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Scarf Skerry

Cliff, Slope in Orkney

Scotland

Scarf Skerry

North Ronaldsay: old petrol pump by the airfield I think it's a few years since this pump last dispensed any fuel.
North Ronaldsay: old petrol pump by the airfield Credit: Chris Downer

Scarf Skerry is a stunning and unique cliff located in the Orkney Islands, off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Rising majestically from the North Atlantic Ocean, this magnificent geological formation is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and steep slopes.

The cliff face of Scarf Skerry stretches over 100 meters in height, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and coastline. Composed mainly of Old Red Sandstone, the layers of sedimentary rock reveal a rich geological history dating back millions of years.

The sheer cliffs of Scarf Skerry are home to a diverse range of seabirds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can spot colonies of puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars, among others, nesting and soaring above the cliffs. During the breeding season, the air is filled with the sounds of their calls, creating a truly awe-inspiring experience.

The slopes of Scarf Skerry are covered in lush vegetation, boasting a variety of plant species that have adapted to the harsh coastal conditions. Thriving in the salty spray and strong winds, hardy grasses, mosses, and wildflowers dot the landscape, adding vibrant bursts of color to the rugged cliffs.

Accessible via boat or by hiking along the coastal path, Scarf Skerry offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of nature. Its awe-inspiring cliffs, diverse birdlife, and unique flora make it a must-see destination for those exploring the Orkney Islands.

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Scarf Skerry Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.361079/-2.4482926 or Grid Reference HY7452. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

North Ronaldsay: old petrol pump by the airfield I think it's a few years since this pump last dispensed any fuel.
North Ronaldsay: old petrol pump by the airfield
I think it's a few years since this pump last dispensed any fuel.
North Ronaldsay: the New Kirk Despite being the 'new' kirk (in relation to the 'old' kirk south of here), the church is itself disused from a religious point of view. It has, though, been reincarnated as a heritage centre with a whole host of photographs and information documenting all aspects of life on the island. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4705808">HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: inside the new kirk</a> for a glimpse of some of the information panels within.
North Ronaldsay: the New Kirk
Despite being the 'new' kirk (in relation to the 'old' kirk south of here), the church is itself disused from a religious point of view. It has, though, been reincarnated as a heritage centre with a whole host of photographs and information documenting all aspects of life on the island. See HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: inside the new kirk for a glimpse of some of the information panels within.
North Ronaldsay: inside the new kirk Looking down from the gallery of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4705795">HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: the New Kirk</a>, on the western end of the exhibition of North Ronaldsay life. It is a fascinating place, with panels looking at different aspects of the island - postal, school, etc. - and continues in the smaller part of the building.
North Ronaldsay: inside the new kirk
Looking down from the gallery of HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: the New Kirk, on the western end of the exhibition of North Ronaldsay life. It is a fascinating place, with panels looking at different aspects of the island - postal, school, etc. - and continues in the smaller part of the building.
North Ronaldsay: approaching by air Looking through the front window of the plane as it approaches the airfield on North Ronaldsay. This is the 10:50 from Kirkwall, which arrives at 11:08. The odd shiny lines are reflections of the leather seat on the glass.
North Ronaldsay: approaching by air
Looking through the front window of the plane as it approaches the airfield on North Ronaldsay. This is the 10:50 from Kirkwall, which arrives at 11:08. The odd shiny lines are reflections of the leather seat on the glass.
North Ronaldsay: the post office The post office is more or less in the centre of the island, and is open 10-12 Monday and Wednesday-to-Friday, and 12-2 on Tuesdays. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4706053">HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: postbox № KW17 119</a> for a close-up of the postbox in the wall.
North Ronaldsay: the post office
The post office is more or less in the centre of the island, and is open 10-12 Monday and Wednesday-to-Friday, and 12-2 on Tuesdays. See HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: postbox № KW17 119 for a close-up of the postbox in the wall.
North Ronaldsay: postbox № KW17 119 The island's only postbox is set into a window of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4706045">HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: the post office</a>. It is a nice, and increasingly rare, example of what is known as a 'carpenter's box' - one that was locally made to suit, and clearly not a regular design. The window is also embellished with a whalebone.
North Ronaldsay: postbox № KW17 119
The island's only postbox is set into a window of HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: the post office. It is a nice, and increasingly rare, example of what is known as a 'carpenter's box' - one that was locally made to suit, and clearly not a regular design. The window is also embellished with a whalebone.
Holland House from Nouster, North Ronaldsay
Holland House from Nouster, North Ronaldsay
Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay Although named South Bay on OS maps, this is known as Nouster Bay locally.
Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay
Although named South Bay on OS maps, this is known as Nouster Bay locally.
Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay Looking across towards the pier; although named South Bay on OS maps, the bay is known as Nouster Bay locally.
Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay
Looking across towards the pier; although named South Bay on OS maps, the bay is known as Nouster Bay locally.
South Bay, North Ronaldsay, from the air
South Bay, North Ronaldsay, from the air
Off loading cars from MV Earl Sigard at North Ronaldsay North Ronaldsay is the only inhabited island in the Orkney Islands where vehicles need to be craned off and on.
Off loading cars from MV Earl Sigard at North Ronaldsay
North Ronaldsay is the only inhabited island in the Orkney Islands where vehicles need to be craned off and on.
On North Ronaldsay - South Bay
On North Ronaldsay - South Bay
On North Ronaldsay - walking from the jetty towards Holland
On North Ronaldsay - walking from the jetty towards Holland
On North Ronaldsay - Trig point at Holland
On North Ronaldsay - Trig point at Holland
North Ronaldsay Airport
North Ronaldsay Airport
Old mills at Nesstoun, North Ronaldsay The large building is a watermill, built in 1907 to replace another nearby. The conical stump is the base of Peckhouse Windmill which had a wooden upper structure.
Old mills at Nesstoun, North Ronaldsay
The large building is a watermill, built in 1907 to replace another nearby. The conical stump is the base of Peckhouse Windmill which had a wooden upper structure.
Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay, from the air Named South Bay on the maps but known as Nouster Bay on the island. Twingness and Loch Gretchen are in the background.
Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay, from the air
Named South Bay on the maps but known as Nouster Bay on the island. Twingness and Loch Gretchen are in the background.
Dunes behind Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay, from the air Loch Gretchen is in the background.
Dunes behind Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay, from the air
Loch Gretchen is in the background.
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Scarf Skerry is located at Grid Ref: HY7452 (Lat: 59.361079, Lng: -2.4482926)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///boasted.gossiped.bonus. Near Hollandstoun, Orkney Islands

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Kiln Geo Ire's Taing Twinyess Scarf Skerry The Lurn Scarffie Geo

Related Wikis

North Ronaldsay Airport
North Ronaldsay Airport

North Ronaldsay Airport (IATA: NRL, ICAO: EGEN) is located on North Ronaldsay island, 28 NM (52 km; 32 mi) northeast by north of Kirkwall, Orkney Islands...

Bustatoun
Bustatoun

Bustatoun is a village on the island of North Ronaldsay, in Orkney, Scotland. The settlement is within the parish of Cross and Burness. == References... ==

Broch of Burrian
Broch of Burrian

The Broch of Burrian is an Iron Age broch located on North Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands, in Scotland (grid reference HY76275138). == Location == The...

Ancumtoun
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Ancumtoun is a small settlement in the north of the island of North Ronaldsay, Orkney, Scotland. The settlement is within the parish of Cross and Burness...

Scar boat burial
Scar boat burial

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.361079,-2.4482926
Created By: almien_coastlines mod
Lat/Long: 59.361742/-2.444951
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Created By: almien_coastlines mod
Lat/Long: 59.363777/-2.442159
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Generator Method: wind_turbine
Generator Source: wind
Generator Type: horizontal_axis
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 59.3577222/-2.4442594
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Moe Geo
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.3601936/-2.4486076
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Generator Method: wind_turbine
Generator Source: wind
Generator Type: horizontal_axis
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 59.3595756/-2.4456999
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Generator Method: wind_turbine
Generator Source: wind
Generator Type: horizontal_axis
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 59.3590931/-2.4460244
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Generator Method: wind_turbine
Generator Source: wind
Generator Type: horizontal_axis
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 59.358169/-2.4440101
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
ObShop
Opening Hours: Tu-Sa 12:00-14:00
Payment Cash: yes
Payment Contactless: yes
Payment Credit Cards: yes
Shop: convenience
Website: https://www.nrbo.org.uk/observatory-shop/
Lat/Long: 59.357468/-2.4433825
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
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