Shapinsay Sound

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Orkney

Scotland

Shapinsay Sound

Shapinsay Gas House All that remains of former gas works which dates from the mid 19th century. — Shapinsay Gas House Credit: Shirley Grant

Shapinsay Sound is a sea inlet located in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It separates the small island of Shapinsay from the Orkney Mainland and serves as a vital waterway connecting the North Sea to the wider Orkney archipelago.

The sound, also referred to as an estuary or creek, stretches approximately 4 kilometers in length and varies in width from around 1 to 1.5 kilometers. It is characterized by its deep blue waters, which are influenced by the strong tidal currents that flow through the area. These currents are a result of the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, creating a dynamic and ever-changing marine environment.

Shapinsay Sound is renowned for its rich biodiversity and serves as a habitat for a variety of marine life. The waters are teeming with fish species such as herring, mackerel, and cod, attracting both recreational and commercial fishing activities. Seals and various seabirds can also be spotted in the area, adding to its natural beauty.

The sound is an important transportation route for both locals and visitors, with regular ferry services connecting Shapinsay to Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney. The presence of the sound has also shaped the history and culture of the area, providing a strategic location for trade and settlement throughout the centuries.

Overall, Shapinsay Sound is a picturesque and ecologically significant body of water that plays a crucial role in the livelihoods and heritage of the Orkney Islands.

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Shapinsay Sound Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.018779/-2.9003885 or Grid Reference HY4814. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shapinsay Gas House

All that remains of former gas works which dates from the mid 19th century.

Shirley Grant

Main Street, Balfour Village

This village was called Shoreside and was built in the late 1700s as home for workers on the Balfour estate.

Shirley Grant

Elwick

Looking south west across the square to Balfour Castle in the distance.

Callum Black

Bathhouse/dovecot tower, Balfour Castle, Shapinsay

This curious tower was built as a doocot and sea-water shower for residents and guests at Balfour Castle.

Michael Wills

Work Farm and Head of Work, St Ola, Orkney

Beef and sheep farm on a headland to the north east of Kirkwall, Orkney. Small loch impounded by an 'ayre' or bar at right

Karl Cooper

Shapinsay pier

Catherine Morgan

Saeva Ness lighthouse from Shapinsay Ferry

Saeva Ness lighthouse on Helliar Holm viewed from the Shapinsay ferry.

Bill Ross

Car Ness from Shapinsay Ferry

Wartime coastal defences at the tip of Car Ness viewed from the Shapinsay ferry.

Bill Ross

Saeva Ness Lighthouse

Saeva Ness lighthouse looks out across The String a short distance to the Head of Work on Mainland.

Bill Ross

Cormorants on rock outcrop

Rod Richmond

Balfour Castle

Grapes were once grown in the greenhouses here, in defiance of Adam Smith's assertion that a grape harvest in Scotland would be hopelessly uneconomic. Now the household confines its fruit-growing ambitions to rhubarb jam.

HelenK

The Shapinsay Ferry

Vehicles must reverse on to this shallow bottomed craft which takes about 25 minutes for the journey to Kirkwall. It serves islanders commuting to Kirkwall as well as tourists visiting this agricultural island.

Colin Smith

War Memorial at Elwick

The distinctive cross on a column stands by a road junction above Elwick, a former Viking anchorage. The round stepped stone ornaments by the memorial and the dry stone dykes are common on Shapinsay.

Colin Smith

Field near Balfour

An old mill which may become a crafts centre looms above the grassy hillside north-east of Balfour. In the foreground are the distinctive kochia or "red hot pokers".

Colin Smith

Balfour Castle

Imposing Victorian pile built around Cliffdale, the previous house. It is now an exclusive hotel.

Colin Smith

Shapinsay Harbour

Lobster boats and the Kirkwall RO / RO ferry use the small harbour at Balfour. Cannon decorate the quayside and the round tower in the background is "The Douche" - supposed to be a doocot and a saltwater shower!

Colin Smith