Harkland

Settlement in Shetland

Scotland

Harkland

Yell Sound at dusk from above West Sandwick Across the sound, after a lovely sunny day, Ronas Hill is wreathed in mist, an unusual sight in late autumn in Shetland.
Yell Sound at dusk from above West Sandwick Credit: Mike Pennington

Harkland is a small village located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago in Scotland, United Kingdom. Situated on the eastern coast of the main island, known as Mainland, Harkland offers picturesque views of the North Sea and the surrounding rugged landscapes.

The village is characterized by its traditional Shetland architecture, with many houses and buildings made of local stone and featuring distinctive crow-stepped gables. Harkland has a population of around 300 residents, making it a tight-knit and close community.

Despite its small size, Harkland boasts a number of amenities and services for its residents and visitors. The village has a primary school, a community center, and a local shop where essential supplies can be obtained. Additionally, there are several walking trails and nature reserves in the vicinity, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.

Harkland's coastal location also makes it a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching enthusiasts. The surrounding waters are teeming with a diverse range of marine life, and seabird colonies, including puffins and gannets, can be observed from the nearby cliffs.

Although Harkland is a tranquil and peaceful village, it is well-connected to the rest of Shetland. Regular bus services link the village to Lerwick, the main town on the island, which offers further amenities such as supermarkets, healthcare facilities, and leisure centers.

Overall, Harkland offers a serene and charming setting, ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat in the natural beauty of the Shetland Islands.

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Harkland Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.582055/-1.1988499 or Grid Reference HU4489. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Yell Sound at dusk from above West Sandwick Across the sound, after a lovely sunny day, Ronas Hill is wreathed in mist, an unusual sight in late autumn in Shetland.
Yell Sound at dusk from above West Sandwick
Across the sound, after a lovely sunny day, Ronas Hill is wreathed in mist, an unusual sight in late autumn in Shetland.
North Haa, West Sandwick At the head of Southladie Voe.
North Haa, West Sandwick
At the head of Southladie Voe.
Loch of Scattlands, West Sandwick
Loch of Scattlands, West Sandwick
View from West Sandwick across Yell Sound to Ronas Hill
View from West Sandwick across Yell Sound to Ronas Hill
Hjarkland: postbox № ZE2 28 This postbox stands on the main A968, on the corner of the road to West Sandwick and the hamlet to the north marked as Harkland on the 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 maps but spelt Hjarkland on larger scale maps and on local signage.
Hjarkland: postbox № ZE2 28
This postbox stands on the main A968, on the corner of the road to West Sandwick and the hamlet to the north marked as Harkland on the 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 maps but spelt Hjarkland on larger scale maps and on local signage.
West Sandwick: postbox № ZE2 96 A standard postbox on a metal pole, emptied each morning except Sunday at 10:15.
West Sandwick: postbox № ZE2 96
A standard postbox on a metal pole, emptied each morning except Sunday at 10:15.
West Sandwick: red telephone box A traditional K6 phone box in the centre of the village.
West Sandwick: red telephone box
A traditional K6 phone box in the centre of the village.
A968 The main road between the ferry terminals on Yell.
A968
The main road between the ferry terminals on Yell.
Descent to Southladie Voe West Sandwick.
Descent to Southladie Voe
West Sandwick.
Southladie Voe View along the shore to North Ha. (two gable ends, end on - not a ruin).
Southladie Voe
View along the shore to North Ha. (two gable ends, end on - not a ruin).
Burn of Dalamut, West Sandwick
Burn of Dalamut, West Sandwick
Bus shelter at the West Sandwick turn These simple red bus shelters, provided by the Islands Council, are ubiquitous across Shetland. This one stands on what appears to be the old road alignment by the A968 - the main route across Yell. In common with most main roads in Shetland it is well-maintained, fast and generally empty.
Bus shelter at the West Sandwick turn
These simple red bus shelters, provided by the Islands Council, are ubiquitous across Shetland. This one stands on what appears to be the old road alignment by the A968 - the main route across Yell. In common with most main roads in Shetland it is well-maintained, fast and generally empty.
Shetland ponies on Yell These small ponies originated in Shetland and are a common sight around the islands; the tradition of small horses here stretches back at least to the bronze age. They are noted for being hardy, strong, intelligent and, of course, irresistibly loveable. These two seemed content in their field by the sea, the nearest one clearly hoping for a sugar lump from the photographer - sadly it was to be disappointed.
Shetland ponies on Yell
These small ponies originated in Shetland and are a common sight around the islands; the tradition of small horses here stretches back at least to the bronze age. They are noted for being hardy, strong, intelligent and, of course, irresistibly loveable. These two seemed content in their field by the sea, the nearest one clearly hoping for a sugar lump from the photographer - sadly it was to be disappointed.
West Sandwick A track from West Sandwick village leads to a small car park from where a short path gives access to a glorious stretch of golden sand. Apart from this neatly maintained notice case there are no other facilities.
West Sandwick
A track from West Sandwick village leads to a small car park from where a short path gives access to a glorious stretch of golden sand. Apart from this neatly maintained notice case there are no other facilities.
West Sandwick Beach The southern end of this Yell beach.
West Sandwick Beach
The southern end of this Yell beach.
West Sandwick Beach The northern end of this splendid Yell beach - deserted on this Monday morning in April.
West Sandwick Beach
The northern end of this splendid Yell beach - deserted on this Monday morning in April.
West Sandwick Beach An attractive stretch of sand on Yell's west coast.
West Sandwick Beach
An attractive stretch of sand on Yell's west coast.
West Sandwick and Loch of Scattlands A haar in Yell Sound obscured Ronas Hill and north Mainland.
West Sandwick and Loch of Scattlands
A haar in Yell Sound obscured Ronas Hill and north Mainland.
Show me another place!

Harkland is located at Grid Ref: HU4489 (Lat: 60.582055, Lng: -1.1988499)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///snored.speeding.takeovers. Near Ulsta, Shetland Islands

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