Shetland Local Landscape Designation Review: Final Report

Landscape Character Unit
33 Sandsound
Criteria Rank Description
Representativeness
High
The area is typical of the settled coasts found across Shetland, with crofting
settlement located along a long inlet, backed by moorland.
Rarity Low There are few rare features, although the extent of the inland Firth is
unusual.
Intactness High Although there is a regular pattern of settlement across the area, there are
few intrusive developments. Fish farms and are present across the area. The
remains of Park Hall are prominent.
Scenic qualities High There is an attractive and intricate combination of land and sea, becoming
more diverse to the south. The visual context is important, with extensive
views south across the NSA centred on The Deeps, the scattered islands of
Burra and the western coast of the southern Mainland. Views north to the
rugged around Vementry are also of scenic quality.
Enjoyment High Several opportunities for accessing the landscape, including the garden at
Tresta
Cultural qualities High Cultural heritage features are visible in the landscape, eg the cairn at Bixter,
Park Hall, the church at Sand.
Naturalness High Seascapes have a high degree of naturalness, particularly to the south
Rural pattern High Strong traditional settlement pattern with active crofting ongoing at Sand and
Twatt
Views High Visible from the A971, and from across the bay to the south, forming part of
the wider sweep of land. Views along The Firth and Sandsound
Unranked criteria
Landscape
consistency
n/a
Local variations between settled and unsettled areas. The southern areas
have stronger visual appeal then the area to the north around Bixter.
Landscape n/a Strongly related to moorland on either side (LCU 32 and 34)
relationships
Other
designations
n/a
The southern fringe of the area is within the NSA
LPA at Bixter