Outer Sound

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Orkney

Scotland

Outer Sound

Holms of Ire, Sanday, Orkney Uninhabited tidal islands linked to the island of Sanday at low tide.
Holms of Ire, Sanday, Orkney Credit: Karl Cooper

Outer Sound is a picturesque body of water located in Orkney, an archipelago in Scotland. As its name suggests, it is situated on the outer edge of the island group, providing stunning views of the North Sea. Spanning approximately 10 miles in length, Outer Sound serves as an estuary, connecting to the Atlantic Ocean through a narrow channel. This natural waterway plays a vital role in the ecosystem, acting as a habitat for a diverse range of marine life and serving as a migration route for various species.

With its crystal-clear waters, Outer Sound offers excellent opportunities for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife watching. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, including seals, dolphins, and various species of seabirds. Visitors can often spot these creatures frolicking in the waves or soaring through the sky, creating a unique and memorable experience.

The stunning coastline that envelops Outer Sound is characterized by rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and rocky outcrops. The surrounding landscape is dotted with charming coastal villages, each with its own distinct character and history. These settlements offer breathtaking panoramic views of the sound, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

In addition to its natural beauty, Outer Sound holds historical significance. The area is home to several ancient archaeological sites, including the remains of Neolithic settlements and Viking burial grounds. These remnants provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Orkney Islands.

Overall, Outer Sound is a captivating and diverse body of water, offering a blend of natural wonders and historical treasures. Whether exploring its marine life, immersing oneself in its scenic beauty, or delving into its past, Outer Sound is a destination that truly captivates all who visit.

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Outer Sound Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.302076/-2.6219707 or Grid Reference HY6446. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Holms of Ire, Sanday, Orkney Uninhabited tidal islands linked to the island of Sanday at low tide.
Holms of Ire, Sanday, Orkney
Uninhabited tidal islands linked to the island of Sanday at low tide.
View across Roos Loch, Sanday Roos Loch is now land locked with a barrier that can be seen just left of the building in the centre.
View across Roos Loch, Sanday
Roos Loch is now land locked with a barrier that can be seen just left of the building in the centre.
Cairn overlooking Holms of Ire One of many such cairns on the Holms of Ire and adjacent part of Sanday
Cairn overlooking Holms of Ire
One of many such cairns on the Holms of Ire and adjacent part of Sanday
Inlet within Inner Sound at Holms of Ire
Inlet within Inner Sound at Holms of Ire
Rocks near Craw's Nest Prominent cairns atop the Holms of Ire can be seen in the distance.
Rocks near Craw's Nest
Prominent cairns atop the Holms of Ire can be seen in the distance.
Rock slabs on the more northerly of the Holms of Ire
Rock slabs on the more northerly of the Holms of Ire
Seawashed rocks near the Lotheran One of the more remote spots off Sanday, reached only with a risk of getting cut off by the rising tide.
Seawashed rocks near the Lotheran
One of the more remote spots off Sanday, reached only with a risk of getting cut off by the rising tide.
Natural Arch near Holms of Ire, Sanday, Orkney
Natural Arch near Holms of Ire, Sanday, Orkney
Airon, Sanday, Orkney
Airon, Sanday, Orkney
Sign for Roo, Sanday, Orkney The property is spelt Rue on the OS map.
Sign for Roo, Sanday, Orkney
The property is spelt Rue on the OS map.
The Holms of Ire, Sanday, Orkney The Holms are two islands accessible at low tide.
The Holms of Ire, Sanday, Orkney
The Holms are two islands accessible at low tide.
Quarry, Sanday, Orkney The quarry lies on the western coast of the peninsula forming the NW tip of Sanday, below the Holms of Ire.  <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2561603">HY6545 : Cairn overlooking Holms of Ire</a> can be seen on the horizon.
Quarry, Sanday, Orkney
The quarry lies on the western coast of the peninsula forming the NW tip of Sanday, below the Holms of Ire. HY6545 : Cairn overlooking Holms of Ire can be seen on the horizon.
Stonebreaker, Sanday, Orkney The machine is inscribed,
"Rob Broadbent & Son Stalybridge
Blake Stonebreaker 8077"
and it lies some 150m to the NW of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3770987">HY6544 : Quarry, Sanday, Orkney</a>.
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2561603">HY6545 : Cairn overlooking Holms of Ire</a> can be seen on the horizon.
Stonebreaker, Sanday, Orkney
The machine is inscribed, "Rob Broadbent & Son Stalybridge Blake Stonebreaker 8077" and it lies some 150m to the NW of HY6544 : Quarry, Sanday, Orkney. HY6545 : Cairn overlooking Holms of Ire can be seen on the horizon.
Planticrubs, Holms of Ire, Sanday, Orkney According to the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland's thesaurus, a planticrub (or planticrue) is "a small square, circular or rectangular enclosure used for growing root crops, usually without an entrance".

At <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/3499/details/sanday+holms+of+ire" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/3499/details/sanday+holms+of+ire">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> these ones are described as 

"a spectacular and well-preserved row of 4 circular and 2
square plantie-crus each 1.5m high to top of wall which in most
cases is complete, average 4.2m across, without openings".
Planticrubs, Holms of Ire, Sanday, Orkney
According to the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland's thesaurus, a planticrub (or planticrue) is "a small square, circular or rectangular enclosure used for growing root crops, usually without an entrance". At LinkExternal link these ones are described as "a spectacular and well-preserved row of 4 circular and 2 square plantie-crus each 1.5m high to top of wall which in most cases is complete, average 4.2m across, without openings".
Cairn, Holms of Ire, Sanday, Orkney This cairn is on the outer holm.  There are similar cairns located nearby on the inner holm (<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4336569">HY6446 : Cairn, Holms of Ire, Sanday, Orkney</a>) and on the main island (<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2561603">HY6545 : Cairn overlooking Holms of Ire</a>).
Cairn, Holms of Ire, Sanday, Orkney
This cairn is on the outer holm. There are similar cairns located nearby on the inner holm (HY6446 : Cairn, Holms of Ire, Sanday, Orkney) and on the main island (HY6545 : Cairn overlooking Holms of Ire).
Cairn, Holms of Ire, Sanday, Orkney This cairn is on the inner holm. There are similar cairns located nearby on the outer holm (<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4336564">HY6446 : Cairn, Holms of Ire, Sanday, Orkney</a>) and on the main island (<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2561603">HY6545 : Cairn overlooking Holms of Ire</a>).
Cairn, Holms of Ire, Sanday, Orkney
This cairn is on the inner holm. There are similar cairns located nearby on the outer holm (HY6446 : Cairn, Holms of Ire, Sanday, Orkney) and on the main island (HY6545 : Cairn overlooking Holms of Ire).
Ayre of Roo Beach cutting off the Roos Loch.
Ayre of Roo
Beach cutting off the Roos Loch.
Beach, Roos Wick The white sand produces some fine colours in the sea.
Beach, Roos Wick
The white sand produces some fine colours in the sea.
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Outer Sound is located at Grid Ref: HY6446 (Lat: 59.302076, Lng: -2.6219707)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///span.cemented.newsprint. Near Kettletoft, Orkney Islands

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