The Houb

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Shetland

Scotland

The Houb

The summit of Fora Ness Fora Ness is a small uninhabited island off the east coast of Shetland Mainland. The photo shows Oldhall on Mainland, and North Ayre: however North Ayre is not the crossing point, that is South Ayre (just out of shot to the left). That is usually passable, though not, I suspect, at times of high tides and strong winds.

High on the left can be seen the A968, which leaves the A970 near Voe and proceeds to the ferry for Yell at Toft. The road continues across Yell and then, by another ferry, to the north of Unst. — The summit of Fora Ness Credit: Michael Earnshaw

The Houb is a small sea inlet located on the east coast of Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. It is classified as a sea, estuary, and creek due to its unique geographical features and functions.

Situated between rocky cliffs and rolling hills, The Houb is a picturesque natural formation. Its entrance is marked by two prominent headlands, providing a narrow opening that leads into a sheltered bay. The bay expands into a wider estuary, characterized by calm waters and a sandy shoreline. During low tide, a sandy spit emerges, creating a natural barrier between the estuary and the sea.

The Houb is influenced by the tides, with water levels fluctuating throughout the day. This makes it a suitable habitat for a variety of marine life, including seals, otters, and various species of fish. The estuary and creek areas are particularly important for birdwatchers, as they attract a diverse range of seabirds and waders.

Local fishermen often utilize The Houb as a mooring spot for their small boats, taking advantage of the sheltered waters and abundant fish populations. The area is also popular among kayakers and paddleboarders, who explore the tranquil estuary and creek while enjoying the scenic beauty.

Visitors to The Houb can immerse themselves in the stunning natural surroundings, indulge in birdwatching or simply relax on the sandy beach. The area offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing one to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of Shetland's coastal landscape.

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The Houb Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.43224/-1.1876782 or Grid Reference HU4472. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The summit of Fora Ness

Fora Ness is a small uninhabited island off the east coast of Shetland Mainland. The photo shows Oldhall on Mainland, and North Ayre: however North Ayre is not the crossing point, that is South Ayre (just out of shot to the left). That is usually passable, though not, I suspect, at times of high tides and strong winds. High on the left can be seen the A968, which leaves the A970 near Voe and proceeds to the ferry for Yell at Toft. The road continues across Yell and then, by another ferry, to the north of Unst.

Michael Earnshaw

Swinister: view towards Fora Ness

Looking across the northern corner of Dales Voe, towards the 100m-high lump of Fora Ness, which is connected to the mainland by two isthmuses, North and South Ayre.

Chris Downer

Swinister: orphaned segment of the A968

The course of the road has clearly been realigned over the years, leaving this tiny strip of tarmac to lay disused and inaccessible.

Chris Downer

Mossbank: postbox № ZE2 2, Firth

A small postbox at the western edge of Mossbank, alongside the A968. It is emptied at 11:15 on weekday and Saturday mornings. Firths Voe is in the background.

Chris Downer

Telecoms tower on Firth Ness

Telecoms tower and attendant building.

David Nicolson

Linga from Firth Ness

Looking across the sound to Linga on a blustery day.

David Nicolson

Ninian pipeline landfall at Firth Ness

The Ninian pipeline's second landfall, having already crossed Lunna Ness a few miles to the east. This breakwater has been built to prevent erosion of the backfilled shoreline where the pipeline was pulled ashore into a prepared trench using two large winches.

David Nicolson

Northness and Midness

Derelict house of Northness with Midness in the background.

David Nicolson

Ayres of Swinister

The Ayres or shingle bars join the Mainland to the island of Fora Ness. The immediate Ayre is a tombolo, the other two are spits

Robert W Watt

Work on the Laggan-Tormore pipeline at Firth

The Laggan-Tormore gas fields are in about 140km NW of Shetland, with extraction facilities built in waters of about 600m in depth. The gas is going to be piped to a new gas plant at Sullom Voe Terminal. Some product from the gas plant will be exported from the terminal by tanker, but most will be exported via a new pipipeline which will join with the existing FUKA pipeline about 230 km south of Shetland, before eventually arriving at the St Fergus gas plant in NE Scotland. The photo shows construction of the short overland section between Sullom Voe and Mossbank.

Mike Pennington

Work on the Laggan-Tormore pipeline at Firth

Mike Pennington

Work on the Laggan-Tormore pipeline at Firth

The orange equipment belongs to the Dutch contractors van Oord. According to their website they are an 'international contractor specialising in dredging, marine engineering and offshore projects'.

Mike Pennington