Bight of South Haven

Bay in Shetland

Scotland

Bight of South Haven

The north east of Fair Isle The North Light in the distance. — The north east of Fair Isle Credit: David Purchase

The Bight of South Haven, located in the Shetland Islands, is a picturesque bay known for its scenic beauty and rich marine biodiversity. Situated on the southern coast of the Shetland Mainland, this bay offers stunning views of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

The bay is sheltered by towering cliffs that provide a natural barrier against strong winds and turbulent waves, creating a calm and peaceful environment. Its serene atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for leisurely walks, picnics, and birdwatching. The bay is home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, making it a popular destination for bird enthusiasts.

The marine life in the Bight of South Haven is abundant and diverse. The bay is known for its thriving population of seals, which can often be spotted lounging on the rocky shores or swimming in the waters. The bay is also a habitat for various fish species, such as cod, haddock, and mackerel, attracting recreational anglers from near and far.

Visitors to the Bight of South Haven can explore the surrounding area by taking a leisurely stroll along the coastal paths, which offer panoramic views of the bay and its surroundings. The bay is easily accessible by road, with parking facilities available nearby.

Overall, the Bight of South Haven in Shetland is a breathtaking bay that showcases the natural beauty and diverse marine life of the region. Whether it's for a tranquil walk, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the scenic views, this bay offers a truly mesmerizing experience for visitors.

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Bight of South Haven Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.533272/-1.6082058 or Grid Reference HZ2271. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The north east of Fair Isle

The North Light in the distance.

David Purchase

Western Fair Isle

Seen from near the summit of Ward Hill.

David Purchase

Troila Geo, Burrashield

One of many Geos (steep inlets) on the west coast of Fair Isle.

David Purchase

The middle of the Fair Isle landing strip

Flight DFL002 for Tingwall had just departed, and the next flight wasn't due to arrive for about six hours. So it was deemed quite safe for me to cross the strip on my way to the track to Ward Hill. Amusingly, when that next flight arrived, the landing was aborted at the last minute, and the pilot went round for another attempt. The reason? There was a sheep on the strip! The trip reminded me of my visit to the Isles of Scilly, at the other end of the country, in 2013. Similar small and rather noisy planes, and a runway (in SV9110) on a convex slope so that the pilots couldn't see that far ahead.

David Purchase

Looking to Ward Hill, Fair Isle

From near the transmission station. The two diagonal lines are clearly the routes of the cables used to haul goods up to the former radar station on the summit. What a shame that they weren't used to bring down some of the debris left on the summit after closure! Although one can argue about "What is a hill?", I think there are five hills of any significance on Fair Isle. At 217m, Ward Hill is clearly the highest.

David Purchase

An unaggressive Bonxie

I was rather surprised that this bonxie did not circle above my head and try to drive me away. Perhaps it was a rare bird with no nest to protect.

David Purchase

Burrashield Hill

Although one can argue about "What is a hill?", I think there are five hills of any significance on Fair Isle. At 150m, Burrashield Hill is clearly the second highest, after Ward Hill, in HZ2073.

David Purchase

Vaasetter Hill, Fair Isle

Vaasetter Hill, 110m, is the rounded light-coloured hill straight ahead. It is a very easy walk, though unfortunately I did not have time to climb it. Beyond Vaasetter Hill looms the dark summit of Sheep Rock (132m, and still just in square). Sheep Rock is accessible only to climbers capable at a high grade. It may not be very long before Sheep Rock becomes a separate island, as the link is very narrow and fragile. This won't make it any more difficult to climb, as the only practicable route is from the east. Although one can argue about "What is a hill?", I think there are five hills of any significance on Fair Isle. On this basis, Sheep Rock is the third highest and Vaasetter the fourth.

David Purchase

The gorge of Gilsetter Burn

Falling to the east coast of Fair Isle, with South Gavel on Bu Ness beyond. It had been dry for some weeks, so there was almost no water in the burn.

David Purchase

Fair Isle from the air

Taken from a plane en route between Sumburgh and Aberdeen. The closest part of the island is Buness.

Mike Pennington

Evening at North Haven, Fair Isle

Even the bonxie looked relaxed, but watchful. Fair Isle experiences extremely strong winds and even heavy wooden rowing boats have to be securely tied down.

Donald MacDonald

Mavers Geo, South Haven, Fair Isle

Donald MacDonald

Harbour and beach, North Haven, Fair Isle

The Bird Observatory and hostel can be seen on the skyline

Donald MacDonald

Sea Entrance to North Haven, Fair Isle

The harbour lies behind the breakwater

Donald MacDonald

Fair Isle Bird Observatory, 1974

The purpose-built Bird Observatory was opened in 1969 and encased in blockwork in 1989. The current observatory was opened in July 2010. By 1982 the wood fascia of the observatory had been stained a darker hue HZ2272 : Fair Isle Bird Observatory in 1982. New observatory buildings were opened in July 2010. I visited it within a month of its opening. HZ2272 : Fair Isle Bird Observatory reopened June 2010.

Julian Paren

Good Shepherd IV between Fair Isle and Lerwick

This image was taken on the high seas. Exact position unknown with Mainland Shetland still ahead. I have located this at Fair Isle as one of its two main ports. A sunny day with hardly a breeze but certainly cool on the high seas.

Julian Paren

North Haven, Fair Isle

The Fair Isle ferry, Good Shepherd III, lies at the pier and a trawler is also in North Haven. The Fair Isle Bird Observatory is the flat-roofed brown building on the road heading south.

Julian Paren