Shetland Local Landscape Designation Review: Final Report

Landscape Character Unit
16 Souther Hill
Criteria Rank Description
Representativeness
Medium
Represents moorland which occurs across north and central mainland, but
does not have a strong sense of place.
Rarity Low Typical of Shetland moorland, without features of rarity value.
Intactness Medium Largely undeveloped moorland. There are masts at the north-east end, and
the A968 is prominent in the dale below Souther Hill. The area is affected by
views of the oil terminal and other industry to the north, and forms part of
the Viking Windfarm site which would physically affect this landscape.
Scenic qualities Medium The approach to Dales Voe is particularly dramatic, with the voe itself
curving away out of sight. Elsewhere, this LCU is bleak empty moorland
though with some drama and broad views.
Enjoyment Medium There is a promoted walk at the wooded Burn of Valayre, but opportunities
to experience this landscape are otherwise limited.
Cultural qualities Low There are no obvious cultural heritage elements in the landscape.
Naturalness High An undisturbed moorland, although somewhat affected by views of industrial
development to the north.
Rural pattern Low The area is not representative of the traditional rural crofting pattern of
Shetland, though moorland forms a component part of the wider rural
landscape.
Views Very high Visible from main roads on all sides, particularly the A968. The moorland
forms the setting or backdrop to Brae and scattered settlement along these
roads.
Unranked criteria
Landscape n/a
This is a consistent landscape of moorland, with only the valley at Dales Voe
consistency
Landscape
relationships
Other
designations
n/a
n/a
having a somewhat different character
The key relationships of this landscape are with the coastal areas that
surround it, including LCU 15 Sullom Voe, 14 Tofts Voe and Dales Voe, and
25 Aith Voe and Olna Firth
Burn of Valayre SSSI