Engan Roo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Engan Roo

South Harbour, Fair Isle Credit: David Purchase

Engan Roo is a coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, which are a part of Scotland. Specifically, Engan Roo is a headland or point that juts out into the North Sea on the east coast of the main island, known as Mainland. It is situated near the town of Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands.

This headland is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, typical of the coastal landscape in the region. The cliffs of Engan Roo offer stunning views of the North Sea and are a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts as a variety of seabirds can be observed nesting and soaring above the waves.

The name "Engan Roo" likely originates from the Old Norse language, which was spoken by the Norse settlers who inhabited the Shetland Islands centuries ago. The word "Engan" translates to "narrow," which accurately describes the shape of the headland. "Roo" is believed to mean "rough" or "rugged," reflecting the challenging and untamed nature of the landscape.

Due to its picturesque location and natural beauty, Engan Roo attracts locals and tourists alike, who come to experience the dramatic coastal scenery and enjoy activities such as hiking, photography, and simply taking in the tranquility of the surroundings. The headland also serves as a landmark for sailors and fishermen navigating the waters off the coast of Shetland.

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Engan Roo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.524787/-1.6143314 or Grid Reference HZ2171. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

South Harbour, Fair Isle

David Purchase

View across South Harbour, with Tirricks

Fair Isle's Tirricks (Arctic Terns) had a disastrous breeding season in 2008 - food to rear chicks was so scarce they didn't even try, we were told by an RSPB officer.

Ruth Sharville

Fair Isle coastline at Port Saider

A very detailed map of Fair Isle on view at the Fair Isle Bird Observatory marks Port Saider slightly to the north of the position on the 1:25,000 OS Map. This view south-west towards the Burrian is from the cliff edge at the OS location.

Julian Paren

Cliff edge of Meo Ness

The lichens on the rocks at the cliff edge provide a great contrast to the green of Meo Ness. The South Light is visible beyond South Harbour.

Julian Paren

The Burrian

The Burrian is the offshore skerry viewed across one of the many geos on Fair Isle.

Julian Paren

Da Sherriff, Lunna Geo, Fair Isle

The sea stack, da Sherriff, and Malcolm's Head beyond.

Mike Pennington

Coastline near Malcolm's Head

A glorious clear day on Fair Isle with views over the crofting area.

Julian Paren

Coastline from Malcolm's Head

This is as near identical a viewpoint as I could find to HZ1970 : Coastline near Malcolm's Head which was taken in the summer of 1974. There are few differences to this view in 36 years, but they are significant for the island. First, the wind turbine constructed in 1982 is evident - sadly in July 2010 it was not operating and needing repair. Second, a community hall has been built beside the school - in the picture these are the nearest visible buildings to Sheep Rock. It is difficult to assess how much the coastline has eroded in the 36 years.

Julian Paren

The Burrian from Busta Geo, Fair Isle

Mike Pennington

Cliffs at Hoini, Fair Isle

David Purchase

The middle of the Fair Isle landing strip

Flight DFL002 for Tingwall had just departed, and the next flight wasn't due to arrive for about six hours. So it was deemed quite safe for me to cross the strip on my way to the track to Ward Hill. Amusingly, when that next flight arrived, the landing was aborted at the last minute, and the pilot went round for another attempt. The reason? There was a sheep on the strip! The trip reminded me of my visit to the Isles of Scilly, at the other end of the country, in 2013. Similar small and rather noisy planes, and a runway (in SV9110) on a convex slope so that the pilots couldn't see that far ahead.

David Purchase

Burrashield Hill

Although one can argue about "What is a hill?", I think there are five hills of any significance on Fair Isle. At 150m, Burrashield Hill is clearly the second highest, after Ward Hill, in HZ2073.

David Purchase

Vaasetter Hill, Fair Isle

Vaasetter Hill, 110m, is the rounded light-coloured hill straight ahead. It is a very easy walk, though unfortunately I did not have time to climb it. Beyond Vaasetter Hill looms the dark summit of Sheep Rock (132m, and still just in square). Sheep Rock is accessible only to climbers capable at a high grade. It may not be very long before Sheep Rock becomes a separate island, as the link is very narrow and fragile. This won't make it any more difficult to climb, as the only practicable route is from the east. Although one can argue about "What is a hill?", I think there are five hills of any significance on Fair Isle. On this basis, Sheep Rock is the third highest and Vaasetter the fourth.

David Purchase

Stonybreck, Fair Isle

Malcolm's Head, 107m, beyond.

David Purchase

The gorge of Gilsetter Burn

Falling to the east coast of Fair Isle, with South Gavel on Bu Ness beyond. It had been dry for some weeks, so there was almost no water in the burn.

David Purchase

Fair Isle from the air

Taken from a plane en route between Sumburgh and Aberdeen. The closest part of the island is Buness.

Mike Pennington

Evening at North Haven, Fair Isle

Even the bonxie looked relaxed, but watchful. Fair Isle experiences extremely strong winds and even heavy wooden rowing boats have to be securely tied down.

Donald MacDonald