East Ayre

Beach in Shetland

Scotland

East Ayre

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

East Ayre is a picturesque beach located in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Situated on the eastern coast of the mainland, it offers a breathtaking view of the North Sea and is known for its untouched natural beauty. Stretching over a mile, the beach is a combination of soft white sand and pebbles, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic.

The beach is surrounded by grassy dunes and low cliffs, providing a sense of tranquility and seclusion. Its remote location and relatively underdeveloped infrastructure make it a hidden gem for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape from city life.

East Ayre is also home to a diverse range of wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot various seabirds, including puffins, fulmars, and kittiwakes, nesting along the cliffs. Grey seals are often seen basking on the rocks, and lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of otters in the nearby waters.

The beach is accessible via a narrow road that leads to a small car park, ensuring a sense of exclusivity for those who make the effort to visit. While there are no facilities directly on the beach, nearby villages such as Scalloway and Tingwall offer amenities such as cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options.

With its stunning natural surroundings and abundant wildlife, East Ayre is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst the rugged beauty of the Shetland Islands.

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East Ayre Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.474714/-1.4890927 or Grid Reference HU2876. 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.

Carroll Pierce

The Drongs

Taken from the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking across Sand Wick to the sea stacks known at The Drongs. Papa Stour can be seen in the distance.

Carroll Pierce

St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland

Built in 1900 by the North of Scotland Ferry company. Still functioning, just [in 2004], but the absentee landlord is clearly not interested in maintaining it as a hotel, which is sad.

David Medcalf

Urafirth Primary School, Shetland

Built around ten years ago Urafirth Primary School lies between Urafirth and Hillswick and pupils who live in the north west mainland of Shetland attend. Its nursery is also attended by pupils from as far away as Ollaberry.

John Dally

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.

John Dally

Hillswick, Shetland

Large traditionally built houses at Hillswick. In the background is Findlins House and Findlins Farm.

John Dally

Hillswick, Shetland

Houses at Hillswick, the large two storey house with mansard roof is called Laarsund.

John Dally

St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland

This hotel was built as a kit in Norway, dis-assembled and transported to Hillswick where it was constructed on its present site in 1900 by the North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Co.. Sadly it is currently closed (April 2006) although the local community wish to see it opened again. For more information on Hillswick and surrounding area visit Link

UPDATE Oct 07: this hotel is now owned by a local couple and open every day - More information can be found at the official website Link

John Dally

View over Heads of Grocken, Eshaness, Shetland

Looking out over the Heads of Grocken with 'The Drongs' the sea stacks in the distance.

John Dally

Helga water, near Hillswick, Shetland

Shetland is unlikely ever to have a hosepipe ban, there are many many lochs and plentiful rainfall. This is Helga Water near the road to Eshaness.

John Dally

Heads of Grocken

Looking across the square from above Hillswick on a stormy winter's day. The pony was very inquisitive, and didn't want to be photographed in profile!

Anne Burgess

Heads of Grocken

Small sea-stacks off the Heads of Grocken, with the Drongs in the distance.

Mike Pennington

The Quilse

Rob Burke

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).

Rob Burke

The bay at Hillswick

Looking across the bay with the main settlement on the far shore.

Lis Burke

Conflicting signs

A waymarked stile gives access to the coast, while a "beware of the bull" sign warns of danger. We crossed through this field on a clockwise circuit of Ness of Hillswick without seeing any warning in the other direction (or a bull).

Rob Burke

Opposite a red cliff

Looking across the short turf of this promontory at a red cliff across the bay.

Lis Burke

Marsh marigolds

Looking across a marshy area towards Hillswick. The marsh marigolds currently in flower will be succeeded by the yellow flags behind them, not yet in bud.

Lis Burke

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East Ayre is located at Grid Ref: HU2876 (Lat: 60.474714, Lng: -1.4890927)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands