The Skate

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

The Skate

The Whalsay ferry, MV Linga, leaving Symbister pier Bound for Laxo on Shetland Mainland.
The Whalsay ferry, MV Linga, leaving Symbister pier Credit: David Purchase

The Skate is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago in Scotland. It is specifically identified as a headland or point, jutting out into the North Sea. This geographical formation is characterized by its distinctive shape and rugged cliffs, offering stunning views of the surrounding coastline.

The Skate boasts steep cliffs that rise dramatically from the crashing waves below. These cliffs are composed of ancient rock formations, providing geologists with valuable insights into the region's geological history. The exposed layers of sedimentary rock showcase the area's complex geological evolution over millions of years.

The headland is also known for its diverse and thriving wildlife. The surrounding waters are home to numerous seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. These birds nest in the cliffs, taking advantage of the inaccessible terrain for protection. The area is also frequented by seals, which can often be spotted basking on the rocky shores.

Due to its striking natural beauty and ecological significance, The Skate has become a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the rugged coastline, take in the panoramic views, and observe the abundant wildlife. The headland is easily accessible by foot, with several walking trails leading to its vantage points.

In conclusion, The Skate in Shetland is a remarkable coastal feature characterized by its imposing cliffs, rich geological history, and diverse wildlife. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the stunning natural beauty of the Shetland Islands and immerse oneself in its fascinating coastal ecosystem.

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The Skate Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.350753/-1.0414022 or Grid Reference HU5363. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Whalsay ferry, MV Linga, leaving Symbister pier Bound for Laxo on Shetland Mainland.
The Whalsay ferry, MV Linga, leaving Symbister pier
Bound for Laxo on Shetland Mainland.
Approaching Symbister, Whalsay A rare stretch of road on Whalsay which does not need passing places!
Approaching Symbister, Whalsay
A rare stretch of road on Whalsay which does not need passing places!
A field at Marrister, Whalsay Daisies in profusion.
A field at Marrister, Whalsay
Daisies in profusion.
North Voe, Symbister, Whalsay Is there a South Voe? Not on the map, but I could well imagine that the harbour where the ferry from Mainland comes in has this name.
North Voe, Symbister, Whalsay
Is there a South Voe? Not on the map, but I could well imagine that the harbour where the ferry from Mainland comes in has this name.
Otter House An Otter House, Point of Gruid, Symbister Ness, Whalsay.
Otter House
An Otter House, Point of Gruid, Symbister Ness, Whalsay.
Whalsay Leisure Centre
Whalsay Leisure Centre
Pier House Museum, Symbister Whalsay's most photographed building. The museum details Shetland's connections with the Hanseatic League, from a time when trade links with Europe didn't generate so much hot air. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pier_House_Museum" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pier_House_Museum">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Pier House Museum, Symbister
Whalsay's most photographed building. The museum details Shetland's connections with the Hanseatic League, from a time when trade links with Europe didn't generate so much hot air. LinkExternal link
Fishing Boats, Symbister
Fishing Boats, Symbister
Symbister House A mansion built in 1823 for the owners of Whalsay, the Bruce family. According to this article <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbister_House" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbister_House">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> they were an obnoxious bunch.
The house is now used by Whalsay secondary school.
Symbister House
A mansion built in 1823 for the owners of Whalsay, the Bruce family. According to this article LinkExternal link they were an obnoxious bunch. The house is now used by Whalsay secondary school.
Small Boat Harbour, Symbister In a corner of the main harbour is an inner haven for small craft.
Small Boat Harbour, Symbister
In a corner of the main harbour is an inner haven for small craft.
The Next Hut Along I am standing beside the historic and much photographed Pier House Museum looking towards a similar location just a short distance away which also features a building on a small stone pier. The scene is somewhat less picturesque.
The Next Hut Along
I am standing beside the historic and much photographed Pier House Museum looking towards a similar location just a short distance away which also features a building on a small stone pier. The scene is somewhat less picturesque.
Pier House Museum, Symbister, Whalsay, Shetland The Pier House was formerly a trading post for the Hanseatic League
Pier House Museum, Symbister, Whalsay, Shetland
The Pier House was formerly a trading post for the Hanseatic League
Symbister Pier House Museum Formerly a Hanseatic League trading post
Symbister Pier House Museum
Formerly a Hanseatic League trading post
Symbister Harbour, Whalsay
Symbister Harbour, Whalsay
Symbister Harbour, Whalsay, during the "Simmer Dim" Taken after 11pm on 20th June during the "Simmer Dim".  It becomes slightly darker between about midnight and 2am.
Symbister Harbour, Whalsay, during the "Simmer Dim"
Taken after 11pm on 20th June during the "Simmer Dim". It becomes slightly darker between about midnight and 2am.
LK394 Zephyr in Symbister Harbour
LK394 Zephyr in Symbister Harbour
Calf of Linga and the South Ward of Linga
Calf of Linga and the South Ward of Linga
Croo Wick, West Linga
Croo Wick, West Linga
Show me another place!

The Skate is located at Grid Ref: HU5363 (Lat: 60.350753, Lng: -1.0414022)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///scraper.hoops.improvise. Near Symbister, Shetland Islands

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