Bight of Scarma

Bay in Orkney

Scotland

Bight of Scarma

Grochlie Geo, Stronsay, Orkney Looking towards the Point of Freyageo.
Grochlie Geo, Stronsay, Orkney Credit: Claire Pegrum

The Bight of Scarma is a bay located in the Orkney Islands, situated off the northeastern coast of mainland Scotland. It is positioned on the eastern side of the Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney archipelago. The bay stretches approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) in length, with a width of around 1 kilometer (0.6 miles).

Bight of Scarma is known for its picturesque landscapes and stunning natural beauty. The bay is surrounded by rugged cliffs and rolling hills, creating a dramatic backdrop against the sparkling blue waters of the North Sea. The area is teeming with diverse wildlife, including various seabird species and marine mammals such as seals and occasionally dolphins.

The bay offers a peaceful and tranquil setting, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as walking, hiking, and birdwatching, taking in the breathtaking views and observing the rich flora and fauna that inhabit the area.

In addition to its natural appeal, Bight of Scarma also holds historical significance. The bay is home to the Scara Brae, a Neolithic settlement that dates back over 5,000 years. This UNESCO World Heritage Site provides a glimpse into the lives of the inhabitants of Orkney during prehistoric times.

Overall, the Bight of Scarma in Orkney offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and historical treasures, making it an enchanting destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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Bight of Scarma Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.077795/-2.6080329 or Grid Reference HY6521. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Grochlie Geo, Stronsay, Orkney Looking towards the Point of Freyageo.
Grochlie Geo, Stronsay, Orkney
Looking towards the Point of Freyageo.
Langa Mae, Stronsay, Orkney Looking towards Lamb Head.
Langa Mae, Stronsay, Orkney
Looking towards Lamb Head.
Kelp forest, Langa Mae, Stronsay, Orkney Looking towards Lamb Head.
Kelp forest, Langa Mae, Stronsay, Orkney
Looking towards Lamb Head.
Sand of the Crook and ayre, Stronsay, Orkney Behind the ayre (shingle bank) is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1086440">HY6621 : Lea Shun</a> loch.
Sand of the Crook and ayre, Stronsay, Orkney
Behind the ayre (shingle bank) is HY6621 : Lea Shun loch.
Stronsay: the road to Holland Actually the road FROM Holland in this view.
Stronsay: the road to Holland
Actually the road FROM Holland in this view.
Stronsay: seals at the Bight of Scarma A particularly large number of seals are to be seen along this part of the Stronsay coast - certainly a couple of hundred as we walked along here this afternoon.
Stronsay: seals at the Bight of Scarma
A particularly large number of seals are to be seen along this part of the Stronsay coast - certainly a couple of hundred as we walked along here this afternoon.
Stronsay: seals making a splash Unsettled by our appearance, a large group of seals is roughly halved in size as the other half scarper underwater.
Stronsay: seals making a splash
Unsettled by our appearance, a large group of seals is roughly halved in size as the other half scarper underwater.
Stronsay: two seals As well as some very large groups of seals (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4713951">HY6521 : Stronsay: seals at the Bight of Scarma</a>), there were a few scattered all along the shore here. They were curious enough to turn their heads as I and another walked past, but on the whole didn't feel so threatened as to disappear.
Stronsay: two seals
As well as some very large groups of seals (see HY6521 : Stronsay: seals at the Bight of Scarma), there were a few scattered all along the shore here. They were curious enough to turn their heads as I and another walked past, but on the whole didn't feel so threatened as to disappear.
Stronsay: Bight of Scarma A small bay on the east side of Bay of Holland, seen at a low tide with lots of visible rocks. These are awash with seals - see for example <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4713951">HY6521 : Stronsay: seals at the Bight of Scarma</a>.
Stronsay: Bight of Scarma
A small bay on the east side of Bay of Holland, seen at a low tide with lots of visible rocks. These are awash with seals - see for example HY6521 : Stronsay: seals at the Bight of Scarma.
Stronsay: cemetery at Holland A quite large, square, walled cemetery opposite Holland Farm, with a few sheep grazing within.
Stronsay: cemetery at Holland
A quite large, square, walled cemetery opposite Holland Farm, with a few sheep grazing within.
Holland Farm, Stronsay A substantial stone farm in the south of Stronsay with much of its land managed for wildlife.
Holland Farm, Stronsay
A substantial stone farm in the south of Stronsay with much of its land managed for wildlife.
Cemetery at Holland Farm Looking across the cemetery over the Bay of Holland
Cemetery at Holland Farm
Looking across the cemetery over the Bay of Holland
Housebay, Stronsay This farm is built right next to the coast.
Housebay, Stronsay
This farm is built right next to the coast.
Bird hide on Lea Shun This hide is on the SNH reserve at Holland Farm. Part of the farm is managed specifically for corncrakes.
Bird hide on Lea Shun
This hide is on the SNH reserve at Holland Farm. Part of the farm is managed specifically for corncrakes.
Seal hide This seal hide is an old submarine telephone cable cabin. It overlooks a small beach where common seals regularly haul out, and where they pup in early summer. The hide is part of the SNH Holland Farm reserve.
Seal hide
This seal hide is an old submarine telephone cable cabin. It overlooks a small beach where common seals regularly haul out, and where they pup in early summer. The hide is part of the SNH Holland Farm reserve.
Snipe by Lea Shun A snipe demonstrates the effectiveness of its camouflage in the wet bog beside Lea Shun, seen from the hide shown in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/217172">HY6521 : Bird hide on Lea Shun</a>. At time of the photo, male snipe were "drumming" - a remarkable noise produced by vibrating tail feathers during steep dives.
Snipe by Lea Shun
A snipe demonstrates the effectiveness of its camouflage in the wet bog beside Lea Shun, seen from the hide shown in HY6521 : Bird hide on Lea Shun. At time of the photo, male snipe were "drumming" - a remarkable noise produced by vibrating tail feathers during steep dives.
Track from Holland to Mells Kirk Looking westwards along the line of the stone wall. The building on the left horizon is a seal hide!
Track from Holland to Mells Kirk
Looking westwards along the line of the stone wall. The building on the left horizon is a seal hide!
Looking towards Inganoust From the track to the coast.
Looking towards Inganoust
From the track to the coast.
Show me another place!

Bight of Scarma is located at Grid Ref: HY6521 (Lat: 59.077795, Lng: -2.6080329)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///existence.booms.await. Near Whitehall, Orkney Islands

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