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Blue Stack

Island in Shetland

Scotland

Blue Stack

Ness of Hillwick Taken from the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking across Sand Wick to the Ness of Hillswick. The Isle of Westerhouse is visible just off the Pund of Grevasand to the west of the Ness.
Ness of Hillwick Credit: Carroll Pierce

Blue Stack is a small island located in the Shetland Islands archipelago, which is part of Scotland, United Kingdom. It lies in the North Atlantic Ocean, around 50 miles northeast of the mainland. With an area of just under 1 square mile, Blue Stack is one of the smaller islands in the Shetland group.

The island is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, with steep cliffs and a hilly landscape. It is predominantly made up of heather moorland, with scattered patches of grass and shrubs. Blue Stack is uninhabited, and its remote and untouched nature makes it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

One of the notable features of Blue Stack is its diverse bird population. The island is home to various seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, which nest on the cliffs. Additionally, the surrounding waters are frequented by seals and otters, providing further opportunities for wildlife observation.

Access to Blue Stack is mainly by boat, as there are no scheduled ferry services to the island. However, private boats and charters can be arranged from nearby harbors, offering visitors a chance to explore the island's natural beauty.

Despite its small size and lack of amenities, Blue Stack offers a tranquil and picturesque setting for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature. Its untouched landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

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Blue Stack Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.457467/-1.4893089 or Grid Reference HU2874. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ness of Hillwick Taken from the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking across Sand Wick to the Ness of Hillswick. The Isle of Westerhouse is visible just off the Pund of Grevasand to the west of the Ness.
Ness of Hillwick
Taken from the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking across Sand Wick to the Ness of Hillswick. The Isle of Westerhouse is visible just off the Pund of Grevasand to the west of the Ness.
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.
Snapa Water Shallow weedy lochan.
Snapa Water
Shallow weedy lochan.
Weathered Peat West Mill loch of Hamar, peculiar weathered peat formation.
Weathered Peat
West Mill loch of Hamar, peculiar weathered peat formation.
The Quilse
The Quilse
Gordi Stack This is the stack seen edge on. From other directions it looks much wider. In the distance to the right are the Drongs - another dramatic rock formation. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/550985">HU2675 : The Drongs</a> for an telephoto view.
Gordi Stack
This is the stack seen edge on. From other directions it looks much wider. In the distance to the right are the Drongs - another dramatic rock formation. See HU2675 : The Drongs for an telephoto view.
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.
Sheep near Baa Taing Looking down the sheep pasture towards the lighthouse.
Sheep near Baa Taing
Looking down the sheep pasture towards the lighthouse.
Baa Taing light A rope handrail provides safe access to the light in bad weather. The headland is wide and flat, so the conditions that might require the safety rail defy imagination.
Baa Taing light
A rope handrail provides safe access to the light in bad weather. The headland is wide and flat, so the conditions that might require the safety rail defy imagination.
Lochan and cliffs Looking across the lochan at the south end of Hillswick Ness, backed by the cliffs above Queen Geos.
Lochan and cliffs
Looking across the lochan at the south end of Hillswick Ness, backed by the cliffs above Queen Geos.
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.
Eider ducks These large sea ducks are a common sight on northern coasts.
Eider ducks
These large sea ducks are a common sight on northern coasts.
Neolithic house The outline of this ancient building is easier to see on the ground than it appears in this photo.
Neolithic house
The outline of this ancient building is easier to see on the ground than it appears in this photo.
Cairn These are the remains of a prehistoric burial mound.
Cairn
These are the remains of a prehistoric burial mound.
Remains of township There was a crofting township here. This is the remains of a pond, and beyond are the outlines of buildings.
Remains of township
There was a crofting township here. This is the remains of a pond, and beyond are the outlines of buildings.
Ness of Hillswick, SW coastal cliffs SW cliffs of Ness of Hillswick on right, Isle of Niddister in centre. The Drongs <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU2675">HU2675</a> rock stacks beyond, with the South edge of Esha Ness on the horizon to their left.
Ness of Hillswick, SW coastal cliffs
SW cliffs of Ness of Hillswick on right, Isle of Niddister in centre. The Drongs HU2675 rock stacks beyond, with the South edge of Esha Ness on the horizon to their left.
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Blue Stack is located at Grid Ref: HU2874 (Lat: 60.457467, Lng: -1.4893089)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///lads.plan.unfilled. Near Brae, Shetland Islands

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Blue Stack

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