Holm of Papa

Island in Orkney

Scotland

Holm of Papa

Holm of Papa is a small, uninhabited island located off the north coast of Orkney, Scotland. It is situated within the Westray Firth, about 2.5 kilometers northeast of the island of Papa Westray. With an area of around 36 hectares, the island is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain.

The landscape of Holm of Papa is dominated by steep cliffs, which rise dramatically from the surrounding waters. These cliffs provide nesting sites for a variety of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. The island is also home to a small population of puffins, which can be spotted during the breeding season.

Access to Holm of Papa is restricted due to its designation as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for its importance as a breeding ground for seabirds. Visitors are not allowed on the island during the nesting season, which typically runs from April to August. However, boat trips around the island are available, providing a chance to view the wildlife from a safe distance.

In addition to its natural beauty, Holm of Papa has archaeological significance. The island is known for its Neolithic chambered cairn, which dates back over 5,000 years. This ancient burial mound is a testament to the island's long history of human occupation.

Overall, Holm of Papa is a remote and picturesque island that offers visitors an opportunity to observe a diverse range of seabirds in their natural habitat, as well as explore its fascinating archaeological heritage.

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Holm of Papa Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.352127/-2.8706354 or Grid Reference HY5052. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Walking on Papa Westray

stalked

Swans on the Shore

Usually you see swans on fresh water, but these ones were exploring the shore. These are dipping strata of the Middle Old Red Sandstone that makes up most of Orkney, even though they are not at all red in colour. Most of the land in this square is on the Holm of Papa, a small offshore island, the tip of which can be seen at upper right in this view.

Anne Burgess

Remains of a Fence

The stile for crossing the fence is still standing, but the fence it used to cross has gone.

Anne Burgess

Zigzag Rocks

I assume that the sea, having detached parts of the bedrock, has flipped the loose slabs over so that they are lying at an angle to the bedrock. I could have examined them more closely to test this hypothesis, but we were anxious to get to the pier in good time for our ferry, and my walking companion is not interested in geology and would have demurred.

Anne Burgess

Bay of Burland

The farm in the distance is called Blossom. At the far side of the bay is Redcraig Geo.

Anne Burgess

Two Ponies

Two ponies in a field above the beach with a distant view towards Hundland.

Rude Health

Pits, Bull Flag, Papa Westray, Orkney

From Link

: "A series of oval/amorphous scooped areas or pits may be kelp pits or quarry hollows. They measure 8m by 4m by 1m deep. They are filled with loose stone and are partially covered with grass."

Claire Pegrum

Loch of Ness

The Loch of Ness and the bay of North Wick beyond, on Papay (Papa Westray), Orkney.

Shirley Grant

Bay of Burland, Papa Westray

Looking south to the abandoned buildings at Blossom.

Rob Burke

Mill Point, Papa Westray

There is the remains of a lade flowing past this ruin, so perhaps this is the mill that gives the point its name.

Rob Burke

Canoes at the roadside

Overlooking the tidal Loch of the Taing and North Wick on Papa Westray

Lis Burke

House at Hundland

A traditional Papa Westray house, long and low.

Lis Burke

Chambered Cairn Remains

Remains of chambered cairn at the north end of Holm of Papa. In the distance you can just see the impressive Chambered Cairn at the south end of this tiny island and I think the longest chambered cairn in Orkney. There were Fulmars nesting in the stalls of the chambered cairn in the foreground.

Adam Ward