Holm of Helliness

Island in Shetland

Scotland

Holm of Helliness

Helli Ness to Bard Head We are at the parking place above Crossie Geo halfway between Lerwick and Sumburgh Head on the mainland of Shetland and I am looking north east across Greenmow and Helli Ness to Bard Head, Bressay. The Isle of Noss can be seen beyond Bressay. — Helli Ness to Bard Head Credit: Carroll Pierce

Holm of Helliness is a small uninhabited island located in the Shetland archipelago, situated off the northeast coast of Scotland. With an area of approximately 5.6 hectares, the island is characterized by its rugged and dramatic landscape, showcasing towering cliffs, rocky outcrops, and sea stacks.

The island is a haven for seabirds, serving as an important breeding ground for species such as guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. These birds nest on the cliffs, creating a cacophony of calls and providing a mesmerizing display of wildlife. The surrounding waters are also teeming with marine life, attracting seals, porpoises, and even occasional sightings of dolphins.

Holm of Helliness offers breathtaking views from every angle, with its prominent cliffs rising up to 50 meters above sea level. The island is accessible by boat, and visitors can experience its beauty from the water or by taking a guided tour. However, access to the island itself is restricted to protect the fragile ecosystem and wildlife.

Due to its isolated location, the island has a rich history of shipwrecks, and remnants of past vessels can still be found scattered along the shoreline. The name "Holm of Helliness" is believed to have originated from the Old Norse word "helgi," meaning holy, suggesting a historical association with religious significance or spiritual beliefs.

Holm of Helliness is a remarkable natural gem in the Shetland Islands, offering a glimpse into the untouched beauty of Scotland's coastal landscapes and providing a sanctuary for diverse wildlife.

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Holm of Helliness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.034323/-1.1735045 or Grid Reference HU4628. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Helli Ness to Bard Head

We are at the parking place above Crossie Geo halfway between Lerwick and Sumburgh Head on the mainland of Shetland and I am looking north east across Greenmow and Helli Ness to Bard Head, Bressay. The Isle of Noss can be seen beyond Bressay.

Carroll Pierce

Greenmow and Helli Ness, Cunningsburgh, from the air

Mike Pennington

Helli Ness, Cunningsburgh, from the air

Mike Pennington

Helli Ness, Cunningsburgh, from the sea

Taken from the ferry en route to Orkney, from about 3 km distance.

Mike Pennington

Planticrubs Turri Ness

These, usually round, structures are to be found all over Shetland. The near one, in this case, is still in use (few are). Traditionally used for growing Kale or Cabbages in shelter and protected from rabbits and livestock. In this case all but a few red cabbage seedlings had been recently removed. Nice old pictures here - Link

Derek Mayes

Shetland Crub

The Planticrub HU4529 : Planticrubs Turri Ness here is in use. It is totally closed off to protect the cabbage plants. Dot stands on the step used for access. The tanker Loch Rannoch sits way out, biding her time.

Derek Mayes

Hellia

A small peninsula in Uxna Geo reaching into another grid square

Derek Mayes

Uxna Geo

The tip of Hellia just in the square

Derek Mayes

Orkna Geo

A narrow dark place, full of seal sound today - dramatic on a wild night I bet.

Derek Mayes

Heliport or Helliness?

We weren't expecting aircraft of course but what we did find was nice and very interesting HU4528 : Helliness or Heliport. A little more here Link

Derek Mayes

Helliness or Heliport

The inside of the house mapped as Heliport but known as the House of Helliness - a strange anomaly. However, it is rather interesting architecturally as well as archaeologically. See HU4528 : Heliport or Helliness?

Derek Mayes

The House of Helliness

The house, mapped as Heliport, but more widely known as Helliness is very prominent. It is surrounded and protected by substantial walling. See also - HU4528 : Heliport or Helliness?

Derek Mayes

Helliness Cairn

Probably an old landing cairn, marking a fairly safe approach from the sea. But it would have to be pretty calm. Heliport HU4528 : Heliport or Helliness? is on the hill behind.

Derek Mayes

Very Old Structure - Taing of Helliness

A few metres to the NW of the mapped structure HU4628 : Marked Structure - Taing of Helliness is a faint outline of a much older one - it looks like a dwelling. Viewed on Google Earth, there is even another feature, very close-by and circular. I had the feeling there was a lot of archaeology here.

Derek Mayes

Marked Structure - Taing of Helliness

The obvious feature may have been a crub or a lambing enclosure. It's likely that the stone was robbed from the nearby unmarked feature HU4628 : Very Old Structure - Taing of Helliness

Derek Mayes

Uncanny Paver

There is an interesting line of well spaced flat pavers reaching from the structure HU4628 : Marked Structure - Taing of Helliness to the very point of the Taing. They are so obviously placed there for a purpose. I do not think they were ever standing stones.

Derek Mayes