Shetland Local Landscape Designation Review: Final Report

Landscape Character Unit
29 Sandness
Criteria Rank Description
Representativeness
Very high
In settled areas, a green crofting landscape, with upland areas that reflect the
typical moorland of Shetland. A strong sense of place.
Rarity Medium The area does not contain features which are rare within Shetland.
Intactness High Some quarries, prominent fencing in the upland area. Around Sandness there
are occasional incongruous barns and houses, though most newer
development is of an appropriate scale. The crofting pattern of the Sandness
area is largely intact.
Scenic qualities High Undramatic landscape, the coastline is more ruggedly attractive. Settled
areas are peaceful and pleasant with visual interest and views to Papa Stour.
Moorland has a wilderness feel
Enjoyment High Coastal walks are particularly popular within this area and Melby Beach at
Sandness has parking and visitor facilities. Along the coast the Water Mills at
Huxter and Woollen Mill at Sandness are attractions.
Cultural qualities High In settled and formerly settled areas, a rich cultural depth, from crofting
times and older history
Naturalness High Natural open moorland and rugged coast. Wildflowers in Dale of Walls.
Opportunities for viewing seabirds and wildlife.
Rural pattern Very high Generally intact and active around Sandness. In Dale of Walls there are
several deserted croft houses, but the relict landscape pattern can be easily
read. Active peat cutting on the moorland. Overall the area reflects the
complete pattern of enclosed lowland and open moorland.
Views High The higher ground is visible from Papa Stour and areas to the east,
particularly from the A971. Sandness Hill is important as a backdrop to
settlement at Sandness. Long views to Foula and Northmavine and the
distinctive red cliffs of Muckle Roe are available to the north.
Unranked criteria
Landscape
consistency
Landscape
relationships
Other
designations
n/a
n/a
n/a
There is a clear distinction between the settled area around Sandness, and
the open moorland of Sandness and Stourbrough Hills, with the formerly
settled Dale of Walls between.
Visual relationship north to Papa Stour (LCU 30), moorland south of Dale of
Walls has a physical relationship to the settled landscape to the south (LCU
31). More distant visual relationship to Foula.
The Papa Stour SAC extends across Sound of Papa to the north-western
coastline, north of Sandness.
Sel Ayre, Melby and Sandness Coast SSSIs
Small LPA at Bousta