Gersam

Island in Orkney

Scotland

Gersam

Anti-tank structures These are not marked on any map I can find, nor is their purpose obvious. But research reveals that they are WW2 anti tank (anti-invasion) structures. Mostly of truncated pyramids though some are filled oil-drums. Others, I&#039;m told, can be found nearby on dry land. — Anti-tank structures Credit: Derek Mayes

Gersam is a tranquil island located in the Orkney archipelago, situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. With a total land area of approximately 33 square kilometers, Gersam boasts a diverse and picturesque landscape, combining rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and rolling green hills.

The island is home to a small population of around 200 inhabitants, creating a close-knit community that thrives on fishing and agriculture. Gersam’s residents have a deep connection with the sea, and the fishing industry plays a vital role in sustaining the local economy. Visitors to Gersam can witness the vibrant fishing harbor, where boats set sail daily to capture the abundant marine life that surrounds the island.

Nature enthusiasts are drawn to Gersam for its breathtaking scenery and rich wildlife. The island is teeming with various bird species, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. Gersam is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with heather-clad moorlands and wildflower meadows offering a colorful spectacle during the summer months.

Gersam’s history is deeply intertwined with Norse heritage, as evidenced by the ancient Viking remains scattered across the island. Visitors can explore the well-preserved Viking settlements, standing stones, and burial mounds, gaining insight into the island's fascinating past.

Overall, Gersam offers a serene and unspoiled retreat for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. Its enchanting landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and rich history make it a hidden gem within the Orkney archipelago.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Gersam Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.912487/-2.7864165 or Grid Reference HY5403. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Anti-tank structures

These are not marked on any map I can find, nor is their purpose obvious. But research reveals that they are WW2 anti tank (anti-invasion) structures. Mostly of truncated pyramids though some are filled oil-drums. Others, I'm told, can be found nearby on dry land.

Derek Mayes

Lastlight in the bay

Dingieshowe Bay is very popular in the summer. Lovely sand, gentle beach, sand-dunes, toilets and a good view of islands. This is the beach where I collect washed-up small red seaweeds to identify at home.

Derek Mayes

Dingieshowe Bay west end

A very popular bay all year but specially with summer visitors, the skies are big and the sea bracing!

Derek Mayes

The isthmus connecting Deerness to Mainland, from the air

Mike Pennington

The Kame of Camy

It has taken me 6 years to get to the square good and proper. Taken of the buttress seen in Link the outer edge of which is in the square where I am sat in my kayak. It can all be seen in Link but the stack (probably called King of Camy) is just out of sight in this picture.

Derek Mayes

The King of Camy

Taken about 10 metres from the foot of the rickety stack on the calmest day possible. One can see the complete scene here Link and today it was possible to paddle around the whole tower. The bay is pretty locked off by cliffs but a descent can possibly be made at the southern corner, just seen in the picture.

Derek Mayes

Tombolo

The isthmus that links Deerness to the rest of Orkney is a tombolo, formed by two beaches back-to-back.

Anne Burgess

Beach on Taracliff Bay

This is the southerly, and more exposed, of the two sandy beaches making up the tombolo between Deerness and the rest of Mainland. The farms on the headland are Turnpike on the left and Biggings on the right.

Anne Burgess

Sandi Sand

This is the more northerly, and much more sheltered, of the two beaches that together make up the tombolo that links Deerness to the rest of Mainland.

Anne Burgess

Old Milestone by the A960, St Peter's Pool, Kirkwall

By the A960, in parish of Kirkwall St Ola (Mainland District), St Peter's Pool, West of bungalow. Inscription reads:- : K / 8 : : D / 3¾ : (To Kirkwall and Deerness) Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: OR_KWDN08

Milestone Society

Old Milestone by the A960, west of Grind, St Andrews and Deerness

Stone post by the A960, in parish of St Andrews and Deerness (Mainland District), West of Grind, on banking, South side of road. Inscription reads:- : K / 9 : : D / 2¾ : (To Kirkwall and Deerness) Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: OR_KWDN09

Milestone Society

Wartime Structures

These structures are worth recording - I can find no Web-references. They are significant historical and ecological features. The whole line, of mostly concrete truncated pyramids, reaches nearly 200 metres from dry land to quite low water. Some are exposed for most of the day, others for only an hour or two. They all have a good coating of Wracks (seaweeds) which hide a varied collection of other Marine organisms, some quite rare. Linked to Link and my series of iSpot Observations here Link

Derek Mayes

Colaconema caespitosum

The Wartime anti-tank structures at this location Link are ecologically significant. Some of the lowest ones host quite rare marine organisms. There are plenty of common limpets of course. On a few, and on some concrete surfaces, there is the quite rare seaweed Colaconema caespitosum - Link

World distribution - Link

My record Link

Personally, I think the structures should be protected for their historical and environmental value.

Derek Mayes

Taracliff Bay

Sandy bay on the south side of the isthmus that joins the peninsula of Deerness to the rest of Mainland Orkney.

Gordon Hatton

Sandi Sand

This looks rather less inviting [except to wading birds] than the fine sandy beach on the other side of the isthmus.

Gordon Hatton

Eggs for Sale

By the roadside near Garth.

David Bremner

Sandi Sand

Anti-tank structures on the left of the photograph.

David Bremner

Deerness: Sandi Sand

An undeniably accurate name for this sandy beach at the head of St. Peter's Bay, viewed from the sand dunes running across the very narrow isthmus which connects Deerness with the bulk of the Orkney mainland. A car park is immediately below us.

Chris Downer

Show me another place!

Gersam is located at Grid Ref: HY5403 (Lat: 58.912487, Lng: -2.7864165)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands