Hellia Spur

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Hellia Spur

Rousay: the post office The post office is within Tou Cottage*, Wasbister, about as far as you can get from the main village, Brinian, which is based around the ferry pier. This is because the current postmistress took over the role in 1991 and she lives here: the branch moved to the house of whoever wanted to take on the office.

Incidentally, there used to be two post offices on Rousay; one of them called simply &#039;Rousay&#039; down at Brinain, and another named &#039;Wasbister&#039; hereabouts. The Wasbister office closed on 25 June 1969, though.

* Tou Cottage is the address according to Royal Mail, although the map marks the name Too. — Rousay: the post office Credit: Chris Downer

Hellia Spur is a prominent coastal feature located on the northeastern coast of Orkney, an archipelago in Scotland. It is classified as a headland or point and is known for its striking geological formations and scenic beauty.

Situated near the village of Birsay, Hellia Spur juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. Its rugged cliffs, rising up to 30 meters in height, are composed of Old Red Sandstone, displaying a vivid array of colors ranging from deep red to orange and purple. The layers of sedimentary rock reveal a rich geological history, dating back millions of years.

The headland is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an important site for wildlife enthusiasts. Seabird colonies, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, can be found nesting on the cliffs during the breeding season, while seals can often be spotted basking on the nearby rocks. The surrounding waters are known for their abundance of marine life, with occasional sightings of dolphins and porpoises.

Hellia Spur is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, offering numerous walking trails that allow visitors to explore the area's natural beauty. The headland's exposed location means that it can be subject to strong winds and rough seas, adding to its dramatic allure.

Overall, Hellia Spur stands as a captivating coastal feature in Orkney, offering a unique blend of geological wonders, diverse wildlife, and awe-inspiring landscapes that continue to captivate visitors from around the world.

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Hellia Spur Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.187944/-3.0995101 or Grid Reference HY3733. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rousay: the post office

The post office is within Tou Cottage*, Wasbister, about as far as you can get from the main village, Brinian, which is based around the ferry pier. This is because the current postmistress took over the role in 1991 and she lives here: the branch moved to the house of whoever wanted to take on the office. Incidentally, there used to be two post offices on Rousay; one of them called simply 'Rousay' down at Brinain, and another named 'Wasbister' hereabouts. The Wasbister office closed on 25 June 1969, though. * Tou Cottage is the address according to Royal Mail, although the map marks the name Too.

Chris Downer

Rousay: postbox № KW17 53 and noticeboard, Wasbister

This postbox serves the northern part of the island and faces the short track leading up to HY3833 : Rousay: the post office. The box is of a modern design, constructed of pressed steel and designed to be more robust, rustproof and theft-proof than the traditional cast iron box that it will have replaced in the last couple of years. This particular style of box is becoming quite commonplace in these remote, exposed parts.

Chris Downer

Old settlement site at Quendal

The outlines of old field dykes can be seen here, whilst the occasional pile of stones might indicate a former cottage. This area was cleared by the landowner George William Traill, and the inhabitants evicted over two stages in 1845 and 1855-59, sheep being more profitable than crofters. This would make an interesting area to explore if time allowed between ferries. Several 'bonxies' noticed my arrival at the roadside anticipating some harassment if I stepped into their territory, but it was back to the car.

Gordon Hatton

Farm buildings at Too

Old stone buildings on the NW side of Rousay.

Gordon Hatton

Rousay post office

A fair way from where most of the island population lives and also a bit of a trek from the ferry for the Royal Mail van.

Gordon Hatton

Loch of Moan on Rousay in the Wasbister region looking towards Faraclett Head

An ideal location to watch the Rousay weather change then change again.

s allison

Cliffs at the edge of Bring on Rousay

Looking North towards Westray these sea cliffs are at the edge of 'the Brings' on the North West of Rousay. Near where the Limmers burn empties over the cliffs into mid air (and with a good Orkney wind blowing it empties upwards)

s allison

South of Bring Head

On the West coast of Rousay the Braes of Moan end dramatically at the cliffs and storm beaches. Wind Generators on Burger Hill are just visible in the distance on the Orkney Mainland

s allison

Abandoned croft high in the Wasbister region of Rousay

One of the higher crofts on the island of Rousay, close to Everybist and down from Blackhammer, now abandoned with the characteristic stone roof slabs collapsed and full of nettles in summer.

s allison

Tafts old two storey dwelling house on Rousay

Thought to be the oldest two storey dwelling houses in Orkney situated on the open heather and old runrigs of Quandale on the west coast of Rousay in Orkney. This area was the site of clearances on the island with other crofts destroyed. The term Tafts (or Tofts) is thought to derive from the Norse word 'Thopfts' meaning dwelling.

s allison