Ayre of Ness

Beach in Shetland

Scotland

Ayre of Ness

View across Gunnista churchyard to Aith Voe Gunnista is a little settlement at the north of the island of Bressay. There is a walled churchyard here for the long vanished St Ola&#039;s Church. The graveyard contains a notable mausoleum and gravestones many of them quite recent. Beyond the land can be seen the landward end of Aith Voe, an inlet that curls round southeastwards from the north, and beyond that the land is the southern end of Aith Ness. For photographs of the mausoleum and churchyard, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2707684">HU5043 : Churchyard and Mausoleum, Gunnista</a> <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2707683">HU5043 : Gunnista Mausoleum</a> — View across Gunnista churchyard to Aith Voe Credit: Rob Farrow

Ayre of Ness is a picturesque beach located in the small village of Ness, situated on the remote island of Shetland, Scotland. With its pristine golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this beach offers a stunning and tranquil retreat for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike.

Stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers along the coast, Ayre of Ness boasts a wide expanse of sandy beach, making it perfect for long walks or picnics with family and friends. The beach is surrounded by breathtaking cliffs, providing a dramatic backdrop and adding to its natural beauty.

Ayre of Ness is known for its abundant wildlife, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. Visitors may catch glimpses of various species of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars, nesting on the cliffs or soaring above the waves. The beach also attracts seals, which can often be seen lounging on the rocks or swimming playfully in the shallows.

This beach is a hidden gem, offering a peaceful and secluded atmosphere due to its remote location. Accessible by a narrow road that winds through picturesque countryside, Ayre of Ness provides a sense of escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Overall, Ayre of Ness is a stunning coastal destination, offering breathtaking natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and a sense of tranquility that makes it a must-visit for those seeking a true escape into nature.

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Ayre of Ness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.180385/-1.1131612 or Grid Reference HU4944. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View across Gunnista churchyard to Aith Voe

Gunnista is a little settlement at the north of the island of Bressay. There is a walled churchyard here for the long vanished St Ola's Church. The graveyard contains a notable mausoleum and gravestones many of them quite recent. Beyond the land can be seen the landward end of Aith Voe, an inlet that curls round southeastwards from the north, and beyond that the land is the southern end of Aith Ness. For photographs of the mausoleum and churchyard, see HU5043 : Churchyard and Mausoleum, Gunnista HU5043 : Gunnista Mausoleum

Rob Farrow

Gunnista Mausoleum

This small mausoleum in the churchyard of the now vanished St Ola's Church was built for the Hendersons of Gardie. St Ola's was the parish church for the island of Bressay until the 1720s when a new church was built at Mail on the west of the island. The old church fell into ruin and was demolished. The mausoleum dates from the C18th and may stand where the old church once stood.

Rob Farrow

Churchyard and Mausoleum, Gunnista

The churchyard of the vanished St Ola's church, once the parish church for the island of Bressay contains the Henderson Mausoleum and a number of more recent headstones. Information about the Hendersons of Gardie here Link

Rob Farrow

Inside the Henderson Mausoleum at Gunnista

The rectangular mausoleum in the churchyard of the former St Ola's church at Gunnista was built for the Hendersons of Gardie. see Link

Rob Farrow

A tomb with a view

A view through the eastern window of the Henderson Mausoleum in the churchyard of the long-demolished church of St Ola at Gunnista on Bressay. Through the window can be seen the landward end of Aith Voe. Information on the Henderson family of Gardie here Link

Rob Farrow

Ruin across Aith Voe from Gunnista

Looking across Aith Voe from the churchyard at Gunnista, the ruins of a building which I believe was a factory involved in the herring industry. It has a large concrete "courtyard" in front of it, presumably for dealing with the landed catch. Beyond the ruined building can be glimpsed a little of the small Loch of Aithness. It seems there were several quarries on Aith Ness which I think produced slate.

Rob Farrow