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Couse Point

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Couse Point

Old defences, Glimps Holm
Old defences, Glimps Holm Credit: Alpin Stewart

Couse Point is a prominent coastal feature located on the northeastern coast of the Orkney Islands, Scotland. Situated near the village of Deerness, it is a picturesque headland that extends into the North Sea. The point is comprised of rugged cliffs, formed by the relentless erosion of the sea over time.

Standing at an elevation of approximately 40 meters (131 feet) above sea level, Couse Point offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the vast expanse of the North Sea. The headland is characterized by its rocky terrain, with steep slopes leading down to the sea below. The cliffs are composed of layers of sedimentary rock, providing a glimpse into the geological history of the area.

The location of Couse Point makes it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The headland is home to a diverse range of seabirds, including fulmars, kittiwakes, and razorbills, which nest along the cliff edges. The surrounding waters are also rich in marine life, with seals often spotted basking on nearby rocks.

Visitors to Couse Point can enjoy coastal walks along the cliff tops, taking in the breathtaking scenery and observing the abundant wildlife. The headland is easily accessible, with a car park located nearby, allowing for convenient exploration of this beautiful coastal feature. It is a perfect destination for those looking to experience the rugged beauty of Orkney's coastline and immerse themselves in its natural wonders.

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Couse Point Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.889843/-2.8855993 or Grid Reference HY4900. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old defences, Glimps Holm
Old defences, Glimps Holm
Blockship in Holm Sound During World War I blockships were deliberately sunk in smaller channels of Scapa Flow to prevent the possibility of the Germans gaining access to the waterway. These proved inadequate in WWII so the construction of several permanent barriers were begun in May 1940, known as Churchill Barriers. Some of the blockships are still visible from these causeways
Blockship in Holm Sound
During World War I blockships were deliberately sunk in smaller channels of Scapa Flow to prevent the possibility of the Germans gaining access to the waterway. These proved inadequate in WWII so the construction of several permanent barriers were begun in May 1940, known as Churchill Barriers. Some of the blockships are still visible from these causeways
Blockship in Holm Sound During World War I blockships were deliberately sunk in smaller channels of Scapa Flow to prevent the possibility of the Germans gaining access to the waterway. These proved inadequate in WWII so the construction of several permanent barriers were begun in May 1940, known as Churchill Barriers. Some of the blockships are still visible from these causeways
Blockship in Holm Sound
During World War I blockships were deliberately sunk in smaller channels of Scapa Flow to prevent the possibility of the Germans gaining access to the waterway. These proved inadequate in WWII so the construction of several permanent barriers were begun in May 1940, known as Churchill Barriers. Some of the blockships are still visible from these causeways
A patch of Glimps Holm Rocky shoreline at the north-east end.
A patch of Glimps Holm
Rocky shoreline at the north-east end.
The shoreline of Weddell Sound
The shoreline of Weddell Sound
The jumbled concrete blocks of Churchill Barrier No 2
The jumbled concrete blocks of Churchill Barrier No 2
East Mainland Church Beside the B9052.
East Mainland Church
Beside the B9052.
Hurtiso On the B9052.
Hurtiso
On the B9052.
East Mainland Church
East Mainland Church
Hurtiso farm
Hurtiso farm
Wester Sand Not too much evidence of sun kissed sandy beaches here, but plenty of pebbles and slowly rotting seaweed.
Wester Sand
Not too much evidence of sun kissed sandy beaches here, but plenty of pebbles and slowly rotting seaweed.
Farm track off the B9052 Heading north west across pastureland towards Lyking.
Farm track off the B9052
Heading north west across pastureland towards Lyking.
The Italian Chapel, Orkney The Italian prisoners constructed the chapel from limited materials in the form of a tin tabernacle. It comprises two Nissen huts joined end-to-end. They created a façade out of concrete to conceal the shape of the hut and make the building look more like a church.
The Italian Chapel, Orkney
The Italian prisoners constructed the chapel from limited materials in the form of a tin tabernacle. It comprises two Nissen huts joined end-to-end. They created a façade out of concrete to conceal the shape of the hut and make the building look more like a church.
The Italian Chapel (interior) The Italian prisoners constructed the chapel from limited materials in the form of a tin tabernacle. It comprises two Nissen huts joined end-to-end. The corrugated interior was then covered with plasterboard and the altar and altar rail were constructed from concrete left over from work on the barriers. Most of the interior decoration was done by Domenico Chiocchetti, a prisoner from Moena.
The Italian Chapel (interior)
The Italian prisoners constructed the chapel from limited materials in the form of a tin tabernacle. It comprises two Nissen huts joined end-to-end. The corrugated interior was then covered with plasterboard and the altar and altar rail were constructed from concrete left over from work on the barriers. Most of the interior decoration was done by Domenico Chiocchetti, a prisoner from Moena.
The Italian Chapel, Sanctuary and Altar Most of the interior decoration was done by Domenico Chiocchetti, a prisoner from Moena. He painted the sanctuary end of the chapel and his fellow prisoners decorated the entire interior. Like other Italian soldiers, Chiocchetti carried a small prayer card given to him by his mother before he left home to fight in the war. Chiocchetti’s painting above the altar was based on the image of the Madonna and Child by Nicolo Barabino on that card.
The Italian Chapel, Sanctuary and Altar
Most of the interior decoration was done by Domenico Chiocchetti, a prisoner from Moena. He painted the sanctuary end of the chapel and his fellow prisoners decorated the entire interior. Like other Italian soldiers, Chiocchetti carried a small prayer card given to him by his mother before he left home to fight in the war. Chiocchetti’s painting above the altar was based on the image of the Madonna and Child by Nicolo Barabino on that card.
Madonna and Child above the Altar at the Italian Chapel Most of the interior decoration was done by Domenico Chiocchetti, a prisoner from Moena. He painted the sanctuary end of the chapel and his fellow prisoners decorated the entire interior. Like other Italian soldiers, Chiocchetti carried a small prayer card given to him by his mother before he left home to fight in the war. Chiocchetti’s painting above the altar was based on the image of the Madonna and Child by Nicolo Barabino on that card.
Madonna and Child above the Altar at the Italian Chapel
Most of the interior decoration was done by Domenico Chiocchetti, a prisoner from Moena. He painted the sanctuary end of the chapel and his fellow prisoners decorated the entire interior. Like other Italian soldiers, Chiocchetti carried a small prayer card given to him by his mother before he left home to fight in the war. Chiocchetti’s painting above the altar was based on the image of the Madonna and Child by Nicolo Barabino on that card.
Painted Glass Window at the Italian Chapel The remarkable and beautiful little chapel on Lamb Holm was built by Italian prisoners of war who had been captured during the North African campaign. There were a total of 550 Italian POWs of whom 200 were billeted on the tiny islet of Lamb Holm. They had been moved to Orkney in 1942 to build the "Churchill Barriers" which link several islands and islets to Mainland, Orkney and make the naval base of Scapa Flow far more secure. While on Orkney the prisoners of Camp 60 on Lamb Holm were given permission to build a place of worship. Under the brilliant leadership of Domenico Chiocchetti they transformed two old Nissen huts into a beautiful chapel, particularly remarkable considering the limited materials at their disposal. The huts were placed end-to-end making a double-length hut which was then remarkably embellished. It was completed in 1945, shortly before the end of hostilities, with Chiocchetti remaining behind after he was released in order to finish the decoration. In 1958, the Chapel Preservation Committee was set up by a group of Orcadians and Chiocchetti returned to the chapel he had masterminded in 1960 to assist with restoration work. When he died in 1999 a memorial requiem mass was held at the Chapel in his honour, attended by his wife and daughter.
Painted Glass Window at the Italian Chapel
The remarkable and beautiful little chapel on Lamb Holm was built by Italian prisoners of war who had been captured during the North African campaign. There were a total of 550 Italian POWs of whom 200 were billeted on the tiny islet of Lamb Holm. They had been moved to Orkney in 1942 to build the "Churchill Barriers" which link several islands and islets to Mainland, Orkney and make the naval base of Scapa Flow far more secure. While on Orkney the prisoners of Camp 60 on Lamb Holm were given permission to build a place of worship. Under the brilliant leadership of Domenico Chiocchetti they transformed two old Nissen huts into a beautiful chapel, particularly remarkable considering the limited materials at their disposal. The huts were placed end-to-end making a double-length hut which was then remarkably embellished. It was completed in 1945, shortly before the end of hostilities, with Chiocchetti remaining behind after he was released in order to finish the decoration. In 1958, the Chapel Preservation Committee was set up by a group of Orcadians and Chiocchetti returned to the chapel he had masterminded in 1960 to assist with restoration work. When he died in 1999 a memorial requiem mass was held at the Chapel in his honour, attended by his wife and daughter.
War Memorial and Statue of St George outside the Italian Chapel The sculpture of St George, sitting on his rearing horse, slaying a dragon with his lance stands adjacent to the car park at the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm. It was created by one of the Italian prisoners-of-war, artist Domenico Chiocchetti. It was completed on the 7th August 1943 and set up in the camp parade square on top of a plinth with the inscription 'P di G, Italiano, Li 7-8-1943'. P di G stands for prigioniero di guerra - Italian for Prisoners of War. This detailed work of art is impressive in its own right; however, its creation from scrap barbed wire and cement, along with its story as a symbol of hope, make it all the more remarkable. The statue preceded the chapel and in some ways, it helped to pave the way for the ornate sanctuary by strengthening the relationship between the prisoners and the camp commander, Major Buckland.
War Memorial and Statue of St George outside the Italian Chapel
The sculpture of St George, sitting on his rearing horse, slaying a dragon with his lance stands adjacent to the car park at the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm. It was created by one of the Italian prisoners-of-war, artist Domenico Chiocchetti. It was completed on the 7th August 1943 and set up in the camp parade square on top of a plinth with the inscription 'P di G, Italiano, Li 7-8-1943'. P di G stands for prigioniero di guerra - Italian for Prisoners of War. This detailed work of art is impressive in its own right; however, its creation from scrap barbed wire and cement, along with its story as a symbol of hope, make it all the more remarkable. The statue preceded the chapel and in some ways, it helped to pave the way for the ornate sanctuary by strengthening the relationship between the prisoners and the camp commander, Major Buckland.
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Couse Point is located at Grid Ref: HY4900 (Lat: 58.889843, Lng: -2.8855993)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///lighten.poetry.ruins. Near Holm, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Long Taing Couse Point

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.889843,-2.8855993
Couse Point
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.8899773/-2.8849259
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bicycle Parking
Bicycle Parking: stands
Capacity: 4
Check Date Capacity: 2022-07-19
Covered: no
Lat/Long: 58.8897048/-2.8905388
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Entrance: main
Lat/Long: 58.8899044/-2.889642
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Memorial: statue
Source: survey
Tourism: attraction
Lat/Long: 58.8899117/-2.8897752
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Italian Chapel Memorial
Historic: memorial
Memorial: statue
Lat/Long: 58.8896085/-2.8906491
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Camp 60 (Rockworks). Site of WW2 Prisoner of War Camp
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.8895377/-2.8895703
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Burray Haas Orkney
Grim Ness Orkney

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