Shetland Local Landscape Designation Review: Final Report

Landscape Character Unit
35 Weisdale and Petta Dale
Criteria Rank Description
Representativeness
Medium
Represents inland moorland which occurs across north and central mainland.
The area is not typical of Shetland landscapes but has some sense of place.
Rarity High Woodland plantation at Kergord gives this pocket an unusual character for
Shetland. Mid Kame is a distinctive feature.
Intactness High The main road cuts along Petta Dale, and has variable fit with the landscape.
Part of the Viking Windfarm would be within this area, along Mid Kame,
which would physically affect this landscape.
Scenic qualities High The area around Kergord is attractive and notable for the small plantations
surrounding it. The moorland sections are less visually interesting, but the
low, smooth ridgelines frame long views south towards the coast and inland
to the north. The moorland also has some wilderness appeal.
Enjoyment Medium There is limited opportunity to access and enjoy the northern extent of this
landscape. Recreational activities and attractions are concentrated in the
southern extent of the area and along the B9075, and include fishing lochs
and the Bonhoga Gallery and café within Weisdale Mill,
Cultural qualities Medium Largely concentrated in the south, cultural features are limited to the
Weisdale Water Mill and significant landscape features including the wellestablished
tree plantations around Kergord.
Naturalness Very high Much of the area is unsettled and inaccessible, with only the area around
Weisdale settled and cultivated.
Rural pattern Low The area is not a crofting landscape, although some peat cutting is evident.
Views High Petta Dale very visible from A970 though Weisdale is more hidden. Long
views are directed along the valley, to the north and south, enclosed by a
series of elongated and gently undulating ridges. Framed views to the NSA
are available to the south.
Unranked criteria
Landscape
consistency
Landscape
relationships
Other
designations
n/a
n/a
n/a
There is a distinctive contrast between the more settled and wooded part of
the area around Weisdale to the south and the extensive, uninterrupted
moorland that characterised the northern extent.
Weisdale is visually related to the end of Weisdale Voe (LCU 42) to the
south, whilst the north is more closely related to the moorland enclosing it
to the east and west (LCU 34 and LCU 36).
Kergord Plantations and Sandwater SSSIs