Shetland Local Landscape Designation Review: Final Report

Landscape Character Unit
51 Fitful Head
Criteria Rank Description
Representativeness
High
A strong sense of place, associated with the coastal scenery which Shetland is
renowned for.
Rarity High The coastal upland and cliffs of Fitful Head are unique in Shetland, along with
other unusual features such as the tombolo at St Ninian’s Isle.
Intactness High A few large modern buildings and the masts on Fitful Head. However, the
landscape generally remains intact, for example around Scousburgh.
Scenic qualities Very high Attractive landscape of contrasts, including Loch Spiggie, the tombolo of St
Ninian’s Isle and cliffs of Fitful Head, against a backdrop of higher ground and
scattered houses.
Enjoyment Very high Well used opportunities for outdoor access including coastal walks, St
Ninian’s Isle. Also the restored Quendale Water Mill. NCN Route 1 passes
through.
Cultural qualities High Ruins on St Ninian’s Isle, historic mill at Quendale. The disused settlements
east of the Wart.
Naturalness High Coastal scenery is a defining feature of this landscape. Loch Spiggie is a SSSI
for its bird life.
Rural pattern High The pattern of the crofting landscape is still clearly visible in many places,
particularly on the slopes around Scousburgh and Longfield.
Views High Visible from the A970, and offering fine views along the coast and out to the
islands to the west, including Foula in the distance. Visible from planes
arriving at Sumburgh Airport.
Unranked criteria
Landscape
consistency
n/a
Coast contrasts with inland areas, and coastal character is quickly lost inland,
eg at Ringasta.
Landscape n/a
Strong relationship with the hills to the north east, and Ward of Scousburgh
relationships
Other
designations
n/a
(LCU 49) in particular.
Much of the western area is within the Shetland NSA
Lochs of Spiggie and Brow SPA and SSSI
St Ninian’s Tombolo SSSI and part of the Quendale SSSI at the southern
fringe
LPAs at St Ninian’s Isle, Colsay, The Moul and Garths Ness