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Scarf Rocks

Island in Caithness

Scotland

Scarf Rocks

Port Mor and Sandside Bay
Port Mor and Sandside Bay Credit: sylvia duckworth

Scarf Rocks is a small island located off the north coast of Caithness, Scotland. It is part of an archipelago known as the Orkney Islands, situated in the North Sea. This uninhabited island is characterized by its distinctive rocky terrain and rugged coastline.

Covering an area of approximately 42 hectares, Scarf Rocks is primarily composed of sandstone and shale, giving it a unique geological profile. The island is known for its towering cliffs that reach heights of up to 50 meters, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding sea. These cliffs are also home to a diverse range of seabird species, including guillemots, razorbills, and puffins, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Access to Scarf Rocks is limited due to its remote location and lack of infrastructure. The island can only be reached by boat, and visitors are advised to check local tide times and weather conditions before attempting a visit. Despite its isolation, Scarf Rocks offers a tranquil and untouched environment that appeals to those seeking a sense of solitude and natural beauty.

Due to its rich marine life and geological significance, Scarf Rocks has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This status aims to protect and preserve the island's unique ecosystem and geological features for future generations to enjoy.

In conclusion, Scarf Rocks is a stunning and unspoiled island situated off the coast of Caithness. With its dramatic cliffs, abundant birdlife, and remote location, it offers visitors a chance to connect with nature in a truly awe-inspiring setting.

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Scarf Rocks Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.571672/-3.7930313 or Grid Reference NC9566. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Port Mor and Sandside Bay
Port Mor and Sandside Bay
Reay cemetery
Reay cemetery
Reay: postbox № KW14 61 A Victorian postbox set into the wall of what looks like a former school, now a village hall.
Reay: postbox № KW14 61
A Victorian postbox set into the wall of what looks like a former school, now a village hall.
Reay: postbox № KW14 60 and phone box The more easterly of Reay's two postboxes stands opposite the village school and a short distance from a traditional red phone box which is currently doorless.
Reay: postbox № KW14 60 and phone box
The more easterly of Reay's two postboxes stands opposite the village school and a short distance from a traditional red phone box which is currently doorless.
Reay Parish Church The church was built in 1739 and is now an A-grade listed building. <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.caithness.org/community/worship/cos/reaystrathyhalladale/index.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.caithness.org/community/worship/cos/reaystrathyhalladale/index.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Reay Parish Church
The church was built in 1739 and is now an A-grade listed building. LinkExternal link
Sandside Harbour and slipway Sandside Harbour and the associated fishing store and cottages were built in 1830 by Major William Innes of Sandside. The harbour faces east and is sheltered to the west by higher ground. Dounreay nuclear facility is clearly visible from the harbour.
Sandside Harbour and slipway
Sandside Harbour and the associated fishing store and cottages were built in 1830 by Major William Innes of Sandside. The harbour faces east and is sheltered to the west by higher ground. Dounreay nuclear facility is clearly visible from the harbour.
Sandside Harbour Sandside Harbour and the associated fishing store and cottages were built in 1830 by Major William Innes of Sandside. The harbour faces east and is sheltered to the west by higher ground. Dounreay nuclear facility is clearly visible from the harbour.
Sandside Harbour
Sandside Harbour and the associated fishing store and cottages were built in 1830 by Major William Innes of Sandside. The harbour faces east and is sheltered to the west by higher ground. Dounreay nuclear facility is clearly visible from the harbour.
Sandside Harbour The harbour's in sunshine but another snow shower is on its way from the east during what was a prolonged spell of cold easterlies. The Kittiwake seems fairly well secured though.
Sandside Harbour
The harbour's in sunshine but another snow shower is on its way from the east during what was a prolonged spell of cold easterlies. The Kittiwake seems fairly well secured though.
Edward's Geo by Fresgoe near Dounreay These geos are a feature of this northern coastline sadly this one had been used as a dumping ground for various bits of farming paraphernalia.
Edward's Geo by Fresgoe near Dounreay
These geos are a feature of this northern coastline sadly this one had been used as a dumping ground for various bits of farming paraphernalia.
Geo by Fresgoe near Dounreay This geo has been cut into beds of Caithness sandstone. The blurring of the image wasn't a feature of the camera lens but rather was a function of the 40mph winds being experienced by much of Scotland in mid March
Geo by Fresgoe near Dounreay
This geo has been cut into beds of Caithness sandstone. The blurring of the image wasn't a feature of the camera lens but rather was a function of the 40mph winds being experienced by much of Scotland in mid March
Sandstone flag roof, Caithness This cottage has retained its flagstone roof. This type of roof would once have been seen everywhere in the area given the readily available raw materials. The other side of the cottage can be seen in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3381919">NC9566 : Fresgoe harbour</a> which gives a rather different view of the property.
Sandstone flag roof, Caithness
This cottage has retained its flagstone roof. This type of roof would once have been seen everywhere in the area given the readily available raw materials. The other side of the cottage can be seen in NC9566 : Fresgoe harbour which gives a rather different view of the property.
Fresgoe harbour The odd spacing of the upper windows relative to those on the ground floor of the sandstone building can be explained by referring to <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3381909">NC9566 : Sandstone flag roof, Caithness</a> which shows the other side of the building. The sea side is two storey while the landward side is single storey.
Fresgoe harbour
The odd spacing of the upper windows relative to those on the ground floor of the sandstone building can be explained by referring to NC9566 : Sandstone flag roof, Caithness which shows the other side of the building. The sea side is two storey while the landward side is single storey.
Reay village
Reay village
Coast West of Sandside Head Slabs of bare rock on this exposed coast.
Coast West of Sandside Head
Slabs of bare rock on this exposed coast.
Flowery verge, Reay Woodlands surround Sandside House, a very different scene to the A836 west of here.
Flowery verge, Reay
Woodlands surround Sandside House, a very different scene to the A836 west of here.
A836, Reay The road leaves Caithness via the woods of Sandside House and the climb of Drum Hollistan.
A836, Reay
The road leaves Caithness via the woods of Sandside House and the climb of Drum Hollistan.
Woods, Sandside A small area of conifers south of the A836. There is a big wood on the other side of the road.
Woods, Sandside
A small area of conifers south of the A836. There is a big wood on the other side of the road.
A836, Reay The north coast road passes through woodland at Sandside House.
A836, Reay
The north coast road passes through woodland at Sandside House.
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Scarf Rocks is located at Grid Ref: NC9566 (Lat: 58.571672, Lng: -3.7930313)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///sweeper.approach.skinning. Near Reay, Highland

Nearby Locations

Scarf Rocks Edward's Geo Geodh' Grada Sandside Head

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The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Skerry Eel Caithness
Tom Hurd Rock Cumberland

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