South Ayre

Beach in Shetland

Scotland

South Ayre

Trondra bridge from the air Credit: Mike Pennington

South Ayre is a picturesque beach located in the southern part of Ayre, a small coastal settlement in Shetland, Scotland. With its stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Stretching along the southern coastline of Shetland, South Ayre offers a long stretch of golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking views of the North Sea. The beach is relatively secluded, providing visitors with a sense of tranquility and peacefulness. The surrounding cliffs and dunes add to the charm of the area, creating a picturesque backdrop for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

South Ayre is known for its rich wildlife and diverse bird population. It serves as an important breeding ground for various seabirds, including terns and gulls, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Visitors can often spot otters playing in the rock pools or seals basking on the nearby skerries.

The beach is easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. It is a great spot for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply relaxing while enjoying the stunning coastal scenery. However, caution is advised when swimming due to the strong currents and tides in the area.

South Ayre is also a starting point for various coastal walks, including the popular Ayre circular walk. Nature lovers can explore the surrounding countryside, taking in the rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and stunning coastal views.

Overall, South Ayre in Shetland is a hidden gem, offering a peaceful and scenic beach experience for those seeking solace in nature's beauty.

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South Ayre Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.125742/-1.2813196 or Grid Reference HU4038. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Trondra bridge from the air

Mike Pennington

Scalloway Piers

Taken at the viewing area beside the Shetland Bus Memorial, Scalloway, Shetland, I am looking southwest across Scalloway Harbour to the piers and the marina beyond. The islets and settlements of Trondra can be seen on the other side of the Voe.

Carroll Pierce

Scalloway Castle

Taken on the viewing point beside the Shetland Bus Memorial, Scalloway, Shetland, I am looking across the eastern side of the harbour to Scalloway Castle which at the time of my visit was undergoing repairs.

Carroll Pierce

Shetland Bus Memorial

This is the memorial to what became known as the Shetland Bus, a special operation which ran between Shetland and occupied Norway from 1941 until the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945. The purpose was to transport arms and other supplies to the Norwegian resistance and fishing boats were used as cover with crossings being made under cover of darkness however stormy the weather. The nearby Scalloway Museum has an excellent exhibit detailing the operations and the people involved.

Carroll Pierce

East Voe, Scalloway

This was taken from our coach as we were leaving Scalloway, Shetland. I was charmed by the Scandinavian appearance of these houses in East Voe.

Carroll Pierce

House on the corner of Kirkpark and Main Street

Dated 1887.

Oliver Dixon

Road blocks

During World War II, these road blocks were kept by the road in to the village, intended to be rolled into position in case of invasion. Now sited outside Scalloway Museum.

Oliver Dixon

Scalloway Museum

In the window, the flags of Shetland and Norway. Shetland retains a very strong affinity with Norway. The Museum was opened in 2012 by Jens Stoltenberg, then Prime Minister of Norway, now head of NATO.

Oliver Dixon

Memorial to the Shetland Bus

This is the memorial to the bravery of the men who sailed what became known as the Shetland Bus between occupied Norway and Shetland during WW2. The full story can be learned at the nearby Scalloway Museum - Link

Carroll Pierce

Scalloway Castle

Scalloway Castle, Scalloway, Shetland, once home to the infamous Earl Patrick Stewart (see Link

)

Carroll Pierce

Scalloway: postbox № ZE2 16

Looking along the main road just as it has passed through the main part of Scalloway, past this George V-reign postbox which is emptied at 10:15am on weekdays and Saturdays.

Chris Downer

Trondra: postbox № ZE2 55

The postbox serving Trondra stands alongside a bus shelter by a road junction towards the northeast of the island. We are looking along the B9074 back towards Scalloway on the Shetland mainland.

Chris Downer

Trondra: pirate scarecrow

An unusual scarecrow in a field alongside the B9074.

Chris Downer

Trondra, Island High Point

Bagged with Tricky Speirs. Name:Trondra Hill number: 104032 Height: 61m / 200ft Area:22: Shetland Islands Class: 0 Grid ref: HU395363 (est) Drop: 61m Col: Sea

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