Butter Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Butter Geo

Colsay from the air
Colsay from the air Credit: Mike Pennington

Butter Geo is a prominent coastal feature located in Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. It is specifically classified as a headland or a point, as it juts out into the sea, forming a distinct and recognizable landform. Situated on the western coast of Shetland, Butter Geo is known for its rugged beauty and dramatic cliffs that overlook the North Atlantic.

The headland stretches for approximately 500 meters and is composed of ancient rocks, including sandstone and granite, which have been shaped by centuries of coastal erosion. The unique geological formations provide a diverse habitat for a variety of marine and bird species, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

At Butter Geo, visitors can witness the powerful forces of nature, as waves crash against the cliffs and sea spray fills the air. The headland's exposed location also allows for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the open ocean, providing a picturesque backdrop for photographers and artists.

Access to Butter Geo is possible through coastal paths, which wind through heather-covered moorland and offer glimpses of the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this region. However, caution is advised as the terrain can be rugged and uneven in places.

As a prominent coastal feature, Butter Geo is not only a natural landmark but also holds historical and cultural significance. It has been a source of inspiration for local artists and writers, and its name itself reflects the connection between the land and its people, as "Geo" is a term used in Shetland to refer to a narrow, sea-filled inlet.

In conclusion, Butter Geo is a captivating headland or point that showcases the raw beauty of Shetland's coastline. Its geological features, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic coastal experience.

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Butter Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.967784/-1.3464104 or Grid Reference HU3620. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Colsay from the air
Colsay from the air
Loose Head, St Ninian's Isle, from the air
Loose Head, St Ninian's Isle, from the air
Hich Holm, St Ninian's Isle, from the air
Hich Holm, St Ninian's Isle, from the air
St Ninian's Ayre from the air
St Ninian's Ayre from the air
St Ninian's Ayre
St Ninian's Ayre
St Ninian's Ayre
St Ninian's Ayre
Inlet on the south-west corner of St Ninian's Isle Channel separating Sweyn Holm (to the left) from St Ninian's Isle.
Inlet on the south-west corner of St Ninian's Isle
Channel separating Sweyn Holm (to the left) from St Ninian's Isle.
Track on St Ninian's Isle Leading down to the tombolo which ties the island to the mainland.
Track on St Ninian's Isle
Leading down to the tombolo which ties the island to the mainland.
Ruins of St Ninian's Chapel In the middle distance, the tombolo which ties St Ninian's Isle to the mainland.
Ruins of St Ninian's Chapel
In the middle distance, the tombolo which ties St Ninian's Isle to the mainland.
Inlet on the west coast of St Ninian's Isle Out to sea is the island of Hich Holm <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU3521">HU3521</a> and to the right, Fora Stack.
Inlet on the west coast of St Ninian's Isle
Out to sea is the island of Hich Holm HU3521 and to the right, Fora Stack.
Rocky shore at Bigton
Rocky shore at Bigton
Tombolo linking Mainland to St Ninian's Isle A textbook example of a tombolo. Bigton Wick to the right, St Ninian's Bay to the left.
Tombolo linking Mainland to St Ninian's Isle
A textbook example of a tombolo. Bigton Wick to the right, St Ninian's Bay to the left.
Bigton Wick Looking across the bay to St Ninian's Isle.
Bigton Wick
Looking across the bay to St Ninian's Isle.
View from Bigton Looking over the tombolo towards St Ninian's Bay and the southern end of St Ninian's Isle.
View from Bigton
Looking over the tombolo towards St Ninian's Bay and the southern end of St Ninian's Isle.
View north from Bigton Ireland Wick and the hamlet of Ireland on the far hillside.
View north from Bigton
Ireland Wick and the hamlet of Ireland on the far hillside.
Tombolo at St Ninian's Isle Taken on St Ninian's beach at Bigton, Shetland, I am looking along the tombolo linking the mainland to St Ninian's Isle, site of the remains of St Ninian's Chapel.
Tombolo at St Ninian's Isle
Taken on St Ninian's beach at Bigton, Shetland, I am looking along the tombolo linking the mainland to St Ninian's Isle, site of the remains of St Ninian's Chapel.
St Ninian's Bay I am standing at the mainland end of the tombolo leading to St Ninian's Isle and looking south down St Ninian's Bay towards Inns Holm with Colsay off to the right. Northern Ness, Fora Ness and Noss Hill can be gilmpsed in the clouded distance.
St Ninian's Bay
I am standing at the mainland end of the tombolo leading to St Ninian's Isle and looking south down St Ninian's Bay towards Inns Holm with Colsay off to the right. Northern Ness, Fora Ness and Noss Hill can be gilmpsed in the clouded distance.
St Ninian's Isle I am just above the beach at Bigton Wick and looking across to the north end of St Ninian's Isle where the ruins of St Ninian's Chapel are to be found. The cliffs of Scarfi Taing are discernible to the right.
St Ninian's Isle
I am just above the beach at Bigton Wick and looking across to the north end of St Ninian's Isle where the ruins of St Ninian's Chapel are to be found. The cliffs of Scarfi Taing are discernible to the right.
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Butter Geo is located at Grid Ref: HU3620 (Lat: 59.967784, Lng: -1.3464104)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///students.microfilm.blushes. Near Sandwick, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.967784,-1.3464104
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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