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Nista Skerries

Island in Shetland

Scotland

Nista Skerries

Papa Stour and Foula Taken on the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking out towards the islands of Papa Stour (left of shot) and Foula beyond.
Papa Stour and Foula Credit: Carroll Pierce

Nista Skerries is a group of small, uninhabited islands located off the coast of Shetland, Scotland. Situated approximately 12 miles northeast of the mainland, these rocky islets are a part of the Shetland Islands archipelago. The skerries consist of three main islands, namely Bigga, Hilla, and Papa Skerries, along with several smaller isles.

Known for its rugged beauty, Nista Skerries offers a unique and diverse landscape. The islands are composed mainly of exposed rocky outcrops and cliffs, with very limited vegetation. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, making it a popular destination for birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can spot a variety of seabirds, such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, along with seals, dolphins, and occasionally even whales.

Due to their remote location and lack of facilities, Nista Skerries are not easily accessible to tourists. However, experienced kayakers and boating enthusiasts can explore the area, taking in the breathtaking views and enjoying the solitude of these isolated islands. It is important to note that visitors should be well-prepared and equipped with proper safety gear, as the weather conditions in the area can be unpredictable and the waters can be challenging to navigate.

Nista Skerries is a haven for nature lovers seeking a unique and unspoiled experience. Its untouched beauty, abundant wildlife, and serene atmosphere make it a hidden gem within the Shetland Islands, attracting adventurous travelers who appreciate the raw and untamed nature of this remote archipelago.

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Nista Skerries Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.478198/-1.4985884 or Grid Reference HU2777. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Papa Stour and Foula Taken on the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking out towards the islands of Papa Stour (left of shot) and Foula beyond.
Papa Stour and Foula
Taken on the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking out towards the islands of Papa Stour (left of shot) and Foula beyond.
The Drongs Taken from the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking across Sand Wick to the sea stacks known at The Drongs. Papa Stour can be seen in the distance.
The Drongs
Taken from the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking across Sand Wick to the sea stacks known at The Drongs. Papa Stour can be seen in the distance.
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland Built in 1900 by the North of Scotland Ferry company. Still functioning, just [in 2004], but the absentee landlord is clearly not interested in maintaining it as a hotel, which is sad.
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland
Built in 1900 by the North of Scotland Ferry company. Still functioning, just [in 2004], but the absentee landlord is clearly not interested in maintaining it as a hotel, which is sad.
Hillswick Fire Station, Shetland With local retained firefighters the Hillswick Fire Station is little more than a large garage, just big enough to house the small appliance based on a large van.
Hillswick Fire Station, Shetland
With local retained firefighters the Hillswick Fire Station is little more than a large garage, just big enough to house the small appliance based on a large van.
Hillswick, Shetland Large traditionally built houses at Hillswick. In the background is Findlins House and Findlins Farm.
Hillswick, Shetland
Large traditionally built houses at Hillswick. In the background is Findlins House and Findlins Farm.
Hillswick, Shetland Houses at Hillswick, the large two storey house with mansard roof is called Laarsund.
Hillswick, Shetland
Houses at Hillswick, the large two storey house with mansard roof is called Laarsund.
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland This hotel was built as a kit in Norway, dis-assembled and transported to Hillswick where it was constructed on its present site in 1900 by the North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Co.. Sadly it is currently closed (April 2006) although the local community wish to see it opened again. For more information on Hillswick and surrounding area visit <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/shetland/hillswick/index.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/shetland/hillswick/index.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> UPDATE Oct 07: this hotel is now owned by a local couple and open every day - More information can be found at the official website <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.stmagnusbayhotel.co.uk" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.stmagnusbayhotel.co.uk">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland
This hotel was built as a kit in Norway, dis-assembled and transported to Hillswick where it was constructed on its present site in 1900 by the North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Co.. Sadly it is currently closed (April 2006) although the local community wish to see it opened again. For more information on Hillswick and surrounding area visit LinkExternal link UPDATE Oct 07: this hotel is now owned by a local couple and open every day - More information can be found at the official website LinkExternal link
View over Heads of Grocken, Eshaness, Shetland Looking out over the Heads of Grocken with 'The Drongs' the sea stacks in the distance.
View over Heads of Grocken, Eshaness, Shetland
Looking out over the Heads of Grocken with 'The Drongs' the sea stacks in the distance.
Helga water, near Hillswick, Shetland Shetland is unlikely ever to have a hosepipe ban, there are many many lochs and plentiful rainfall. This is Helga Water near the road to Eshaness.
Helga water, near Hillswick, Shetland
Shetland is unlikely ever to have a hosepipe ban, there are many many lochs and plentiful rainfall. This is Helga Water near the road to Eshaness.
Heads of Grocken Looking across the square from above Hillswick on a stormy winter's day. The pony was very inquisitive, and didn't want to be photographed in profile!
Heads of Grocken
Looking across the square from above Hillswick on a stormy winter's day. The pony was very inquisitive, and didn't want to be photographed in profile!
Heads of Grocken Small sea-stacks off the Heads of Grocken, with the Drongs in the distance.
Heads of Grocken
Small sea-stacks off the Heads of Grocken, with the Drongs in the distance.
Beach between Heads of Grocken and the Neap
Beach between Heads of Grocken and the Neap
Entering Eshaness
Entering Eshaness
Cliffs and stack The view south from this point is spectacular. (The stack and the point to the right lie in this grid square, while the cliff to the left is in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU2775">HU2775</a>).
Cliffs and stack
The view south from this point is spectacular. (The stack and the point to the right lie in this grid square, while the cliff to the left is in HU2775).
The bay at Hillswick Looking across the bay with the main settlement on the far shore.
The bay at Hillswick
Looking across the bay with the main settlement on the far shore.
Conflicting signs A waymarked stile gives access to the coast, while a "beware of the bull" sign warns of danger. We crossed through this field on a clockwise circuit of Ness of Hillswick without seeing any warning in the other direction (or a bull).
Conflicting signs
A waymarked stile gives access to the coast, while a "beware of the bull" sign warns of danger. We crossed through this field on a clockwise circuit of Ness of Hillswick without seeing any warning in the other direction (or a bull).
Opposite a red cliff Looking across the short turf of this promontory at a red cliff across the bay.
Opposite a red cliff
Looking across the short turf of this promontory at a red cliff across the bay.
Marsh marigolds Looking across a marshy area towards Hillswick. The marsh marigolds currently in flower will be succeeded by the yellow flags behind them, not yet in bud.
Marsh marigolds
Looking across a marshy area towards Hillswick. The marsh marigolds currently in flower will be succeeded by the yellow flags behind them, not yet in bud.
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Nista Skerries is located at Grid Ref: HU2777 (Lat: 60.478198, Lng: -1.4985884)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///excavate.figure.fuss. Near Brae, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

Tirrack Stacks Nista Skerries The Quey Kame of Brettu Crow Stack Starling Geo

Related Wikis

Hillswick
Hillswick

Hillswick is a small village in Northmavine, on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean and lies to the north-north west of Mainland, Shetland, the most northerly...

The Drongs
The Drongs

The Drongs are a group of sea stacks off the coast of Hillswick Ness, Northmavine, Shetland, Scotland. They lie to the west of the Isle of Westerhouse...

Assater
Assater

Assater (also spelled Assetter) is a hamlet on Mainland, in Shetland, Scotland. Assater is situated in the parish of Northmaven. It is about 1.3 miles...

Heylor
Heylor

Heylor is a settlement situated on the south side of Ronas Voe in Northmavine, Shetland, Scotland. It lies directly opposite Ronas Hill, Shetland's tallest...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.478198,-1.4985884
Sand Wick
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 60.4797458/-1.5033246
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4776488/-1.4899544
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4804145/-1.4908676
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4799174/-1.4907094
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4793565/-1.4905153
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4786904/-1.4902996
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4781732/-1.490127
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4770996/-1.4897411
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
The Quey Shetland
The Roodrans Shetland

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