Ire's Taing

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Ire's Taing

North Ronaldsay: old petrol pump by the airfield I think it&#039;s a few years since this pump last dispensed any fuel. — North Ronaldsay: old petrol pump by the airfield Credit: Chris Downer

Ire's Taing is a prominent coastal feature located on the mainland of Orkney, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is categorized as a headland or point, jutting out into the North Sea. The name "Taing" is derived from the Old Norse word "Tangi," meaning "point" or "spit of land," reflecting the Norse influence on the region's history.

Ire's Taing is known for its dramatic cliffs, rising vertically from the sea to a height of approximately 30 meters (98 feet). The cliffs are composed of sandstone and are adorned with stunning geological formations, including natural arches and sea stacks. These formations have been shaped over thousands of years by the relentless force of the ocean waves, creating a picturesque and rugged landscape.

The headland offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding waters and the neighboring islands of Orkney. On clear days, visitors can observe seabird colonies nesting on the cliffs, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. The area is also home to a diverse range of marine life, with seals and dolphins occasionally spotted offshore.

Ire's Taing is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. There is a well-maintained coastal path that allows visitors to explore the area, providing access to different viewpoints and ensuring safety. The headland is easily accessible from the nearby town of Stromness, and there are designated parking areas for visitors.

Overall, Ire's Taing is a remarkable coastal feature in Orkney, offering awe-inspiring natural beauty and a glimpse into the region's rich geological and cultural history.

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Ire's Taing Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.355219/-2.4445924 or Grid Reference HY7452. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

North Ronaldsay: old petrol pump by the airfield

I think it's a few years since this pump last dispensed any fuel.

Chris Downer

North Ronaldsay: the New Kirk

Despite being the 'new' kirk (in relation to the 'old' kirk south of here), the church is itself disused from a religious point of view. It has, though, been reincarnated as a heritage centre with a whole host of photographs and information documenting all aspects of life on the island. See HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: inside the new kirk for a glimpse of some of the information panels within.

Chris Downer

North Ronaldsay: inside the new kirk

Looking down from the gallery of HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: the New Kirk, on the western end of the exhibition of North Ronaldsay life. It is a fascinating place, with panels looking at different aspects of the island - postal, school, etc. - and continues in the smaller part of the building.

Chris Downer

North Ronaldsay: approaching by air

Looking through the front window of the plane as it approaches the airfield on North Ronaldsay. This is the 10:50 from Kirkwall, which arrives at 11:08. The odd shiny lines are reflections of the leather seat on the glass.

Chris Downer

North Ronaldsay: the post office

The post office is more or less in the centre of the island, and is open 10-12 Monday and Wednesday-to-Friday, and 12-2 on Tuesdays. See HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: postbox № KW17 119 for a close-up of the postbox in the wall.

Chris Downer

North Ronaldsay: postbox № KW17 119

The island's only postbox is set into a window of HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: the post office. It is a nice, and increasingly rare, example of what is known as a 'carpenter's box' - one that was locally made to suit, and clearly not a regular design. The window is also embellished with a whalebone.

Chris Downer

Holland House from Nouster, North Ronaldsay

Mike Pennington

Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay

Although named South Bay on OS maps, this is known as Nouster Bay locally.

Mike Pennington

Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay

Looking across towards the pier; although named South Bay on OS maps, the bay is known as Nouster Bay locally.

Mike Pennington

South Bay, North Ronaldsay, from the air

Mike Pennington

Off loading cars from MV Earl Sigard at North Ronaldsay

North Ronaldsay is the only inhabited island in the Orkney Islands where vehicles need to be craned off and on.

Colin Park

On North Ronaldsay - South Bay

Colin Park

On North Ronaldsay - walking from the jetty towards Holland

Colin Park

On North Ronaldsay - Trig point at Holland

Colin Park

North Ronaldsay Airport

Colin Park

Old mills at Nesstoun, North Ronaldsay

The large building is a watermill, built in 1907 to replace another nearby. The conical stump is the base of Peckhouse Windmill which had a wooden upper structure.

Greg Fitchett