Shetland Local Landscape Designation Review: Final Report

Landscape Character Unit
40 Wadbister
Criteria Rank Description
Representativeness
High
Typical coastal settled landscape, long inlets with scattered dwellings, backed
by coastal moorland.
Rarity Medium Rhythm of angular headlands is unusual, but there are few rare features.
Intactness Medium Large pastoral fields and some large farm buildings, and a quarry in the
upland. A more intact area around Cat Firth and Little Holm. Fish farms in
the lochs. The area around Veensgarth and Tingwall Airport is more affected
by busy roads and development.
Scenic qualities Medium Attractive but unremarkable, gently sloping coast and low hills. More
attractive to the north around Cat Firth. Pockets of more intricate coast.
Enjoyment Medium Footpaths and NCN Route 1, Dale Golf Course.
Cultural qualities Medium Association with Tingwall to the south, though few obvious cultural heritage
features contributing to the landscape
Naturalness High Much unimproved moorland is visible, and the natural parts of the coastline,
mainly the headlands.
Rural pattern Medium Larger pastoral fields for the most part, not a crofting landscape.
Views High Visible from the A970, long views across bays to north and west.
Unranked criteria
Landscape
consistency
Landscape
relationships
Other
designations
n/a
Moorland area contrasts with coast. Northern area is less settled than the
southern part.
n/a Strong relationship with hills to the west (LCU 41).
n/a
Loch of Girlsta SSSI
LPAs around Gott, and at Catfirth and Little Holm