Centre Hillier (CI52c-NE entrance)

The north east end of a tunnel running about NE/SW through the south end of Sheep Rock. It is the SE of two such tunnels, which are joined in the middle for about 1/3 of their length. In addition, there is a short (estimated 10 m) tunnel which starts parallel and NE of the SW end of the NW tunnel, before joining the NW tunnel.

Notes: The length is estimated as follows: 119 + 116 (end to end lengths of CI52d and CI52c) - 39 (estimated shared length inside) + 10 m (Rpt 1145 estimated length of CI53a tunnel) + 5 (estimate of the distance between the two tunnels CI53a and CI52d).

Needs a length survey to confirm the length; and a visit with powerful lights to see how big the central cavern is. There is also the possiblity of a connection to tunnels from some of the other nearby entrances - eg CI52a.

Links and Resources:

OS Namebooks. Shetland, vol 11. p92 has, as part of the entry for Sheep Rock: On the sea side of the Peninsula are several large arches called by the inhabitants Hillyars and thro' (through) the center one of which, a boat can be pulled giving to the visitor one of the grandest sights of a natural archway to be seen anywhere, and before which our ancient cathedrals dwindle into insignificance.
Rpt 1145 Harries, D.B., Purcell, A., Moore, C.G., Lyndon A.R., Porter, J.S., Saunders, G.R. and Hume, C.L. 2024. Distribution mapping and baseline monitoring survey of sea caves around Fair Isle. NatureScot Research Report 1145.
Photo 1 shows the NE side of the SE end of Sheep Rock. This entrance is marked 'Connected to CI52c. Report 1145 - FI Caves (GSG vs) p87.
Photo 2 sketch plan of the CI52c + CI52d cave system. Report 1145 - FI Caves (GSG vs) p91.
Photo 3 is probably the view SW through this tunnel.

This entry was last updated: 2024-12-08 20:25:59

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NGR:	HZ 22198 70977
WGS84:	59.52415, -1.60943
Length:	211 m
Vert. Range:	Not recorded
Altitude:	-1 m
Geology:	Vaasetter Sandstone Formation - interbedded with conglomerate.
Tags:	Other
Registry:	main

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