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The Nizz

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

The Nizz

Setter, Gulberwick
Setter, Gulberwick Credit: Mike Pennington

The Nizz is a prominent coastal feature located on the Shetland Islands, an archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Specifically, it is situated on the mainland of Shetland, near the village of Scalloway. The Nizz is classified as a headland or point, as it extends out into the North Sea, forming a distinct and prominent landform.

This coastal feature is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, with steep cliffs that rise vertically from the sea. The cliffs are composed of layers of sedimentary rocks, showcasing the geological history of the region. The Nizz offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the vast expanse of the North Sea.

The area surrounding The Nizz is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife. Seabirds, such as puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes, can be spotted nesting on the cliffs, while seals and otters can often be seen frolicking in the waters below. The surrounding waters are also home to a variety of fish species, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.

In addition to its natural beauty, The Nizz holds historical significance. It is believed to have been a strategic location during the Viking era and was used as a lookout point due to its elevated position. Remnants of ancient structures and artifacts have been discovered in the vicinity, providing insights into the area's rich cultural heritage.

The Nizz is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike, offering a unique combination of stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and a glimpse into the past.

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The Nizz Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.121145/-1.1722834 or Grid Reference HU4637. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Setter, Gulberwick
Setter, Gulberwick
Ness of Sound, Lerwick, from the air
Ness of Sound, Lerwick, from the air
Ness of Sound from the air
Ness of Sound from the air
Marine activity in Gulber Wick A reminder that despite the problems in the oil industry there is still activity in Shetland's waters.
Marine activity in Gulber Wick
A reminder that despite the problems in the oil industry there is still activity in Shetland's waters.
Small boat off Ness of Sound Taken from the Knab in Lerwick.
Small boat off Ness of Sound
Taken from the Knab in Lerwick.
Cuddie Sound Passing Ness of Sound as the mist falls.
Cuddie Sound
Passing Ness of Sound as the mist falls.
Ruggen, Ness of Sound Taken from the Marco Polo cruise ship on the way out of Lerwick.
Ruggen, Ness of Sound
Taken from the Marco Polo cruise ship on the way out of Lerwick.
Skerries on east side of Ness of Sound The gently dipping Middle Old Red Sandstone of east Mainland produces skerries with a steep side facing the shore of Ness of Sound, and a slope off into the waters of Brei Wick. This makes them easy for seals to haul out on the seaward side, and slide quickly away from the shore if disturbed, though the ones we saw had chosen a boulder beach a little way north where they seemed better camouflaged. Perhaps the less visible ones remained while ones here had already departed before we got to them ! There certainly seeme to be seal heads popping up all along the shore of Brei Wick, watching the people passing by. In the distance in this view is Bressay Sound, overlooked by Lerwick on the left (with the prominent coastguard building on the hilltop) and Bressay on the right.
Skerries on east side of Ness of Sound
The gently dipping Middle Old Red Sandstone of east Mainland produces skerries with a steep side facing the shore of Ness of Sound, and a slope off into the waters of Brei Wick. This makes them easy for seals to haul out on the seaward side, and slide quickly away from the shore if disturbed, though the ones we saw had chosen a boulder beach a little way north where they seemed better camouflaged. Perhaps the less visible ones remained while ones here had already departed before we got to them ! There certainly seeme to be seal heads popping up all along the shore of Brei Wick, watching the people passing by. In the distance in this view is Bressay Sound, overlooked by Lerwick on the left (with the prominent coastguard building on the hilltop) and Bressay on the right.
Ruggen - the end of Ness of Sound Although the sea looks calm from this height on the Ness of Sound circular path, we'd just had a very lumpy crossing from mainland Scotland, and the view includes lots of ships taking shelter on the lee side of Shetland's long southern peninsula towards Sumburgh Head. The strong westerly had moderated a little from its overnight peak of 7-8, but was still perhaps a little gusty for cliff top walking, but at least the sun was shining. The Devonian Middle Old Red Sandstone beds (typical of east Mainland) are here dipping quite steeply to the east, producing rather pointy skerries, and less than confidence-inspiring cliff edges where they face east into Brei Wick.
Ruggen - the end of Ness of Sound
Although the sea looks calm from this height on the Ness of Sound circular path, we'd just had a very lumpy crossing from mainland Scotland, and the view includes lots of ships taking shelter on the lee side of Shetland's long southern peninsula towards Sumburgh Head. The strong westerly had moderated a little from its overnight peak of 7-8, but was still perhaps a little gusty for cliff top walking, but at least the sun was shining. The Devonian Middle Old Red Sandstone beds (typical of east Mainland) are here dipping quite steeply to the east, producing rather pointy skerries, and less than confidence-inspiring cliff edges where they face east into Brei Wick.
The southwestern tip of Ness of Sound Steeply dipping sandstones of Devonian age (Middle Old Red Sandstone) produce quite pointy skerries and smooth east-facing cliff faces here at the very end of Ness of Sound, west of Ruggen. Although Voe of Sound and the sea to our south are protected from the big westerly swells, white foam on the wave tops shows that there is quite a strong and gusty wind blowing (we'd had a pretty lumpy crossing from mainland Scotland overnight). There are numerous ships in the background of this view, all taking shelter in the lee of Shetland's long southern peninsula - anchored with their bows facing the coast and close in to minimise the fetch.
The southwestern tip of Ness of Sound
Steeply dipping sandstones of Devonian age (Middle Old Red Sandstone) produce quite pointy skerries and smooth east-facing cliff faces here at the very end of Ness of Sound, west of Ruggen. Although Voe of Sound and the sea to our south are protected from the big westerly swells, white foam on the wave tops shows that there is quite a strong and gusty wind blowing (we'd had a pretty lumpy crossing from mainland Scotland overnight). There are numerous ships in the background of this view, all taking shelter in the lee of Shetland's long southern peninsula - anchored with their bows facing the coast and close in to minimise the fetch.
Ness of Sound Seen approaching Lerwick on Aberdeen ferry.
Ness of Sound
Seen approaching Lerwick on Aberdeen ferry.
Coastal gun positions on Ness of Sound Defending approaches to Lerwick.
Coastal gun positions on Ness of Sound
Defending approaches to Lerwick.
The bay of Gulber Wick from Lyoonigeo A lovely rocky stretch of coast at Setter.
The bay of Gulber Wick from Lyoonigeo
A lovely rocky stretch of coast at Setter.
Ness of Sound
Ness of Sound
Gulberwick: a yacht passes Punds Stack A yacht travels northbound past Punds Stack as we look into the evening sun towards it.
Gulberwick: a yacht passes Punds Stack
A yacht travels northbound past Punds Stack as we look into the evening sun towards it.
Cattle on Ness of Sound The hill at the end if the Ness is called Dainaberg.
Cattle on Ness of Sound
The hill at the end if the Ness is called Dainaberg.
Ruggen, Ness of Sound The end of the Ness of Sound.
Ruggen, Ness of Sound
The end of the Ness of Sound.
SSCV Thialf anchored off Ness of Sound, Lerwick A semi-submersible crane vessel operated by Heerema Marine Contractors and the largest crane vessel in the world, it has been a prominent sight of Lerwick for several days.
SSCV Thialf anchored off Ness of Sound, Lerwick
A semi-submersible crane vessel operated by Heerema Marine Contractors and the largest crane vessel in the world, it has been a prominent sight of Lerwick for several days.
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The Nizz is located at Grid Ref: HU4637 (Lat: 60.121145, Lng: -1.1722834)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///stems.dream.outgoing. Near Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

The Nizz Oxen Punds

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