Shetland Local Landscape Designation Review: Final Report

Landscape Character Unit
42 Weisdale Voe and Whiteness Voe
Criteria Rank Description
Representativeness
High
Strong sense of place, typical of settled coast
Rarity High The very steep, narrow linear landscape is unusual, with a strong rhythm of
headland and voe.
Intactness Medium Some newer housing fits less well into the landscape. The A971 cuts into
hillsides as it sweeps across the landscape. Away from the main road, areas
such as White Ness are more intact.
Scenic qualities Very high Attractive views along the long narrow headlands and voes, combinations of
settled and unsettled landscape and rugged promontories. A visually diverse
landscape with intricate coastal landforms.
Enjoyment High An accessible landscape with a number of prominent viewpoints.
Cultural qualities High Evidence of long established settlement, with ruined and relict buildings.
Naturalness High Long stretches of natural coastline with bird interest, although the area is
settled and with relatively busy roads to the north.
Rural pattern Medium Crofting pattern evident in some places but elsewhere has been obscured by
more recent development
Views Very high A visually important landscape particularly from the A971 which sweeps
through, offering several grand vistas and panoramas, with roadside car parks
and viewpoints. Views south extend to Fitful Head.
Unranked criteria
Landscape
consistency
Landscape
relationships
Other
designations
n/a
n/a
n/a
The south, particularly the southern extents of the headlands and taings, are
generally quieter, removed from the influence of the busy roads and
settlement in the north. There is a contrast between the lower-lying settled
coast and the moorland hills to the east.
Relationship with the surrounding hills, to the west (LCU 34) and east (LCU
41), as well as the continuation of the vale to the north (LCU 35)
A large proportion of the southern area lies within the Shetland NSA.
Whitness Voe is designated as a MCA
South Whiteness SSSI lies within the centre of the area
LPAs at Hellister and Nesbister