South Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

South Geo

Auskerry Lighthouse by the South Taing. Auskerry lies about 3 miles to the south of Stronsay
Auskerry Lighthouse by the South Taing. Credit: Des Colhoun

South Geo is a prominent coastal feature located on the island of Orkney, Scotland. Situated on the southern coast of the island, it is a well-known headland that juts out into the North Sea. The name "South Geo" is derived from the Old Norse word "geirr," meaning a triangular piece of land, which accurately describes the shape of this distinctive point.

The headland is characterized by steep cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea, providing a stunning and picturesque view. These cliffs are composed mainly of sandstone and shale, creating a rugged and textured appearance. In some areas, the layers of rock are clearly visible, displaying the geological history of the region.

South Geo is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to a diverse range of bird species. The cliffs provide nesting sites for seabirds such as guillemots, puffins, and razorbills, creating a lively and bustling colony during breeding season. Visitors to the site can enjoy the sight and sounds of these birds, as well as the opportunity to observe their unique behaviors.

In addition to its natural beauty, South Geo also offers a glimpse into Orkney's rich history. The headland is dotted with ancient ruins, including the remains of a Norse settlement dating back to the Viking era. These archaeological sites provide valuable insight into the island's past and offer a fascinating experience for history enthusiasts.

Overall, South Geo is a remarkable coastal feature that showcases the natural and cultural heritage of Orkney. Its stunning cliffs, diverse wildlife, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

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South Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.026499/-2.5743965 or Grid Reference HY6715. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Auskerry Lighthouse by the South Taing. Auskerry lies about 3 miles to the south of Stronsay
Auskerry Lighthouse by the South Taing.
Auskerry lies about 3 miles to the south of Stronsay
The Gerson, Auskerry The tip of the Auskerry Lighthouse can be seen to the southwest.
The Gerson, Auskerry
The tip of the Auskerry Lighthouse can be seen to the southwest.
Towards North Taing, Auskerry.
Towards North Taing, Auskerry.
Treacherous rocks for the unwary by The Lothers, Auskerry.
Treacherous rocks for the unwary by The Lothers, Auskerry.
Auskerry from the south-west Taken from the Aberdeen-Orkney-Shetland ferry several km away, off Mull Head.
Auskerry from the south-west
Taken from the Aberdeen-Orkney-Shetland ferry several km away, off Mull Head.
Auskerry lighthouse Taken from the Shetland ferry, about 2 km to the south.
Auskerry lighthouse
Taken from the Shetland ferry, about 2 km to the south.
Auskerry from the south Taken from the Shetland ferry about 2 km south.
Auskerry from the south
Taken from the Shetland ferry about 2 km south.
Auskerry at dusk Taken from the Aberdeen-Orkney-Shetland ferry about 10km to the SSW.
Auskerry at dusk
Taken from the Aberdeen-Orkney-Shetland ferry about 10km to the SSW.
The lighthouse on Auskerry Taken from the ferry from Shetland on a close approach, only about 1.5 km offshore.
The lighthouse on Auskerry
Taken from the ferry from Shetland on a close approach, only about 1.5 km offshore.
Auskerry lighthouse from the east Taken from the Shetland ferry a few km to the east.
Auskerry lighthouse from the east
Taken from the Shetland ferry a few km to the east.
Auskerry lighthouse at dusk Taken from the Shetland ferry about 1.5 km to the south.
Auskerry lighthouse at dusk
Taken from the Shetland ferry about 1.5 km to the south.
Auskerry lighthouse at dusk Taken from the east from the Shetland ferry a few kilometres offshore.
Auskerry lighthouse at dusk
Taken from the east from the Shetland ferry a few kilometres offshore.
Auskerry Light Taken at dawn, 18/3/12.
Auskerry Light
Taken at dawn, 18/3/12.
MV Enbarr at Auskerry An ambition fulfilled today when I travelled out on the Enbarr to drop off resident sheep farmer Simon Brogan on Auskerry. He'll spend much of the year there tending his flock of "North Rons" (alone until joined by other members of the family later in the year). Stores are landed, fleeces collected, farewells from Teresa and Hamish, then back to Kirkwall with Billy the boatman on the tide. A quick chance for me to take some photos, too.
MV Enbarr at Auskerry
An ambition fulfilled today when I travelled out on the Enbarr to drop off resident sheep farmer Simon Brogan on Auskerry. He'll spend much of the year there tending his flock of "North Rons" (alone until joined by other members of the family later in the year). Stores are landed, fleeces collected, farewells from Teresa and Hamish, then back to Kirkwall with Billy the boatman on the tide. A quick chance for me to take some photos, too.
Landing at South Geo, Auskerry Billy, Teresa and Hamish loading stores. This is the only decent landing on Auskerry, built for access to the lighthouse.
Landing at South Geo, Auskerry
Billy, Teresa and Hamish loading stores. This is the only decent landing on Auskerry, built for access to the lighthouse.
Auskerry Lighthouse The sun is just about to come up over the horizon.
Auskerry Lighthouse
The sun is just about to come up over the horizon.
Sunrise with standing stone What a gorgeous morning.
Sunrise with standing stone
What a gorgeous morning.
North Taing Simon's first visit since he vacated his house last October and overwintered in Kirkwall (no doubt tempted there by the bright lights, city sights and sultry women). The mast in the centre holds a wind turbine which charges a bank of batteries.
North Taing
Simon's first visit since he vacated his house last October and overwintered in Kirkwall (no doubt tempted there by the bright lights, city sights and sultry women). The mast in the centre holds a wind turbine which charges a bank of batteries.
Show me another place!

South Geo is located at Grid Ref: HY6715 (Lat: 59.026499, Lng: -2.5743965)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///goodnight.regular.restored. Near Whitehall, Orkney Islands

Related Wikis

Auskerry

Auskerry (Scots: Soond; Old Norse: Austrsker, east skerry) is a small island in eastern Orkney, Scotland. It lies in the North Sea south of Stronsay and...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.026499,-2.5743965
Auskerry LIghthouse
Man Made: lighthouse
Seamark Light Character: Fl
Seamark Light Colour: white
Seamark Light Height: 34
Seamark Light Period: 20
Seamark Light Range: 18
Seamark Light Reference: A 3680
Seamark Light Sequence: 0.5+(19.5)
Seamark Name: Auskerry
Seamark Type: light_major
Wikidata: Q3378153
Lat/Long: 59.0258107/-2.5722245
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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