Shetland Local Landscape Designation Review: Final Report

Table 3.2 Evaluation questions and decision rules
Criteria Evaluation questions Rank
Representativeness
Rarity
Does the landscape contain features or a
combination of features that are representative
of the Shetland Islands, and therefore contribute
to its wider identity, image and sense of place
locally, regionally or nationally?
Does the landscape contain features or a
combination of features which are rare or unique
within the Shetland Islands, or which are known
to be uncommon elsewhere?
Very high
High
Medium
Low
Very high
High
Medium
Low
Very high
The landscape contains features or combination of features that are highly representative of
the Shetland Islands, and has a strong sense of place.
The landscape contains features or combination of features that are representative of the
Shetland Islands, and has some sense of place.
The landscape contains occasional features or combination of features that are
representative of the Shetland Islands, and has a limited sense of place.
The landscape does not contain features which are representative of the Shetland Islands.
Large number of landscape features which are unique within the Shetland Islands, and may
be rare across Scotland.
Large number of landscape features which are rare or unique within the Shetland Islands.
Some landscape features which are rare or unique within the Shetland Islands.
No landscape features which are rare or unique within the Shetland Islands.
Recent activity has either not affected this landscape, or has been carried on in a
harmonious way.
Intactness
Scenic qualities
Has the underlying character of the landscape
(either natural or resulting from long-established
management patterns) been obscured by past,
present or future changes in human activity,
including landscape management, patterns of
development or the influence of development?
Or, has such activity been continued in a way
which preserves underlying character?
To what extent is the landscape of scenic value
in its own right or to what extent does it
contribute to the scenic qualities of the wider
area?
High
Medium
Low
Very high
High
Medium
Low
Recent activity may have modified this landscape in limited ways, and the underlying
character remains clear.
Recent activity has modified the underlying character of the landscape, though elements of
its underlying character can be discerned.
The character of the landscape has been extensively modified by recent activity such that its
underlying character has been obscured.
Pleasing combination of features, visual contrasts and/or dramatic elements. Strong visual,
sensory, perceptual and experiential qualities which contribute to the natural beauty and
appreciation of the landscape.
Some pleasing features or combinations of features, visual contrasts and/or dramatic
elements. Visual, sensory, perceptual and experiential qualities which contribute to the
natural beauty and appreciation of the landscape.
Few pleasing features, visual contrasts and/or dramatic elements. Some visual, sensory,
perceptual and experiential qualities. Landscape contributes to the setting of an adjacent
area of high landscape quality.
The landscape does not contain pleasing features, visual contrasts and/or dramatic
elements, and lacks visual, sensory, perceptual and experiential qualities.
Shetland Islands Local Landscape Designation Review Land Use Consultants
Final Report 10 October 2011