrounded by rolling hills and green farmlands, creating a serene and idyllic atmosphere. The rugged coastline offers beautiful sandy beaches and rocky cliffs, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Gunnista is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and occasionally, otters. The village's proximity to the sea provides ample opportunities for fishing and boating activities.

In terms of amenities, Gunnista offers a limited range of services. There is a small primary school, ensuring local children have access to education within the community. However, for other necessities such as shops and healthcare facilities, residents often rely on nearby towns and villages.

Despite its small size, Gunnista has a rich history. The ruins of an ancient broch, a type of Iron Age fortification, can be found in the vicinity. This archaeological site is a testament to the village's long-standing presence in the region.

Overall, Gunnista embodies the charm and beauty of rural Shetland. Its tranquil environment, stunning landscapes, and community spirit make it an appealing destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature.

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Gunnista Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.174533/-1.101018 or Grid Reference HU4943. 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

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

Score Hill

Score Hill, 66 metres and a P62 hill. Richard Speirs appears to be having some trouble with the firing pin of this old gun.

Rude Health

Hill of Setter

Bagged on the way back from Score Hill with Tricky Speirs. Heavily modified with wartime buildings but chambered cairn at natural highpoint has escaped. Name: Hill of Setter Hill number: 103941 Height: 90m / 295ft Area: 22: Shetland Islands Class: 0 Grid ref: HU504421 (est) Drop: 39m Col: 51m HU504409

Rude Health