Shetland Local Landscape Designation Review: Final Report

Landscape Character Unit
45 Lerwick
Criteria Rank Description
Representativeness
High
A strong sense of place as an arrival point, and the ‘capital’ of Shetland.
Rarity High The area contains the only large settlement in Shetland
Intactness Low Much of the landscape is influenced by residential and commercial
development and by the port, particularly to the north of the town.
Scenic qualities Low The town centre is an attractive feature, but as a landscape the area does not
retain high scenic value, except in small pockets such as the Knab
Enjoyment High Many opportunities to experience the area, and a number of attractions
Cultural qualities Very high Prominent historic buildings and townscape including Clickimin Broch and
Fort Charlotte
Naturalness Low Generally a man-modified landscape with limited natural qualities.
Rural pattern Low A relatively densely settled area which does not retain any crofting
landscapes
Views High Visually important from the A970 and from the ferry. Views are available to
Bressay across Lerwick Harbour and along the Bressay Sound.
Unranked criteria
Landscape
consistency
n/a
The Ness of Sound and Ness of Trebister are open and undeveloped in
contrast to the otherwise relatively densely settled area.
Landscape n/a Bressay across the water (LCU 46), backdrop of Hill of Dale in LCU 44.
relationships
Other
designations
n/a
The old town within Lerwick is a conservation area
Numerous LPAs around Lerwick