Shetlopedia - The Shetland Encyclopaedia
The Sands of Breckon is a white shell sand beach, one of the finest in Shetland, on the north-facing coast of Yell. They are part of a sand dune system undergoing constant change through wind and wave action, the sand constantly shifting from west to east.
This beach is one of four in Shetland which hold seaside awards from Keep Scotland Beautiful. The awards are based on cleanliness and water quality and the beaches are inspected regularly.
In the dunes and rising ground to the east of the beach there are areas delineated by upright stones which are thought to be a Viking era burial site. There are several similar sites in Shetland, but none have been excavated. There are known to be cairns and other stone features in the dune area which cover and uncover over the years as the sand shifts.
Roman coins dating from between 119AD to 138AD, a bronze needle and shards of Roman pottery, of the type known as Samian ware, have been found in the dune area at Breckon, as have silver German coins dating from the Hanseatic period.
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|  The beach looking west at low tide |  Part of the ancient wall structure |
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|  East of the beach, where artefacts have been found |  Part of the boat-shaped structure |
