Gairsna Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Gairsna Geo

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

Gairsna Geo is a prominent coastal feature located on the island of Orkney, Scotland. It is situated on the east coast of the island, near the village of St. Margaret's Hope. Gairsna Geo is a headland that juts out into the North Sea, forming a distinct point along the coastline.

The geo itself is a narrow inlet or cove, surrounded by steep cliffs that reach up to 40 meters in height. These cliffs are composed of sedimentary rock, primarily sandstone and shale, which have been weathered and eroded over time by the relentless waves and tides of the North Sea.

Gairsna Geo offers stunning views of the surrounding coastal landscape and the open sea. It is a popular spot for birdwatching, as the cliffs provide nesting sites for various seabird species, including guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars. During the summer months, visitors may also catch a glimpse of puffins, which inhabit the nearby waters.

The area surrounding Gairsna Geo is rich in archaeological remains, with several ancient settlements and burial sites nearby. It is believed that the headland served as an important vantage point for the ancient inhabitants of Orkney, offering both protection and a strategic view of the surrounding sea.

Overall, Gairsna Geo is a unique coastal feature that combines stunning natural beauty with a rich historical and archaeological significance. It is a must-visit location for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape along the picturesque Orkney coastline.

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Gairsna Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.366893/-2.4419303 or Grid Reference HY7453. 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.
North Ronaldsay: old petrol pump by the airfield
I think it's a few years since this pump last dispensed any fuel.
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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4705808">HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: inside the new kirk</a> for a glimpse of some of the information panels within.
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.
North Ronaldsay: inside the new kirk Looking down from the gallery of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4705795">HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: the New Kirk</a>, 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.
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.
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.
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.
North Ronaldsay: sheep on the beach at Linklet Bay The island is known for its seaweed-eating sheep so I presume that is what these sheep were doing before being interrupted by my approach.
North Ronaldsay: sheep on the beach at Linklet Bay
The island is known for its seaweed-eating sheep so I presume that is what these sheep were doing before being interrupted by my approach.
North Ronaldsay: Linklet Bay beach on a cloudless day A pristine view along the beach on this glorious summer's day.
North Ronaldsay: Linklet Bay beach on a cloudless day
A pristine view along the beach on this glorious summer's day.
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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4706053">HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: postbox № KW17 119</a> for a close-up of the postbox in the wall.
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.
North Ronaldsay: postbox № KW17 119 The island's only postbox is set into a window of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4706045">HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: the post office</a>. 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.
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.
Holland House from Nouster, North Ronaldsay
Holland House from Nouster, North Ronaldsay
Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay Although named South Bay on OS maps, this is known as Nouster Bay locally.
Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay
Although named South Bay on OS maps, this is known as Nouster Bay locally.
Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay Looking across towards the pier; although named South Bay on OS maps, the bay is known as Nouster Bay locally.
Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay
Looking across towards the pier; although named South Bay on OS maps, the bay is known as Nouster Bay locally.
South Bay, North Ronaldsay, from the air
South Bay, North Ronaldsay, from the air
North Ronaldsay from the air
North Ronaldsay from the air
North Ronaldsay emerging from the gloom
North Ronaldsay emerging from the gloom
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.
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.
On North Ronaldsay - South Bay
On North Ronaldsay - South Bay
On North Ronaldsay - walking from the jetty towards Holland
On North Ronaldsay - walking from the jetty towards Holland
On North Ronaldsay - Trig point at Holland
On North Ronaldsay - Trig point at Holland
Show me another place!

Gairsna Geo is located at Grid Ref: HY7453 (Lat: 59.366893, Lng: -2.4419303)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///reactions.incisions.copper. Near Hollandstoun, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.366893,-2.4419303
Created By: almien_coastlines mod
Lat/Long: 59.363777/-2.442159
Aeroway: threshold
Ref: 14
Lat/Long: 59.3680772/-2.4348642
Aeroway: threshold
Ele: 12.8
Ref: 10
Lat/Long: 59.3677968/-2.439314
Gairsna Geo
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.3667695/-2.4426645
Little Moo Geo
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.3685176/-2.4422673
Doo Geo
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.368985/-2.4422887
Aeroway: navigationaid
Lat/Long: 59.3679692/-2.4384043
Aeroway: navigationaid
Lat/Long: 59.3679159/-2.438415
Generator Method: wind_turbine
Generator Source: wind
Generator Type: horizontal_axis
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 59.3654381/-2.4372804
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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