Riggen

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Riggen

Riggen is a prominent headland located on the northeastern coast of Orkney, an archipelago in Scotland. Situated near the town of Birsay, Riggen is a coastal feature that juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views and a unique geological formation. The headland is characterized by its rugged cliffs, which rise steeply from the sea, providing a dramatic backdrop to the surrounding landscape.

Riggen is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers due to its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The headland is home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes, which nest along the cliff faces. Visitors can often spot these birds soaring above the crashing waves or perched on the rocky ledges.

In addition to its natural wonders, Riggen also holds historical significance. The headland features the ruins of a Norse settlement, dating back to the Viking era. These ancient structures give visitors a glimpse into Orkney's rich history and allow them to imagine what life was like for the early inhabitants of this region.

The headland is easily accessible, with designated paths and trails leading to its summit. From the top, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, nearby islands, and the endless expanse of the ocean. Whether one is interested in the natural beauty, wildlife, or historical significance, Riggen is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Orkney's coastline.

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Riggen Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.752166/-2.9876201 or Grid Reference ND4285. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Eastward House, A961 near Barswick, South Ronaldsay

Built in 1873 by local residents for the Church of Scotland, it is now (2014) a home offering B & B.

Jo and Steve Turner

View west from the Pentland Venture ferry

Just before entering the port at Burwick

Eirian Evans

St Mary's Church, Burwick

Old St Mary’s is in the very south of the south parish at Burwick. It is on the site where the first Christian missionaries reputedly arrived in Orkney. The church is thought to have last been used for regular worship around 1959, then used for occasional services until around 1995. It is on the Churches at Risk register, especially since it was struck by lightning in 2013.

Eirian Evans

Pentland Venture ferry at Burwick

Eirian Evans

Loch of Lythe

Small loch near Ossquoy, the farm on the right

Eirian Evans

Tomison's Academy

Founded under the will of William Tomison (1739-1829) of the Hudson's Bay Company. This former school is now empty and the adjacent buildings falling into dereliction

Eirian Evans

Waiting for the ferry at Burwick Pier

Eirian Evans

St Mary's Church, Burwick

A better view of the church than when we arrived earlier in the day ND4384 : St Mary's Church, Burwick. Old St Mary’s is in the very south of the south parish at Burwick. It is on the site where the first Christian missionaries reputedly arrived in Orkney. The church is thought to have last been used for regular worship around 1959, then used for occasional services until around 1995. It is on the Churches at Risk register, especially since it was struck by lightning in 2013.

Eirian Evans

Breakwater at Burwick Ferry Port

Eirian Evans

John o' Groats ferry arrives at Burwick

Summer sailings across the Pentland Firth

Alan Reid

Aerial view of southern South Ronaldsay

Taken from a flight to Shetland via Orkney this is the southern end of the southernmost of the main islands of Orkney, South Ronaldsay. Obviously aerial photos such as this cover many squares, so I have taken the subject reference as Barth Head, which is the little sticky-out point nearest the camera.

Rob Farrow

Approaching the harbour at Burwick, Orkney Islands

Taken from the John O'Groats ferry.

Robin Drayton

Bur Wick Pier

The end of the pier at Bur Wick

Graeme Smith

A feather?

A beautiful fold in the rocks of The Wing.

Graeme Smith

Castle Skerry

Another small headland by Bur Wick

Graeme Smith

Modern concrete pier

At Burwick, South Ronaldsay built to facilitate tourist access to Orkney from John o'Groats.

Russel Wills

Bur Wick Pier

Route to John o' Groats in the summer months, although with the recent problems on the Scrabster to Stromness route, discussions have revisited the idea of Pentland Ferries opening a route from here to Gills Bay for vehicles and foot passengers which would reduce the journey time to around 30 minutes.

Andy Farrington