Bight of Gremista

Bay in Shetland

Scotland

Bight of Gremista

The soldierfly Microchrysa polita, Lerwick Flower Park Credit: Mike Pennington

The Bight of Gremista is a picturesque bay located on the island of Mainland in the Shetland archipelago, off the northern coast of Scotland. This natural harbor is situated just west of the town of Lerwick, making it easily accessible and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

The bay is characterized by its stunning panoramic views of the North Sea, with rugged cliffs and rocky shores framing the deep-blue waters. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, with a wide variety of marine life and seabirds inhabiting the bay. Visitors can often spot seals, dolphins, and various species of seabirds, making it a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

The Bight of Gremista is also historically significant, as it was once a thriving fishing port during the heyday of the herring industry in Shetland. The remains of old fish-processing buildings and piers can still be seen along the shoreline, serving as a reminder of the region's maritime heritage.

Today, the bay offers recreational activities such as sailing, kayaking, and fishing, with its calm waters providing an ideal environment for water sports enthusiasts. The area is also home to the Shetland Museum and Archives, located in a restored 18th-century fishing station, which showcases the cultural and historical significance of the bay and its surrounding areas.

Overall, the Bight of Gremista is a captivating destination that combines natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural history, making it a must-visit location for those exploring the Shetland Islands.

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Bight of Gremista Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.170066/-1.1624574 or Grid Reference HU4643. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The soldierfly Microchrysa polita, Lerwick Flower Park

Mike Pennington

Lerwick Ferry Terminal & Pier

A view of the Lerwick Ferry Terminal and pier including the link span for the Aberdeen ferry service. Photo taken from the rear passenger observation deck on the MV Hrossey.

Mr S Mudgey

Male Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) in the north mouth of Lerwick harbour

Mike Pennington

Orca watcher on Scottle Holm, Lerwick

With reclamation for the port of Lerwick, Scottle Holm isn't a holm anymore.

Mike Pennington

MV Ambience leaving Lerwick

Mike Pennington

Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), Gremista, Lerwick

Mike Pennington

The Bressay ferry approaches

There is a frequent service between Lerwick and the Isle of Bressay particularly at commuter hours - not so frequent on Sundays.

Oliver Dixon

The Bressay ferry approaches

There is a frequent service between Lerwick and the Isle of Bressay particularly at commuter hours - not so frequent on Sundays.

Oliver Dixon

Lerwick waterfront

North Jetty, seen from the Bressay Ferry.

Oliver Dixon

Lerwick (Garthspool)

I am on the NorthLink MV Hrossey which has just docked in Lerwick and I am looking south across the commercial port of Lerwick towards the Garthspool area of the town.

Carroll Pierce

Albert Dock, Lerwick

Taken between Tod's Steps and Charlotte Place on the Esplanade, Lerwick, Shetland, I am looking across Albert Dock to the MS Borealis anchored in Bressay Sound. Three of its distinctive water taxis can be seen plying their way to and from the cruise liner.

Carroll Pierce

Walking the contours

Exhibition of embroidered maps by local artist Diane Garrick at Mareel.

Oliver Dixon

Walking the contours

Exhibition of embroidered maps by local artist Diane Garrick at Mareel. Each depicts the route of a popular walk in Shetland. This example shows the walk round St Ninian's Isle. The contours are inked on to the backing material, but the coastline and the route itself are embroidered.

Oliver Dixon