Ootsuir

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Ootsuir

Mar Wick bay, Orkney
Mar Wick bay, Orkney Credit: John Ferguson

Ootsuir is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is classified as a headland, also referred to as a point, due to its distinct geographical structure and its position jutting out into the sea.

Ootsuir is characterized by its rugged and rocky cliffs, which rise steeply from the surrounding coastal landscape, offering breathtaking views of the North Sea. The headland is composed of a variety of rock formations, including sandstone and flagstone, which have been shaped over time by the relentless force of the crashing waves.

The location of Ootsuir makes it an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers, as it provides a habitat for numerous seabird species. Visitors can often spot gannets, puffins, and fulmars nesting on the cliffs, adding to the natural beauty of the area.

In addition to its natural features, Ootsuir also holds historical significance. The headland is home to the remains of an ancient settlement, dating back to the Iron Age. Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of human occupation, such as stone structures and artifacts, providing valuable insights into the past inhabitants of the area.

Ootsuir is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and photography. Its dramatic cliffs, diverse wildlife, and historical importance make it a must-visit location for those exploring the Orkney archipelago.

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Ootsuir Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.084425/-3.3536158 or Grid Reference HY2222. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mar Wick bay, Orkney
Mar Wick bay, Orkney
Vestra Fiold trig pillar
Vestra Fiold trig pillar
Standing Stones I don't think these stones are ancient monuments. They are beside the path down from Marwick Head to the beach.
Standing Stones
I don't think these stones are ancient monuments. They are beside the path down from Marwick Head to the beach.
Storm Beach The rock strata on the cliff top have been progressively stripped away by winter storms.
Storm Beach
The rock strata on the cliff top have been progressively stripped away by winter storms.
Dipping Strata On the south side of Marwick Head, with a view south to Yesnaby and the island of Hoy.
Dipping Strata
On the south side of Marwick Head, with a view south to Yesnaby and the island of Hoy.
Gunnagairn Gunnagairn is a geo on the south side of Marwick Head.
Gunnagairn
Gunnagairn is a geo on the south side of Marwick Head.
Cleft in the Rock I suspect that this might be the line of an igneous dyke that has been preferentially eroded out.
Cleft in the Rock
I suspect that this might be the line of an igneous dyke that has been preferentially eroded out.
Mar Wick The tidal lagoon at the head of the bay is Choin.
Mar Wick
The tidal lagoon at the head of the bay is Choin.
Gruidgar The flat building in front of the house is a gallery of local art and craft works.
Gruidgar
The flat building in front of the house is a gallery of local art and craft works.
Netherskaill Netherskaill is the nearest farm. In the distance is the Kitchener Memorial.
Netherskaill
Netherskaill is the nearest farm. In the distance is the Kitchener Memorial.
Gunnagairn cliff, Marwick, Orkney Taken during a shoreline survey for the International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT).
Gunnagairn cliff, Marwick, Orkney
Taken during a shoreline survey for the International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT).
Rusty metal at Mar Wick Remains of a ship's boiler. The same subject as <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2052112">HY2224 : Mar Wick, Orkney</a>
Rusty metal at Mar Wick
Remains of a ship's boiler. The same subject as HY2224 : Mar Wick, Orkney
Road east of Mar Wick
Road east of Mar Wick
Mar Wick panorama
Mar Wick panorama
Rocky shore at Mar Wick
Rocky shore at Mar Wick
Orkney landscape from the Kitchener Memorial
Orkney landscape from the Kitchener Memorial
Mar Wick Mar Wick is the rocky area exposed at low tide.  The cleft in the cliff face, near to the horizon, (indistinct on the photograph), is named Minna Geo.
Mar Wick
Mar Wick is the rocky area exposed at low tide. The cleft in the cliff face, near to the horizon, (indistinct on the photograph), is named Minna Geo.
Towards the Kitchener Memorial The memorial is seen on the skyline.  Directly beneath is the farmstead or hamlet of Gridgar, with Steadquoy a little to the right.  The water is labelled "Choin (Tidal Pond)" on OS Maps.
Towards the Kitchener Memorial
The memorial is seen on the skyline. Directly beneath is the farmstead or hamlet of Gridgar, with Steadquoy a little to the right. The water is labelled "Choin (Tidal Pond)" on OS Maps.
Show me another place!

Ootsuir is located at Grid Ref: HY2222 (Lat: 59.084425, Lng: -3.3536158)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///callers.pace.impresses. Near Sandwick, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.084425,-3.3536158
Outshore Point
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 59.083627/-3.3514799
The Stramp
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 59.0872127/-3.3484314
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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