South Geo of Geostane

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

South Geo of 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

South Geo of Geostane is a prominent coastal feature located in the Orkney Islands, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. This headland, also known as Geostane Point, is positioned on the southern coast of the main island of Orkney.

South Geo of Geostane is characterized by its rugged and imposing cliffs, which rise steeply from the North Sea. These cliffs, composed mainly of sandstone and shale, reach heights of approximately 40 meters (130 feet) above sea level. The headland offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the vast expanse of the ocean.

The area surrounding South Geo of Geostane is rich in biodiversity, attracting a diverse array of bird species. Puffins, fulmars, guillemots, and razorbills are among the notable avian inhabitants of the area. The cliffs provide nesting sites for these seabirds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

In addition to its natural beauty, South Geo of Geostane holds historical significance. The headland is home to several archaeological sites, including a burial mound from the Neolithic period. This suggests that the area has been inhabited for thousands of years.

Access to South Geo of Geostane is relatively straightforward, with a footpath leading visitors to the headland from the nearby village. The headland is a popular spot for hiking, photography, and enjoying the coastal scenery.

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South Geo of Geostane Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.064262/-2.8098344 or Grid Reference HY5319. 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