Stack of Gord

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Stack of Gord

First-summer male Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), Wick of Skaw
First-summer male Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), Wick of Skaw Credit: Mike Pennington

Stack of Gord is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago in Scotland. This natural formation is classified as a headland, or a point of land that extends into the sea. It stands tall and proud, rising from the surrounding cliffs and providing a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.

The Stack of Gord is characterized by its distinctive shape, with a narrow base that gradually widens as it reaches its pinnacle. It is composed primarily of sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone, which have been shaped and eroded by the relentless forces of wind and waves over thousands of years.

This coastal feature is an important landmark in the area, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Its strategic location offers a commanding view of the surrounding coastline, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and observing marine life. Visitors can often catch a glimpse of various seabirds, such as puffins, gannets, and fulmars, nesting and soaring around the cliffs.

Due to its exposed location, the Stack of Gord is subject to the forces of erosion and weathering. Over time, the relentless power of the waves may cause further erosion and potentially lead to the collapse of the stack. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when exploring this coastal feature.

The Stack of Gord is not only a significant geological feature but also a cultural icon in the Shetland Islands. Its striking appearance and rich biodiversity make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers seeking to capture the rugged beauty of the Scottish coastline.

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Stack of Gord Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.815643/-0.76052452 or Grid Reference HP6715. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

First-summer male Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), Wick of Skaw
First-summer male Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), Wick of Skaw
Britain's most northerly graffiti, Skaw The tag appears to be 'Dias'.
Britain's most northerly graffiti, Skaw
The tag appears to be 'Dias'.
Holm of Skaw
Holm of Skaw
Sheep at feeders, Inner Skaw
Sheep at feeders, Inner Skaw
Holm of Skaw from Inner Skaw
Holm of Skaw from Inner Skaw
Waves at Skaw
Waves at Skaw
Sand on Skaw beach Onshore winds have dumped tonnes of sand on the beach in the last few weeks.
Sand on Skaw beach
Onshore winds have dumped tonnes of sand on the beach in the last few weeks.
Sand on Skaw beach Onshore winds have blown the edge of the beach inland.
Sand on Skaw beach
Onshore winds have blown the edge of the beach inland.
Scalped ground at Lamba Ness Cleared primarily to prevent birds from breeding ahead of the commencement of construction.
Scalped ground at Lamba Ness
Cleared primarily to prevent birds from breeding ahead of the commencement of construction.
Diggers, Lamba Ness Clearing ground for the proposed Saxavord Spaceport.
Diggers, Lamba Ness
Clearing ground for the proposed Saxavord Spaceport.
MV Norrona passing Holm of Skaw
MV Norrona passing Holm of Skaw
Caaing sheep at Skaw, Unst
Caaing sheep at Skaw, Unst
Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) and ducklings, Skaw, Unst
Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) and ducklings, Skaw, Unst
Eyebright Euphrasia sp., Skaw, Unst
Eyebright Euphrasia sp., Skaw, Unst
Male Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) off Skaw, Unst
Male Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) off Skaw, Unst
Aunie, one of the Unstfest puffins, at Skaw Unstfest takes place in July and is the most northerly festival in Britain, growing bigger and attracting more visitors every year. This year, 12 carved puffins were placed around the islands, with clues given to their location. There was a competition to be entered by taking photos of all 12.
Aunie, one of the Unstfest puffins, at Skaw
Unstfest takes place in July and is the most northerly festival in Britain, growing bigger and attracting more visitors every year. This year, 12 carved puffins were placed around the islands, with clues given to their location. There was a competition to be entered by taking photos of all 12.
Protection for plants at Skaw beach A fence put up to protect the rare Oysterplant.
Protection for plants at Skaw beach
A fence put up to protect the rare Oysterplant.
Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), Skaw Probably a locally-bred juvenile, soon to be headed for Africa.
Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), Skaw
Probably a locally-bred juvenile, soon to be headed for Africa.
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Stack of Gord is located at Grid Ref: HP6715 (Lat: 60.815643, Lng: -0.76052452)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///banks.alarmed.vibrating. Near Haroldswick, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.815643,-0.76052452
Lamba Ness
Place: locality
Source: OS
Lat/Long: 60.8167783/-0.7641457
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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