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Black Stane

Island in Shetland

Scotland

Black Stane

Northra Voe A boat heads back out into Northra Voe after dropping off a passenger at the small floating pontoon. The WW1 guns on Swarbacks Head can be seen in the distance.
Northra Voe Credit: David Nicolson

Black Stane is a small rocky islet located off the west coast of the Shetland Islands in Scotland. It is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 3 kilometers northwest of Vaila Island. The islet measures around 200 meters in length and 100 meters in width, with a maximum elevation of 15 meters above sea level.

The name "Black Stane" comes from the dark color of the basalt rock that forms the islet. This distinctive black rock is a result of volcanic activity that occurred millions of years ago. The islet is uninhabited and lacks any vegetation, making it a stark and desolate place.

Due to its isolated location, Black Stane is a haven for various species of seabirds. Colonies of guillemots, puffins, and razorbills can be found nesting on its cliffs during the breeding season, providing a valuable habitat for these birds.

The islet is also known for its historical significance. It is believed that Black Stane was used as a lookout point during the Viking Age, as it offers excellent views of the surrounding sea. Additionally, artifacts from this period have been discovered on the islet, including a Viking sword.

Black Stane is accessible by boat, and visitors can enjoy the rugged beauty of the islet while observing the diverse birdlife that inhabits its cliffs. However, caution must be exercised as the islet's steep cliffs and rough seas can make access difficult and dangerous.

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Black Stane Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.324555/-1.5032623 or Grid Reference HU2760. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Northra Voe A boat heads back out into Northra Voe after dropping off a passenger at the small floating pontoon. The WW1 guns on Swarbacks Head can be seen in the distance.
Northra Voe
A boat heads back out into Northra Voe after dropping off a passenger at the small floating pontoon. The WW1 guns on Swarbacks Head can be seen in the distance.
Northra Voe from Muckle Ward, Vementry Isle Across the Voe you can see the western section of the island of Vementry, and beyond it, on the horizon, the island of Papa Stour.
Northra Voe from Muckle Ward, Vementry Isle
Across the Voe you can see the western section of the island of Vementry, and beyond it, on the horizon, the island of Papa Stour.
Weedy Vementry Lochan Small weedy lochan at HU 286 611 on Vementry.
Weedy Vementry Lochan
Small weedy lochan at HU 286 611 on Vementry.
Lang Loch Lang Loch, Neeans, view SE from Walhulters.
Lang Loch
Lang Loch, Neeans, view SE from Walhulters.
Maw Loch Maw Loch, Neeans, view south from a cairn hill.
Maw Loch
Maw Loch, Neeans, view south from a cairn hill.
Glacial Erratic Glacial erratic, Walhulters, Neeans, view to Ruskets Water.
Glacial Erratic
Glacial erratic, Walhulters, Neeans, view to Ruskets Water.
Brindister Voe The head of Brindister Voe coastline and Linga Isle in the distance
Brindister Voe
The head of Brindister Voe coastline and Linga Isle in the distance
Face of Neeans Face of Neeans headland with Long Skerry rocks.
Face of Neeans
Face of Neeans headland with Long Skerry rocks.
Coastal View View along the coastline towards Turl Stack
Coastal View
View along the coastline towards Turl Stack
Trig Point Triangulation point 10541 with Maw Loch behind
Trig Point
Triangulation point 10541 with Maw Loch behind
Lunch stop in Brindister Voe During a week of high winds and rough seas, it was difficult to find a sheltered route to paddle in Shetland. Brindister Voe gives the westerlies little fetch to build waves, but as the open sea was approached to the north, a building swell gave some idea of how serious conditions could become. A retreat to this little beach gave us time to consider our options, all of which would be committing to water we could not see in advance, with no hope of retreat against the wind. Discretion being the better part of valour, we turned back into the Voe.
Lunch stop in Brindister Voe
During a week of high winds and rough seas, it was difficult to find a sheltered route to paddle in Shetland. Brindister Voe gives the westerlies little fetch to build waves, but as the open sea was approached to the north, a building swell gave some idea of how serious conditions could become. A retreat to this little beach gave us time to consider our options, all of which would be committing to water we could not see in advance, with no hope of retreat against the wind. Discretion being the better part of valour, we turned back into the Voe.
Gruna Isle Looking out Southra Voe on Vementry to the small isle of Gruna with the Face of the Neaans behind it.
Gruna Isle
Looking out Southra Voe on Vementry to the small isle of Gruna with the Face of the Neaans behind it.
Catherine's Water A mostly shallow and weedy loch called Catherine's Water.
Catherine's Water
A mostly shallow and weedy loch called Catherine's Water.
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Black Stane is located at Grid Ref: HU2760 (Lat: 60.324555, Lng: -1.5032623)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///mixes.interlude.snow. Near Aith, Shetland Islands

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Black Stane

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