Scotties Garths

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Shetland

Scotland

Scotties Garths

Outer Dale, Lambhoga, Fetlar Credit: Mike Pennington

Scotties Garths, located in Shetland, is a captivating coastal marshland area characterized by its unique saltings. This diverse and ecologically significant landscape stretches along the rugged coastline, offering a fascinating glimpse into the natural wonders of the region.

The coastal marsh of Scotties Garths is home to a rich and abundant variety of plant and animal species, making it an important habitat for wildlife. The area's saltings, which are low-lying areas near the coast that are regularly flooded by the tides, create a unique environment that supports a specialized flora and fauna. The salt-tolerant plants found in this area include sea lavender, sea purslane, and several species of grasses. These plants not only add to the aesthetic beauty of the landscape but also provide valuable habitat and food sources for a range of bird species.

Speaking of birds, Scotties Garths is a birdwatcher's paradise. The area attracts a wide array of avian species, including waders such as curlews, oystercatchers, and redshanks. These birds can be observed feeding and nesting in the marshland, making it an excellent spot for bird enthusiasts to observe their behavior up close.

Additionally, Scotties Garths offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline, with its rugged cliffs and crashing waves. Visitors can explore the area through a network of footpaths that wind through the marshland, providing opportunities for leisurely walks and nature photography.

Overall, Scotties Garths is a unique and enchanting coastal marshland that showcases the natural beauty and ecological diversity of Shetland. Whether you are a nature lover, a birdwatcher, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, this area is a must-visit destination.

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Scotties Garths Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.591322/-0.88547768 or Grid Reference HU6190. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Outer Dale, Lambhoga, Fetlar

Mike Pennington

North of Hoganeap, Lambhoga, Fetlar

Mike Pennington

Three Geos, Hoganeap, Fetlar

Although this area seems to be named Three Stacks on the OS 1:10000 map, I am informed by Andrew Leaper of Fetlar that the area in the photo is named Three Geos and that Three Stacks is further north along the coast.

Mike Pennington

Looking north from path up to Lamb Hoga

There is a very good track from the car park beside Fetlar Kirk up onto Lamb Hoga with views to Out Skerries, Bressay and across the whole of Fetlar. I had assumed that Lamb Hoga would be pronounced as written but oh no, it's pronounced as a single word "Lahmuga" with the stress on the first sylable "Lahm".

Mark Stockdale

The Peat Road

The bogs of Lamb Hoga provided Fetlar with high quality fuel. Every year, islanders would move to the peninsula to cast and dry peats. The fuel was then taken off via this road or by boat across to Aith for the eastern side of the island. The beach at Tresta is in the background along with Vord Hill.

Richard Webb

Peat Road, Lamb Hoga

The route which was used to carry winter fuel off the bogs of Lamb Hoga up to the 1950s.

Richard Webb

Bog, Lamb Hoga

The west side of Gillis Field which was the source of Fetlar's peat. The moorland is now home to many bonxies and they were pretty mean today.

Richard Webb

The Dale

A shallow reentrant on the boggy Lamb Hoga plateau. There is a view over the Wick of Tresta towards Aithbank where peats cut here were once landed.

Richard Webb

The Peat Road

Lamb Hoga was the source of Fetlar's peat and this was one of the ways the peat was carried to the crofts. Much of the peat was taken out by boat and landed at Airthbank.

Richard Webb