Virdi Taing

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Virdi Taing

Road west of Brough Lodge The B9088 drops down to the pier at Ugasta on the west coast of Fetlar. — Road west of Brough Lodge Credit: Oliver Dixon

Virdi Taing is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is classified as a headland or point due to its distinct geographical characteristics.

Situated on the western coast of the main Shetland island, Virdi Taing stands tall and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It is positioned near the village of Voe, which is known for its picturesque setting and vibrant fishing industry.

Virdi Taing is characterized by its rugged cliffs, which rise sharply from the North Atlantic Ocean. The cliffs are composed of sedimentary rock formations, showcasing various layers of geological history. The exposed rock face displays an array of colors, ranging from shades of gray to reddish-brown.

The headland also features a narrow strip of pebble beach at its base, which provides a stark contrast to the towering cliffs above. This beach is often used by locals and tourists alike for recreational activities such as beachcombing, picnicking, and birdwatching.

The area surrounding Virdi Taing is abundant in wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. Seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes can be observed nesting on the cliffs during the breeding season. Additionally, seals and otters are known to frequent the waters around the headland, adding to its natural charm.

Overall, Virdi Taing is a magnificent coastal feature that showcases the raw beauty of the Shetland Islands. Its dramatic cliffs, picturesque beach, and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit destination for those exploring this remote and captivating region of Scotland.

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Virdi Taing Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.616767/-0.97281055 or Grid Reference HU5693. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Road west of Brough Lodge

The B9088 drops down to the pier at Ugasta on the west coast of Fetlar.

Oliver Dixon

Shetland ponies below Sugil

Oliver Dixon

The Tower at Brough Lodge

A Victorian folly overlooking the west coast of Fetlar.

Oliver Dixon

Dunlin (Calidris alpina) on the beach at Ugasta by Brough Lodge

Dunlin breed quite commonly on moorland in Shetland. This is either a local bird feeding on the shore or a late migrant still heading north.

Mike Pennington

Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) at Ugasta by Brough Lodge

Ringed Plovers breed quite commonly in Shetland, most often in coastal habitats.

Mike Pennington

Dilapidated pier at Ugasta, near Brough Lodge

Mike Pennington

Beach at Ugasta, near Brough Lodge

Mike Pennington

Fetlar: signpost to Funzie

Looking along the western side of the island, while the road heads east across to Funzie (pronounced Finnie) on the B9088.

Chris Downer

Brough Lodge Folly

The oval-shaped tower in the grounds may have been contemporary with the manor house, or it may have been built slightly later. It is another example of a folly-type structure, even though it occupies the site of an actual Iron Age broch, and it originally had three storeys, joined to the land by a footbridge which has now disintegrated. It was used at one stage as an astronomical observatory, which contained a large telescope, and the lens for the instrument has been preserved at Fetlar Interpretive Centre.

Rude Health