Point of Virkie

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Point of Virkie

Spiggie and Loch of Spiggie
Spiggie and Loch of Spiggie Credit: Mike Pennington

Point of Virkie is a prominent headland located on the southwest coast of Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. Situated near the village of Virkie, this coastal feature is known for its rugged beauty and dramatic cliffs that overlook the North Atlantic Ocean.

The Point of Virkie stands at an elevation of approximately 50 meters (164 feet) above sea level, making it an ideal vantage point for observing the surrounding coastal landscapes. The headland is composed mainly of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone and shale, which have been shaped over thousands of years by the relentless force of the ocean waves.

One of the most striking features of Point of Virkie is its steep cliffs, which reach heights of up to 75 meters (246 feet) in some areas. These cliffs provide nesting sites for various seabird species, including fulmars, kittiwakes, and razorbills. The surrounding waters are also home to a diverse range of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and various species of fish.

Access to Point of Virkie is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading from the nearby village to the headland. This path offers stunning views of the coastal scenery, and visitors can also explore the rocky shoreline and sandy beaches that surround the area.

Due to its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity, Point of Virkie is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and photographers. The headland provides a unique opportunity to experience the untamed beauty of Shetland's coastline and to witness the incredible power of the North Atlantic Ocean.

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Point of Virkie Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.948989/-1.3534036 or Grid Reference HU3618. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Spiggie and Loch of Spiggie
Spiggie and Loch of Spiggie
Sand dunes at Sands of Scousburgh
Sand dunes at Sands of Scousburgh
Colsay from the air
Colsay from the air
View from the slopes of the Ward of Scousburgh With a good view of St Ninian's Isle and tombolo <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU3620">HU3620</a>.
View from the slopes of the Ward of Scousburgh
With a good view of St Ninian's Isle and tombolo HU3620.
View from the slopes of the Ward of Scousburgh A good view of Scousburgh Bay <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU3718">HU3718</a>, Northern Ness and Muckle Sound <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU3618">HU3618</a>.
View from the slopes of the Ward of Scousburgh
A good view of Scousburgh Bay HU3718, Northern Ness and Muckle Sound HU3618.
High Herbi Clett from St. Ninian's Isle In the distance to the right of the picture you can see the isle of Colsay, and behind it the distinctive Fitful Head.
High Herbi Clett from St. Ninian's Isle
In the distance to the right of the picture you can see the isle of Colsay, and behind it the distinctive Fitful Head.
Sea Stacks south of St Ninian's Isle
Sea Stacks south of St Ninian's Isle
St Ninian's Bay
St Ninian's Bay
Islet off St Ninian's Isle One of several rocky islets by the spectacular coastline on the southern end of St Ninian's Isle.
Islet off St Ninian's Isle
One of several rocky islets by the spectacular coastline on the southern end of St Ninian's Isle.
St. Ninian’s Isle: towards Inns Holm Looking along the southeastern part of St. Ninian's Isle, with Inns Holm off the end of the island. Colsay is to the right, in the mist.
St. Ninian’s Isle: towards Inns Holm
Looking along the southeastern part of St. Ninian's Isle, with Inns Holm off the end of the island. Colsay is to the right, in the mist.
South coastline of St Ninian's Isle Spectacular.
South coastline of St Ninian's Isle
Spectacular.
South side of St Ninian's Isle from Ward of Scousburgh Inns Holm at the SE corner of St Ninain's Isle and Sweyn Holm at the SW corner; Foula in the distance.
South side of St Ninian's Isle from Ward of Scousburgh
Inns Holm at the SE corner of St Ninain's Isle and Sweyn Holm at the SW corner; Foula in the distance.
Bay of Scousburgh at dusk
Bay of Scousburgh at dusk
Loch of Spiggie at dusk From Scousburgh looking towards Fitful Head.
Loch of Spiggie at dusk
From Scousburgh looking towards Fitful Head.
Looking across the Bay of Scousburgh to the Ness of Rerwick
Looking across the Bay of Scousburgh to the Ness of Rerwick
The north end of the Loch of Spiggie
The north end of the Loch of Spiggie
House at Spiggie, beside Loch of Spiggie
House at Spiggie, beside Loch of Spiggie
Whooper Swans at Loch of Spiggie
Whooper Swans at Loch of Spiggie
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Point of Virkie is located at Grid Ref: HU3618 (Lat: 59.948989, Lng: -1.3534036)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///bags.sweeten.thud. Near Sandwick, Shetland Islands

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