Shetland Local Landscape Designation Review: Final Report

Landscape Character Unit
6 Gloup Ness
Criteria Rank Description
Representativeness
High
Typical Shetland combination of a dispersed settlement pattern and intricate
coastline
Rarity Medium Sandy beaches and dunes, the long narrow Gloup Voe
Intactness High Intact pattern with few intrusive features, though a number of croft houses
are disused.
Scenic qualities Very high Attractive complex coast with a range of rocky features and beaches.
Association with cliffs and hills of Unst across Bluemull Sound
Enjoyment High Beaches and coastal walks are available, a signposted walk to the memorial at
Gloup Voe
Cultural qualities Medium Traditional settlement contributes to the landscape, including planticrubs,
boat-roofed buildings, etc
Naturalness Very high Particularly to the west, in the less settled area, a remote feel and even in
settled areas limited modification
Rural pattern High Strong relict pattern though now appears to be managed as pasture.
Views High Strong visual interaction with the west coast of Unst, with cliffs and rocky
headlands forming focus in views to the northeast. Long seaward views
across expanse of open sea are available at the northern coastal fringe.
Unranked criteria
Landscape
consistency
n/a
Difference is between the more settled north east area and the wilder coast
to the west
Landscape n/a
Physical relationship with moorland to the south (LCU 7), but key visual
relationships
Other
designations
n/a
relationship is with Unst Coast and Valla Field (LCU 3 and 2).
Ness of Cullivoe and Breackon SSSI.