Skeo Taing

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Skeo Taing

Papa Stour from Huxter, Sandness Credit: Mike Pennington

Skeo Taing is a prominent coastal feature located in Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. It is a headland that extends out into the North Sea, forming a distinctive point along the rugged coastline. The name "Skeo Taing" is derived from the Old Norse language, reflecting the area's rich Viking history.

This coastal feature is characterized by steep cliffs that rise above the crashing waves below. The cliffs are composed of layered sedimentary rocks, showcasing the geological history of the region. Skeo Taing offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, providing a perfect vantage point for observing the dramatic interplay between land and sea.

The headland is known for its diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and fulmars can be seen nesting along the cliffs, while seals and otters can often be spotted basking on the rocks or swimming in the nearby waters.

Skeo Taing also holds cultural significance, as it is believed to have been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times. Archaeological discoveries have revealed evidence of ancient settlements and burial sites in the area, shedding light on the early human occupation of Shetland.

Overall, Skeo Taing is a captivating coastal feature that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, geological interest, and historical significance. Whether you are seeking stunning views, wildlife encounters, or a glimpse into the past, this headland is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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Skeo Taing Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.331693/-1.6861515 or Grid Reference HU1760. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Papa Stour from Huxter, Sandness

Mike Pennington

Plantiecrub near Flaes Point

A plantiecrub is a small walled enclosure in which cabbage seedlings are grown until they are big enough to plant out in croft gardens. They are usually built well away from the croft to protect the seedlings against the crofters' hens.

Anne Burgess

Ruined Meal Mills

Several traditional mills straddle this little burn. Inside the building was a fixed lower millstone, and a rotating upper millstone driven by the water falling on to the paddles below, which were mounted at 45º to the vertical drive shaft.

Anne Burgess

The Loch that Ebbs and Flows

The interior of Papa Stour is mainly moorland, though there are several lochans in the central part. This one's curious name reflects its closeness to the sea, from which it is cut off only by an ayre or shingle spit.

Anne Burgess

Lang Geo

One of the many inlets typical of the north coast of Papa Stour.

Anne Burgess

Hurdibrack

The last stretch of the footpath back from the west side of the island. In the middle distance is the wall which crosses the entire island, separating the arable land in the east from the pasture to the west.

Anne Burgess

The Wall

This is the wall which cuts across the whole island. The west side (left) has a steep face to prevent animals climbing over it. The east (right) side has a sloping face so that any animals which have managed to cross it can easily be driven back on to the pasture land.

Anne Burgess

Robie's Noust

This is a very dull shot of a square which would certainly have yielded a more interesting image if we had had time to explore it before the ferry left.

Anne Burgess

The Dales

As with the next-door square, HU1861 would certainly have yielded a more interesting shot if we had not had to rush to catch the ferry!

Anne Burgess

Papa Stour Pier and Ferry

The ferry runs regularly but infrequently, so that day trips to the island are only possible on Fridays or Saturdays.

Anne Burgess

Ruined House

Doug Lee

Ruined house

The number of ruined buildings on the island seem to far outnumber those still habitable or used.

Doug Lee

Road and ruins

This is the main road for the island. Even this close to the pier the ruins of abandoned crofts can be found just off the road.

Doug Lee

View towards Papa Stour Airstrip

The cleared and smoothed ground in the upper right of the image is the airstrip for Papa Stour which is located in HU1759.

Doug Lee

Rocky coastline

Doug Lee

View from North Ness

The view here is from North Ness towards the highest point on the island. The ground shown in the foreground is typical of this rather barren area.

Doug Lee

The "New" Pier

The image here is taken from the old pier looking towards the new pier. The line of rusting fenceposts serves no useful purpose. The rocks along the shoreline are very popular with young seals - although they proved to be somewhat camera-shy.

Doug Lee

A puzzling wall

The purpose of this isolated section of wall is far from clear: you might think that perhaps it was in place to stop sheep wandering down onto the rocks beyond, but it would seem to be easy enough for them to walk around the wall.

Doug Lee

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Skeo Taing is located at Grid Ref: HU1760 (Lat: 60.331693, Lng: -1.6861515)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands