Scarffie Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Scarffie Geo

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

Scarffie Geo is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, a group of islands off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is classified as a headland, or a narrow piece of land that juts out into the sea. More specifically, Scarffie Geo is a point, which is a headland that comes to a sharp and distinct end.

Situated on the western coast of the Orkney mainland, Scarffie Geo is known for its rugged beauty and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The headland is characterized by steep cliffs that drop dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean below. These cliffs, formed by the relentless pounding of the waves over thousands of years, provide a nesting site for various seabird species, such as puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes.

The name "Scarffie Geo" originates from the Old Norse language, with "scarffie" meaning "sharp" and "geo" referring to a narrow inlet or cove. This name aptly describes the point's distinctive shape and rocky nature.

Scarffie Geo attracts many visitors, including nature enthusiasts, photographers, and hikers, who come to admire its natural beauty and explore the surrounding coastal trails. The headland offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor activities such as birdwatching, rock climbing, and coastal walks.

Overall, Scarffie Geo is a captivating coastal feature in Orkney, renowned for its striking cliffs, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

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Scarffie Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.355507/-2.4417471 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