Sillock Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Sillock Geo

Penny farthing sculpture, Flotta, Orkney This is one of several sculptures made of recycled materials which can be found on Flotta. See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/882445">ND3494 : Oystercatchers on Flotta</a> and <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1864035">ND3793 : Doodlebug</a>.

In the distance to the left can be seen Flotta Kirk which also lies within the grid square. — Penny farthing sculpture, Flotta, Orkney Credit: Claire Pegrum

Sillock Geo is a prominent coastal feature located on the Orkney Islands, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is a headland characterized by its rugged cliffs and rocky shoreline, jutting out into the North Sea. Sillock Geo is positioned on the southeastern coast of Orkney Mainland, near the village of St. Margaret's Hope.

The headland is formed by layers of sedimentary rocks, primarily sandstone and shale, which have been eroded by the relentless forces of wind and water. The cliffs at Sillock Geo reach heights of approximately 30 meters (98 feet), offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the vast expanse of the sea.

The exposed rocky shoreline of Sillock Geo is rich in marine life, providing a habitat for various species of seaweed, mollusks, and crustaceans. The area is particularly renowned for its birdlife, with numerous seabirds nesting on the cliffs, including guillemots, puffins, and fulmars.

Sillock Geo also holds historical significance, with the remains of an Iron Age broch located nearby. Brochs were circular stone towers that served as fortified residences during the Iron Age in Scotland.

The headland is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers, who come to appreciate the stunning coastal scenery and observe the diverse wildlife. It is recommended to visit Sillock Geo during low tide, as it allows for exploration of the tidal pools and caves that dot the shoreline.

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Sillock Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.822798/-3.0835595 or Grid Reference ND3793. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Penny farthing sculpture, Flotta, Orkney

This is one of several sculptures made of recycled materials which can be found on Flotta. See also ND3494 : Oystercatchers on Flotta and ND3793 : Doodlebug. In the distance to the left can be seen Flotta Kirk which also lies within the grid square.

Claire Pegrum

Kirkie Taing, Flotta, Orkney

Looking across Kirk Bay towards the farm called Banks which also lies within the grid square. This rocky outcrop, which is covered at high tide, lies to the south east of Flotta's church, or kirk. Taing is derived from the Old Norse word Tangi meaning tongue.

Claire Pegrum

Stone jetty, Flotta, Orkney

Looking across Pan Hope to the Flotta oil terminal and the hills of Hoy beyond.

Claire Pegrum

Rock on the shore of Pan Hope, Flotta, Orkney

The Ordnance Survey Name Book describes Pan Hope as an "excellent harbour" which "affords good shelter to vessels of any type" and says that, according to tradition, it is so-called because there was "a salt pan at one time used here for manufacturing salt out of sea water". The lower field with cows in it across the water also lies within the grid square.

Claire Pegrum

Stanger Head, Flotta

The control tower for the WW2 coastal defences at Stanger Head is conspicuous in the sunlight. Flotta wind turbine beyond and the high hills of Hoy in the distance.

Ian Balcombe

Flotta 2007, aerial

With Hoy and South Walls underneath, and Switha to the right.

Chris

Flotta oil terminal 2007, aerial

Chris

Flotta; Walking E across the island about to join B904

Colin Park

Flotta; the Peerie Museum

An excellent little museum with an in-depth history of the island and much World Wars 1 and 2 memorabilia.

Colin Park

Flotta; The Buchanan Battery

Colin Park

Flotta; The Cletts, Rock stacks at Stanger Head

Colin Park

Flotta; Signal station above Stanger Head

Colin Park

Kenzie's Tower

Arrived by ferry to bag both TuMPs on Flotta with Alex Cameron, Jim Bloomer and Tricky Speirs on a sunny afternoon. Name: Kenzie's Tower Hill number: 12252 Height: 42m / 138ft Parent (Ma/M): none Area: 23: Orkney Islands Class: 0 Grid ref: ND371933 (est) Drop: 30m Col: 12m ND365938

Rude Health

A Small Kirk On Flotta

A small Kirk on Flotta with a view of Kirk Bay.

Rude Health

Islands of Switha and Flotta

The uninhabited islet of Switha lies in the foreground. Beyond is the island of Flotta and Balaclava cottage. The wind turbine is on West Hill ND3593, the highest point of Flotta. Viewed from the Orkney Ferry at ND377891.

Oliver Dixon

Isle of Flotta

A relic of the World War II defences of Scapa Flow can be seen on Stanger Head in the foreground. Beyond is the wind turbine on West Hill ND3593 whilst the hills of Hoy can be seen in the distance. Viewed from the MV Pentalina at ND388912.

Oliver Dixon