Selki Holes

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Selki Holes

Selki Holes, located in Orkney, Scotland, is a prominent coastal feature that is often referred to as a headland or point. It is situated on the northern coast of the Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney archipelago. Selki Holes is known for its rugged and dramatic landscape, characterized by steep cliffs and unique geological formations.

The name "Selki Holes" is derived from the Norse word "selkie," which means seal. This is due to the numerous seals that inhabit the area and can often be seen resting on the rocks or swimming in the nearby waters. The cliffs at Selki Holes offer an excellent vantage point for observing these fascinating marine mammals in their natural habitat.

The coastal cliffs of Selki Holes are composed of sandstone and shale, which have been shaped and eroded by the relentless force of the North Atlantic waves. This erosion has resulted in the creation of several sea caves and rock arches that are a distinctive feature of the area. These geological formations add to the allure and beauty of Selki Holes, attracting both nature enthusiasts and photographers.

In addition to its natural beauty, Selki Holes also holds historical significance. It is believed that the site was once used as a lookout point during Viking times, providing a strategic advantage for monitoring the surrounding waters. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of these ancient structures and immerse themselves in the rich history of the area.

Overall, Selki Holes in Orkney is a captivating coastal feature that combines stunning natural scenery, diverse wildlife, and a fascinating historical past. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those who venture to its rugged shores.

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Selki Holes Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.751608/-2.9866192 or Grid Reference ND4385. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Eastward House, A961 near Barswick, South Ronaldsay

Built in 1873 by local residents for the Church of Scotland, it is now (2014) a home offering B & B.

Jo and Steve Turner

View west from the Pentland Venture ferry

Just before entering the port at Burwick

Eirian Evans

St Mary's Church, Burwick

Old St Mary’s is in the very south of the south parish at Burwick. It is on the site where the first Christian missionaries reputedly arrived in Orkney. The church is thought to have last been used for regular worship around 1959, then used for occasional services until around 1995. It is on the Churches at Risk register, especially since it was struck by lightning in 2013.

Eirian Evans

Pentland Venture ferry at Burwick

Eirian Evans

Loch of Lythe

Small loch near Ossquoy, the farm on the right

Eirian Evans

Tomison's Academy

Founded under the will of William Tomison (1739-1829) of the Hudson's Bay Company. This former school is now empty and the adjacent buildings falling into dereliction

Eirian Evans

Waiting for the ferry at Burwick Pier

Eirian Evans

St Mary's Church, Burwick

A better view of the church than when we arrived earlier in the day ND4384 : St Mary's Church, Burwick. Old St Mary’s is in the very south of the south parish at Burwick. It is on the site where the first Christian missionaries reputedly arrived in Orkney. The church is thought to have last been used for regular worship around 1959, then used for occasional services until around 1995. It is on the Churches at Risk register, especially since it was struck by lightning in 2013.

Eirian Evans

Breakwater at Burwick Ferry Port

Eirian Evans

John o' Groats ferry arrives at Burwick

Summer sailings across the Pentland Firth

Alan Reid

Aerial view of southern South Ronaldsay

Taken from a flight to Shetland via Orkney this is the southern end of the southernmost of the main islands of Orkney, South Ronaldsay. Obviously aerial photos such as this cover many squares, so I have taken the subject reference as Barth Head, which is the little sticky-out point nearest the camera.

Rob Farrow

Approaching the harbour at Burwick, Orkney Islands

Taken from the John O'Groats ferry.

Robin Drayton

Bur Wick Pier

The end of the pier at Bur Wick

Graeme Smith

A feather?

A beautiful fold in the rocks of The Wing.

Graeme Smith

Castle Skerry

Another small headland by Bur Wick

Graeme Smith

Modern concrete pier

At Burwick, South Ronaldsay built to facilitate tourist access to Orkney from John o'Groats.

Russel Wills

Bur Wick Pier

Route to John o' Groats in the summer months, although with the recent problems on the Scrabster to Stromness route, discussions have revisited the idea of Pentland Ferries opening a route from here to Gills Bay for vehicles and foot passengers which would reduce the journey time to around 30 minutes.

Andy Farrington