Geology

From the highest sheer cliffs in Britain to the best 'hands on' exposure of the Great Glen Fault, Shetland is packed with an incredibly varied geology spanning almost 3 billion years.

enlarge Conglomerate at Funzie, Fetlar Where else can you walk on an ancient ocean floor, explore an extinct volcano and stroll across shifting sands all in the space of a day? Along the way you will discover some of the most stunning scenery in the UK and find out how geology has influenced every part of life in Shetland.

Shetland has been on an incredible geological journey, from close to the South Pole across the equator to its current position at the crossroads of the North Atlantic. The climate and landscape have changed dramatically to what you see today.

Shetland's geology has influenced every aspect of life in the isles and created landscapes which have provided a home for a unique blend of wildlife. The geology and landscapes have also influenced human settlements and activities. In fact, they have been so instrumental to man that Shetland place names often reflect these features.

Due to the lack of trees and abundance of stone, Shetland has some of the best preserved archaeology in Europe, including evidence of man's use of rocks as resources from earliest times. Geology has also been instrumental in the development of Shetland's industries, both onshore and offshore.

To discover more about the varied and exciting geology that Shetland has to offer and where to see it visit

Geopark Shetland

In 2009 Shetland became a member of the European Geoparks Network and the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network in recognition of its internationally significant geodiversity. To find out more visit www.globalgeopark.org.

Download Our Brochure

For more information about Geology, download our free Geology brochure [.pdf approx. 1,5Mb]