Baltasound

Settlement in Shetland

Scotland

Baltasound

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), Ordaal, Baltasound A very rare visitor from North America, this is, nevertheless, the second seen on Unst, after one in 1987.
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), Ordaal, Baltasound Credit: Mike Pennington

Baltasound is a village located on the island of Unst, which is the northernmost inhabited island in the Shetland archipelago of Scotland. With a population of around 650 people, it is the largest settlement on Unst and serves as the main administrative center for the island.

The village of Baltasound is situated at the head of Balta Sound, a narrow inlet on the eastern coast of Unst. It is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with rugged coastal cliffs, picturesque beaches, and rolling green hills. The area is known for its diverse wildlife, including seals, otters, and a variety of seabirds.

Baltasound is home to several amenities and services, including a primary school, a leisure center, a hotel, shops, and a post office. The Baltasound Hotel is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering accommodation, dining, and a bar where visitors can sample local Shetland delicacies.

The village also boasts historical significance. The nearby Loch of Cliff is home to an ancient broch, an Iron Age roundhouse, which provides a glimpse into the island's past. Additionally, the Unst Heritage Centre in Baltasound showcases the island's history through exhibits, artifacts, and displays.

Baltasound's location on Unst makes it an ideal base for exploring the island's breathtaking landscapes, including the Muckle Flugga lighthouse, the northernmost lighthouse in the British Isles. It is also a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts, as Unst is a haven for a wide range of bird species.

Overall, Baltasound offers a tranquil and picturesque setting, rich in history and natural beauty, making it an attractive destination for visitors seeking a unique Shetland experience.

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Baltasound Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.750235/-0.8644321 or Grid Reference HP6208. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), Ordaal, Baltasound A very rare visitor from North America, this is, nevertheless, the second seen on Unst, after one in 1987.
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), Ordaal, Baltasound
A very rare visitor from North America, this is, nevertheless, the second seen on Unst, after one in 1987.
Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca), Baltasound
Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca), Baltasound
Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothrausters), Baltasound
Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothrausters), Baltasound
First-summer male King Eider (Somateria spectabilis), Baltasound Normally a resident of the High Arctic, birds are seen almost annually in Shetland, but infrequently in midsummer. This bird has been in Shetland since at least March.
First-summer male King Eider (Somateria spectabilis), Baltasound
Normally a resident of the High Arctic, birds are seen almost annually in Shetland, but infrequently in midsummer. This bird has been in Shetland since at least March.
Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima), Baltasound
Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima), Baltasound
Bird-cherry Ermine (Yponomeuta evonymella), Baltasound A scarce migrant moth in Shetland; here on a garden Allium.
Bird-cherry Ermine (Yponomeuta evonymella), Baltasound
A scarce migrant moth in Shetland; here on a garden Allium.
Incoming haar beginning to obscure the sun, Baltasound
Incoming haar beginning to obscure the sun, Baltasound
Shetland pony, evening light, Baltasound
Shetland pony, evening light, Baltasound
Curlew (Numenius arquata), Baltasound
Curlew (Numenius arquata), Baltasound
Barred Warbler (Curruca nisoria), Baltasound A scarce migrant in Britain.
Barred Warbler (Curruca nisoria), Baltasound
A scarce migrant in Britain.
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) on the Baltasound shore
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) on the Baltasound shore
Fullersquay, Baltasound, at dusk
Fullersquay, Baltasound, at dusk
Rosy Starling (Pastor roseus), Baltasound A bird of the central Asian steppes which occasionally erupts westward in search of food.
Rosy Starling (Pastor roseus), Baltasound
A bird of the central Asian steppes which occasionally erupts westward in search of food.
Olive-backed Pipit (Anthus hodgsoni), Baltasound A scarce migrant from Siberia.
Olive-backed Pipit (Anthus hodgsoni), Baltasound
A scarce migrant from Siberia.
A late Hedgehog (Erinaceous europaeus), Baltasound Should really be hibernating.
A late Hedgehog (Erinaceous europaeus), Baltasound
Should really be hibernating.
Baltasound voe on a calm day
Baltasound voe on a calm day
A high tide at the Houb, Baltasound
A high tide at the Houb, Baltasound
Great Northern Diver (Gavia immer), Baltasound
Great Northern Diver (Gavia immer), Baltasound
Show me another place!

Baltasound is located at Grid Ref: HP6208 (Lat: 60.750235, Lng: -0.8644321)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///desiring.blurs.hardly. Near Baltasound, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.750235,-0.8644321
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Direction: forward
Lat/Long: 60.7513169/-0.8568947
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Lat/Long: 60.7501894/-0.8572491
Street Lamp
Lat/Long: 60.7485647/-0.8560726
Street Lamp
Lat/Long: 60.7483891/-0.8562925
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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