1. Home
  2. Scotland
  3. Highlands and Islands
  4. Orkney Islands
  5. Orkney
  6. The Taing

The Taing

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

The Taing

Wyre: the pier The ferry berthing point is directly opposite the one for Rousay, which we see in the background. The ferries from Tingwall, on the Orkney mainland, serve Rousay and Wyre and also Egilsay, to the north.
Wyre: the pier Credit: Chris Downer

The Taing is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, an archipelago in Scotland. It is a headland or point that juts out into the North Sea, offering stunning views of the surrounding ocean and the rugged coastline. The Taing is situated on the eastern side of the Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney group.

The Taing is characterized by its sheer cliffs, which are composed of layers of sandstone and shale. These cliffs provide a nesting habitat for various seabirds, including guillemots, fulmars, and kittiwakes. Birdwatchers often visit the area to observe and study these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

The headland is also known for its rich marine life. The surrounding waters are teeming with a diverse range of species, from colorful fish to seals and even occasional sightings of dolphins and whales. Many visitors enjoy exploring the rock pools at low tide, where they can discover a myriad of fascinating creatures such as crabs, starfish, and anemones.

In addition to its natural beauty, The Taing has historical significance. It is believed that the headland was once used by Viking settlers as a lookout point, as it provides commanding views of the surrounding sea and coastline. Today, the area is popular among hikers and nature enthusiasts who appreciate its unspoiled beauty and tranquil ambiance.

Overall, The Taing is a captivating coastal feature that combines stunning natural scenery with a rich historical background. Whether it's observing seabirds, exploring rock pools, or simply enjoying the breathtaking views, The Taing offers a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

The Taing Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.114269/-2.9989808 or Grid Reference HY4225. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Wyre: the pier The ferry berthing point is directly opposite the one for Rousay, which we see in the background. The ferries from Tingwall, on the Orkney mainland, serve Rousay and Wyre and also Egilsay, to the north.
Wyre: the pier
The ferry berthing point is directly opposite the one for Rousay, which we see in the background. The ferries from Tingwall, on the Orkney mainland, serve Rousay and Wyre and also Egilsay, to the north.
Wyre: Cubbie Roo’s Castle The earliest documented stone-built castle in Scotland, Cubbie Roo's Castle was built around 1145 by a Norwegian named Kolbein Hrúga. It is thought to have consisted of a square tower in the centre of this large mound, with various banks and ditches which are clearly in evidence today. The castle is actually named after an Orkney giant, Cobbie Row or Cubbie Roo, who abounds in folklore hereabouts - for example, some standing and horizontal stones were said to have been thrown by Cubbie Roo. It is easy to see the similarity between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cobbie Row (or Cubbie Roo) - it is thought, but by no means with universal agreement, that the name of the real-life Kolbein Hrúga somehow morphed into that of a folklore giant over the 500 years following Kolbein's lifetime. (Hrúga is Norse for 'heap', so he was probably a big man.) For those interested, the following article is a piece disputing the link between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cubbie Roo, despite the lexical similarity: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.orkneyjar.com/folklore/giants/cubbierow.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.orkneyjar.com/folklore/giants/cubbierow.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Wyre: Cubbie Roo’s Castle
The earliest documented stone-built castle in Scotland, Cubbie Roo's Castle was built around 1145 by a Norwegian named Kolbein Hrúga. It is thought to have consisted of a square tower in the centre of this large mound, with various banks and ditches which are clearly in evidence today. The castle is actually named after an Orkney giant, Cobbie Row or Cubbie Roo, who abounds in folklore hereabouts - for example, some standing and horizontal stones were said to have been thrown by Cubbie Roo. It is easy to see the similarity between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cobbie Row (or Cubbie Roo) - it is thought, but by no means with universal agreement, that the name of the real-life Kolbein Hrúga somehow morphed into that of a folklore giant over the 500 years following Kolbein's lifetime. (Hrúga is Norse for 'heap', so he was probably a big man.) For those interested, the following article is a piece disputing the link between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cubbie Roo, despite the lexical similarity: LinkExternal link
Wyre: arriving at Cubbie Roo’s Castle The visitor to the castle arrives from the southeast and is presented with this information board, although there is another, more modern and more in-depth, board nearby too. It is inscribed with the alternate spelling, Cobbie Row. The earliest documented stone-built castle in Scotland, <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4714482">HY4426 : Wyre: Cubbie Roo’s Castle</a> was built around 1145 by a Norwegian named Kolbein Hrúga. It is thought to have consisted of a square tower in the centre of this large mound, with various banks and ditches which are clearly in evidence today. The castle is actually named after an Orkney giant, Cobbie Row or Cubbie Roo, who abounds in folklore hereabouts - for example, some standing and horizontal stones were said to have been thrown by Cubbie Roo. It is easy to see the similarity between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cobbie Row (or Cubbie Roo) - it is thought, but by no means with universal agreement, that the name of the real-life Kolbein Hrúga somehow morphed into that of a folklore giant over the 500 years following Kolbein's lifetime. (Hrúga is Norse for 'heap', so he was probably a big man.) For those interested, the following article is a piece disputing the link between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cubbie Roo, despite the lexical similarity: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.orkneyjar.com/folklore/giants/cubbierow.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.orkneyjar.com/folklore/giants/cubbierow.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> Rousay is in the background.
Wyre: arriving at Cubbie Roo’s Castle
The visitor to the castle arrives from the southeast and is presented with this information board, although there is another, more modern and more in-depth, board nearby too. It is inscribed with the alternate spelling, Cobbie Row. The earliest documented stone-built castle in Scotland, HY4426 : Wyre: Cubbie Roo’s Castle was built around 1145 by a Norwegian named Kolbein Hrúga. It is thought to have consisted of a square tower in the centre of this large mound, with various banks and ditches which are clearly in evidence today. The castle is actually named after an Orkney giant, Cobbie Row or Cubbie Roo, who abounds in folklore hereabouts - for example, some standing and horizontal stones were said to have been thrown by Cubbie Roo. It is easy to see the similarity between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cobbie Row (or Cubbie Roo) - it is thought, but by no means with universal agreement, that the name of the real-life Kolbein Hrúga somehow morphed into that of a folklore giant over the 500 years following Kolbein's lifetime. (Hrúga is Norse for 'heap', so he was probably a big man.) For those interested, the following article is a piece disputing the link between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cubbie Roo, despite the lexical similarity: LinkExternal link Rousay is in the background.
Wyre: looking into Cubbie Roo’s Castle The earliest documented stone-built castle in Scotland, <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4714482">HY4426 : Wyre: Cubbie Roo’s Castle</a> was built around 1145 by a Norwegian named Kolbein Hrúga. It is thought to have consisted of a square tower in the centre of this large mound, with various banks and ditches which are clearly in evidence today. The foot of the tower contained a water tank which we see below us. The castle entrance would have been on the first floor, probably accessed by a wooden staircase. The castle is actually named after an Orkney giant, Cobbie Row or Cubbie Roo, who abounds in folklore hereabouts - for example, some standing and horizontal stones were said to have been thrown by Cubbie Roo. It is easy to see the similarity between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cobbie Row (or Cubbie Roo) - it is thought, but by no means with universal agreement, that the name of the real-life Kolbein Hrúga somehow morphed into that of a folklore giant over the 500 years following Kolbein's lifetime. (Hrúga is Norse for 'heap', so he was probably a big man.) For those interested, the following article is a piece disputing the link between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cubbie Roo, despite the lexical similarity: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.orkneyjar.com/folklore/giants/cubbierow.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.orkneyjar.com/folklore/giants/cubbierow.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> Rousay is in the background.
Wyre: looking into Cubbie Roo’s Castle
The earliest documented stone-built castle in Scotland, HY4426 : Wyre: Cubbie Roo’s Castle was built around 1145 by a Norwegian named Kolbein Hrúga. It is thought to have consisted of a square tower in the centre of this large mound, with various banks and ditches which are clearly in evidence today. The foot of the tower contained a water tank which we see below us. The castle entrance would have been on the first floor, probably accessed by a wooden staircase. The castle is actually named after an Orkney giant, Cobbie Row or Cubbie Roo, who abounds in folklore hereabouts - for example, some standing and horizontal stones were said to have been thrown by Cubbie Roo. It is easy to see the similarity between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cobbie Row (or Cubbie Roo) - it is thought, but by no means with universal agreement, that the name of the real-life Kolbein Hrúga somehow morphed into that of a folklore giant over the 500 years following Kolbein's lifetime. (Hrúga is Norse for 'heap', so he was probably a big man.) For those interested, the following article is a piece disputing the link between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cubbie Roo, despite the lexical similarity: LinkExternal link Rousay is in the background.
Wyre: Cubbie Roo’s Castle and part of its ditch The earliest documented stone-built castle in Scotland, <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4714482">HY4426 : Wyre: Cubbie Roo’s Castle</a> was built around 1145 by a Norwegian named Kolbein Hrúga. It is thought to have consisted of a square tower in the centre of this large mound, with various banks and ditches which are clearly in evidence today. The castle is actually named after an Orkney giant, Cobbie Row or Cubbie Roo, who abounds in folklore hereabouts - for example, some standing and horizontal stones were said to have been thrown by Cubbie Roo. It is easy to see the similarity between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cobbie Row (or Cubbie Roo) - it is thought, but by no means with universal agreement, that the name of the real-life Kolbein Hrúga somehow morphed into that of a folklore giant over the 500 years following Kolbein's lifetime. (Hrúga is Norse for 'heap', so he was probably a big man.) For those interested, the following article is a piece disputing the link between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cubbie Roo, despite the lexical similarity: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.orkneyjar.com/folklore/giants/cubbierow.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.orkneyjar.com/folklore/giants/cubbierow.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> In the background, left of the castle we see the island of Egilasy, to the right Eday, and a tip of Rousay just sneaks into the left-hand edge of the picture.
Wyre: Cubbie Roo’s Castle and part of its ditch
The earliest documented stone-built castle in Scotland, HY4426 : Wyre: Cubbie Roo’s Castle was built around 1145 by a Norwegian named Kolbein Hrúga. It is thought to have consisted of a square tower in the centre of this large mound, with various banks and ditches which are clearly in evidence today. The castle is actually named after an Orkney giant, Cobbie Row or Cubbie Roo, who abounds in folklore hereabouts - for example, some standing and horizontal stones were said to have been thrown by Cubbie Roo. It is easy to see the similarity between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cobbie Row (or Cubbie Roo) - it is thought, but by no means with universal agreement, that the name of the real-life Kolbein Hrúga somehow morphed into that of a folklore giant over the 500 years following Kolbein's lifetime. (Hrúga is Norse for 'heap', so he was probably a big man.) For those interested, the following article is a piece disputing the link between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cubbie Roo, despite the lexical similarity: LinkExternal link In the background, left of the castle we see the island of Egilasy, to the right Eday, and a tip of Rousay just sneaks into the left-hand edge of the picture.
Wyre: information board at Cubbie Roo’s Castle The information board in front of us is more detailed than the older one which the visitor first sees (<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4714485">HY4426 : Wyre: arriving at Cubbie Roo’s Castle</a>), and gives a good artist's impression of what the castle may have looked like. Its title gives the alternative spelling, Cobbie Row. The earliest documented stone-built castle in Scotland, <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4714482">HY4426 : Wyre: Cubbie Roo’s Castle</a> was built around 1145 by a Norwegian named Kolbein Hrúga. It is thought to have consisted of a square tower in the centre of this large mound, with various banks and ditches which are clearly in evidence today. The castle is actually named after an Orkney giant, Cobbie Row or Cubbie Roo, who abounds in folklore hereabouts - for example, some standing and horizontal stones were said to have been thrown by Cubbie Roo. It is easy to see the similarity between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cobbie Row (or Cubbie Roo) - it is thought, but by no means with universal agreement, that the name of the real-life Kolbein Hrúga somehow morphed into that of a folklore giant over the 500 years following Kolbein's lifetime. (Hrúga is Norse for 'heap', so he was probably a big man.) For those interested, the following article is a piece disputing the link between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cubbie Roo, despite the lexical similarity: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.orkneyjar.com/folklore/giants/cubbierow.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.orkneyjar.com/folklore/giants/cubbierow.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> Rousay is in the background.
Wyre: information board at Cubbie Roo’s Castle
The information board in front of us is more detailed than the older one which the visitor first sees (HY4426 : Wyre: arriving at Cubbie Roo’s Castle), and gives a good artist's impression of what the castle may have looked like. Its title gives the alternative spelling, Cobbie Row. The earliest documented stone-built castle in Scotland, HY4426 : Wyre: Cubbie Roo’s Castle was built around 1145 by a Norwegian named Kolbein Hrúga. It is thought to have consisted of a square tower in the centre of this large mound, with various banks and ditches which are clearly in evidence today. The castle is actually named after an Orkney giant, Cobbie Row or Cubbie Roo, who abounds in folklore hereabouts - for example, some standing and horizontal stones were said to have been thrown by Cubbie Roo. It is easy to see the similarity between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cobbie Row (or Cubbie Roo) - it is thought, but by no means with universal agreement, that the name of the real-life Kolbein Hrúga somehow morphed into that of a folklore giant over the 500 years following Kolbein's lifetime. (Hrúga is Norse for 'heap', so he was probably a big man.) For those interested, the following article is a piece disputing the link between the names Kolbein Hrúga and Cubbie Roo, despite the lexical similarity: LinkExternal link Rousay is in the background.
Wyre: St. Mary’s chapel A 12th-century chapel close to <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4714482">HY4426 : Wyre: Cubbie Roo’s Castle</a>, with surrounding burial ground. We are standing in the modern-day burial ground, which is of a similar size to the enclosed churchyard.
Wyre: St. Mary’s chapel
A 12th-century chapel close to HY4426 : Wyre: Cubbie Roo’s Castle, with surrounding burial ground. We are standing in the modern-day burial ground, which is of a similar size to the enclosed churchyard.
Wyre: stile between St. Mary’s chapel and Cubbie Roo’s Castle I am not sure whether this quite fits the definition of 'stile' but it is the crossing point of the churchyard wall on the route from <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4714498">HY4426 : Wyre: St. Mary’s chapel</a> to <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4714482">HY4426 : Wyre: Cubbie Roo’s Castle</a>.
Wyre: stile between St. Mary’s chapel and Cubbie Roo’s Castle
I am not sure whether this quite fits the definition of 'stile' but it is the crossing point of the churchyard wall on the route from HY4426 : Wyre: St. Mary’s chapel to HY4426 : Wyre: Cubbie Roo’s Castle.
Wyre: St. Mary’s chapel from Cubbie Roo’s Castle Looking back at <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4714498">HY4426 : Wyre: St. Mary’s chapel</a> from <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4714482">HY4426 : Wyre: Cubbie Roo’s Castle</a>. In the distance, the face of Rothiesholm Head on Stronsay is recognisable - there are plenty of closer islands but the line of sight happens to go between them.
Wyre: St. Mary’s chapel from Cubbie Roo’s Castle
Looking back at HY4426 : Wyre: St. Mary’s chapel from HY4426 : Wyre: Cubbie Roo’s Castle. In the distance, the face of Rothiesholm Head on Stronsay is recognisable - there are plenty of closer islands but the line of sight happens to go between them.
Rousay: ferry marshalling area The nearest four cars in the picture (plus there's a fifth vacant lane) are waiting for the arrival of the ferry, whose slipway is directly behind them. The drivers will need to reverse on. The car park extends either side of the marshalling area, so any motorists behind us wishing to move off will have to do so carefully if it coincides with the ferry's arrival.
Rousay: ferry marshalling area
The nearest four cars in the picture (plus there's a fifth vacant lane) are waiting for the arrival of the ferry, whose slipway is directly behind them. The drivers will need to reverse on. The car park extends either side of the marshalling area, so any motorists behind us wishing to move off will have to do so carefully if it coincides with the ferry's arrival.
Rousay: telephone box at Brinian The K8 design of phone box came in in the late 1960s and became a prominent sight up to the late 80s. However, they have diminished to such an extent that there are thought to be only around a dozen still in use today. Orkney has two of them, one being this one in the main village on Rousay, close to the pier.
Rousay: telephone box at Brinian
The K8 design of phone box came in in the late 1960s and became a prominent sight up to the late 80s. However, they have diminished to such an extent that there are thought to be only around a dozen still in use today. Orkney has two of them, one being this one in the main village on Rousay, close to the pier.
Rousay: rope art on the pier railing Thin rope has been colourfully wrapped around part of the pier railing; I am not sure whether the upward pointing bit is part of the metalwork; if it is, I can't imagine why it is shaped like that. Meanwhile, we await the ferry back to Tingwall on the Orkney mainland. It will be here in a few minutes: we can see it docked at Wyre opposite (it has come from Egilsay).
Rousay: rope art on the pier railing
Thin rope has been colourfully wrapped around part of the pier railing; I am not sure whether the upward pointing bit is part of the metalwork; if it is, I can't imagine why it is shaped like that. Meanwhile, we await the ferry back to Tingwall on the Orkney mainland. It will be here in a few minutes: we can see it docked at Wyre opposite (it has come from Egilsay).
Rousay: Taversöe Tuick chambered cairn One of several visitable chambered cairns along the south coast of Rousay, this one is unusual in being a 'double-decker', so to speak. This was a burial chamber some 5,000 years ago, and the two chambers were accessed separately - the upper one from the visible entrance here and the lower one from the opposite side. Today's visitor can access both chambers from the pictured entrance, as one of the floor slabs has been taken out and a ladder provided. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4716767">HY4227 : Rousay: inside Taversöe Tuick chambered cairn</a> and <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4716768">HY4227 : Rousay: the lower chamber at Taversöe Tuick</a> for interior views. The island of Wyre is almost wholly spread out in the background.
Rousay: Taversöe Tuick chambered cairn
One of several visitable chambered cairns along the south coast of Rousay, this one is unusual in being a 'double-decker', so to speak. This was a burial chamber some 5,000 years ago, and the two chambers were accessed separately - the upper one from the visible entrance here and the lower one from the opposite side. Today's visitor can access both chambers from the pictured entrance, as one of the floor slabs has been taken out and a ladder provided. See HY4227 : Rousay: inside Taversöe Tuick chambered cairn and HY4227 : Rousay: the lower chamber at Taversöe Tuick for interior views. The island of Wyre is almost wholly spread out in the background.
Rousay: inside Taversöe Tuick chambered cairn Inside the upper chamber of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4716761">HY4227 : Rousay: Taversöe Tuick chambered cairn</a>, showing the modern access to the lower chamber - originally it had a separate entrance on the opposite side.
Rousay: inside Taversöe Tuick chambered cairn
Inside the upper chamber of HY4227 : Rousay: Taversöe Tuick chambered cairn, showing the modern access to the lower chamber - originally it had a separate entrance on the opposite side.
Rousay: the lower chamber at Taversöe Tuick Another interior view of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4716761">HY4227 : Rousay: Taversöe Tuick chambered cairn</a> after <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4716767">HY4227 : Rousay: inside Taversöe Tuick chambered cairn</a> - this time we are in the lower chamber.
Rousay: the lower chamber at Taversöe Tuick
Another interior view of HY4227 : Rousay: Taversöe Tuick chambered cairn after HY4227 : Rousay: inside Taversöe Tuick chambered cairn - this time we are in the lower chamber.
Approaching Wyre
Approaching Wyre
Houses on Rousay
Houses on Rousay
Boats in Rousay
Boats in Rousay
Show me another place!

The Taing is located at Grid Ref: HY4225 (Lat: 59.114269, Lng: -2.9989808)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///apricot.lined.drumbeat. Near Brinian, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Point of Nichol's Croo Scara Taing Loch of the Taing Bay of Bergeben Bay of Whelkmulli Wyre Sound

Related Wikis

Cobbie Row's Castle
Cobbie Row's Castle

Cobbie Row's (or Cubbie Roo's) Castle is the oldest medieval castle known to exist in Scotland. The castle ruins are located on the island of Wyre in Orkney...

St. Mary's Chapel, Wyre
St. Mary's Chapel, Wyre

St. Mary's Chapel is a ruined 12th century chapel found on the island of Wyre, in Orkney, Scotland. It is thought to have been built by a Norse chieftain...

Wyre, Orkney
Wyre, Orkney

Wyre (historically known as Viera and Veira) is one of the Orkney Islands, lying south-east of Rousay. It is 311 hectares (1.20 sq mi) and 32 metres (105...

Taversöe Tuick
Taversöe Tuick

Taversöe Tuick (or Taversoe Tuick) is a Neolithic burial cairn on Rousay, Orkney, Scotland, thought to date from between 4000 and 2500 BCE. The monument...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.114269,-2.9989808
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1166015/-2.9918271
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1155551/-2.9921517
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1144853/-2.992487
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Barth Head Orkney
Riggen Orkney

Have you been to The Taing?

Leave your review of The Taing below (or comments, questions and feedback).

© 2024 UK Place Database | Privacy