Whale Kilns

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Whale Kilns

Sunset beyond the Hall on Uyea, from Muness
Sunset beyond the Hall on Uyea, from Muness Credit: Mike Pennington

Whale Kilns is a coastal feature located on the picturesque Shetland Islands, in Scotland. Situated on a headland, it is a prominent landmark that attracts visitors and locals alike. This point of interest earned its name from the historic activity of whale processing that took place here in the past.

Whale Kilns consists of a cluster of large stone structures, which are the remnants of a once-thriving whaling industry. These kilns were used to render whale blubber into valuable oil during the 19th century. The headland provided an ideal location for this activity due to its proximity to the rich feeding grounds of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Today, Whale Kilns is a remarkable sight, with the ruins of the kilns standing as a testament to the island's industrial heritage. The stone structures, weathered by time and the elements, form an intriguing backdrop against the stunning coastal scenery. Visitors can explore the site, taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding sea and cliffs.

In addition to its historical significance, Whale Kilns also serves as a haven for wildlife. The surrounding waters are home to various species of seabirds, including puffins and gannets, and seals can often be spotted basking on nearby rocky outcrops.

Overall, Whale Kilns is a captivating coastal feature that offers a unique insight into Shetland's past. Its combination of historical ruins, natural beauty, and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers alike.

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Whale Kilns Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.679428/-0.9122352 or Grid Reference HP5900. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sunset beyond the Hall on Uyea, from Muness
Sunset beyond the Hall on Uyea, from Muness
Loch of Heogland and Gallow Hill
Loch of Heogland and Gallow Hill
Eiders and Shags at Point of Burkwell, near Uyeasound
Eiders and Shags at Point of Burkwell, near Uyeasound
Heogland from Point of Burkwell
Heogland from Point of Burkwell
Grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia palustris), Heogland Fairly widespread in Shetland, but this is the only location on Unst.
Grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia palustris), Heogland
Fairly widespread in Shetland, but this is the only location on Unst.
Sleeping Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus), Uyeasound
Sleeping Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus), Uyeasound
Juvenile Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena), Uyeasound Although late in the season, this bird still shows some juvenile plumage.
Juvenile Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena), Uyeasound
Although late in the season, this bird still shows some juvenile plumage.
Salmon boat returning to Uyeasound
Salmon boat returning to Uyeasound
Shetland ponies, Uyeasound
Shetland ponies, Uyeasound
Sheep at Rockfield, Uyeasound
Sheep at Rockfield, Uyeasound
Sunset from Uyeasound
Sunset from Uyeasound
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor), Easter Loch, Uyeasound
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor), Easter Loch, Uyeasound
Whooper Swans taking off from Easter Loch, Uyeasound
Whooper Swans taking off from Easter Loch, Uyeasound
Whooper Swan landing on Easter Loch, Uyeasound
Whooper Swan landing on Easter Loch, Uyeasound
Mute Swans, Easter Loch, Uyeasound
Mute Swans, Easter Loch, Uyeasound
Uyea Isle Looking from Uyea Isle towards Uyeasound.
Uyea Isle
Looking from Uyea Isle towards Uyeasound.
Uyea Hall The hall is no longer inhabitable, but the farm buildings are. Fetlar is in the distance.
Uyea Hall
The hall is no longer inhabitable, but the farm buildings are. Fetlar is in the distance.
Uyea Hall The hall on the right was the home of the Neven-Spence family, most notably Sir Basil Hamilton Hebden Neven-Spence, who was elected as Conservative MP for the constituency of Orkney & Shetland in 1935, a position he held until 1950 when he was replaced by the Liberal MP Jo Grimond. The buildings on the left are still habitable and were used by the shepherd who live on the island into the 1960s, and are still used by the current owners of the island when they are in lambing. The photo was taken from the Point of Burkwell on the Unst mainland.
Uyea Hall
The hall on the right was the home of the Neven-Spence family, most notably Sir Basil Hamilton Hebden Neven-Spence, who was elected as Conservative MP for the constituency of Orkney & Shetland in 1935, a position he held until 1950 when he was replaced by the Liberal MP Jo Grimond. The buildings on the left are still habitable and were used by the shepherd who live on the island into the 1960s, and are still used by the current owners of the island when they are in lambing. The photo was taken from the Point of Burkwell on the Unst mainland.
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Whale Kilns is located at Grid Ref: HP5900 (Lat: 60.679428, Lng: -0.9122352)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///test.snowboard.crossing. Near Uyeasound, Shetland Islands

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