Old Noust of Vigga

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Old Noust of Vigga

St Nicholas' Manse, Holm Now a private house, located in an isolated part of Holm, Orkney — St Nicholas' Manse, Holm Credit: Mark Crook

Old Noust of Vigga is a prominent coastal feature located on the northern coast of Orkney, Scotland. It is a headland that extends out into the North Sea, forming a distinct and easily recognizable point. The headland is situated near the village of Evie and is known for its rugged and picturesque landscape.

The Old Noust of Vigga is composed of ancient sandstone cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea, reaching heights of up to 50 meters. These cliffs have been shaped over centuries by the relentless pounding of the waves, resulting in the creation of numerous sea caves and natural arches along the coastline.

The headland offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including the nearby island of Rousay and the open expanse of the North Sea. It is a popular spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts who are drawn to its unspoiled beauty and rich wildlife.

The area surrounding Old Noust of Vigga is also of great historical significance. Archaeological remains have been discovered in the vicinity, suggesting that the headland was once inhabited by ancient communities. These remnants include a Neolithic chambered cairn and several Iron Age brochs, giving insight into the long history of human occupation in the area.

Overall, Old Noust of Vigga is a captivating coastal feature that combines stunning natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. It offers visitors a chance to explore the rugged Orkney coastline and immerse themselves in the history and tranquility of this remarkable headland.

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Old Noust of Vigga Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.892266/-2.8618544 or Grid Reference HY5000. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

St Nicholas' Manse, Holm

Now a private house, located in an isolated part of Holm, Orkney

Mark Crook

The Italian Chapel, Orkney

The Italian prisoners constructed the chapel from limited materials in the form of a tin tabernacle. It comprises two Nissen huts joined end-to-end. They created a façade out of concrete to conceal the shape of the hut and make the building look more like a church.

David Dixon

The Italian Chapel (interior)

The Italian prisoners constructed the chapel from limited materials in the form of a tin tabernacle. It comprises two Nissen huts joined end-to-end. The corrugated interior was then covered with plasterboard and the altar and altar rail were constructed from concrete left over from work on the barriers. Most of the interior decoration was done by Domenico Chiocchetti, a prisoner from Moena.

David Dixon

The Italian Chapel, Sanctuary and Altar

Most of the interior decoration was done by Domenico Chiocchetti, a prisoner from Moena. He painted the sanctuary end of the chapel and his fellow prisoners decorated the entire interior. Like other Italian soldiers, Chiocchetti carried a small prayer card given to him by his mother before he left home to fight in the war. Chiocchetti’s painting above the altar was based on the image of the Madonna and Child by Nicolo Barabino on that card.

David Dixon

Madonna and Child above the Altar at the Italian Chapel

David Dixon

Painted Glass Window at the Italian Chapel

The remarkable and beautiful little chapel on Lamb Holm was built by Italian prisoners of war who had been captured during the North African campaign. There were a total of 550 Italian POWs of whom 200 were billeted on the tiny islet of Lamb Holm. They had been moved to Orkney in 1942 to build the "Churchill Barriers" which link several islands and islets to Mainland, Orkney and make the naval base of Scapa Flow far more secure. While on Orkney the prisoners of Camp 60 on Lamb Holm were given permission to build a place of worship. Under the brilliant leadership of Domenico Chiocchetti they transformed two old Nissen huts into a beautiful chapel, particularly remarkable considering the limited materials at their disposal. The huts were placed end-to-end making a double-length hut which was then remarkably embellished. It was completed in 1945, shortly before the end of hostilities, with Chiocchetti remaining behind after he was released in order to finish the decoration. In 1958, the Chapel Preservation Committee was set up by a group of Orcadians and Chiocchetti returned to the chapel he had masterminded in 1960 to assist with restoration work. When he died in 1999 a memorial requiem mass was held at the Chapel in his honour, attended by his wife and daughter.

David Dixon

War Memorial and Statue of St George outside the Italian Chapel

The sculpture of St George, sitting on his rearing horse, slaying a dragon with his lance stands adjacent to the car park at the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm. It was created by one of the Italian prisoners-of-war, artist Domenico Chiocchetti. It was completed on the 7th August 1943 and set up in the camp parade square on top of a plinth with the inscription 'P di G, Italiano, Li 7-8-1943'. P di G stands for prigioniero di guerra - Italian for Prisoners of War. This detailed work of art is impressive in its own right; however, its creation from scrap barbed wire and cement, along with its story as a symbol of hope, make it all the more remarkable. The statue preceded the chapel and in some ways, it helped to pave the way for the ornate sanctuary by strengthening the relationship between the prisoners and the camp commander, Major Buckland.

David Dixon

Two Huts outside the Italian Chapel

Related to the administration of tourist access to the chapel. The hut on the left is the box office where you pay; the one on the right is presumably used as a storage facility.

David Dixon

The Italian Chapel interior

Graeme Yuill

The Italian Chapel

Graeme Yuill

Churchill Barrier No 1

Graeme Yuill

Coast, Lamb Holm

Not far from the Italian Chapel.

David Bremner

Italian Chapel. Lamb Holm, Orkney

John Ferguson

Churchill Barrier No 1

Taken from the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, I am looking north west to Churchill Barrier 1, with St Mary's Bay and the settlement of the same name to the left of shot. This barrier forms a road bridge across the bay and the road continues southward from Lamb Holm over the two other barriers linking Glimpsta Holm and Burray.

Carroll Pierce

Holm Sound

From Churchill Barrier No.1

Eirian Evans

J. Gow Rum Distillery shop

The rum is distilled on Lamb Holm, a tiny island between two Churchill barriers

Eirian Evans

St George statue on Lamb Holm

A concrete statue of St George slaying the dragon was constructed by Domenico Chiocchetti, an Italian prisoner of war housed on Lamb Holm. It was the symbol of the will to "kill" all misunderstandings among people of different cultures.

Eirian Evans

The Italian Chapel, Lamb Holm

Built by Italian prisoners of war who were camped here. Two Nissen huts were made available for them, to be a school and a church. The interior was decorated using simple materials, mostly scrap and wood from a wreck.

Eirian Evans

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Old Noust of Vigga is located at Grid Ref: HY5000 (Lat: 58.892266, Lng: -2.8618544)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands