The Chair

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

The Chair

Farm near Croo Taing
Farm near Croo Taing Credit: David Dixon

The Chair, Orkney, is a striking coastal feature located on the northeastern coast of the Mainland island in the Orkney archipelago, Scotland. This prominent headland, also known as The Gloup, is situated near the village of Deerness and stands as a natural wonder, attracting visitors from near and far.

The Chair derives its name from its distinctive formation, resembling a chair or throne, carved by the relentless forces of nature over centuries. Composed of rugged sandstone cliffs, the headland juts out into the tumultuous North Sea, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding seascape. The constant battering of the waves against the rock has sculpted the cliffs into a dramatic shape, with a large, precarious-looking rock formation resembling a seat atop the cliff.

The Chair is not only a scenic marvel but also steeped in local folklore and legends. Orcadian folklore tells the tale of a local man who, while sitting on the "chair," was engulfed by a massive wave, never to be seen again. This story has added an air of mystique and intrigue to the already captivating natural feature.

Visitors to The Chair can experience the power and beauty of the North Sea firsthand, as the crashing waves and sea spray provide a sensory experience like no other. The site is a popular destination for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a moment of solitude amidst the raw beauty of the Scottish coastline.

In conclusion, The Chair, Orkney, is a remarkable coastal feature that stands as a testament to the forces of nature. Its unique rock formation, coupled with its rich folklore, make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the enchanting Orkney Islands.

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The Chair Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.819548/-3.0205662 or Grid Reference ND4192. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farm near Croo Taing
Farm near Croo Taing
Uppertown, South Ronaldsay
Uppertown, South Ronaldsay
Coastal Buildings and Slipway, South Ronaldsay
Coastal Buildings and Slipway, South Ronaldsay
Hoxa Head Lighthouse and Balfour Battery Hoxa Head overlooks the main entrance into Scapa Flow through Hoxa Sound. Hoxa Battery (<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/133661/south-ronaldsay-hoxa-head-hoxa-battery" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/133661/south-ronaldsay-hoxa-head-hoxa-battery">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> Canmore ID 133661) was built in the First World War at the southern tip of the peninsula and equipped with 6-inch gun emplacements and magazines. These defences were strengthened in 1940-1 by the addition of another battery to the north, alongside the lighthouse built in 1901. This is the Balfour Battery, which is now the better preserved of the two.

A cast iron, gas-powered lighthouse of 1901 was built to guide ships into Scapa Flow. The superstructure has been removed, leaving a solid concrete plinth, which formed the base. A modern lighthouse, with solar panels, has been built nearby (<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/74483/south-ronaldsay-hoxa-head-lighthouse" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/74483/south-ronaldsay-hoxa-head-lighthouse">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> Canmore ID 74483).
Hoxa Head Lighthouse and Balfour Battery
Hoxa Head overlooks the main entrance into Scapa Flow through Hoxa Sound. Hoxa Battery (LinkExternal link Canmore ID 133661) was built in the First World War at the southern tip of the peninsula and equipped with 6-inch gun emplacements and magazines. These defences were strengthened in 1940-1 by the addition of another battery to the north, alongside the lighthouse built in 1901. This is the Balfour Battery, which is now the better preserved of the two. A cast iron, gas-powered lighthouse of 1901 was built to guide ships into Scapa Flow. The superstructure has been removed, leaving a solid concrete plinth, which formed the base. A modern lighthouse, with solar panels, has been built nearby (LinkExternal link Canmore ID 74483).
Hoxa Head Lighthouse A cast iron, gas-powered lighthouse was built in 1901 to guide ships into Scapa Flow. The superstructure has since been removed, leaving just the solid concrete plinth which formed the base. It has been replaced with a modern lighthouse, with solar panels, built nearby (<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/74483/south-ronaldsay-hoxa-head-lighthouse" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/74483/south-ronaldsay-hoxa-head-lighthouse">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> Canmore ID 74483).
Hoxa Head Lighthouse
A cast iron, gas-powered lighthouse was built in 1901 to guide ships into Scapa Flow. The superstructure has since been removed, leaving just the solid concrete plinth which formed the base. It has been replaced with a modern lighthouse, with solar panels, built nearby (LinkExternal link Canmore ID 74483).
South Ronaldsay, Hoxa Head Hoxa Head overlooks the main entrance into Scapa Flow through Hoxa Sound. Hoxa Battery was built in the First World War at the southern tip of the peninsula and equipped with 6-inch gun emplacements and magazines. In the Second World War, it was rebuilt with two 6-inch gun emplacements and magazines, an observation post, an engine room and footings for searchlights (<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/133661/south-ronaldsay-hoxa-head-hoxa-battery" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/133661/south-ronaldsay-hoxa-head-hoxa-battery">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> Canmore ID 133661)
South Ronaldsay, Hoxa Head
Hoxa Head overlooks the main entrance into Scapa Flow through Hoxa Sound. Hoxa Battery was built in the First World War at the southern tip of the peninsula and equipped with 6-inch gun emplacements and magazines. In the Second World War, it was rebuilt with two 6-inch gun emplacements and magazines, an observation post, an engine room and footings for searchlights (LinkExternal link Canmore ID 133661)
Balfour Coastal Battery
Balfour Coastal Battery
Coastline near Hoxa Head, South Ronaldsay
Coastline near Hoxa Head, South Ronaldsay
Headland at Croo Taing, South Ronaldsay
Headland at Croo Taing, South Ronaldsay
Howe Taing, South Ronaldsay
Howe Taing, South Ronaldsay
Hoxa Head: Coastal battery The interior of a searchlight emplacement at Hoxa Head, overlooking Hoxa Sound. A gun battery defended the Hoxa Sound passage into the Scapa Flow, the base of the Grand (Home) fleet, during during both world wars.

I'm not at all sure what purpose the metal "artificial leg"  served. Perhaps someone knows?
Hoxa Head: Coastal battery
The interior of a searchlight emplacement at Hoxa Head, overlooking Hoxa Sound. A gun battery defended the Hoxa Sound passage into the Scapa Flow, the base of the Grand (Home) fleet, during during both world wars. I'm not at all sure what purpose the metal "artificial leg" served. Perhaps someone knows?
Hoxa Head: Scapa Flow defences During both world wars Scapa Flow was safe anchorage for the Royal Navy's Home Fleet. The main entrances to the flow were heavily defended by booms and metal nets, mine fields and coastal gun batteries. This is part of the complex battery at Hoxa Head. The hillside is covered with concrete; two director towers, with their 6 inch gun houses, magazines and shelters; a fighting searchlight and three dispersed beam lights; several engine houses and lots of hut bases. The battery was designed to cover the Hoxa boom, anchored just north of the battery, with close range and rapid fire against the threat of MTBs.
Hoxa Head: Scapa Flow defences
During both world wars Scapa Flow was safe anchorage for the Royal Navy's Home Fleet. The main entrances to the flow were heavily defended by booms and metal nets, mine fields and coastal gun batteries. This is part of the complex battery at Hoxa Head. The hillside is covered with concrete; two director towers, with their 6 inch gun houses, magazines and shelters; a fighting searchlight and three dispersed beam lights; several engine houses and lots of hut bases. The battery was designed to cover the Hoxa boom, anchored just north of the battery, with close range and rapid fire against the threat of MTBs.
Sand of Wright
Sand of Wright
Pentalina, heading towards Scrabster, from Hoxa The catamaran Pentalina has left St Margaret's Hope and is heading towards Scrabster.  This shows her travelling between Flotta and Hoxa, taken from Hoxa near the Gun Batteries.
Pentalina, heading towards Scrabster, from Hoxa
The catamaran Pentalina has left St Margaret's Hope and is heading towards Scrabster. This shows her travelling between Flotta and Hoxa, taken from Hoxa near the Gun Batteries.
WW2 Gun Batteries on Hoxa Head Long abandoned, these are open for anyone to wander around in.
WW2 Gun Batteries on Hoxa Head
Long abandoned, these are open for anyone to wander around in.
The Sand of Wright
The Sand of Wright
Towards the Dam of Hoxa
Towards the Dam of Hoxa
Sand of Wright Across the wet sands and along towards Hoxa Head
Sand of Wright
Across the wet sands and along towards Hoxa Head
Show me another place!

The Chair is located at Grid Ref: ND4192 (Lat: 58.819548, Lng: -3.0205662)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///clay.ballparks.alternate. Near St Margaret's Hope, Orkney Islands

Related Wikis

Hoxa, Orkney

Hoxa is a small settlement on the island of South Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands north of mainland Scotland. Hoxa is located 1+1⁄4 miles (2.0 km) west...

Herston, Orkney

Herston is a village on South Ronaldsay, Orkney, Scotland, United Kingdom. Herston is historically a fishing village but its only industry to speak of...

Nevi Skerry

Nevi Skerry is a skerry situated in Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands. The skerry is situated approximately 1 km (0.62 mi) east of Flotta and approximately...

St Margaret's Hope

St Margaret's Hope is a village in the Orkney Islands, off the north coast of Scotland. It is known locally as The Hope or The Hup. With a population...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.819548,-3.0205662
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.8230711/-3.0259663
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.8227827/-3.0265584
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.8218091/-3.0231053
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.8223149/-3.0234218
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.8230704/-3.0239191
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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