Basta

Settlement in Shetland

Scotland

Basta

Basta is a small settlement located on the island of Shetland, which is part of Scotland in the United Kingdom. Situated in the parish of Walls and Sandness, Basta is nestled on the west coast of the mainland Shetland, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

With a population of around 100 people, Basta is a close-knit community known for its picturesque landscapes and rich history. The area is characterized by rolling hills, rugged cliffs, and stunning coastal vistas that attract visitors from around the world.

The village is mainly residential, composed of traditional Shetland croft houses that reflect the area's rural heritage. Agriculture and fishing have long been integral to the local economy, with many residents still engaged in these industries today. The surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the nearby sandy beaches.

Basta also boasts cultural attractions, including the Basta Voe Heritage Centre. This community-run establishment showcases the history and heritage of the area, providing insight into the lives of the people who have inhabited the region for centuries.

Despite its small size, Basta provides essential amenities for both residents and visitors, including a primary school, community hall, and a small shop. The settlement's tranquil and picturesque setting, combined with its rich cultural heritage, makes it a charming destination for those looking to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Shetland.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Basta Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.630158/-1.046909 or Grid Reference HU5294. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Basta Voe from Colvister

Looking east towards the sun poking through clouds (more than two hours after sunrise despite the appearance). There are mussel lines in Basta Voe. In the background is the north end of Hascosay on the far right, with Fetlar beyond that.

Mike Pennington

Basta Voe from south of Colvister

Mussel lines in the voe in the foreground, and Burra Ness and some of the islands noth of Fetlar in the distance.

Mike Pennington

Machinery on the old road

The main road has been resurfaced. A remnant of the old, pre modernization road off to the right makes a convenient hard standing for the road making equipment.

Des Blenkinsopp

The Main Road at Colvister

The A968 about to cross the South Burn of Colvister.

Des Blenkinsopp

Moorland at Basta

Mike Pennington

Hill of Colvister

Mike Pennington

Salmon farm off Basta Ness

Mike Pennington

Basta Ness from the sea

Mike Pennington

Burn of The Dale

A small stream draining 3 or 4 sq kms of moor inland from Cunnister.

Des Blenkinsopp

Buoy on the Beach

This looks to have broken its mooring and washed up here. At least it can be rescued here. It could have been half way to Norway by now.

Des Blenkinsopp

Empty Landscape

We thought we would explore along here as it was a road we hadn't been down, but to be honest, compared with other parts of the island it's not that special.

Des Blenkinsopp

Kirkabister

Des Blenkinsopp

Across Basta Voe

Looking across Basta Voe to the Lade of Basta. There is only a small piece of land in the square this side of the Voe, with the old fence shown being in the centre of it.

Andrew Spenceley

OSBM Bolt - Burn of Basta

OSBM Bolt described as NEW OSBM BOLT CUL 14.7M W SIDE RD 1.0M S C BURN OF BASTA (56.912m above Lerwick datum, 2nd order, new 1979).

Mat Tuck

Abandoned bridge

Single track bridge which was abandoned during the rebuilding of the A968 main road. There is an Ordnance Survey Bench Mark bolt located on the bridge's right hand buttress.

Mat Tuck

Road Junction on the A968 near Camb

The A968 is the United Kingdom's northernmost A-road. It is 42 miles long and connects the islands of Yell and Unst to the Shetland Mainland. Travelling the length of the road involves two ferry crossings and the road is actually separated into three sections. The first 10 miles is from the A970 at Voe on the Shetland mainland to the ferry terminal at Toft. The next 17½ miles crosses the island of Yell, running between the ferry terminals at Ulsta and Gutcher. Finally, the road runs for a further 10 miles across Unst from the ferry terminal at Belmont to Haroldswick.

David Dixon