Hill of Houlland

Hill, Mountain in Shetland

Scotland

Hill of Houlland

Scalloway Piers Taken at the viewing area beside the Shetland Bus Memorial, Scalloway, Shetland, I am looking southwest across Scalloway Harbour to the piers and the marina beyond. The islets and settlements of Trondra can be seen on the other side of the Voe. — Scalloway Piers Credit: Carroll Pierce

The Hill of Houlland is a prominent landform located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago in Scotland. Situated on the mainland, this hill is part of the larger Houlland landscape, which encompasses rugged terrain, cliffs, and stunning coastal views. Rising to an elevation of approximately 209 meters (686 feet), the Hill of Houlland is classified as a hill rather than a mountain.

The hill is characterized by its steep slopes and rocky outcrops, which are composed mainly of granite and gneiss. Its exposed position makes it susceptible to strong winds, and the vegetation that clings to its slopes consists mainly of grasses and heather, adding to the picturesque scenery.

The Hill of Houlland offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, including the North Sea, nearby cliffs, and neighboring islands. On clear days, visitors can spot the distinctive outline of the nearby island of Vaila, as well as the distant Fair Isle to the south.

Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the Hill of Houlland for its excellent hiking opportunities. A well-defined footpath leads to the summit, providing a challenging but rewarding climb. The hill is also a favorite spot for birdwatchers, as it attracts various seabirds such as fulmars, kittiwakes, and puffins.

Overall, the Hill of Houlland is a notable feature of the Shetland Islands, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty and natural splendor of this unique Scottish landscape.

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Hill of Houlland Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.149012/-1.2790111 or Grid Reference HU4040. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Scalloway Piers

Taken at the viewing area beside the Shetland Bus Memorial, Scalloway, Shetland, I am looking southwest across Scalloway Harbour to the piers and the marina beyond. The islets and settlements of Trondra can be seen on the other side of the Voe.

Carroll Pierce

Scalloway Castle

Taken on the viewing point beside the Shetland Bus Memorial, Scalloway, Shetland, I am looking across the eastern side of the harbour to Scalloway Castle which at the time of my visit was undergoing repairs.

Carroll Pierce

Shetland Bus Memorial

This is the memorial to what became known as the Shetland Bus, a special operation which ran between Shetland and occupied Norway from 1941 until the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945. The purpose was to transport arms and other supplies to the Norwegian resistance and fishing boats were used as cover with crossings being made under cover of darkness however stormy the weather. The nearby Scalloway Museum has an excellent exhibit detailing the operations and the people involved.

Carroll Pierce

East Voe, Scalloway

This was taken from our coach as we were leaving Scalloway, Shetland. I was charmed by the Scandinavian appearance of these houses in East Voe.

Carroll Pierce

House on the corner of Kirkpark and Main Street

Dated 1887.

Oliver Dixon

Road blocks

During World War II, these road blocks were kept by the road in to the village, intended to be rolled into position in case of invasion. Now sited outside Scalloway Museum.

Oliver Dixon

Scalloway Museum

In the window, the flags of Shetland and Norway. Shetland retains a very strong affinity with Norway. The Museum was opened in 2012 by Jens Stoltenberg, then Prime Minister of Norway, now head of NATO.

Oliver Dixon

Memorial to the Shetland Bus

This is the memorial to the bravery of the men who sailed what became known as the Shetland Bus between occupied Norway and Shetland during WW2. The full story can be learned at the nearby Scalloway Museum - Link

Carroll Pierce

Scalloway Castle

Scalloway Castle, Scalloway, Shetland, once home to the infamous Earl Patrick Stewart (see Link

)

Carroll Pierce

Scalloway: postbox № ZE2 16

Looking along the main road just as it has passed through the main part of Scalloway, past this George V-reign postbox which is emptied at 10:15am on weekdays and Saturdays.

Chris Downer

Scalloway: model plane at the harbour

A model plane set on top of an otherwise unused post along the western side of the harbour. The castle is visible somewhat mistily in the background.

Chris Downer

Scalloway

View from Scrae Field.

Richard Webb

Port Arthur Road, Scalloway

Scalloway's Main Street turns into Port Arthur Road as it comes adjacent to the waterfront. Straight ahead is Norway House which was used to house Norwegians during World War II engaged in the operation of the 'Shetland Bus' which supplied Norway's resistance.

Stephen McKay

Slipway at Port Arthur, Scalloway

Mike Pennington

Scalloway Marina

Mike Pennington

Shalder's Ayre, near Scalloway, from the air

Mike Pennington

Norway House

At the junction of Port Arthur Road and Ladysmith Road, Norway House was the centre of operations for the "Shetland Bus" during the war. Shown on the OS map as "garage", it no longer appears to be operating as such.

Oliver Dixon