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PurposeThe Coastal Character Assessment (CCA) of the Shetland Islands was prepared by the NAFC Marine Centre with guidance from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) as part of ongoing development of the Shetland Island’s Marine Spatial Plan (SIMSP).

The aim of the study was to gather information about the various coastal character types found around Shetland, the experiences the coast currently offers to local people and visitors, and any sensitivity to development, both inland or out to sea.

The objectives of the study were to:• Identify and map different coastal character types

at a local level• Describe the key features and character of each area

which relates to the experience of the place• Identify any areas around the coast sensitive to

onshore and/or offshore development• Relate the study to other published documents such

as the Shetland Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) and the Shetland Local Development Plan (LDP).

A small pilot study was conducted from August to December 2014 considering three areas; Bressay Sound, Sullom Voe and Yell Sound to get the right level of detail before proceeding with the whole of Shetland. These areas were chosen due to their current high levels of activity and potential for future development. From January 2015 to May 2016, the same methods used in the pilot study were applied across the whole of Shetland creating 43 Coastal Character Areas (CCa). Each CCa was considered as a whole entity and divided into coastal character types (CCT) and features (CCF).

Shetland’s Coastal CharacterShetland’s seascape has been formed over millions

of years and has created a diverse and unique environment which is valued highly by residents and visitors to the islands. It is an intrinsic part of island life economically and culturally.

The coasts of Shetland can be split broadly into two categories; inner and outer coast. Two seascape character types have been mapped at a regional level by SNH, which is low rocky island coasts and remote high cliffs. At a local level fourteen coastal character types (CCT) have been identified around the Shetland coastline with a further four sub types. There are also numerous features such as stacks and tombolos which add to Shetland’s coastal character. Below is a summary of each CCT;

Developed Voes and Firths- Voes and Firths which have development at the head of the voe and/ or numerous aquaculture sites on the water.Undeveloped Voes and Firths- Voes and Firths with sparse or no onshore development or settlements and no or limited aquaculture development on the water.Voe and Firth Network- A group of three or more voes and firths in close proximity usually separated by a narrow headlandDeveloped Island Sound- Stretch of water between two islands or an island and the mainland which has an onshore settlement and/ or aquaculture development.Undeveloped Island Sound- Stretch of water between two island or an island and the mainland which has sparse or no onshore development and no or limited aquaculture development.Exposed coast: Low Rocky Shore- A stretch of coastline that is exposed to the severe storms Shetland is subjected to. Common occurrence to find some large rocks thrown far inland.Large Harbour- A sheltered area of water with pier infrastructure used commercially and recreationally.Small Harbour- Lower level of activity compared to large harbours and cannot accommodate larger

Top of Sandwick Hill looking down to Fitful Head

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MarinaDeveloped ShoreLow rocky ShoreLow BanksSteep BanksHigh Rock CliffsOffshore Coastal IslandsTidal IslandSmall HarbourMini Voes & FirthsSmall BayLarge BayUndeveloped Voes & FirthsDeveloped Voes and FirthsUndeveloped Island SoundIsland Sound

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2011.Contains UKHO data © Crown copyright and database rights.

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MarinaDeveloped ShoreLow rocky ShoreLow BanksSteep BanksHigh Rock CliffsOffshore Coastal IslandsTidal IslandSmall HarbourMini Voes & FirthsSmall BayLarge BayUndeveloped Voes & FirthsDeveloped Voes and FirthsUndeveloped Island SoundIsland Sound

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2011.Contains UKHO data © Crown copyright and database rights.

Shetland’s Coastal Character Types Map

Cultural and social ties to the coast in Shetland have also been considered with information on the cultural heritage that has been affected by the close proximity of the sea such as fair isle knitting and the unique Shetland fiddle playing style. Other considerations have been the recreational uses of the coastline with information gathered through questionnaires on where people visit the most and where they value.

vessels. Usually has some human intervention in creating a sheltered area of water such as rock armour.Exposed High Cliffs- Exposed to extreme weather which leads to various erosional features such as caves, stacks and geos. There is usually a panoramic view from the top and the cliff faces often offer nesting spots for seabirds.Exposed Coast: Steep Banks- Similar to the high rock cliffs CCT, steep banks have a more gradual slope into the sea and are often vegetated with sheep managing to graze on them.Exposed Coast: Low Banks- Banks derived from either exposed rock or bare earth/ peat which are no more than 10m high with rocky shore usually found at the base.Large Bay- a large sweeping coastline and often has a sandy beach.Ness and Wick Network- the network comprises of an indented coastline with sheltered wicks (bays) protected and separated by nesses (headlands) on each side. There is often settlement around the wicks.Offshore Coastal Islands- Small uninhabited islands found throughout Shetland. Many were inhabited but were abandoned due to a lack of viability. Usually low lying with low rocky shore and some used for grazing sheep through the summer.

Sub typesMini Voes and Firths – similar to a developed or undeveloped voe or firth however, usually does not have steep sides and is not very long.Marina- Purposely designed harbour to provide mooring facilities, usually floating pontoons, for small boats and yachts.Small Bay- Similar to a large bay but on a smaller scale. Can be important tourist hotspots. Tidal Island- Similar to the Offshore Island CCT but are accessible via a sand or shingle tombolo. Some are only accessible during low tide.

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Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2011.Contains UKHO data © Crown copyright and database rights.

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60.5

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Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2011.Contains UKHO data © Crown copyright and database rights.

Where people value and use around Shetland

Where people use the mostWhere people value the most

View out the Sound of Papa to Foula