Meadow Ayre

Beach in Shetland

Scotland

Meadow Ayre

Trondra bridge from the air Credit: Mike Pennington

Meadow Ayre is a picturesque beach located on the island of Shetland, situated off the north coast of mainland Scotland. With its pristine sandy shores and breathtaking scenery, it is widely regarded as one of the most stunning beaches in the region.

Stretching over a mile in length, Meadow Ayre offers visitors a serene and tranquil environment to relax and unwind. The beach is surrounded by rolling green hills, adding to its natural charm and beauty. The crystal-clear waters of the North Sea gently lap against the shore, creating a soothing ambiance that is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic with family and friends.

The beach is known for its diverse wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Visitors may catch a glimpse of seals basking on the rocks or seabirds soaring above the cliffs. During the summer months, the surrounding meadows come alive with colorful wildflowers, further enhancing the area's natural allure.

Meadow Ayre is easily accessible, with a car park located nearby, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Facilities such as public toilets and picnic areas are available, ensuring visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an opportunity to explore the wonders of nature, Meadow Ayre is a must-visit destination in Shetland. Its unspoiled beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a true gem on the island.

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Meadow Ayre Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.129851/-1.2790701 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