Vats-houll

Settlement in Shetland

Scotland

Vats-houll

Loch Isbister
Loch Isbister Credit: David Purchase

Vats-houll is a small, picturesque village located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago off the northeast coast of Scotland. Situated on the mainland of Shetland, it is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, characterized by rolling hills, expansive moorlands, and dramatic coastal landscapes. With a population of around 100 residents, Vats-houll offers a tranquil and idyllic setting for those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The village itself consists of a cluster of traditional stone-built houses, many of which date back several centuries. These charming dwellings are nestled amidst lush greenery and overlook the nearby Vats-houll Loch, a serene freshwater lake teeming with wildlife. The loch provides a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching enthusiasts.

While Vats-houll is primarily a residential area, it also boasts a rich historical heritage. The nearby Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, a renowned archaeological site, offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's ancient past.

In terms of amenities, Vats-houll has limited facilities, including a small convenience store and a local inn that serves as a gathering place for both residents and visitors. However, for a wider range of amenities, the larger town of Lerwick is only a short drive away.

Vats-houll's remote location and untouched natural landscapes make it an ideal destination for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in a truly breathtaking setting.

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Vats-houll Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.372512/-0.96958968 or Grid Reference HU5665. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loch Isbister
Loch Isbister
The Houll, Whalsay Probably usually very damp.
The Houll, Whalsay
Probably usually very damp.
Country near Skaw, Whalsay
Country near Skaw, Whalsay
West Loch of Skaw, Whalsay
West Loch of Skaw, Whalsay
Loch Vats-houll, Whalsay
Loch Vats-houll, Whalsay
The west shore of Loch Vats-houll, Whalsay
The west shore of Loch Vats-houll, Whalsay
Whalsay Kirk and graveyard The Kirk stands on Kirk Ness, a small islet joined to Whalsay by one of Shetland's splendid tombolas. Though actually I think this one has needed a bit of protection from time to time.
Whalsay Kirk and graveyard
The Kirk stands on Kirk Ness, a small islet joined to Whalsay by one of Shetland's splendid tombolas. Though actually I think this one has needed a bit of protection from time to time.
Houb and Suther Ness, Whalsay Suther Ness, with its beacon, is connected to the mainland of Whalsay. But you can't walk there direct from here, you have to approach from the left. Houb (on the left) would, I imagine, make a fine natural harbour were it not for the fact that the channel ahead which prevents a direct approach to Suther Ness is too shallow for all but the smallest craft (such as the little one seen here).
Houb and Suther Ness, Whalsay
Suther Ness, with its beacon, is connected to the mainland of Whalsay. But you can't walk there direct from here, you have to approach from the left. Houb (on the left) would, I imagine, make a fine natural harbour were it not for the fact that the channel ahead which prevents a direct approach to Suther Ness is too shallow for all but the smallest craft (such as the little one seen here).
The road to Brough, Whalsay
The road to Brough, Whalsay
Kirk Ness View from Kick Ness
Kirk Ness
View from Kick Ness
West Loch of Skaw West Loch of Skaw on Whalsay
West Loch of Skaw
West Loch of Skaw on Whalsay
Standing Stones of Yoxie Standing Stones of Yoxie, Pettigarths Fields, Mid Breck, Whalsay.
Standing Stones of Yoxie
Standing Stones of Yoxie, Pettigarths Fields, Mid Breck, Whalsay.
Chambered Cairn Chambered Cairn & Cyst (north end), Pettigarths Field, Mid Breck, Whalsay.
Skaw (Taing) in the distance.
Chambered Cairn
Chambered Cairn & Cyst (north end), Pettigarths Field, Mid Breck, Whalsay. Skaw (Taing) in the distance.
Yoxie Geo Cliffs Cliffs on the east side of Whalsay, near the Standing Stones of Yoxie.
Yoxie Geo Cliffs
Cliffs on the east side of Whalsay, near the Standing Stones of Yoxie.
West Loch of Skaw We had a picnic on the shore here. Very pleasant. Shetland's lack of midges should be made a lot more of by the tourist people.
West Loch of Skaw
We had a picnic on the shore here. Very pleasant. Shetland's lack of midges should be made a lot more of by the tourist people.
By the West Loch of Skaw These little round enclosures are everywhere. I had no idea what they were for, so thanks to Oliver Dixon for putting me right. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3584966">HU5866 : Planticrubs on the shores of the West Loch of Skaw</a>
Planticrub. What a wonderful word. Much better than "kale growing enclosure." I shall endeavour to use it wherever possible.
By the West Loch of Skaw
These little round enclosures are everywhere. I had no idea what they were for, so thanks to Oliver Dixon for putting me right. HU5866 : Planticrubs on the shores of the West Loch of Skaw Planticrub. What a wonderful word. Much better than "kale growing enclosure." I shall endeavour to use it wherever possible.
The Road to Skaw About another kilometre to go until this road stops at the north end of the island.
The Road to Skaw
About another kilometre to go until this road stops at the north end of the island.
Sheep by the Standing Stones The Standing Stones of Yoxie, a slightly misleading name as these stones are now thought to be part of a Neolithic homestead. There are several other ancient structures close by.
<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standing_Stones_of_Yoxie" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standing_Stones_of_Yoxie">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>
Sheep by the Standing Stones
The Standing Stones of Yoxie, a slightly misleading name as these stones are now thought to be part of a Neolithic homestead. There are several other ancient structures close by. LinkExternal link
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Vats-houll is located at Grid Ref: HU5665 (Lat: 60.372512, Lng: -0.96958968)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///clenching.tides.fracture. Near Symbister, Shetland Islands

Related Wikis

Vats-houll

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West Loch of Skaw

West Loch of Skaw is a loch of northern-central Whalsay, Shetland Islands, Scotland, to the southwest of the village of Skaw, Whalsay. == References ==

Whalsay Parish Church

Whalsay Parish Church or Whalsay Kirk is a Church of Scotland parish church on the island of Whalsay, Shetland Islands, Scotland. It lies to the north...

Brough, Shetland

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Pettigarths Field Cairns

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Loch of Isbister

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.372512,-0.96958968
Vats-houll
Is In: Shetland
Place: hamlet
Source: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 60.3726463/-0.9685722
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 60.3742206/-0.9637454
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3746991/-0.9631442
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3744554/-0.9643697
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3741966/-0.9656899
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3739446/-0.9669322
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3736679/-0.9683137
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3734008/-0.9696645
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3729313/-0.9702828
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3723419/-0.9710738
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3727536/-0.9696394
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3729078/-0.9689013
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3730469/-0.9682273
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3719013/-0.9716504
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3714497/-0.9722464
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3708892/-0.9729817
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.370315/-0.9737477
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.369694/-0.9745638
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3692148/-0.9751905
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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