Blanches Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Blanches Geo

Pier on Fugla Ness from Scatsta These piers around Sullom Voe house booms to be deployed in the event of an oilspill. Ronas Hill is in the background. — Pier on Fugla Ness from Scatsta Credit: Mike Pennington

Blanches Geo is a prominent coastal feature located on the Shetland Islands, situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is classified as a headland and point, jutting out into the North Sea. Blanches Geo is known for its rugged and dramatic cliffs, which reach heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters) above sea level.

The headland is composed of layers of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone and shale, which have been shaped by the relentless action of the waves over thousands of years. These geological formations provide a striking backdrop to the surrounding landscape, creating a sense of awe and grandeur.

Blanches Geo is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The cliffs provide nesting sites for various seabird species, including guillemots, fulmars, and puffins. Visitors to the area can often observe these birds in their natural habitat, soaring overhead or perched on the cliff ledges.

The headland is accessible to the public, with a footpath leading to a viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the North Sea and the surrounding coastline. The area is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, who can enjoy activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

Blanches Geo is not only a natural attraction but also holds historical significance. The nearby village of Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, has a rich maritime heritage, and Blanches Geo served as a prominent landmark for sailors in the past.

Overall, Blanches Geo is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the raw beauty and geological diversity of the Shetland Islands. Its impressive cliffs, abundant wildlife, and historical importance make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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Blanches Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.457119/-1.3242067 or Grid Reference HU3775. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pier on Fugla Ness from Scatsta

These piers around Sullom Voe house booms to be deployed in the event of an oilspill. Ronas Hill is in the background.

Mike Pennington

Navigation aid in Sullom Voe

From Houbs Ayre, Scatsta, looking towards Punds, Sullom.

Mike Pennington

Navigation aid on Ungam in Sullom Voe

Photographed from Scatsta.

Mike Pennington

Loading Brent crude

Robert W Watt

Loch Rannoch at Sullom Voe Terminal

The Loch Rannoch, registered in Lerwick, is a shuttle tanker that carries oil to Sullom Voe Terminal from the BP Schiehallion field west of Shetland.

Mike Pennington

Sullom: the telephone box

This remote telephone box stands alongside what was Sullom Post Office until its closure some time around 2001. In the background we look along Sullom Voe towards the well-known oil terminal, visible mistily in the distance.

Chris Downer

Sullom: a shoreline view

Looking along the northern shore of Sullom Voe, with the headland of Fugla Ayre jutting into the picture and, behind it, the large and well-known oil terminal just over two miles away.

Chris Downer

Long Ayre

With Fugla Ness in the background.

James Allan

Livestock feeding point

The background water is Sullom Voe.

James Allan

North end of The Houb

The house beside the water is Houbans.

James Allan

Boat beside the Houb

James Allan

Houses by the Voe

Coastal houses near the pier of the village of Sullom. This tiny village was where the first enemy bombs to land anywhere on British soil during WW2 fell, on 13th November 1939. It was claimed that the only damage the bombs had done was to kill a rabbit and damage an unoccupied house. The bomb-aimers had probably been attempting to destroy RAF flying boats that were based in Sullom Voe. There is an urban myth that the dead Sullom rabbit gave rise to the wartime song of "Run Rabbit Run" but sadly the song was actually published before the bomb had fallen.

James Allan

Sullom

The minor road to Sullom ends abruptly at this telephone box, marked as a post office on my 1993 OS map - but that had gone by the time this picture was taken. Beyond is Sullom Voe; the famous oil terminal is on the opposite bank, but further north.

Stephen McKay