Stirra Clett

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Stirra Clett

Standing Stone in Shapinsay
Standing Stone in Shapinsay Credit: fabio sassi

Stirra Clett is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, an archipelago in Scotland. It is a stunning headland that stretches out into the North Sea, forming a distinct point along the coastline.

This majestic headland is characterized by its rugged cliffs, which rise dramatically from the sea. The cliffs are composed of sandstone and are weathered by the relentless pounding of the waves, creating a picturesque landscape. At the top of the cliffs, there is a grassy plateau, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Stirra Clett is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The cliffs provide nesting sites for numerous seabirds, including guillemots, puffins, and razorbills. Visitors can witness these magnificent birds in their natural habitat, soaring above the crashing waves or perched on the cliff ledges. The area is also home to a variety of marine life, such as seals, dolphins, and even occasional sightings of whales.

In addition to its natural beauty, Stirra Clett holds historical significance. It is believed that the headland was used as a lookout point during ancient times, allowing the inhabitants of Orkney to spot approaching ships. The area is scattered with archaeological remains, including the remnants of ancient settlements and burial sites.

Stirra Clett is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and history buffs alike. Its striking cliffs, diverse wildlife, and historical importance make it a captivating coastal feature in Orkney.

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Stirra Clett Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.046539/-2.8234133 or Grid Reference HY5218. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Standing Stone in Shapinsay
Standing Stone in Shapinsay
Baled Hay at North Hill Mainland Orkney in the distance.
Baled Hay at North Hill
Mainland Orkney in the distance.
Track at North Hill Looking northwest.
Track at North Hill
Looking northwest.
Fields at North Hill I think that is Mull Head on Mainland (Orkney) to the right. The white speck towards the left horizon is the lighthouse on Auskerry.
Fields at North Hill
I think that is Mull Head on Mainland (Orkney) to the right. The white speck towards the left horizon is the lighthouse on Auskerry.
Inkerman House Shapinsay looking Northward
Inkerman House Shapinsay looking Northward
Close up of Inkerman
Close up of Inkerman
Lucknow Farm Shapinsay
Lucknow Farm Shapinsay
Lucknow Farm Shapinsay Looking southwards
Lucknow Farm Shapinsay Looking southwards
Collapsed Building - coastal erosion This was at one time a substantial small holding. Now vanishing after many years of coastal erosion.
Collapsed Building - coastal erosion
This was at one time a substantial small holding. Now vanishing after many years of coastal erosion.
Lochend Area from Ventro Bay, Shapinsay
Lochend Area from Ventro Bay, Shapinsay
Water infrastructure, Shapinsay, Orkney The building appears to be disused and I assume that the borehole became redundant when a mains water pipe was laid between Orkney Mainland and Shapinsay in 2012.
Water infrastructure, Shapinsay, Orkney
The building appears to be disused and I assume that the borehole became redundant when a mains water pipe was laid between Orkney Mainland and Shapinsay in 2012.
Former quarry, Shapinsay, Orkney Described in a local guide book as being an out of the wind suntrap.
Former quarry, Shapinsay, Orkney
Described in a local guide book as being an out of the wind suntrap.
Former rubbish tip, Shapinsay, Orkney I'm guessing that this style of waste disposal doesn't comply with modern legislation.
Former rubbish tip, Shapinsay, Orkney
I'm guessing that this style of waste disposal doesn't comply with modern legislation.
Mor Stein The information board says that it is known locally as the Moora Stone. It has lost some of its height since the Reverend George Barry described it as the Standing Stone of Shapinsay  in the Statistical Account of Shapinsay <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://stataccscot.edina.ac.uk/static/statacc/dist/viewer/osa-vol17-Parish_record_for_Shapinshay_in_the_county_of_Orkney_in_volume_17_of_account_1/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://stataccscot.edina.ac.uk/static/statacc/dist/viewer/osa-vol17-Parish_record_for_Shapinshay_in_the_county_of_Orkney_in_volume_17_of_account_1/">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> in 1796. It now stands 2.9 metres tall, 0.95 metres wide and 0.45 metres thick, and is still covered with lichen as it was over 200 years ago. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, but the citation <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM1323" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM1323">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> is unusually devoid of information.
Mor Stein
The information board says that it is known locally as the Moora Stone. It has lost some of its height since the Reverend George Barry described it as the Standing Stone of Shapinsay in the Statistical Account of Shapinsay LinkExternal link in 1796. It now stands 2.9 metres tall, 0.95 metres wide and 0.45 metres thick, and is still covered with lichen as it was over 200 years ago. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, but the citation LinkExternal link is unusually devoid of information.
Quoybanks Quoybanks Farm stands a little above the coast, and has a fine view over The Ouse, which is a shallow tidal inlet, and Lairo Water, on the right, which is separated from the sea by a narrow shingle spit.
Quoybanks
Quoybanks Farm stands a little above the coast, and has a fine view over The Ouse, which is a shallow tidal inlet, and Lairo Water, on the right, which is separated from the sea by a narrow shingle spit.
Grazing Land near Lairo The lagoon of Lairo Water is in the distance. It is in the next square.
Grazing Land near Lairo
The lagoon of Lairo Water is in the distance. It is in the next square.
Quoybanks To the left, the roof of Odinstone is just visible beyond a slight rise.
Quoybanks
To the left, the roof of Odinstone is just visible beyond a slight rise.
Shapinsay: postbox № KW17 69 A George V-reign postbox set into a stone pillar with a rather decorative top.
Shapinsay: postbox № KW17 69
A George V-reign postbox set into a stone pillar with a rather decorative top.
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Stirra Clett is located at Grid Ref: HY5218 (Lat: 59.046539, Lng: -2.8234133)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///tailwind.configure.clean. Near Balfour, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.046539,-2.8234133
Location Transition: yes
Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0458697/-2.8301455
Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0461883/-2.8313534
Marker: cable
Lat/Long: 59.0456016/-2.824232
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.043597/-2.8286845
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0441006/-2.8281909
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0446276/-2.8276679
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0451794/-2.8271341
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0462321/-2.8272629
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0483124/-2.8312647
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0479703/-2.8301382
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0476282/-2.8287435
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0472667/-2.827405
Bay of Crook
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.0465039/-2.8213191
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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