Orkney Islands: South Ronaldsay, Burray, Mainland

Our 45 minute ride on the Pentland Venture was cold and very windy. The winds were 70 MPH yesterday. Our tour was cancelled due to the really bad sea conditions. This is the town of John O'Groats. The buildings near the beach are all tourist places. Dunnet Head east of John O'Groats. Houses are spread far apart. Island of Hunda in the Orkneys South Ronaldsay light house where North Sea and Pentland Firth meet. Approaching Burwick on the island of South Ronaldsay. Town of Burwick on South Ronaldsay where ferry landed. Ferry landing. Farms dot the landscape - so tough to over look the sea. Local farm is called a croft. Across Scapa Flow to the island of Hoy. St. Margaret's Hope is the third largest settlement in Orkney and sits at the head of a sheltered bay at the northern end of South Ronaldsay. It was probably named after Malcolm III's wife, who became St Margaret after her death in 1093 Scapa Flow is an atoll-like stretch of water, one of the largest sheltered harbours in the world, was ideal for the needs of the Admiralty in 1914 to fight the Germans. There were no defences in place so steps taken to close the narrow passages between five islands on the eastern side of Scapa Flow by sinking blockships.This is Churchill Barrier number 4.

Scotland Menu