Fitful Head facts for kids

Fitful Head is a tall, rocky headland (a piece of land sticking out into the sea) located on the southwest side of Mainland, which is the largest island in Shetland, Scotland. It stands about 283 meters (928 feet) high. This impressive landmark is found about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) northwest of Sumburgh Head, the very southern tip of the island.

The top of Fitful Head has a special marker called a trig point, which is used for surveying. Right next to it is a NATS (National Air Traffic Services) building, which helps guide airplanes. A special road, only for authorized vehicles, goes up to this building from a small village called Quendale to the east.

As you look down from Fitful Head, you'll see steep cliffs that stretch for about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) along the coast. At the bottom of these cliffs, there are many small islands and tall, pillar-like rocks called sea stacks that rise out of the water.

What is Fitful Head?

Fitful Head is a dramatic natural feature known for its towering cliffs and unique landscape. It's a great place to see the raw beauty of the Shetland islands.

The Rocks and Land

The top and eastern parts of Fitful Head are made of very old rocks. These rocks are from a time called the Neoproterozoic era, which was billions of years ago. They are metamorphic rocks, meaning they have changed over time due to heat and pressure deep inside the Earth.

The steep cliffs that drop down to the sea are mostly made from a different type of rock. This rock is an igneous intrusion, which means it was once hot, molten rock that pushed its way into other rocks and then cooled down. This igneous rock has also been changed by heat and pressure. The upper eastern slopes of Fitful Head are covered in a thick layer of peat, which is a type of soil made from decayed plants.

Wildlife at Fitful Head

Fitful Head is a special place for birds. It is well-known for being a breeding ground for large seabirds called bonxies, also known as great skuas. These powerful birds are often seen flying around the cliffs.

A Story from History

Just below the top of the cliffs, there is a cave known as Thief's House. This cave is thought to be the very place mentioned by the famous Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott in his 1821 novel, The Pirate. In the story, a character named "Norma of the Fitful Head" was said to live there. This connection adds a touch of mystery and history to the already impressive landscape.

Images for kids

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  Fitful Head from the sea