Saeva Ness

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Saeva Ness

Shapinsay Gas House All that remains of former gas works which dates from the mid 19th century. — Shapinsay Gas House Credit: Shirley Grant

Saeva Ness is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, an archipelago in northern Scotland. It is a headland that juts out into the North Sea, forming a point that extends into the surrounding waters. The name "Saeva Ness" is derived from Old Norse and translates to "Savage Point," which accurately reflects the rugged and wild nature of this geographical formation.

As a headland, Saeva Ness is characterized by its steep cliffs and rocky terrain. The cliffs range in height, with some towering up to 100 meters above sea level. These cliffs are composed of layers of sedimentary rock, showcasing the geological history of the area.

The point of Saeva Ness offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. On clear days, visitors can see the neighboring islands of Rousay and Eday, as well as the distant mainland. The point also provides a vantage point for observing the diverse marine life in the waters below, including seals, dolphins, and various seabird species.

Saeva Ness is an important site for birdwatching enthusiasts, as it serves as a nesting ground for several seabird colonies. Species such as puffins, kittiwakes, and guillemots can be spotted here during the breeding season.

Access to Saeva Ness is relatively easy, with a designated footpath leading visitors to the headland. However, caution is advised due to the steep cliffs and potentially slippery conditions. The area is also known for its strong winds, so appropriate clothing is recommended when exploring this stunning coastal feature.

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Saeva Ness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.018653/-2.8991313 or Grid Reference HY4814. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shapinsay Gas House

All that remains of former gas works which dates from the mid 19th century.

Shirley Grant

Main Street, Balfour Village

This village was called Shoreside and was built in the late 1700s as home for workers on the Balfour estate.

Shirley Grant

Elwick

Looking south west across the square to Balfour Castle in the distance.

Callum Black

Bathhouse/dovecot tower, Balfour Castle, Shapinsay

This curious tower was built as a doocot and sea-water shower for residents and guests at Balfour Castle.

Michael Wills

Work Farm and Head of Work, St Ola, Orkney

Beef and sheep farm on a headland to the north east of Kirkwall, Orkney. Small loch impounded by an 'ayre' or bar at right

Karl Cooper

Shapinsay pier

Catherine Morgan

Saeva Ness lighthouse from Shapinsay Ferry

Saeva Ness lighthouse on Helliar Holm viewed from the Shapinsay ferry.

Bill Ross

Car Ness from Shapinsay Ferry

Wartime coastal defences at the tip of Car Ness viewed from the Shapinsay ferry.

Bill Ross

Saeva Ness Lighthouse

Saeva Ness lighthouse looks out across The String a short distance to the Head of Work on Mainland.

Bill Ross

Cormorants on rock outcrop

Rod Richmond

Balfour Castle

Grapes were once grown in the greenhouses here, in defiance of Adam Smith's assertion that a grape harvest in Scotland would be hopelessly uneconomic. Now the household confines its fruit-growing ambitions to rhubarb jam.

HelenK

The Shapinsay Ferry

Vehicles must reverse on to this shallow bottomed craft which takes about 25 minutes for the journey to Kirkwall. It serves islanders commuting to Kirkwall as well as tourists visiting this agricultural island.

Colin Smith

War Memorial at Elwick

The distinctive cross on a column stands by a road junction above Elwick, a former Viking anchorage. The round stepped stone ornaments by the memorial and the dry stone dykes are common on Shapinsay.

Colin Smith

Field near Balfour

An old mill which may become a crafts centre looms above the grassy hillside north-east of Balfour. In the foreground are the distinctive kochia or "red hot pokers".

Colin Smith

Balfour Castle

Imposing Victorian pile built around Cliffdale, the previous house. It is now an exclusive hotel.

Colin Smith

Shapinsay Harbour

Lobster boats and the Kirkwall RO / RO ferry use the small harbour at Balfour. Cannon decorate the quayside and the round tower in the background is "The Douche" - supposed to be a doocot and a saltwater shower!

Colin Smith