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The String

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Orkney

Scotland

The String

Main Street, Balfour Village This village was called Shoreside and was built in the late 1700s as home for workers on the Balfour estate.
Main Street, Balfour Village Credit: Shirley Grant

The String is a prominent geological feature located in Orkney, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is primarily known for its unique formation and the various natural elements that surround it.

The String can be described as a narrow stretch of water that separates the islands of Hoy and South Walls. It acts as a connecting channel between the North Sea and the Scapa Flow, a large natural harbor. This geological formation has been shaped by the powerful forces of erosion and glacial activity over millions of years.

The area surrounding The String is rich in marine life, with the cold waters of the North Sea and the Scapa Flow providing a diverse habitat for a wide range of species. It is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, as the strong currents and nutrient-rich waters attract an abundance of fish.

The presence of The String also has historical significance, as it played a crucial role during both World Wars. In World War I, it served as a strategic anchorage for the British Royal Navy. During World War II, it was used as a base for the British Home Fleet and played a pivotal role in the famous scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet in 1919.

Overall, The String is a remarkable natural feature that serves as a vital link between the North Sea and the Scapa Flow. Its geological formation, diverse marine life, and historical significance make it an important and fascinating location in the Orkney archipelago.

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The String Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.015917/-2.9115285 or Grid Reference HY4714. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Main Street, Balfour Village This village was called Shoreside and was built in the late 1700s as home for workers on the Balfour estate.
Main Street, Balfour Village
This village was called Shoreside and was built in the late 1700s as home for workers on the Balfour estate.
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.
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.
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
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
Carness
Carness
Shapinsay pier
Shapinsay pier
Saeva Ness lighthouse from Shapinsay Ferry Saeva Ness lighthouse on Helliar Holm viewed from the Shapinsay ferry.
Saeva Ness lighthouse from Shapinsay Ferry
Saeva Ness lighthouse on Helliar Holm viewed from the Shapinsay ferry.
Car Ness from Shapinsay Ferry Wartime coastal defences at the tip of Car Ness viewed from the Shapinsay ferry.
Car Ness from Shapinsay Ferry
Wartime coastal defences at the tip of Car Ness viewed from the Shapinsay ferry.
Saeva Ness Lighthouse Saeva Ness lighthouse looks out across The String a short distance to the Head of Work on Mainland.
Saeva Ness Lighthouse
Saeva Ness lighthouse looks out across The String a short distance to the Head of Work on Mainland.
Cormorants on rock outcrop
Cormorants on rock outcrop
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.
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.
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.
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.
Balfour Castle Imposing Victorian pile built around Cliffdale, the previous house. It is now an exclusive hotel.
Balfour Castle
Imposing Victorian pile built around Cliffdale, the previous house. It is now an exclusive hotel.
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!
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!
Strombery and Twi Ness viewed from the west. Balfour Castle and the Doocot to the south of the castle can be seen in the distance.
Strombery and Twi Ness viewed from the west.
Balfour Castle and the Doocot to the south of the castle can be seen in the distance.
Saeva Ness lighthouse on Helliar Holm.
Saeva Ness lighthouse on Helliar Holm.
Cliffs and chambered cairn on Helliar Holm.
Cliffs and chambered cairn on Helliar Holm.
Elwick Bay, Shapinsay North tower of Balfour Castle visible in extreme upper left of image.
Elwick Bay, Shapinsay
North tower of Balfour Castle visible in extreme upper left of image.
Shapinsay, Orkney Islands The old pier built using slabs of sandstone.
Shapinsay, Orkney Islands
The old pier built using slabs of sandstone.
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The String is located at Grid Ref: HY4714 (Lat: 59.015917, Lng: -2.9115285)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///mistaking.scribble.gestures. Near Balfour, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

The String Bay of Carness

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