Niggle Point

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Niggle Point

Uppertown, South Ronaldsay Credit: David Dixon

Niggle Point is a prominent coastal feature located on the mainland of Orkney, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is a headland that extends into the North Sea, forming a distinct point that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline.

The point is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, with steep cliffs that plunge into the sea below. These cliffs are composed of sandstone and shale, displaying layers of sedimentary rocks that bear witness to the geological history of the region.

Niggle Point is also known for its diverse wildlife, with several species of seabirds inhabiting its cliffs and nesting on its ledges. Visitors to the area can often spot colonies of puffins, fulmars, guillemots, and kittiwakes, among others. The point is a designated nature reserve, offering protection to these birds and their nesting habitats.

The coastal waters around Niggle Point are rich in marine life, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can often be seen casting their lines from the rocky shoreline, hoping to catch species such as cod, haddock, and mackerel.

In addition to its natural beauty, Niggle Point holds historical significance. The remains of a Viking settlement can be found nearby, adding an element of intrigue and cultural interest to the area. Archaeological excavations have uncovered artifacts and structures dating back to the Norse occupation of Orkney, providing valuable insights into the island's past.

Overall, Niggle Point is a captivating coastal feature that offers a blend of natural splendor, wildlife diversity, and historical significance. Its striking cliffs, abundant birdlife, and fishing opportunities make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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Niggle Point Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.812824/-3.0145515 or Grid Reference ND4192. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Uppertown, South Ronaldsay

David Dixon

Coastal Buildings and Slipway, South Ronaldsay

David Dixon

Hoxa Head Lighthouse and Balfour Battery

Hoxa Head overlooks the main entrance into Scapa Flow through Hoxa Sound. Hoxa Battery (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 (Link

Canmore ID 74483).

David Dixon

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 (Link

Canmore ID 74483).

David Dixon

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 (Link

Canmore ID 133661)

David Dixon

Balfour Coastal Battery

Graeme Yuill

Coastline near Hoxa Head, South Ronaldsay

Alpin Stewart

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?

Martyn Gorman

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.

Martyn Gorman

Chapel and the Oyce of Herston

I think that the old chapel has been renovated within the last few years.

Ian Balcombe

Farmland and the Oyce of Herston

Looking northwards toward the old chapel.

Ian Balcombe

Clifftops and pebble beach

Looking westwards toward The Altar, Harrabrough Head.

Ian Balcombe

The Altar, Cavernous Triptych

Unusual geomorphology at Harra Brough with three, almost parallel tunnels, running through the headland.

Ian Balcombe

Looking westwards towards The Altar

Coastal scenery en-route to Harrabrough Head.

Ian Balcombe

Coastal Erosion

The cliffs are being undercut and mass-wasting is taking place.

Ian Balcombe

The Altar, Harra Brough

Two of the three tunnels are clearly visible here. As the third one opens the second one closes making it hard to get a view through all three tunnels simultaneously.

Ian Balcombe

The Altar, Harra Brough

Once more, two of the three tunnels showing clear through.

Ian Balcombe