Eshaness

Shetlopedia - The Shetland Encyclopaedia that anyone can edit

Jump to: navigation, search

Eshaness Dore Holm

Looking south from Braewick Beach

Eshaness, ( Old Norse : Esjanes = Ash Ness, 'Esja' refers to the easily split, ashy volcanic rock.), is sometimes referred to by central mainland Shetlanders as 'The back of beyond', but this is just due to the distance, and perhaps the quality of the roads. It is the utmost western part of the north side of St Magnus Bay, and its culmination is marked by a magnificently situated lighthouse. The views across the bay to the south of Papa Stour, Sandness and Foula are fine.

In its extremity, Eshaness has perhaps more natural scenic beauty than any other part of Shetland. The Drongs and Dore Holm are sights which delight both Shetlanders and tourists. Among its other attractions are the Tangwick Haa Museum, the Hoohevd Gallery, the Lighthouse, the Holes of Scraada and the Grind o da Navir. At Stenness are the remains of a major Haaf Fishing centre.

Eshaness was home to the genius of John Williamson, the 19th C. schoolmaster and diarist Christopher Sandison, the great champion of Shetland fiddle music, Tom Anderson, and the crofter/author James C. Mowat. From 1999 to 2005 Eshaness Lighthouse was owned by the American Shetlandophile and writer on lighthouses Sharma Krauskopf.

Businesses

Sunset - Eshaness
Photo by Shetlopedian Gazb159

Campers rally at Braewick 2006

External links

Stenness - The Cross on the Hill. The cross was erected by the Commissioners to the Northern Lighthouses in 1927 to mark the spot were the supplies to Eshaness Lighthouse were to be landed
Photo by Shetlopedian Gazb159