Shetland Local Landscape Designation Review: Final Report

Landscape Character Unit
12 Heoga Ness to the Poil
Criteria Rank Description
Representativeness
High
Low lying coast with settled pockets and a small area of high cliffs at heights
of Ramnageo.
Rarity Medium Not a rare landscape, though Heoga Ness is a distinctive and unusual flat,
low-lying promontory
Intactness High Particularly at the south east of the area, this rural landscape is intact, though
there are disused croft houses. Elsewhere, traditional field boundary patterns
are disappearing, as at Otterswick. Fish farms and onshore development
affects character locally.
Scenic qualities High Varied across the area, the east coast has less visual diversity, though the
south east headland is very attractive, with dramatic cliffs and flat peninsula
enabling long views.
Enjoyment High Signposted coastal walks, attractions include the White Wife and
Gossabrough Beach
Cultural qualities Medium Aside from the remnant crofting, cultural heritage interest is relatively
limited. The Old Haa at Burravoe and the White Wife are relatively
prominent historic features.
Naturalness High Seabird interest along the coast, though generally this is a settled landscape.
Rural pattern High The traditional crofting pattern is apparent in localised areas through this
landscape, and particularly at Burravoe, although it is breaking down in some
other parts.
Views Very high The headland offers extensive views south to the Mainland, Noss and the
Out Skerries.
Unranked criteria
Landscape
consistency
Landscape
relationships
Other
designations
n/a
n/a
n/a
The south east headland has undisturbed coastal scenery, and relatively intact
crofting back to Burravoe, other areas feel more marginal. Around Burravoe
and to the west the area is more affected by development.
Main relationship with moorland to north (LCU 11), although long views to
many other areas, including the Mainland.
None