Cruban

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Cruban

Cruban is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is specifically recognized as a headland or point, jutting out into the North Sea. Cruban is known for its picturesque landscape, characterized by rugged cliffs, scenic beaches, and stunning views of the surrounding ocean.

The headland is composed of sedimentary rocks, primarily sandstone and limestone, which have been shaped and eroded over millions of years by the relentless action of wind and waves. This geological formation gives Cruban its distinctive appearance and contributes to its significance as a natural landmark.

Cruban is home to a rich and diverse ecosystem, with various marine and bird species inhabiting the surrounding waters and cliffs. The area is particularly renowned for its seabird colonies, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. Many birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts flock to Cruban to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

In addition to its natural beauty, Cruban has historical importance as well. The headland is dotted with remnants of ancient settlements, including archaeological sites, burial mounds, and standing stones. These cultural artifacts provide valuable insights into the lives and customs of the early inhabitants of Orkney.

Overall, Cruban is a captivating coastal feature that combines stunning natural landscapes with a rich historical heritage. Its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and diverse wildlife make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a deeper connection with the natural world.

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Cruban Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.042213/-3.3543082 or Grid Reference HY2218. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Skara Brae - 1979

Skara Brae is a large stone-built Neolithic settlement, located on the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Mainland, Orkney, Scotland. It consists of ten clustered houses, and was occupied from roughly 3180 BC–2500 BC. Europe's most complete Neolithic village, Skara Brae gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status as one of four sites comprising "The Heart of Neolithic Orkney." Older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, it has been called the "Scottish Pompeii" because of its excellent preservation.

Helmut Zozmann

Skara Brae - 1979

Helmut Zozmann

Bay of Skaill - 1979

The Bay of Skaill is a small bay on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland, Scotland. Bay of Skaill is the location of the famous Neolithic settlement, Skara Brae, and a large residence, Skaill House, the property of the laird on whose estate Skara Brae was discovered.

Helmut Zozmann

Bay of Skaill - 1979

Helmut Zozmann

Bay of Skaill - 1979

Bay of Skaill and Knowe of Verron seen from Skara Brae. The Bay of Skaill is a small bay on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland, Scotland. Bay of Skaill is the location of the famous Neolithic settlement, Skara Brae, and a large residence, Skaill House, the property of the laird on whose estate Skara Brae was discovered.

Helmut Zozmann

Yesnaby Head

A peaceful day on this windswept headland. Tidal power ship lies off Hoy.

Alan Reid

Bay of Skaill

Looking across the Bay from its rocky west end.

Elizabeth Angus

Bay of Skaill

Balanced stones on the shore. Natural rock arch just visible in distant headland.

Elizabeth Angus

Bay of Skaill

Waves breaking onto the sandy beach below Skara Brae.

Elizabeth Angus

Skara Brae: Bay of Skaill beach

Looking along the beach from above the Skara Brae archaeological site. Someone has created a shapely pillar of stones in the foreground.

Chris Downer

Skara Brae: one of the houses

A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. Here, we look across one of the houses, with typical central hearth and a few rooms and stone furniture surrounding it. Skaill Bay is in the background.

Chris Downer

Skara Brae: earthworks

A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. Here we look across the site, towards Skaill Bay, with one of the passageways of the village in the foreground.

Chris Downer

Skara Brae: one house and a bay view

A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. Here, we look towards Skaill Bay across one of the dwellings at the western edge of the site.

Chris Downer

Skara Brae: westernmost house

A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. This is the most westerly house, displayed particularly intact, with the hearth as the typical centrepiece and stone furniture and various small rooms surrounding it. The southern shore of the Bay of Skaill is in the background.

Chris Downer

Skara Brae: inside a Neolithic house

Skara Brae is a truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. Here, by the visitor centre a short distance from the site itself, a simulation dwelling has been reconstructed to give an impression of what the house would have been like in its original, covered state. We are looking through the doorway and see in front of us the central hearth, with a stone cupboard facing us.

Chris Downer

Gateway to Skaill House

The house dates back to the 17th century. Extensive alterations were made during the 1950s and the parts that are open to the public reflect that era.

Robin Drayton