Tarland

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Tarland

MV Costa Fortuna at anchor in Bressay Sound The size of the MV Costa Fortuna (464 cabins, nine swimming pools and five restaurants) meant that it was obliged to anchor out in the Sound rather than at the quayside in Lerwick. A flotilla of barges were kept busy ferrying passengers to and from the Victoria Pier. The Costa Fortuna is a sister ship to the ill-starred Costa Concordia which sank off the Italian coast in 2012. — MV Costa Fortuna at anchor in Bressay Sound Credit: Oliver Dixon

Tarland is a prominent headland located on the Shetland Islands, which are part of Scotland. It is situated on the eastern coast of the mainland, near the village of Sumburgh. This coastal feature is characterized by its rugged cliffs and stunning views of the North Sea.

The headland of Tarland extends out into the sea, forming a distinctive point that protrudes into the water. It is known for its dramatic landscape, with steep cliffs rising up to 100 meters in some areas. These cliffs are composed of layers of sedimentary rock, showcasing the region's geological history.

Tarland is an important habitat for various bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers. The area is particularly known for its seabird colonies, including guillemots, puffins, and razorbills. These birds nest on the cliffs and can be observed from designated viewing points.

The headland is also home to a lighthouse, which serves as a navigational aid for ships in the area. The lighthouse, constructed in 1821, stands on top of the cliff, providing a beacon of light to guide vessels safely through the waters.

Tarland is easily accessible by road, with a nearby car park and walking trails that lead visitors to the headland. The area offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and is a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers.

In summary, Tarland is a captivating coastal feature on the Shetland Islands, boasting rugged cliffs, diverse birdlife, and a historic lighthouse. Its scenic beauty and natural attractions make it a must-visit location for those exploring the stunning landscapes of Scotland's coastline.

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Tarland Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.141096/-1.170558 or Grid Reference HU4639. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

MV Costa Fortuna at anchor in Bressay Sound

The size of the MV Costa Fortuna (464 cabins, nine swimming pools and five restaurants) meant that it was obliged to anchor out in the Sound rather than at the quayside in Lerwick. A flotilla of barges were kept busy ferrying passengers to and from the Victoria Pier. The Costa Fortuna is a sister ship to the ill-starred Costa Concordia which sank off the Italian coast in 2012.

Oliver Dixon

Pullar's Loch, Sound, from the air

Mike Pennington

Ness of Sound, Lerwick, from the air

Mike Pennington

Ness of Sound from the air

Mike Pennington

Small boat off Ness of Sound

Taken from the Knab in Lerwick.

Mike Pennington

Cuddie Sound

Passing Ness of Sound as the mist falls.

David Dixon

Ruggen, Ness of Sound

Taken from the Marco Polo cruise ship on the way out of Lerwick.

Ian S

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.

Andy Waddington

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.

Andy Waddington

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.

Andy Waddington

Voe of Sound

This is the low western side of Ness of Sound, with no cliffs and a short drop to the bouldery beach overlooking Voe of Sound. Although the Voe is not very wide, and doesn't have much in the way of waves even in the fresh gusty wind, it is clear that it can get a lot rougher. Much of the shoreline vegetation was blackened by dehydration caused by the salt spray which blows over - anything brave enough to stick up above the surrounding grasses seemed badly affected, particularly the nettles. To the left (west) of Sands of Sound, the green lump is Holm of Sound, behind which are the houses of Sound and Upper Sound (now westerly suburbs of Lerwick).

Andy Waddington