We had a visitor and I asked her if she would like to go for a drive to see a little of the Westside of Shetland, ie all the places I think are pretty spectacular. The weather was vile. Most of our photography was from the warmth and shelter of the car.
So we started with the Dale of Walls beach, which is set in a perfect little cove with Foula in the distance dead centre.
Then to Norby beach in Sandness.
Lots of lovely colours and we had a quick walk and then the weather descended into sleet.
If you think it looks cold, I can confirm that it jolly well was. We had the beach to ourselves most of the time too.
Sandness hill in the background from Norby beach.
Loch of Norby
Bousta, Sandness
A bird of some description. It was huge – I thought was an otter at first.
Peats stacked, ready to dry out.
Looking over Brindister Voe to the east. Every single wind turbine was switched off.
My favourite kirk – West Burrafirth Chapel
It was sadly closed and slowly falling to bits.
More scenery.
These are Horizontal Mills – there are three of them.
From Canmore – “The Norse, or horizontal, mills ….. are typical examples of a once-common type of water mill found in Shetland, Orkney and Lewis. The mill used one wheel (tirl) with blades mounted on a horizontal plane, driving a single pair of grindstones. This simple design meant that multiple mills could be built on a length of stream, with a family or small partnership each owning their own mill.”
So, if you come and visit and you want to see some of my favourite local places, this is where I will take you.
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Thank you for the lovely photos. I agree, the colours on the sands are gorgeous.
So beautiful despite the weather.
I think that’s a Great Northern Diver you photographed there, though I thought they only wintered in Shetland!
well it is jolly well winter still. (and you are right – it has been confirmed as a GND)
Could that bird be a Loon (un huard). It does seem incredible that it should be near you. They are on our Canadian lakes. When the babies are still very small, they sometimes ride on the parent’s back. So cute. But the cry of the adult is distinctive & quite maniacal. The coin (called the looney) replacing our $1bill has the Loon on the obverse.
Your blog is a constant delight & revelation. You work so hard…an inspiration!
Thank you for such a wonderful tour of your favorite places. I thought the bird looked like a loon but didn’t think they would be here. Your photos are so good! Much better than mine.
Great northern diver. Apparently.
And it was. Lovely to see you. Thank you so much for bringing Tiddles’ rug.
Was interesting to see that those local men lost in WWI were rather mature, not the teenage or early 20 somethings that are typically portrayed in films about that war. My curiosity took me to these pages on Shetland during WWI:
https://www.shetland.gov.uk/downloads/file/1344/the-fighting-forces-secondary-resources-information-sheets-for-s1-s6
https://www.shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk/site/assets/files/1083/studying_shetland_and_world_war_one_teachers_resource_pack.pdf
❤️
Such a wonderful tour. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you.