The Voe of Leiraness on the Sound of Bressay, Shetland Isles. SCO 7767
Bressay lies due south of Whalsay, west of Noss, and north of Mousa. At 11 square miles (28 km2), it is the fifth largest island in Shetland. The population is around 400 people, concentrated in the middle of the west coast, around Glebe, Fullaburn and Maryfield. The island is made up of old red sandstone with some basaltic intrusions. Bressay was quarried extensively for building materials, used all over Shetland, especially in nearby Lerwick. There are a number of sea caves and arches. The largest of eleven lochs on the island are the Loch of Grimsetter in the east, and the Loch of Brough. Bressay has a large number of migrant birds, especially in the west. The Loch of Grimisetter is a haven for waders and whooper swans. In the far south, there is a colony of Arctic Skuas. Name of the island may have been recorded in 1263 as 'Breiðoy' (Old Norse "broad island"). In 1490 the island is referred to as "Brusoy" - "Brusi's island". The Bressay Stone is an outstanding example of Pictish art. a slab of chlorite slate, about 16 inches wide at the top, tapering to less than a foot at the bottom. The slender sides are engraved with ogham, and the two faces with various examples of knotwork, and imagery. The top of each face has a cross. On one side, there is an engraving of two men with crosiers, as well as various animals including horses, pigs, and what appears to be someone in the process of being swallowed by two sea monsters. It has been suggested that this is Jonah. During World War I and II gun emplacements were built to guard Bressay Sound. InfrastructureAttractions on the island include Bressay Lighthouse. At Maryfield there is a heritage centre, a hotel and the old laird's mansion, Gardie House, built in 1724. The Northern Lights Spa Hotel at Uphouse is Britain's most northerly spa. Frequent car ferries sail from Maryfield to Lerwick on the Shetland Mainland. During the summer months.
Size: 3887px × 5843px
Location: Leiraness, Midgarth, Glebe, Bressay Shetland Isles, Scotland. United Kingdom.
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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