Geostane

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Geostane

Shapinsay: Borroughston Broch One of many brochs, or remains of, in Orkney, the one here was excavated in the 1860s but fell into poor condition again before being properly restored in the 1990s. — Shapinsay: Borroughston Broch Credit: Chris Downer

Geostane is a prominent coastal feature located on the island of Orkney, Scotland. It is classified as a headland or point, jutting out into the North Sea. The name "Geostane" is derived from the Old Norse language and translates to "goose rock," possibly referring to the shape of the rock formation or the presence of geese in the area.

Geostane is characterized by its steep cliffs, which are composed of rugged sandstone and rise to an impressive height of about 100 feet (30 meters) above sea level. The cliffs are heavily eroded, showcasing various layers of sedimentary rock formations that have been shaped by centuries of wind and wave action. The exposed rock surfaces reveal a rich geological history, offering insights into the past environments and geological processes of the region.

The headland provides a magnificent viewpoint for visitors, offering panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, the vast expanse of the North Sea, and the neighboring islands of Orkney. The area is known for its dramatic seascapes, with crashing waves, sea stacks, and rocky outcrops adding to its picturesque beauty.

Geostane is also home to a diverse range of seabirds, including fulmars, kittiwakes, and guillemots, which nest along the cliffs and use the headland as a breeding ground. The site is designated as a Special Protection Area, recognizing its importance for the conservation of these bird species.

Accessible by foot or by boat, Geostane offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience for nature enthusiasts, geologists, and those seeking to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of Orkney's coastline.

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Geostane Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.065393/-2.810018 or Grid Reference HY5320. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shapinsay: Borroughston Broch

One of many brochs, or remains of, in Orkney, the one here was excavated in the 1860s but fell into poor condition again before being properly restored in the 1990s.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: Borroughston Broch from the north

Another view of HY5421 : Shapinsay: Borroughston Broch, from the opposite side.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: a line of running cows

Maybe 'running' is a bit of an exaggeration, but these cows approached us in line at a bit of a canter before deciding that there was nothing to interest them. A few minutes later they did the same, in similar formation, at the far end of the field.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: the B9058 heads north

Looking along the last dead-straight mile of the main road across the island.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: hay bales and a sea view

Looking across one of the square patchwork fields of the island, with Rothiesholm Head on Stronsay in the distance.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: postbox № KW17 57

A standard lamp box dating from post-1994, mounted on an unusually short metal pole. Serving the northern part of the island, it is one of four postboxes on Shapinsay.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: the road to Quholm

A road runs at right-angles from the main B9058, and the regular angularity is no accident: David Balfour, who owned the island in the mid-1800s, divided most of the land into fields of 4 hectares - and it is particularly evident from aerial photography or large-scale mapping that this was done in a patchwork of squares. It is therefore natural that the roads will be straight and at right-angles to one another.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: red phone box on the B9058

The phone box stands alongside the road but far enough onto someone's garden that it is probably the location of the former North Shapinsay post office, which existed from 1935 until closure on 30 June 1975.

Chris Downer

Ness of Ork, Shapinsay, from the air

Mike Pennington

Triangulation pillar, Ness of Ork, Shapinsay, Orkney

Looking west towards the coast at Noust of Erraby.

Claire Pegrum

Broch of Burroughston

This is the entrance passageway to the broch, which is sufficiently well preserved to be readily recognisable as such. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. See Link

for details.

Anne Burgess

Broch of Burroughston

The broch still stands to about a third of its likely original height, and its internal features, including stairs and the bases of partitions, have survived. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. See Link

for details.

Anne Burgess

Broch of Burroughston

Looking down from the top of the wall, you get a reasonable idea of the internal layout, including the partitions that create smaller side chambers. The grating is modern, and covers the well. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. See Link

for details.

Anne Burgess

Broch of Burroughston

One of the typical features of a broch is that it has two walls, with a stair spiralling up to the top between the walls. This is part of that staircase. The broch is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. See Link

for details.

Anne Burgess

Broch of Burroughston

Looking down on the interior of the broch. The grating over the well is modern, as is the plinth holding an information board. The broch is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. See Link

for details.

Anne Burgess

Broch of Burroughston

The interior from beside the entrance passageway. The information board and the grating are modern. The broch is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. See Link

for details.

Anne Burgess