Skaill Taing

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Skaill Taing

Egilsay: a view from Rousay Looking across the Rousay Sound from the isle of Rousay towards Egilsay, with the distinctive round tower of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2584979">HY4630 : Egilsay: St. Magnus church</a> roughly centre of the picture.

Behind Egilsay are Muckle Green Holm and its companion Little Green Holm, with Stronsay silhouetted right across the picture beyond.
Egilsay: a view from Rousay Credit: Chris Downer

Skaill Taing is a prominent coastal feature located on the west coast of Mainland Orkney, an archipelago in the northern part of Scotland. It is situated near the village of Sandwick and is considered a significant headland or point in the region.

This coastal feature is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and dramatic cliffs that extend towards the North Atlantic Ocean. Skaill Taing offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby Bay of Skaill and the rugged coastline of Orkney.

The headland is characterized by its distinctive geological formations, which consist of sandstone and conglomerate rocks. These rocks have been shaped by centuries of erosion from wind, rain, and the relentless crashing of waves, creating intricate patterns and caves along the cliff face.

In addition to its geological significance, Skaill Taing holds historical importance as well. The area is home to several archaeological sites, including the ancient ruins of Skara Brae, a Neolithic settlement that dates back over 5,000 years. Skara Brae is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the people who lived there during the Stone Age.

Skaill Taing is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and history enthusiasts alike. Visitors can explore the headland on foot, enjoying the coastal trails that lead to the cliffs and offering opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. The site is also a great spot for photography, capturing the rugged beauty of Orkney's coastline and its rich cultural heritage.

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Skaill Taing Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.155717/-2.9447428 or Grid Reference HY4630. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Egilsay: a view from Rousay Looking across the Rousay Sound from the isle of Rousay towards Egilsay, with the distinctive round tower of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2584979">HY4630 : Egilsay: St. Magnus church</a> roughly centre of the picture.

Behind Egilsay are Muckle Green Holm and its companion Little Green Holm, with Stronsay silhouetted right across the picture beyond.
Egilsay: a view from Rousay
Looking across the Rousay Sound from the isle of Rousay towards Egilsay, with the distinctive round tower of HY4630 : Egilsay: St. Magnus church roughly centre of the picture. Behind Egilsay are Muckle Green Holm and its companion Little Green Holm, with Stronsay silhouetted right across the picture beyond.
Mae Banks A sandy beach on the eastern side of Egilsay. Grugar Farm is a bit further inland.
Mae Banks
A sandy beach on the eastern side of Egilsay. Grugar Farm is a bit further inland.
Fishing boat passing Mae Banks A sandy stretch of coast on the eastern side of Egilsay.
Fishing boat passing Mae Banks
A sandy stretch of coast on the eastern side of Egilsay.
Gorehouse, Rousay Small farmstead above the shoreline on the east side of the island.
Gorehouse, Rousay
Small farmstead above the shoreline on the east side of the island.
St. Magnus Church, Egilsay
St. Magnus Church, Egilsay
Egilsay: St. Magnus Kirk from the road Looking towards the distinctive round tower of this historic church, from the road running north-south along the island. A lump of the island of Rousay is in the background.
Egilsay: St. Magnus Kirk from the road
Looking towards the distinctive round tower of this historic church, from the road running north-south along the island. A lump of the island of Rousay is in the background.
Egilsay: southward view along the road The island crossroads is in the foreground of the picture, beyond which we look along the straight road running south. The island's postbox is on the right just beyond the junction.
Egilsay: southward view along the road
The island crossroads is in the foreground of the picture, beyond which we look along the straight road running south. The island's postbox is on the right just beyond the junction.
Egilsay: St. Magnus Kirk from the harbour Looking across the island's new jetty, on which is the road sign, towards its most famous landmark.
Egilsay: St. Magnus Kirk from the harbour
Looking across the island's new jetty, on which is the road sign, towards its most famous landmark.
Egilsay: gateway to Manse Beach A beach of white sand intermixed with outcrops of rock on the eastern side of the island.
Egilsay: gateway to Manse Beach
A beach of white sand intermixed with outcrops of rock on the eastern side of the island.
Egilsay: the road to the ferry Approaching the ferry slipway, which is hidden behind the house. The island of Rousay is in the background.
Egilsay: the road to the ferry
Approaching the ferry slipway, which is hidden behind the house. The island of Rousay is in the background.
Egilsay: the school The island's school is currently 'mothballed' because there are no children of primary school age on the island.
Egilsay: the school
The island's school is currently 'mothballed' because there are no children of primary school age on the island.
Egilsay: postbox № KW17 61 The island's postbox is attached to a large wooden pole by the crossroads and is emptied at 8:25 each morning except Sunday. The island of Rousay is in the distance.
Egilsay: postbox № KW17 61
The island's postbox is attached to a large wooden pole by the crossroads and is emptied at 8:25 each morning except Sunday. The island of Rousay is in the distance.
Egilsay: St. Magnus the Martyr monument The plaque states:

Erected by the rector and congregation of St. Magnus the Martyr by London Bridge, and the minister and congregation of St. Magnus cathedral Kirkwall, to mark the traditional spot where Earl Magnus was slain, A.D. c.1116 and to commemorate the octocentenary of St. Magnus cathedral, 1937.
Egilsay: St. Magnus the Martyr monument
The plaque states: Erected by the rector and congregation of St. Magnus the Martyr by London Bridge, and the minister and congregation of St. Magnus cathedral Kirkwall, to mark the traditional spot where Earl Magnus was slain, A.D. c.1116 and to commemorate the octocentenary of St. Magnus cathedral, 1937.
Egilsay: view past the postbox towards Rousay The island's postbox (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2584959">HY4630 : Egilsay: postbox № KW17 61</a>) provides a splash of colour on a grey, drizzly day as we look across the island towards the slopes of the neighbourning isle of Rousay.
Egilsay: view past the postbox towards Rousay
The island's postbox (see HY4630 : Egilsay: postbox № KW17 61) provides a splash of colour on a grey, drizzly day as we look across the island towards the slopes of the neighbourning isle of Rousay.
Egilsay: St. Magnus church The ruins of the 12th-century church dedicated to Earl Magnus, who was killed a short distance southeast of here in about 1116.<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/2697/egilsay-st-magnuss-church" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/2697/egilsay-st-magnuss-church">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>
Egilsay: St. Magnus church
The ruins of the 12th-century church dedicated to Earl Magnus, who was killed a short distance southeast of here in about 1116.LinkExternal link
Egilsay: welcome to Onziebust Nature Reserve Looking along the road east from the crossroads. The island across the water is Eday.
Egilsay: welcome to Onziebust Nature Reserve
Looking along the road east from the crossroads. The island across the water is Eday.
Egilsay: rocks at Manse Beach White sand and rocky outcrops on the east coast of the island.
Egilsay: rocks at Manse Beach
White sand and rocky outcrops on the east coast of the island.
Egilsay: Manse Beach A lovely white sandy beach on the east coast of the island.
Egilsay: Manse Beach
A lovely white sandy beach on the east coast of the island.
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Skaill Taing is located at Grid Ref: HY4630 (Lat: 59.155717, Lng: -2.9447428)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///hawks.vipers.tequila. Near Brinian, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.155717,-2.9447428
Ferry Terminal
Egilsay Ferry Terminal
Lat/Long: 59.1549457/-2.9446211
Egilsay slip
Seamark Light Character: Fl
Seamark Light Colour: green
Seamark Light Height: 4
Seamark Light Period: 3
Seamark Light Range: 4
Seamark Light Reference: A 3740
Seamark Light Sequence: 0.3+(2.7)
Seamark Type: light_minor
Source: US NGA Pub. 114. 2011-05-26.
Lat/Long: 59.1546578/-2.9449542
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1551015/-2.9410864
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.15514/-2.9401691
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1552143/-2.9384257
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1552693/-2.9367842
Toilets
Lat/Long: 59.1559138/-2.9424129
Sands of Skaill
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 59.1583381/-2.9412759
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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