1. Home
  2. Scotland
  3. Highlands and Islands
  4. Shetland Islands
  5. Shetland
  6. Billian

Billian

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Billian

South Bressay and the Ward of Bressay from the sea
South Bressay and the Ward of Bressay from the sea Credit: Mike Pennington

Billian is a prominent coastal feature located in Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. It is a headland that extends into the North Sea, forming a distinct point along the rugged coastline. Situated on the eastern side of the mainland, Billian is known for its picturesque landscapes and unique geological formations.

The headland of Billian is characterized by steep cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding area. These cliffs are composed of layers of sedimentary rock, which showcase the region's geological history. The exposed rock formations also attract geologists and nature enthusiasts who appreciate the diversity of rock types and the evidence they hold about the area's past.

Billian is positioned in an area known for its strong currents and tides, which have shaped the coastline over thousands of years. These natural forces have eroded the cliffs, creating sea caves, arches, and stacks that add to the natural beauty of the headland. The crashing waves against the rocks create a constant symphony of sound, adding to the sensory experience of visiting Billian.

The headland is also home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes, who nest in the cliffs during the breeding season. Their presence adds a vibrant touch to the already stunning landscape, making Billian a popular destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Overall, Billian is a remarkable coastal feature in Shetland, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness the power of nature's forces and appreciate the beauty of Scotland's rugged coastline.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Billian Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.129064/-1.1579375 or Grid Reference HU4638. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

South Bressay and the Ward of Bressay from the sea
South Bressay and the Ward of Bressay from the sea
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
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.
Pullar's Loch, Sound, from the air
Pullar's Loch, Sound, from the air
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
On MV Hrossey - the overnight ferry to Aberdeen A few passengers stayed on the outside upper deck of MV Hrossey as the darkness faded and the cool breeze penetrated. The headland that marks the end of Bressay Sound is just visible to port.
On MV Hrossey - the overnight ferry to Aberdeen
A few passengers stayed on the outside upper deck of MV Hrossey as the darkness faded and the cool breeze penetrated. The headland that marks the end of Bressay Sound is just visible to port.
Small boat off Ness of Sound Taken from the Knab in Lerwick.
Small boat off Ness of Sound
Taken from the Knab in Lerwick.
Cro of Ham
Cro of Ham
Bressay Coastline between Ham and Kirkabister
Bressay Coastline between Ham and Kirkabister
Cliffs South of Ham Part of the Bressay coastline between Ham and Kirkabister.
Cliffs South of Ham
Part of the Bressay coastline between Ham and Kirkabister.
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.
Cro of Ham
Cro of Ham
Cliffs near Green Head and Hevdi
Cliffs near Green Head and Hevdi
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.
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).
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).
Show me another place!

Billian is located at Grid Ref: HU4638 (Lat: 60.129064, Lng: -1.1579375)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///airtime.topics.crackling. Near Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

Skersund Balla Skerry Skeeter Skerries Launching Croo Keen Skersund Skerry

Related Wikis

Lerwick Observatory
Lerwick Observatory

Lerwick Observatory (also known as Lerwick Magnetic Observatory) is a British meteorological observatory located near the port at Lerwick, Shetland Islands...

Sound, Lerwick
Sound, Lerwick

Sound is an area situated to the south-west of central Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, Scotland.Sound is home to a primary school, public hall, and gospel...

Broch of Clickimin
Broch of Clickimin

The Broch of Clickimin (also Clickimin or Clickhimin Broch) is a large, well-preserved but restored broch in Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland (grid reference...

Clickimin Loch
Clickimin Loch

Clickimin Loch is a loch in Shetland, Scotland, west of Lerwick. A Pictish fort from the 6th century called Clickimin Broch is located on a small islet...

Skeeter Skerries Shetland
Noust of Foula Shetland

Have you been to Billian?

Leave your review of Billian below (or comments, questions and feedback).

© 2024 UK Place Database | Privacy