Shetland Local Landscape Designation Review: Final Report

Landscape Character Unit
32 Skeld
Criteria Rank Description
Representativeness
High
The indented, settled coast and moorland are typical of the Shetland Islands
landscapes.
Rarity Medium There are few rare features, though coves such as Wester Wick are unusual.
Intactness High The area is a generally intact crofting landscape, few intrusive developments,
although there are some new developments at Skeld that have localised
influence.
Scenic qualities Very high Intricate rocky coast with highly attractive bays and voes, including Stead of
Culswick, Wester Wick and Skeld Voe.
Enjoyment High A range of coastal walks are popular, and the beach at Reawick
Cultural qualities High There is a rich cultural heritage and discernable time depth across the area,
with several features including standing stones and the broch of Culswick
Naturalness Very high There is a high natural quality particularly along the coast and the unsettled
moorlands.
Rural pattern High Intact patches of crofting landscape at Culswick and Skeld
Views High The area is visible from the Mainland across The Deeps. It forms part of the
setting of the NSA. Ward of Culswick is a locally prominent high point.
Unranked criteria
Landscape n/a
The intricate, rocky coastal area contrasts with the large scale expanses of
consistency
Landscape
relationships
Other
designations
n/a
n/a
moorland inland.
Visual relationship between Gruting Voe and Vaila Sound (LCU 31) to the
west and across the Deeps to the southeast and east to Sandsound (LCU
33), Weisdale Voe and Whiteness Voe (LCU 42) and scattered islands that
comprise Burra (LCU 43).
South-east fringe is within the NSA
Ward of Culswick, Skelda Ness, and Culswick Marsh SSSIs
Coastal LPAs at Culswick and Westerwick