Cleat

Island in Orkney

Scotland

Cleat

Vestra Fiold trig pillar Credit: John Ferguson

Cleat is a small island located in the Orkney archipelago, situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. With a total land area of around 6 square kilometers, Cleat is one of the smaller islands within the group. It is positioned between the larger islands of North Ronaldsay and Sanday, making it a somewhat remote and isolated destination.

The landscape of Cleat is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, with numerous cliffs and sea stacks dotting the coastline. The island is home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. Additionally, Cleat boasts a diverse range of flora, with wildflowers and grasses covering the land during the summer months.

Despite its small size and relatively sparse population, Cleat has a rich history. The island has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and several archaeological sites have been discovered, including ancient burial mounds and standing stones. These remnants of the past provide insight into the lives of the island's early inhabitants.

Today, Cleat remains mainly uninhabited, with only a handful of residents. The island is primarily visited by tourists seeking a peaceful and unspoiled natural environment. Its remote location and untouched beauty make Cleat a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Scottish islands.

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Cleat Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.072461/-3.3475975 or Grid Reference HY2221. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Vestra Fiold trig pillar

John Ferguson

Quoyloo: approaching from the north

Looking along the B9056 as it heads down into Quoyloo, with the lofty island of Hoy looming large in the distance.

Chris Downer

Quoyloo: the shop/post office

Like many village stores in the northern isles, Isbister Bros. Ltd. is not just a shop but also a petrol filling station and (weekday mornings) a post office. It is situated on the crossroads on the B9056.

Chris Downer

Quoyloo: postbox № KW16 18

This Elizabeth II-reign postbox is attached to the wall of HY2421 : Quoyloo: the shop/post office and is emptied at 10:30 each weekday and Saturday morning.

Chris Downer

Quoyloo: the church

A simple, plain Victorian church on one of the back lanes.

Chris Downer

Well on farmland, Northdyke, Orkney

The well is shown on the OS 1:25,000 map. The stile is on the coastal footpath which runs the length of mainland Orkney's west coast.

Claire Pegrum

Quarried slabs below Vestra Fiold, Orkney

From Link

: "What is believed to be an ancient quarry from which slabs have been taken for circles and standing stones lies on the S slope of Vestra Fiold; a quarter of a mile N of the farm-house of Breck. Across the shoulder of the hill, in two groups, a large number of massive slabs are still to be seen. In the upper group typical slabs measure 4ft 6in by 3ft 6in and 5ft by 3ft, but in the lower group some are much bigger, three in particular measuring 14ft 9in by 5ft 3in by 6in thick; 18ft 6in by 5ft 6in; 16ft by 6ft. The last mentioned stone appears to have been roughly wedged up as if in readiness for removal."

Claire Pegrum

Power lines crossing farmland below Vestra Fiold, Orkney

Looking towards Loch of Skaill on the left and Bay of Skaill on the right. Beyond are the northern cliffs of Hoy.

Claire Pegrum

Vestra Fiold

Thirteenth TuMP of the day with Jim Bloomer and Tricky Speirs on a sunny afternoon. Name: Vestra Fiold Hill number: 4928 Height: 129m / 423ft Parent (Ma/M): 1555 Milldoe - Mid Tooin Area:23: Orkney Islands Class: Hu,1 Grid ref: HY 24157 22106 Summit feature:most southerly of two cairns 60m S of trig point Drop: 110m Col: 19m HY274243

Rude Health

The Spord sea stack

A stormy sea and stack just off West mainland

s allison

Minor road in Scarwell

Heading for Dounby.

David Purchase

Fields at Northdyke

The ground rises gently from the Bay of Skaill, providing good grazing.

Anne Burgess

Isbister Bros

This business offers a range of services including shop, post office, filling station and garage for the people of Sandwick.

Anne Burgess

Fields near Scarwell

Grazing for sheep, with drystane dykes and a view over the Bay of Skaill towards the distant island of Hoy.

Anne Burgess

Former Kirk

One of numerous redundant kirks now in use as housing. It was originally a United Presbyterian kirk.

Anne Burgess

House near Quoyloo

This isn't Quoyloo House, but a traditional stone house, probably of the late 18th or early 19th century.

Anne Burgess

Derelict Cottages

One close to the road, the other set back among fields. Perhaps someone will come along and restore them one day before they fall down altogether. One can but hope.

Anne Burgess