Bixter

Settlement in Shetland

Scotland

Bixter

Ruins of Park Hall A once fine house now left to its fate. — Ruins of Park Hall Credit: Des Blenkinsopp

Bixter is a small village situated on the west coast of the Shetland mainland, in Scotland. It is located approximately 9 miles southwest of the town of Brae and 21 miles northwest of Lerwick, the capital of Shetland Islands. With a population of around 400 residents, Bixter is a close-knit community that offers a peaceful and picturesque setting.

The village is nestled between rolling green hills and the scenic Bixter Voe, a narrow inlet of the North Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking coastal walks, bird-watching opportunities, and fishing activities in the area.

Bixter itself is home to a few amenities, including a primary school, a community hall, and a local shop. The village also has a strong sense of community spirit, with various events and gatherings organized throughout the year.

In terms of transportation, Bixter is connected to other parts of Shetland via a network of well-maintained roads. Public transportation options are limited, but regular bus services run between Bixter and nearby towns.

Overall, Bixter presents an idyllic rural setting, offering a tranquil lifestyle and access to stunning natural beauty. Whether it's exploring the coastline, engaging with the local community, or simply enjoying the serenity of the Shetland Islands, Bixter is a charming place to visit or call home.

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Bixter Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.25332/-1.402262 or Grid Reference HU3352. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ruins of Park Hall

A once fine house now left to its fate.

Des Blenkinsopp

A Small Quarry

A drive by shot of this quarry beside the main road. See HU3452 : Bixter Quarry, Shetland for geological info. It appears to be used for storing roadstone.

Des Blenkinsopp

Park Hall, Bixter

A substantial but derelict house built of concrete circa 1900. Has been derelict since at least 1990 and is on the at risk register. See Link

John Lucas

B9071 road

View of the B9071 road

Mat Tuck

View of Twatt

Road through the village of Twatt

Mat Tuck

Bixter Voe

View across to Bixter Voe

Mat Tuck

The road to Twatt

Mike Pennington

Selfie with a sign, Twatt

There are queues now to photographed with this signpost!

Mike Pennington

Track at Laxaburn, near Effirth

Mike Pennington

Twatt kirk

Mike Pennington

Park Hall, A971 Bixter, Shetland

Category C Listed Laird's house of poured concrete construction of about 1900. Built by a Doctor Bowie, Park Hall is an example of the early 20th century practice in Shetland for building in in-situ concrete. A photograph of it under construction shows a large Moorish temple in the garden which actually functioned as the septic tank. If this is Thomas Ross Bowie, he was a Customs Officer born 1839 and was resident in Aberdeen in 1881 and died at Park Hall in Oct 1915. His son however James Cameron Bowie was a doctor resident in Aberdeen 1891 and died in Park Hall in Feb 1932. The doctors eldest two (of 10) children are recorded as having died within 12 days of each other in 1914 with influenza. One was four, the other was two. Is this possibly why it fell into ruin and no-one actually wanted to live there? It was sold by the Bowie family in the 1990s and later fell to the Crown Office in 2004 who promptly disclaimed ownership after a survey. The Shetland Amenity Trust showed interest and one report states they bought it for £1 but this is no more than rumour. The Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland lists the condition as very poor and in the report of 2014 states that "External inspection finds the roof continues to collapse."

Jo and Steve Turner

Effirth Voe

Robert Eva

Effirth Voe looking southwards from B9071

Robert Eva

B9071 looking towards Bixter

Robert Eva

Park Hall, Effirth

A 2-storey, 3-bay classical laird's house of poured concrete construction; rectangular plan, with single storey 3-bay wing to E. Built by a local doctor, Park Hall is an example of the early 20th century practice in Shetland for building in in-situ concrete.

Russel Wills