Ham

Settlement in Shetland

Scotland

Ham

The croft of Harrier 1964 The skuas did not attack if you were on the island road, but it was always useful to carry a long bonxie stick, and wave it in the air above your head when they sized you up. — The croft of Harrier 1964 Credit: Julian Paren

Ham is a small village located on the west coast of the Shetland Islands, in Scotland. It is situated on the island of Mainland, approximately 20 miles north of Lerwick, the capital of Shetland. With its picturesque setting and tranquil atmosphere, Ham is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

The village is nestled between rolling hills and boasts stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Its rugged coastline is dotted with cliffs, coves, and sandy beaches, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The area is known for its diverse birdlife, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills.

Although Ham is relatively small in size, it offers a range of amenities to cater to its residents and visitors. The village has a primary school, a local grocery store, and a community center that hosts various events and activities throughout the year. Additionally, there are several accommodation options available, including guesthouses and self-catering cottages.

Ham is also renowned for its historical significance. The ruins of a 16th-century fortified tower, known as Ham House, can be found in the village. This ancient structure provides a glimpse into the region's past and serves as a reminder of its rich cultural heritage.

Overall, Ham is a hidden gem in the Shetland Islands, offering visitors a chance to experience the breathtaking beauty of Scotland's remote and unspoiled landscapes, coupled with a sense of history and community.

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Ham Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.135517/-2.0558089 or Grid Reference HT9739. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The croft of Harrier 1964

The skuas did not attack if you were on the island road, but it was always useful to carry a long bonxie stick, and wave it in the air above your head when they sized you up.

Julian Paren

South Harrier

Rough and improved grazings at South Harrier. The hill at extreme left is The Kame, the second highest seacliffs in UK.

peter gordon

Cliffs NE coast of Foula

Stunted, salt-sprayed clifftop vegetation meets cliffs

peter gordon

Foula ferry

The 'New Advance' ferry leaves Foula for the Shetland mainland

Dave Wheeler

Baggage handling at Foula airstrip

Islanders' shopping from Lerwick is being offloaded whilst day visitors wait to load their bags for the return trip.

Lis Burke

Plantiecrub on Foula

Plantiecrubs were used by crofters to keep their kale and cabbage seedlings safe from grazing by livestock. The bird in the foreground is a bonxie (great skua).

Lis Burke

Da Head o da Taing

Taking off northwards from the airstrip, this is the last view of Foula from the plane. The small loch is Rossie's Loch.

Lis Burke

Hamnafield, Foula

Hamnafield from the Sneug.

Mike Pennington

Mill Loch, Foula

With Ham beyond.

Mike Pennington

Ham, Foula

The main settlement on the island. The breakwater at Ham Voe is under construction.

Mike Pennington

Foula Post Office in 1964

The deeply shadowed Hamnafjeld is the background to the Post Office. The Post Office and telephone box in 2013 have been photographed for Geograph by Richard Webb, HT9638 : Former post office, Foula.

Julian Paren

The road to Biggings 1964

This was the last stretch of the road that led south from Ham

Julian Paren

Punds 1964

The Isbister sisters were living in Punds in 1964. Their father had built the house one winter when the laird was away and against the wishes of the laird. I believe that this was the first one and a half storey house on Foula other than the home of the laird.

Julian Paren

Foula pier 1981

View of the pier at Ham, Foula, in 1981 with the cargo vessel 'Spes Clara' unloading water pipes and materials for the Foula water scheme.

Robert Sandison

Active peat cuttings at Lioag, Foula

The 24 or so residents of Foula make extensive use of peat for fuel. A hydro scheme producing electricity uses the pressure of water from Ouvrafandal Loch, behind the photographer's position, coming down a pipe to the east, more or less where I sat to photograph

peter gordon

The Voe, Foula

This inlet serves as a harbour for Foula. Behind the head of the bay can be seen the Post Office and telephone box. The few houses form the settlement of Ham. Behind the hill of Hamnafield provides a good viewpoint over Ham and the rest of the island.

Julian Paren

Skiordar Memorial And Seat

A modest ridge in the N of the island of Foula in Shetland, Skiordar rises to around 75m (246 feet) 1¼ miles (2 km) north northwest of Ham. Extending out from the steep slopes characteristic of the west of the island, it is crossed by the road which runs to the north of the island. There is a memorial at its summit. A great view today towards Gaada Stack.

Rude Health