Fas Skerry

Island in Caithness

Scotland

Fas Skerry

Cliff Face Cliff face at South Head, below the old Coastguard Station — Cliff Face Credit: John MacKenzie

Fas Skerry is a small uninhabited island located in the Pentland Firth, off the northeast coast of Caithness, Scotland. It is part of the Orkney Islands archipelago and lies approximately 7 miles northeast of Duncansby Head. The island covers an area of around 12 acres and is known for its rugged and rocky terrain.

Fas Skerry is a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts due to its abundant birdlife. The island is home to a variety of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, puffins, and fulmars. The surrounding waters are also frequented by seals and dolphins, making it a haven for wildlife lovers.

The island is uninhabited, devoid of any permanent structures or facilities. Its name, Fas Skerry, comes from the Old Norse language, meaning "fast rock," which accurately describes the island's rocky coastline. The terrain consists of steep cliffs and rocky outcrops, providing nesting sites for the numerous bird species that frequent the area.

Due to its remote and exposed location, access to Fas Skerry can be challenging and is generally limited to experienced sailors or wildlife tour operators. The island is not open to the public for overnight stays or recreational activities. However, visitors can catch glimpses of the island and its wildlife from boat tours that operate in the area.

In conclusion, Fas Skerry is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Caithness known for its rugged terrain and abundant birdlife. Its remote location and rocky coastline make it a sanctuary for various seabird species, attracting birdwatching enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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Fas Skerry Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.446401/-3.0538012 or Grid Reference ND3851. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cliff Face

Cliff face at South Head, below the old Coastguard Station

John MacKenzie

View across the entrance to Wick Bay

With a fishing boat entering port past South Head.

Stanley Howe

Coastguard Lookout

Hill of Man, Wick.

Stanley Howe

View over Wick Bay

From near the Coastguard Lookout, with a fishing boat entering harbour.

Stanley Howe

Yachts Ashore

Yachts ashore at Wick harbour

John MacKenzie

Over wintered at Wick Harbour

Collection of small boats ashore at Wick harbour

John MacKenzie

Boat Repair Slip

Disused fishing boat repair slipway at Wick harbour. Picture taken at low tide.

John MacKenzie

North Baths, Wick

The North Baths was officially opened on 7th Sept 1904. The pool continued in use for the next 60 plus years until it was abandoned in favour of the new indoor pool. The baths fell into dereliction until its restoration in 2004. See Link: Link

Jean Aldridge

Unloading at Wick River Harbour

Cargo ship and crane in action. The ship is in the River Harbour over the North Pier. The foreground comprises the Inner Harbour.

Ian Paterson

Old building by Broad Haven

Peter Moore

Wick harbour

Roger Davies

John O'Groats ferry in Wick harbour Easter 2012

Roger Davies

The Wick lifeboat and inner harbour

Roger Davies

Crab boat unloads its catch in Wick harbour

Roger Davies

Ruined Breakwater

All that remains of the ill fated Stevenson built breakwater, which was destroyed in a storm before it was completed

John MacKenzie

Navigation Buoy

This buoy was installed to replace the storm damaged fixed beacon which marked the end of the ruined Stevenson breakwater. This was known locally as "The Flaggie". The picture was taken during a very low spring tide and the original fixing of the original can be seen in the picture. It is fairly rare to be able to see so much of this rock and it only visible for about an hour when the tide is so low.

Gordon Doull