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NP 52
RECORD OF AMENDMENTS
The table below is to record Section IV Notices to Mariners amendments affecting this volume.
Sub paragraph numbers in the margin of the body of the book are to assist the user when making amendments to this volume.

Weekly Notices to Mariners (Section IV)

2006

2007

2008

2009

IMPORTANT SEE RELATED ADMIRALTY PUBLICATIONS

This is one of a series of publications produced by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office which should be consulted by users of
Admiralty Charts. The full list of such publications is as follows:
Notices to Mariners (Annual, permanent, temporary and preliminary), Chart 5011 (Symbols and abbreviations), The Mariners
Handbook (especially Chapters 1 and 2 for important information on the use of UKHO products, their accuracy and limitations),
Sailing Directions (Pilots), List of Lights and Fog Signals, List of Radio Signals, Tide Tables and their digital equivalents.

All charts and publications should be kept up to date with the latest amendments.

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NP 52

NORTH COAST OF
SCOTLAND PILOT
North and Northeast Coasts of Scotland from
Cape Wrath to Rattray Head including the Caledonian Canal,
Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands and Froyar (Froe Islands)

SIXTH EDITION
2006

PUBLISHED BY THE UNITED KINGDOM HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE

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E Crown Copyright 2006

To be obtained from Agents

for the sale of Admiralty Charts and Publications

Copyright of
this publication
named under the
reproduction must

some of the material in

is owned by the authority
item and permission for its
be obtained from the owner.

Area formerly covered by part of the following previous editions:

North Sea Pilot Vol. I

North Sea Pilot Vol. II

First Published . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1857

2nd Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1876
3rd Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1887
4th Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1894
5th Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1903
6th Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1910
7th Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1921
8th Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1934
9th Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1949
10th Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1960

First Published . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2nd Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3rd Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4th Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5th Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6th Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7th Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8th Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9th Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10th Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11th Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

North Coast of Scotland Pilot

First Published . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Second Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fifth Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ii

1975
1994
1997
2000
2003

1857
1868
1875
1885
1895
1905
1914
1923
1935
1949
1959

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PREFACE
The Sixth Edition of the North Coast of Scotland Pilot has been prepared by Commander D.J.D. Acland, Royal Navy, and Captain M.
Waight, Master Mariner. The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office has used all reasonable endeavours to ensure that this Pilot contains all
the appropriate information obtained by and assessed by it at the date shown below. Information received or assessed after that date will be
included in Notices to Mariners where appropriate. If in doubt, see The Mariners Handbook for details of what Admiralty Notices to
Mariners are and how to use them.
This edition supersedes the Fifth Edition (2003), which is cancelled.
Information on climate, currents and ice has been based on data provided by the Met Office, Exeter.
The following sources of information, other than UKHO Publications and Ministry of Defence papers, have been consulted.

British:
Local Port Authorities
Port Handbooks produced by Port Authorities
Lloyds Register Fairplay, Ports and Terminals Guide 2005
Lloyds Ports of the World 2005
Ports of Scotland (Graham Ogilvie) (2004/2005)
The Statesmans Yearbook (2005)
Whitakers Almanack (2005)

Danish:
Trshavn Port Authority
Charts
Den Frske Lods, Seventh edition (1983)
Havneoplysninger for Frerne, First edition (1983)

Dr D W Williams
United Kingdom National Hydrographer

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office

Admiralty Way
Taunton
Somerset TA1 2DN
England
12th January 2006

iii

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PREFACE
to the Second Edition (1994)
The Second Edition of the North Coast of Scotland Pilot has been compiled by Lieutenant Commander P.J. Payne, RN, and contains the
latest information received in the Hydrographic Office to the date given below.
This edition supersedes the First Edition (1975) and Supplement No.10 (1993), which are cancelled.
The following sources of information, other than Hydrographic Office Publications and Ministry of Defence papers, have been consulted.

British:
Guide to Port Entry 1993/94
Lloyds Maritime Guide 1992
Port Handbooks produced by Port Authorities
Ports of Scotland (Graham Ogilvie) (1993/94)
Ports of the World 1994
The Statesmans Yearbook (1993/94)

Danish:
Charts
Den Frske Lods, Seventh edition (1983)
Havneoplysninger for Frerne, First edition (1983)

N. R. ESSENHIGH
Rear Admiral
Hydrographer of the Navy

Hydrographic Office
Ministry of Defence
Taunton
Somerset
England
4th June 1994

iv

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CONTENTS
Pages
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Preface to the Second Edition (1994) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Explanatory notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Index chartlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . facing page 1
CHAPTER 1
Navigation and regulations
Limits of the book (1.1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Navigational dangers and hazards (1.2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Traffic and operations (1.8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Charts (1.27) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Aids to navigation (1.30) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Pilotage (1.32) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Radio facilities (1.37) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Regulations International (1.41) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Regulations United Kingdom (1.47) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Regulations European Community (1.50) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Regulations Froyar (1.68) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Signals (1.73) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Distress and rescue (1.74) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Countries and ports
United Kingdom (1.91) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Froyar (1.100) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Principal ports, harbours and anchorages (1.108) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Port services summary (1.109) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13
14
15
16

Natural conditions
Maritime topography (1.113) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Currents, tides and tidal streams (1.115) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sea and swell (1.121) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sea water characteristics (1.124) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate and weather (1.128) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate information (1.155) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Meteorological conversion table and scales (1.165) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17
17
19
19
19
40
51

CHAPTER 2
Offshore waters and channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
CHAPTER 3
North coast of Scotland including Pentland Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
CHAPTER 4
Moray Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
CHAPTER 5
The Orkney Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
CHAPTER 6
The Shetland Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
CHAPTER 7
Froyar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297

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CONTENTS

APPENDICES AND INDEX

Appendix I Territorial Waters Order in Council, 1964 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix II Territorial Sea Act 1987 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix III Regulations for the Caledonian Canal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distance Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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337
340
342
343
344

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EXPLANATORY NOTES
Admiralty Sailing Directions are intended for use by vessels of 150 gt or more. They amplify charted detail and contain information
needed for safe navigation which is not available from Admiralty charts, or other hydrographic publications. They are intended to be read in
conjunction with the charts quoted in the text.
This volume of the Sailing Directions will be kept up-to-date by the issue of a new edition at intervals of approximately 3 years, without
the use of supplements. In addition important amendments which cannot await the new edition are published in Section IV of the weekly
editions of Admiralty Notices to Mariners. A list of such amendments and notices in force is published quarterly. Those still in force at the end
of the year are reprinted in the Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices to Mariners.
This volume should not be used without reference to Section IV of the weekly editions of Admiralty Notices to Mariners.
CDROM
Status. A compact disc is provided at the back of this volume. The paper publication of Sailing Directions satisfies the requirements of
Chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. The CD version does not satisfy these requirements and should only
be used in conjunction with the paper publication and any amendments affecting the paper publication. Where any discrepancy exists
between data on the CD and in the paper publication of Sailing Directions, the paper publication (inclusive of amendments) is to be relied
upon.
Disclaimer. Whilst the UKHO has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that the data on the CD was accurate at the time of production, it
has not verified the data for navigational purposes and the CD is not suitable, and is not to be relied upon, for navigation. The use of the CD for
this purpose is at the users own risk. The UKHO accepts no liability (except in the case of death or personal injury caused by the negligence
of the UKHO) whether in contract, tort, under any statute or otherwise and whether or not arising out of any negligence on the part of the
UKHO in respect of any inadequacy of any kind whatsoever in the data on the CD or in the means of distribution.
Conditions of release. The material supplied on the CDROM is protected by Crown Copyright. No part of the data may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise
without the prior written permission of the UKHO. The copyright material, its derivatives and its outputs may not be sold or distributed or
commercially exploited in either an original or derived form without the prior written permission of the UKHO. For the avoidance of doubt,
the supplied material, its derivatives and its outputs shall not be placed, or allowed to be placed, on a computer accessible to Third Parties
whether via the Internet or otherwise. The release of the supplied material in no way implies that the UKHO will supply further material.
References to hydrographic and other publications
The Mariners Handbook gives general information affecting navigation and is complementary to this volume.
Ocean Passages for the World and Routeing Charts contain ocean routeing information and should be consulted for other than coastal
passages.
Admiralty List of Lights should be consulted for details of lights, lanbys and fog signals, as these are not fully described in this volume.
Admiralty List of Radio Signals should be consulted for information relating to coast and port radio stations, radio details of pilotage
services, radar beacons and radio direction finding stations, meteorological services, radio aids to navigation, Global Maritime Distress and
Safety System (GMDSS) and Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) stations, as these are only briefly referred to in this volume.
Admiralty Maritime Communications is a comprehensive guide on all aspects of maritime communications for the yachtsman and small
craft user. It provides general information on Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), the management of VHF, Maritime
Safety Information, NAVTEX, Inmarsat and Radio Facsimile, and detailed information and procedures for marinas and harbours used by
small craft.
Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices to Mariners contains in addition to the temporary and preliminary notices, and amendments and
notices affecting Sailing Directions, a number of notices giving information of a permanent nature covering radio messages and navigational
warnings, distress and rescue at sea and exercise areas.
The International Code of Signals should be consulted for details of distress and life-saving signals, international ice-breaker signals as
well as international flag signals.
Remarks on subject matter
Buoys are generally described in detail only when they have special navigational significance, or where the scale of the chart is too small
to show all the details clearly.
Chart index diagrams in this volume show only those Admiralty charts of a suitable scale to give good coverage of the area. Mariners
should consult NP 131 Catalogue of Admiralty Charts and Publications for details of larger scale charts.

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EXPLANATORY NOTES

Chart references in the text normally refer to the largest scale Admiralty chart but occasionally a smaller scale chart may be quoted where
its use is more appropriate.
Firing, practice and exercise areas. Submarine exercise areas are mentioned in Sailing Directions. Other firing, practice and exercise
areas maybe mentioned with limited details. Signals and buoys used in connection with these areas maybe mentioned if significant for
navigation. Attention is invited to the Annual Notice to Mariners on this subject.
Names have been taken from the most authoritative source. When an obsolete name still appears on the chart, it is given in brackets
following the proper name at the principal description of the feature in the text and where the name is first mentioned.
Tidal information relating the daily vertical movements of the water is not given; for this Admiralty Tide Tables should be consulted.
Changes in water level of an abnormal nature are mentioned.
Time difference used in the text when applied to the time of High Water found from the Admiralty Tide Tables, gives the time of the event
being described in the Standard Time kept in the area of that event. Due allowance must be made for any seasonal daylight saving time which
may be kept.
Wreck information is included where drying or below-water wrecks are relatively permanent features having significance for
navigation or anchoring.
Units and terminology used in this volume
Latitude and Longitude given in brackets are approximate and are taken from the chart quoted.
Bearings and directions are referred to the true compass and when given in degrees are reckoned clockwise from 000 (North) to 359
Bearings used for positioning are given from the reference object.
Bearings of objects, alignments and light sectors are given as seen from the vessel.
Courses always refer to the course to be made good over the ground.
Winds are described by the direction from which they blow.
Tidal streams and currents are described by the direction towards which they flow.
Distances are expressed in sea miles of 60 to a degree of latitude and sub-divided into cables of one tenth of a sea mile.
Depths are given below chart datum, except where otherwise stated.
Heights of objects refer to the height of the object above the ground and are invariably expressed as ... m in height.
Elevations, as distinct from heights, are given above Mean High Water Springs or Mean Higher High Water whichever is quoted in
Admiralty Tide Tables, and expressed as, an elevation of ... m. However the elevation of natural features such as hills may alternatively be
expressed as ... m high since in this case there can be no confusion between elevation and height.
Metric units are used for all measurements of depths, heights and short distances, but where feet/fathoms charts are referred to, these
latter units are given in brackets after the metric values for depths and heights shown on the chart.
Time is expressed in the four-figure notation beginning at midnight and is given in local time unless otherwise stated. Details of local time
kept will be found in Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.
Bands is the word used to indicate horizontal marking.
Stripes is the word used to indicate markings which are vertical, unless stated to be diagonal.
Conspicuous objects are natural and artificial marks which are outstanding, easily identifiable and clearly visible to the mariner over a
large area of sea in varying conditions of light. If the scale is large enough they will normally be shown on the chart in bold capitals and may be
marked conspic.
Prominent objects are those which are easily identifiable, but do not justify being classified as conspicuous.

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ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations are used in the text:
AIS
ALC
ALP
AMVER

Automatic Indentification System

Articulated loading column
Articulated loading platform
Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue
System

C
CALM
CBM
CDC
CVTS

degrees Celsius
Catenary anchor leg mooring
Conventional buoy mooring
Certain Dangerous Cargo
Cooperative Vessel Traffic System

DF
DG
DGPS
DW
DSC
dwt
DZ

direction finding
degaussing
Differential Global Positioning System
Deep Water
Digital Selective Calling
deadweight tonnage
danger zone

E
EEZ
ELSBM
ENE
EPIRB
ESE
ETA
ETD
EU

east (easterly, eastward, eastern, easternmost)

exclusive economic zone
Exposed location single buoy mooring
east-north-east
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
east-south-east
estimated time of arrival
estimated time of departure
European Union

feu
fm
FPSO
FPU
FSO
ft

forty foot equivalent unit

fathom(s)
Floating production storage and offloading
vessel
Floating production unit
Floating storage and offloading vessel
foot (feet)

g/cm3
GMDSS
GPS
GRP
grt
gt

gram per cubic centimetre

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
Global Positioning System
glass reinforced plastic
gross register tonnage
gross tonnage

HAT
HF
HMS
hp
hPa
HSC
HW

Highest Astronomical Tide

high frequency
Her (His) Majestys Ship
horse power
hectopascal
High Speed Craft
High Water

IALA
IHO
IMO
ITCZ

International Association of Lighthouse

Authorities
International Hydrographic Organization
International Maritime Organization
Intertropical Convergence Zone

JRCC

Joint Rescue Coordination Centre

kHz
km
kn

kilohertz
kilometre(s)
knot(s)

kW

kilowatt(s)

Lanby
LASH
LAT
LF
LHG
LMT
LNG
LOA
LPG
LW

Large automatic navigation buoy

Lighter Aboard Ship
Lowest Astronomical Tide
low frequency
Liquefied Hazardous Gas
Local Mean Time
Liquefied Natural Gas
Length overall
Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Low Water

m
mb
MCTS

metre(s)
millibar(s)
Marine Communications and Traffic Services
Centres
medium frequency
megahertz
Mean Higher High Water
Mean Higher Low Water
Mean High Water
Mean High Water Neaps
Mean High Water Springs
Mean Lower High Water
Mean Lower Low Water
Mean Low Water
Mean Low Water Neaps
Mean Low Water Springs
millimetre(s)
Maritime Mobile Service Identity
Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre
Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre
Marine Safety Information
Mean Sea Level
Motor Vessel
megawatt(s)
Motor Yacht

MF
MHz
MHHW
MHLW
MHW
MHWN
MHWS
MLHW
MLLW
MLW
MLWN
MLWS
mm
MMSI
MRCC
MRSC
MSI
MSL
MV
MW
MY
N

ix

NATO
Navtex
NE
NNE
NNW
No
nrt
NW

north (northerly, northward, northern,

northernmost)
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Navigational Telex System
north-east
north-north-east
north-north-west
number
nett register tonnage
north-west

ODAS

Ocean Data Acquisition System

PEL
PLEM
POL
PSSA
PWC

Port Entry Light

Pipe line end manifold
Petrol, Oil & Lubricants
Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas
Personal watercraft

RCC
RMS
RN
Ro-Ro
RT

Rescue Coordination Centre

Royal Mail Ship
Royal Navy
Rollon, Roll-off
radio telephony

Home

Contents

Index
ABBREVIATIONS

S
south (southerly, southward, southern,
southernmost)
SALM
Single anchor leg mooring system
SALS
Single anchored leg storage system
SAR
Search and Rescue
Satnav
Satellite navigation
SBM
Single buoy mooring
SE
south-east
SPM
Single point mooring
sq
square
SS
Steamship
SSE
south-south-east
SSW
south-south-west
SW
south-west
teu
TSS

twenty foot equivalent unit

Traffic Separation Scheme

UHF
UKHO

ultra high frequency

United Kingdom Hydrographic Office

ULCC
UN
UT
UTC

Ultra Large Crude Carrier

United Nations
Universal Time
Co-ordinated Universal Time

VDR
VHF
VLCC
VMRS
VTC
VTMS
VTS

Voyage Data Recorder

very high frequency
Very Large Crude Carrier
Vessel Movement Reporting System
Vessel Traffic Centre
Vessel Traffic Management System
Vessel Traffic Services

W
west (westerly, westward, western,
westernmost)
WGS
World Geodetic System
WMO
World Meteorological Organization
WNW
west-north-west
WSW
west-south-west
WT
radio (wireless) telegraphy

Home

Contents

Index

GLOSSARY
SCOTTISH/GAELIC WORDS AND GEOGRAPHICAL TERMS
THE DEFINITE ARTICLE IN GAELIC
Singular
Masculine
Nominative:

Genitive:

Feminine

an
am

(before b, f, m, p)

a
an

an t

(before vowels)

an t

a
an
an t

(before d, t, l, n, r, fh)
(before s followed by
a vowel, or s followed
by l, n, r)

(before d, t, l,n, r, fh
and s followed by b,
g, m, p, t)
(before s followed by
a vowel, or s followed
by l, n, r)

na
na h

(before vowels)

Gaelic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . English
abhainn, g. aibhne . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
acair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
acairseid, acarsaid . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
achadh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ail, aileach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ailean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
airbhe, eirbhe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
aird, Ard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
aiseag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
aisir, aisridh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
allt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
aoineadh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
aonach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

river
anchor
anchorage
field
rocky or stony place
green spot, enclosure, meadow
dividing wall or boundary
height, promontory
ferry
pass between rocks
burn, stream
steep brae with rocks, moraine
moor, market place
ford (m); kiln (f)

bac, g. b(h)aic, pl. bacaichean . . . .

bad, g. b(h)aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
bgh, g. b(h)igh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
baile, g. b(h)aile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
bn, (f) bhn, g. (m) bhin
(f) bine, pl. bna . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
barr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
beag, (f) bheag, g. (m) bhig
(f) bige, pl. beaga . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
bealach, g. b(h)ealaich . . . . . . . . . .
bearn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
beinn, g. beinne, g.pl. beann . . . . . .
ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b(h)reac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b(h)uidhe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
bidean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
binnean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
biod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
biorach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
bo, boghar, bodha . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
brighe, g. b(h)rghad . . . . . . . . . . .
breun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
bruach, g. bruaich . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
bruthach, g. b(h)ruthaich . . . . . . . . .
bun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

bank, peat bank

tuft, clump of trees, place
bay
town, hamlet, homestead

Plural
Masculine and feminine
na
na h

(before vowels)

nan
nam

(before b, f, m, p)

Gaelic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . English

fair, white
top, summit
little
pass
gap
mountain
mountain
speckled
yellow
pinnacle
small and peaked mountain
peak
sharp pointed
belowwater rock
upper part
foul
bank, brink
steep place, brae
foot, mouth of river

camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
caol, caolas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
carraig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
carse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
cas, g. chais, caise . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ceann, g. c(h)inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
cill, g. cille, g.pl. ceall . . . . . . . . . .
clach, g. cloiche . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
cladach, g. c(h)ladaich . . . . . . . . . .
cleit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
cnap, cnoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
cig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
coille . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
coire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
corran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
craobh, g. craoibhe . . . . . . . . . . . . .
crasg, g. c(h)raisg, c(h)roisg . . . . . .
creag, g. creiga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
crois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
cruach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
cuan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
cl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
cumhann, g. chumhainn, cuinge . . .

channel, bay
narrow, strait, firth, kyle
rock
low flat land near a river
steep
head, headland
church, burial place
stone
shore, beach
rock, cliff
hillock
five
wood, forest
whirlpool
low cape tapering to a point
tree
a crossing
crag, rock, cliff
cross
heap, stack, bold hill
sea
back, hillback
narrow, strait

d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
dail, g. dalach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
dearg, g. d(h)eirge . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
deas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
dobhar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
dirlinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
domhain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
donn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
dorcha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
drochaid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
dubh, (f) dhubh, g.(m) dhuibh
(f) duibhe, pl. dubha . . . . . . . . . . .
dn, g. din . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

two
field, dale
red
south
water
isthmus, usually covered at HW
deep
brown
dark
bridge
black
fortress, castle, heap, mound

ear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . east
eas, g. easa, pl. easan . . . . . . . . . . . waterfall
eileach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . narrow shallow stream joining
two lochs
eilean, g. eilein, pl. eileanan . . . . . . island

cabhsair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . causeway
caisteal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . castle
cala, caladh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . harbour

xi

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Index
GLOSSARY

Gaelic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . English
fada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
fadhail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
fang, g. f(h)aing, fank . . . . . . . . . . .
faoilinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
feadan, g. f(h)eadain . . . . . . . . . . . .
fearnan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
fith, g. fithe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
fireach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
fliuch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
fraoch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
fuar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
garbh, (f) gharbh, g.(m) ghairbh
(f) gairbhe, pl. garbha . . . . . . . . . .
geal, (f) gheal, g.(m) ghil
(f) gile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
gearr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ge, geodha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
gil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
glais . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
glas, (f) ghlas, g.(m) ghlais
(f) glaise, pl. glasa . . . . . . . . . . . . .
gleann, g. g(h)linne . . . . . . . . . . . . .
gob, g. g(h)uib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
gorm, (f) ghorm, g.(m) ghuirm
(f) guirme, pl. gorma . . . . . . . . . . .
guala, gualainn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gaelic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . English

long
ford in sea channel
sheep pen
beach
narrow glen, streamlet
land
bog, slow moving stream
hill ground
wet
heather
cold

rough
white
short
chasm, rift
ravine, watercourse
stream
grey, green
narrow valley
point, beak
green, blue
shoulder of a hill

west
junction of two rivers
island
lower part
low

klet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rugged eminence

kyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . narrow passage or strait
lag, g. luig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
leac, g. lice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
learg, g. leirge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
leth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
liath, g. lith, lithe . . . . . . . . . . . . .
linn, linne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
loch, g. locha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ln, g. lin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
long, g. luinge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

lump, rounded hill

great
mossy ground, moor
shingly beach
large, great
great
the sea
promontory
top, summit

ob, g. ba, ib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
oitir, g. oitire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
os, g. sa, is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

bay
sandbank
steep hill, mountain
river mouth

ploc, g. p(h)luic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lumpish promontory

poll, g. p(h)uill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pool, mud
port, g. p(h)uirt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . port, harbour, ferry

heugh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . crag, steep hill

iar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
inbhir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
inis, g. In(n)se . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
iochdar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
iosal, g. isle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

meall, g. m(h)ill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
meikle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
minteach, monadh . . . . . . . . . . . . .
mol, mal, mul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
mr, (f) mhr, g.(m) mhir
(f) mire, pl. mora . . . . . . . . . . . . .
muckle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
muir, g. m(h)ara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
mull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
mullach, g. m(h)ullaich . . . . . . . . . .

a hollow
flat stone, slab
plain, hillside
half
grey, blue
pool
lake
a slow stream
ship

rathad, g. rathaid, rothaid . . . . . . . .

reamhar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
riabhach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
rinn, roinn, pl. reanna . . . . . . . . . . .
ruadh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
rubha, rhu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

road
thick, fat
brindled, greyish
point, promontory
red, brown
promontory, cape

sl, sil, g. sile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

salach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
salann, salean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
seachd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
sean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
sgarbh, g. sgairbh . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
sgeir, g. sgeire, pl. sgeirean . . . . . .
sgorr, sgurr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
srn, g. srine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
sruth, g. srutha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
stac, g. staca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
strath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

salt water, sea

foul, dirty
salt water bay
seven
old
cormorant
rock in the sea, skerry
rocky peak
nose, point
current
steep conical hill or rock
river valley

tigh, g. tighe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
tb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
tobar, g. tobair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
torr, g. torra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
trigh, g. trighe, trghad . . . . . . . .
tri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
tuath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
tulach, g. tulaich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

house
bay
well
hill, castle
beach (tidal)
three
north
knoll, hillock

uaine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . green
uamg, g. uamha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cave
uig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bay

machair, g.(m) m(h)achaire,

mach(d)rach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . plain
maol, g. maoile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bare top

Note: In the pronunciation of Gaelic, dh and gh at the ends of syllables are very frequently silent; bh is frequently pronounced
as v.

xii

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Index
GLOSSARY

WORDS IN COMMON USE IN ORKNEY ISLANDS, SHETLAND ISLANDS AND FROYAR

In this book the spelling of place names in Froyar (Froe Islands) has been taken from Den Frske Lods (1983). Where a
geographical feature of interest to the mariner is not mentioned in Den Frske Lods (1983) the charted spelling has been
used.
lb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . channel

aa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . river ayre open beach of sand or

of sand and shingle
baa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sunken rock on which the sea
breaks in bad weather only
banke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bank
bjerg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mountain, hill
boi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . belowwater rock
bow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . buoy
brough, burgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . circular Pictish tower
brough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . detached, precipitous,
rocky islet
bue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . belowwater rock
bugt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bay, gulf
bygd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . village, settlement

mellem, midjel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
muckle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
muli, mule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
mull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

middle
great
promontory
promontory, cape, headland

nb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
neap, noup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
nord, nordre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
nv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

bill, point
ness, point, cape
lofty, precipitous headland
north, northern
promontory

o, er . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . island, islands
odde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . point, cape, headland
ost, stre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . east, eastern

dal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dale, valley

drangur, drangar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . high, pointed, isolated rock in
the sea
dyb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . deep
dyke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . wall

plade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . flat, shallows

pynt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . point
red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . roadstead
rev . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . reef
rst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tide race

eii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . isthmus, low tongue of land

ejde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . isthmus, low tongue of land

sandtange, sandflak . . . . . . . . . . . . .
skr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
skar, skar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
stak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
stakkur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
sten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
strde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
sund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
syd, sydre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

fjeld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mountain
flak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . flat shallow area
fles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . abovewater rock
geo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rocky creek or opening
gjgy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rock fissure
grund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . shoal
hamna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . voes of basinlike form in
Shetland Islands
hamari . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . steep wall of a mountain
hav . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sea, ocean
havn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . harbour
holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . islet
hvdi, hvde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . headland, cape
huk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . point

spit, sandflat
rock, skerry
mountain pass
reef or rock
precipitous isolated rock
stack
stack, round detached rock
stone
strait
sound
south, southern

taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rocky point

tange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tongue, spit
tjrn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . small lake
vaag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
vig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
vest, vestre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . eddy
kap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cape, promontory
kirk, kirke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . church
klipp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rock

small bay or cove

creek, cove, inlet
west, western
long narrow firth in Shetland
Islands

ward, wart, vord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cairn on hilltop

wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . open bay

lille . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . little

xiii

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Index
Chapter Index Diagram
4

0 61

1239

61

FROYAR

Unst

SHETLAND
ISLANDS

62

62

6
1119

1234

MAINLAND
Foula

1233

7W

60

1234

60

Yell

2
1942

NP 66
WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND PILOT

Fair Isle

N. Ronaldsay
2720

1119

Westray
Sanday

Stronsay
Sule Skerry

MAINLAND

Stack Skerry

S. Ronaldsay

Th
u
thy

rso

Pt.

a
nc
Du
1954

L. E

rib

115

PENTLAND FIRTH

B.
by

ns

42

Str
a

C. Wrath

HOY

59

291

ORKNEY ISLANDS

19

59

North Haven

1954

.
Hd

219
Wick

oll

Little Halibut
Bank

1239

West
Bank

1409

278

58
Do

r no

ir
hF

th

58
291
Halibut
Bank

4
h

ea
d

Nairn

sie

Buckie

rg

115

Lo

Cromarty Firth

ay
or

Bu

rt
Fi

Rattray Head

ou
th
Peterhead

Inverness

NP 54
NORTH SEA (WEST)
PILOT
Aberdeen

57

278

Ca
le

57

do

nia

nC

an
al

Loch Ness

Stonehaven

Loch Lochy

NP 66 WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND PILOT

0106

Longitude 4 West from Greenwich 3

North Coast of Scotland Pilot

NP 52
xiv

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LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPERTAINING TO NAVIGATION

While, in the interests of the safety of shipping, the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office makes every endeavour to include in its
hydrographic publications details of the laws and regulations of all countries appertaining to navigation, it must be clearly understood:
(a) that no liability whatsoever can be accepted for failure to publish details of any particular law or regulation, and
(b) that publication of details of a law or regulation is solely for the safety and convenience of shipping and implies no recognition
of the international validity of the law or regulation.

NORTH COAST OF
SCOTLAND PILOT
CHAPTER 1
NAVIGATION AND REGULATIONS
COUNTRIES AND PORTS
NATURAL CONDITIONS

NAVIGATION AND REGULATIONS

NAVIGATIONAL DANGERS AND HAZARDS

LIMITS OF THE BOOK

Charts 2, 245

Coastal conditions

Area covered
1

1.1
This book contains Sailing Directions for coastal and
offshore waters bordering the N and E coasts of Scotland
from Cape Wrath to Rattray Head, including the
Caledonian Canal, and the Orkney Islands, the Shetland
Islands and Froyar (Froe Islands).
The sea area covered is defined as within the following
limits:
Lat

Long

From Cape Wrath

5838N

500W

N to

6000N

500W

Thence W to

6000N

1500W

Thence N to

6200N

1500W

Thence NE to

6300N

1000W

Thence E to

6300N

144E

Thence S to

6212N

140E

Thence S to

61442N

1336E

North Coast of Scotland and Pentland Firth

1

Thence S along the United Kingdom/Norwegian

Continental Shelf Boundary
to

5737N

206E

Thence W to Rattray
Head

5737N

149W

1.2
The coast between Cape Wrath and Duncansby Head
(5839N 301W) is generally bold with few outlying
dangers and, except in the vicinity of Pentland Firth which
separates the Scottish Mainland from the Orkney Islands,
can be safely approached to within about 2 miles. The
hinterland consists of rugged mountains in the W part and
rolling hills of moderate height in the E part.
Pentland Firth, although deep, requires careful
navigation at all times, particularly by night or in poor
visibility, because of both very strong tidal streams and
races and very high and turbulent seas which these can at
times cause. The W approach to the firth is clear, but the
main channel through the firth is restricted to a width of
about 2 miles by the islands of Stroma (5842N 307W)
and Swona (2 miles NNE); the E approaches are
obstructed by Pentland Skerries (5841N 255W). Full
details, including navigational advice and recommendations
for transit of Pentland Firth are given commencing at 3.96.

Moray Firth
1

Thence along the Scottish coast to Cape Wrath.

1.3
Moray Firth, a large bight in the NE coast of Scotland
SW of a line joining Rattray Head and Duncansby Head, is
clear of dangers except near its head and where it is
obstructed by the Beatrice Oil Field (5807N 305W). The
W side, and the E part of the S side of the firth are bold.

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CHAPTER 1

The Orkney Islands

1

Pentland Firth and Fair Isle Channel

1.4
The Orkney Islands are much indented and apart from
Hoy (5852N 326W), the most SW of the group, are
generally lowlying. Navigation in the vicinity of the
Orkney Islands, except in the vicinity of Pentland Firth (see
above), presents little difficulty in clear weather. In poor
visibility, however, caution is necessary, particularly on
account of the tidal streams which, except within Scapa
Flow, are generally strong in the firths and sounds between
the islands. For further details see 5.1.

Fishing
General

The Shetland Islands

1

1.5
The Shetland Islands are relatively high with few
outlying dangers; depths of 50 m exist little more than
1 mile off several of the salient points on the E side and
within 15 miles of some of the salient points on the W
side and also around Foula (6007N 204W). In clear
weather the Shetland Islands can therefore be approached
boldly, but in poor visibility the islands should be
approached with great caution both on account of strong
tidal streams and because their coasts generally lack
distinctive features, making positive identification difficult.
For further details see 6.1.

1.6
Froyar (Froe Islands) lie on Wyville Thomson Ridge
(1.113), the submarine ridge which connects Scotland with
Iceland and Greenland and separates the deep basin of the
Arctic ocean from the North Atlantic Ocean. They rise
steeply out of the sea and many of the islands have
spectacular and distinctive outlines. The N and W sides
consist mainly of cliffs which in places rise vertically to
heights of nearly 500 m; the E sides are less high and
inhospitable. Tidal streams around the islands are strong
and they run very strongly in the sounds and fjords that
lead between the islands. There is little difficulty in making
a good landfall on Froyar or navigating in their vicinity in
clear weather, but great care is needed when approaching
the islands in thick weather as the 100 m depth contour is,
in several places, only a few miles from land. Early and
continuous sounding is therefore advised in these
circumstances.
For further details see 7.1.

1.12
Methods of fishing, with general description of
associated equipment and type of vessel are described in
The Mariners Handbook.

Fishing grounds
1

1.7
Mines were laid in a number of areas during the war of
19391945. Due to the lapse of time the risk from mines to
surface navigation is considered to be no more than the
ordinary hazards of navigation; but a real risk still exists
with regard to anchoring, fishing or any form of submarine
or seabed activity. Positions where unexploded ordnance is
known to exist are indicated on the chart. For further
details see Annual Notice to Mariners No 6.

TRAFFIC AND OPERATIONS

Traffic
Servicing of offshore oil and gas fields
1

1.11
United Kingdom. See 1.94.
Froyar. See 1.102.

Methods of fishing and types of fishing vessels

Former mined areas

1

1.10
The whole area covered by this book, is fished
intensively throughout the year by craft ranging in size
from small boats operating close inshore to large deepsea
vessels which may be encountered either singly, in pairs or
more usually in groups throughout the area; the vessels
may be of many nationalities. Fishing vessels are often
hampered and may need to make immediate and
unannounced manoeuvres; other vessels are advised to keep
well clear of them.

Fishery limits

Froyar
1

1.9
When navigating in the vicinity of Pentland Firth and
Fair Isle Channel, the passage between the Orkney and
Shetland Islands, mariners are advised to consider that there
is traffic, including ferries on scheduled services, across as
well as through these seaways. In Pentland Firth large
vessels may be encountered manoeuvring prior to entering
or after leaving Scapa Flow.

1.8
There is considerable traffic by vessels of many types
between support bases in the NE part of Scotland and in
the Shetland Islands and the offshore oil and gas field
installations described below.

1.13
North coast of Scotland. Trawling, pair trawling,
seining and purse seining take place off Cape Wrath, on
Nun Bank (5853N 458W) and around Sule Skerry
(5905N 424W) throughout the year, but particularly
from October to February. A few drifters fish off Cape
Wrath from September to March. In good weather
throughout the year small boats trawl for prawn in the
vicinity of Cape Wrath. Salmon fishing using fixed nets
projecting a short distance seaward from the shore is also
carried out.
1.14
Moray Firth. Trawling by small boats for prawns is
permitted at a distance of not less than 3 miles offshore S
of a line drawn 090 from Brora Point (5801N 351W).
No other trawling is permitted W of a line joining
Duncansby Head (5839N 301W) and Rattray Head
(5737N 149W). A few drifters may be found near the
coast on both sides of the firth between June and
September.
Seining is carried on throughout the year, as is also
handlining from small boats which operate within a radius
of about 20 miles from the numerous fishing ports around
the firth. Creel, also known as pot, fishing takes place
throughout the year, marker floats and associated gear
being found as much as 7 miles offshore in some areas
between March and September. Salmon fishing using fixed
nets projecting a short distance seaward from the shore is
also carried out in many places.
1.15
North Sea. Trawling and pair trawling takes place in
most of the N part of the North Sea throughout the year
but most intensively during the summer months. Seining

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CHAPTER 1

and purse seining are carried on intensively throughout the

year, particularly between latitudes 58N and 61N and
longitudes 0 and 3E. Longlining is carried on, mainly N
of latitude 59N, between April and September.
1.16
Orkney Islands. Trawling and pair trawling take place
on a considerable scale throughout the year, but particularly
during spring and early autumn, on Papa Bank (5949N
317W), between Papa Bank and Westray, and off
Copinsay (5854N 240W). Purse seiners operate in the
same areas and at the same time as the trawlers.
Longlining is carried on N and W of the islands during
the summer. Creel fishing is conducted close inshore by
small boats throughout the year.
1.17
Shetland Islands. Bottom trawling takes place
throughout the year in all sea areas N, NW and W of
Shetland and E of Fair Isle; bottom trawling E of Shetland
occurs predominantly from December to March. Purse
seining and midwater trawling is carried out intensively all
round the Shetland Islands throughout the year. Close
inshore scallop dredging and creel fishing are carried on
throughout the year. Light trawling for scampi is conducted
E of Shetland during the winter months.
1.18
Froyar. Trawling takes place all round Froyar
throughout the year. The greatest concentration of trawlers
occurs from February to April, mainly on Froyar (Froe)
Bank (6055N 830W) and off the W and E sides of the
main group of islands. Longline fishing is carried on
throughout the year, mainly on Froyar Bank.

Firing practice areas

1

Marine farms
1

1.19
The farming of marine species has been developed in
many sheltered locations in the area covered by this book;
the development has been rapid and is continuing at a fast
rate. Marine farms, which may be fixed or floating
structures sometimes moored to the seabed by a spread of
anchors, are marked by yellow buoys or beacons which
may be lit by yellow flashing lights. The position of
anchors when used may be marked by a different type and
colour of buoy. The charted position of the farms are
approximate and the area covered by individual farms and
associated moorings can be extensive.
The farms are visited frequently by service craft of
various types and sizes and diving operations on the
installations are a frequent occurrence.
The ground tackle of sites temporarily vacated for
biological recovery may remain in place.
Mariners are cautioned to avoid areas of marine farms,
and to note that their presence has rendered many hitherto
accepted anchorages either unsuitable or limited in
swinging space.

1.21
Firing and bombing practice and defence exercises, take
place in a number of sea areas around the coasts of the
United Kingdom. These areas, many of which are shown
on navigational charts, are in use or are available for use,
by the Ministry of Defence for practice and exercises, with
or without live ammunition.
The designated Range Authorities are responsible for
ensuring that there should be no risk of damage to any
vessel which may be in a practice area. Firing will only
take place when the range is clear of all shipping.
For further details see Annual Summary of Admiralty
Notices to Mariners for the current year.
Gunfacts. Information relating to missile firing, firing of
20 mm calibre guns and above, and controlled underwater
explosions is broadcast by Belfast Coastguard, Clyde
Coastguard and Stornoway Coastguard (Gunfacts Clyde).
See Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 3(1) for details.
1.22
See The Mariners Handbook for information concerning
vessels requiring special consideration, warning signals used
to indicate the presence of submarines and the navigation
lights they show. The Mariners Handbook also describes
procedures in the event of a dived submarine being unable
to surface.

Marine exploitation
Limits
1

1.23
Continental Shelf Boundaries agreed between Denmark,
the Federal Republic of Germany, Netherlands, Norway and
United Kingdom define the sectors in which countries may
exploit the natural resources of the seabed and subsoil of
the continental shelf. The boundaries agreed between these
countries are shown on the relevant charts.

Oil and gas fields

1

Exercise areas
Submarine exercises and operations
1

Subfacts. Information relating to the activity of both

surfaced and dived submarines off the W coast of Scotland
(see West Coast of Scotland Pilot) is broadcast by Belfast
Coastguard, Clyde Coastguard and by Stornoway
Coastguard (Subfacts Clyde). See Admiralty List of Radio
Signals Volume 3 (1) for details.
In submarine exercise areas mariners may encounter
submarines on the surface. A good lookout is essential
when transiting these areas.

1.20
Practice exercise area (PEXA) Charts Q6404 and Q6405
show the limits of British exercise areas covered by this
book. Such areas are also shown on all new, and new
edition navigation charts. Details of the warning signals and
firing practices for all British warships, submarines and
aircraft are given in Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices
to Mariners Nos 5 and 8.

1.24
Numerous oil and gas fields have been established in the
area covered by this book and, with the exception of the
Murchison and Statfjord Oil Fields and the Frigg Gas Field
which extend into both the United Kingdom and
Norwegian sectors, all lie in the United Kingdom sector.
The main concentration of producing fields exists in the
waters to the NE of the Shetland Islands, and to the E of
Rattray Head, with scattered fields in between; they are
listed alphabetically at 2.33 and shown on diagram 2.33.
These fields with their platforms, pipelines both
interconnecting and laid to terminals ashore, cables and
loading facilities are charted.
Further fields are continually being developed.

Information concerning oil and gas fields

1

1.25
Information relevant to the mariner is contained in The
Mariners Handbook and includes information about
surveys, mobile drilling units, methods of exploitation,

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CHAPTER 1

Development Areas, wells, types of platforms and rigs,

mooring and loading systems, navigational and visual
identification marking of offshore installations, visual
signals and international safety regulations (see also the
Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices to Mariners).
Single Well Oil Production System. This system
(SWOPS) now operates within the area covered by this
book. The submerged wellhead structure is, for substantial
periods of time, serviced by a tanker dynamically
positioned over it. When oil recovery is in progress the
tanker is lit as an offshore installation and protected by a
500 m radius safety zone.

Current turbines
1

1.26
In order to develop reusable energy sources, trials of
prototype underwater current driven systems are taking
place (2006) at sites in the waters of the Orkney Islands.
The prototype systems may have structures extending up to
6 m above the seabed. Test sites are marked by lightbuoys
(special) and with high visibility floats directly above the
current turbines. Mariners are advised to give such areas a
wide berth.
Successful trials are likely to lead to permanent current
turbine sites being established within the waters covered by
this book.

CHARTS
Admiralty Charts
1

1.27
United Kingdom. The area is well covered by modern
metric British Admiralty Charts which include large scale
plans of all harbours and anchorages of any consequence.
However, it must be stressed that apart from the areas
listed below, the charted depths are mostly from lead and
line surveys supplemented by shoaler depths which have
been reported from time to time. In many areas the
soundings are widely spaced and some areas are
unsurveyed. It should be noted however, that some leadline
surveys are very detailed. Where the seabed is rocky and
irregular, as it is close to all the islands and over some of
the isolated banks, there is little doubt that belowwater
rocks, shoaler than the charted depths, may still remain to
be discovered.
Masters of deepdraught vessels bound to or from oil
terminals in the Orkney or Shetland Islands should be
aware of the limitations of the charts when planning routes,
and are advised to allow large safety margins whenever
possible. Headlands and islands away from harbours and
well established routes should be given a wide berth. The
following description of the discovery of an uncharted rock
gives some indication of the degree of danger. In 1976 a
fishing vessel reported a steep rise on her echo sounder
trace when about 1 miles SW of Fair Isle (5932N
138W) (Chart 3299 plan of Fair Isle) close to a charted
30 fm depth contour. A survey in 1979 found a depth of
168 m 1 miles SSW of the SW extremity of the island at
the outer edge of a submarine ridge, aligned with the main
axis of Fair Isle. This ridge was found to extend farther
seaward than shown on a 19th century survey of the island
which was concerned mainly with charting the lesser depths
closer inshore. This example may be considered typical of
the potential hazards to deepdraught vessels in these
waters; it is not an exceptional case.

Hydrographic surveys since 1983 have covered large

areas SW of the Orkney Islands and around the Shetland
Islands, Pentland Firth and the S part of Moray Firth. A
deep water passage from the Minch to Fair Isle was
surveyed in 1975 as an alternative to passage through
Pentland Firth when towing deepdraught oil field
structures. A passage from Frigg Gas Field (5953N
204E), via Ninian (6051N 128E) and adjacent oil
fields, to the N of the Shetland Islands was surveyed
between 1976 and 1979.
Source data. The date and scale of surveys for specific
areas are given in Source Diagrams on the relevant charts.
Horizontal datum. Most coastal and inshore charts in
the area covered by this volume are referred to European
Terrestrial Reference System 1989 (ETRS 89), which
allows WGS 84 positions to be plotted without adjustment.
The remaining charts of Scottish waters which are referred
to OSGB 36, and those of the North Sea which are referred
to ED 50 are scheduled for conversion to ETRS 89 by the
end of 2006. Until conversion is complete the difference
between WGS 84 and the horizontal datum of the
published chart is given on the chart.
Vertical datum used for the reduction of soundings
equates approximately to LAT (lowest astronomical tide).
When predicting offshore tidal heights reference should be
made to the CoTidal Charts.
1.28
Froyar are covered by British Admiralty Charts, which
give soundings in fathoms and feet and are compiled from
Danish Government charts.
In certain areas where the British Admiralty Charts show
insufficient detail for navigation close inshore these Sailing
Directions have been written using Danish Government
Charts. These are not quoted as reference charts in the text,
which has been written on the assumption that mariners
wishing to navigate in these areas will have provided
themselves with suitable charts on which to do so.
Danish Government Charts may be obtained from the
publishing authority shown below and in the Catalogue of
Admiralty Charts. These charts are not issued by the
Hydrographic Office nor are they corrected by Admiralty
Notices to Mariners.

Danish Charts
1

1.29
Danish Charts of Froyar, on a somewhat larger scale
than the corresponding British Admiralty Charts, are
available from the following address: Farvandsvsenet,
Overgaden oven Vaudet 62B, PO Box 1919, DK1023
Kbenhavn K.

AIDS TO NAVIGATION
Buoyage
1

1.30
United Kingdom. The IALA Maritime System, Region
A, is in force throughout United Kingdom waters described
in this book; for details of this system see The Mariners
Handbook. The basic conventional direction of the buoyage
runs E along the N coast of Scotland and N along the E
coast and thence N through the Orkney and Shetland
Islands.
Radar reflectors are not included with the descriptions of
the buoys in this book as they are fitted to most of the
important buoys.

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CHAPTER 1

Froyar. Buoys are little used as navigation marks in

Froyar waters. The few that do exist conform to the IALA
System, Region A.

pilotage assistance. See also Admiralty List of Radio

Signals Volume 6 (2).
Signals described at 1.33 apply also in Froyar waters.

Ocean Data Acquisition Systems and wave recorder

buoys

RADIO FACILITIES
Electronic position fixing systems

1.31
Ocean Data Acquisition Systems and wave recorder
lightbuoys are established in the area covered by this
book. These buoy systems vary considerably in size and
may be either moored or freefloaing. As far as possible
the positions of moored systems will be promulgated by the
country concerned and those systems considered to be of a
more permanent nature are charted. The systems should be
given a clearance of at least 1 mile, or 2 miles in the case
of vessels towing underwater gear.
Wave recorder buoys, generally of smaller dimensions
than ODAS buoys, coloured yellow and exhibiting similar
lights, may also be encounted off these coasts. They should
be given a berth of at least 5 cables.
For further information about ODAS buoys see The
Mariners Handbook.

Radio aids to navigation

1

PILOTAGE
United Kingdom
General
1

1.32
Every port of consequence covered by this book has a
designated Competent Harbour Authority under the Pilotage
Act (1987). It is the duty of these authorities to provide
licensed pilots if required and to decide whether pilotage
should be compulsory.
Information relevant to entry is given under the port
concerned. See Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 6 (1) for full details.

1.33
The usual signals to be made by a vessel requiring a
pilot are laid down in the International Code of Signals:
By day Flag G.
At night Morse letter G () by light.
In low visibility Morse letter P () by sound.

1.34
Most British pilot vessels are blackhulled with the letter
P or PILOT painted on the bow or side. A pilot flag is
flown when pilots are embarked. In low visibility pilot
vessels may sound Morse letter H ().
1.35
The services
obtained from a
the North Sea.
Volume 6 (1) for

Submarine pipelines and cables

Submarine pipelines

of a licensed deepsea pilot may be

number of pilotage authorities bordering
See Admiralty List of Radio Signals
details.

Froyar
1

1.40
For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 3 (1).

REGULATIONS INTERNATIONAL

Deepsea pilots
1

1.39
The area lies within NAVAREA I.
Navigation warnings can also be obtained via NAVTEX
service or from HM Coastguard stations.
For further details of navigational warnings see
Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 3 (1) and Volume 5.

Radio weather reports

Pilot vessels
1

1.38
Full details of radio aids to navigation outlined below
are given in Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.
Individual stations and services which may be of assistance
to the mariner are listed as necessary within the text of this
volume.
DGPS. Beacons transmitting corrections for differential
GPS (DGPS) operate from the following stations:
Sumburgh Head (59512N 1165W)
Butt of Lewis (58309N 6157W) (West Coast of
Scotland Pilot).
Girdle Ness (57083N 2028W) (North Sea (West)
Pilot).
For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.
Racons are fitted to many lighthouses, lightfloats and
buoys.
Automatic Identification System (AIS). For details see
1.53 and Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 1(1).
General information about AIS may be found in The
Mariners Handbook.
VHF direction finding service for emergency use only
is operated by UK Coastguard; see 1.84.

Radio navigational warnings

Signals
1

1.37
Full details of electronic position fixing systems,
including satellite navigation systems, are given in
Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2; those with a
limited applicability are described below.
Loran C. The Ejde Chain provides groundwave
coverage over the whole area.

1.36
There are no licensed pilots for Froyar but on request
arrangements can be made with Harbour Authorities of the
larger ports, as mentioned in the text of this book, for a
suitable person with local knowledge to give competent

1.41
The area is crossed by a large number of submarine
pipelines interconnecting individual offshore oil and gas
fields and connecting the fields with the shore. They are
shown on the chart with the appropriate legend (oil, gas,
water); where pipelines are close together, only one may be
charted. See The Mariners Handbook for a full description
of pipelines.
1.42
Caution. Mariners are advised not to anchor or trawl in
the vicinity of pipelines. Gas from a damaged oil or gas
pipeline could cause an explosion, loss of a vessels

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buoyancy or other serious hazard. Pipelines are not always

buried and may effectively reduce the charted depth by up
to 2 m. They may also span seabed undulations and cause
fishing gear to become irrecoverably snagged, putting a
vessel in severe danger. See Annual Notice to Mariners
No 24 and The Mariners Handbook.

REGULATIONS UNITED KINGDOM

Routeing measures
Areas to be Avoided
1

Submarine cables
1

1.43
See The Mariners Handbook for information on the
International Convention for the Protection of Submarine
Cables.
2

Precautionary Areas

Pollution
1

General
1

1.44
In the area covered by this book pollution of the sea by
oil is forbidden. See The Mariners Handbook for
information on the International Convention for the
Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973 (MARPOL 1973)
and the 1978 Protocol to MARPOL 1973.
All the countries which border the North Sea have
agreed to cooperate in combating oil pollution by means
of surveillance and in the pooling of resources in an
emergency incident. Other European Council measures
contributing to the subject include Port State Control
Inspections (Directive 95/21/EEC), Port Reception Facilities
for ShipGenerated Waste and Cargo Residue (Directive
2000/59/EC) and the phasing out of singlehull tankers
(Directive 417/2002/EEC).
See also Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 1 (1)
for pollution reports by radio within the waters of the
United Kingdom.

1.49
Recommended directions of traffic flow in the Fair Isle
Channel are given at 2.13.

REGULATIONS
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY
Vessel traffic monitoring and
information system
Directive 2002/59/EC
1

1.45
Regulation 417/2002/EC. This regulation establishes a
timetable for the phasing out of all singlehull petroleum
tankers of more than 5000 dwt in European waters.
Ultimately only doublehull tankers or tankers of
equivalent design will be permitted to visit European ports
and offshore terminals.
The timetable is based upon a vessels date of build, its
design and the types of petroleum carried. The schedule for
Category 1 and 2 tankers will complete in 2007 and for
Category 3 tankers in 2015.

Western European Tanker Reporting System

1

1.48
In order to avoid the risk of oil pollution and severe
damage to the environment and economy of the Shetland
Islands Precautionary Areas are established in the N and
SE approaches to Yell Sound and in the SE approaches to
Lerwick, as shown on the charts. Large deepdraught
vessels with limited manoeuvrability may be encountered in
the N and SE approaches to Yell Sound, and in the latter
they may also be encountered anchored close to the coast.
Navigation within the Precautionary Areas should therefore
be conducted with caution.

Fair Isle Channel

Singlehull petroleum tankers

1

1.47
To avoid the risk of pollution and severe damage to the
environment and economy of Orkney Islands, Fair Islands,
and Shetland Islands, all vessels over 5 000 gt carrying, or
capable of carrying oil or other liquid hazardous cargoes in
bulk should avoid the areas shown on the chart. The areas
extend up to about 18 miles offshore around the Orkney
Islands N of Pentland Firth, about 6 miles offshore around
Fair Isle and up to about 20 miles offshore around the S,
W and N parts of the Shetland Islands.
These areas are approved by the IMO.

1.46
The Western European Tanker Reporting System
(WETREP) is a mandatory reporting system covering the
Western European Particularly Sensitive Sea Area. The
objectives of the system are to initiate SAR and measures
to prevent pollution.
The system applies to every kind of oil tanker of more
than 600 dwt carrying a cargo of:
Heavy crude oil.
Heavy fuel oils.
Bitumen and tar and their emulsions
For limits of the area and further details see Admiralty
List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1).

1.50
General information. This Directive establishes a
common vessel traffic monitoring and information system
throughout European Community (EC) waters. The
principal provisions are described below. They apply in
general to all commercial vessels over 300 gt but the rules
concerning the notification of carriage of dangerous and
polluting goods applies to all vessels regardless of size.
Caution. These extracts are for reference purposes only
and are not to be regarded as a statement of the applicable
law. The full text of the regulations is the sole authoritative
statement of the applicable law and should be consulted.
The regulations to which the following refers is Directive
2002/59/EC or the appropriate enabling legislation drafted
by individual member states, which in the United Kingdom
is The Merchant Shipping (Traffic Monitoring and
Reporting Requirements) Regulations 2004, a copy of
which can be obtained from Her Majestys Stationery
Office (www.hmso.gov.uk).
1.51
Ship reports. All vessels bound for a port within the
EC must report to the port authority at least 24 hours prior
to arrival, or, if the voyage is less than 24 hours, no later
than the time of departure from the previous port. The
report shall include the following information:
Name, call sign, IMO or MMSI number.
Port of destination.
ETA and ETD at port of destination
Total number of persons onboard.

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Upon receipt of a ships report, the port authority will

notify the national coastguard authority by the quickest
means possible. This information will then be pooled in the
Europeanwide telematic network called SafeSeaNet.
Any amendments to the initial ship report must be
notified immediately.
Mandatory ship reporting systems. All vessels shall
report to the coastguard authority on entering an IMO
adopted mandatory ship reporting system, the report being
made in the recognised format (See ALRS Volume 6). The
coastguard authority is to be informed of any changes to
the initial report.
1.52
VTS. All vessels are to participate in and comply with
VTS systems operated by EC member states and also those
systems operated by member states in conjunction with
cooperating nonmember states. This includes those
systems operated by member states outside their territorial
waters but which are operated in accordance with IMO
guidelines.
Routeing Schemes. All vessels must comply with IMO
recommended TSS and Deep Water route regulations. (See
IMO publication Ships Routeing Guide).
1.53
AIS and VDR. All vessels are to be equipped with AIS
and VDR. The systems shall be in operation at all times.
By 2008 individual coastguard stations throughout the
EC are required to be able to receive AIS information and
to relay it to all other coastguard stations within the EC
1.54
Notification of dangerous and polluting goods. All
vessels leaving an EC port are to report dangerous and
polluting goods as specified within the Directive to the
harbour authority. Vessels arriving from outside EC waters
must transmit a report to their first EC port or anchorage
upon departure from their port of loading. If, at the time of
departure, the port of destination in the EC is not known,
the report must be forwarded immediately such information
becomes known. Where practical, this report is to be made
electronically and must include the information described in
Annex 1(3) of the Directive.
When a harbour authority receives a dangerous or
polluting cargo report, it shall retain the report for use in
the event of an incident or accident at sea, forwarding it
whenever requested by the national coastguard authority.
1.55
Reporting of Incidents and Accidents. Whenever a
vessel is involved with one of the following, the coastguard
authority of the EC coastal state is to be informed
immediately;
(a) any incident or accident affecting the safety of the
ship;
(b) any incident or accident which compromises
shipping safety, such as a failure likely to affect a
ships manoeuverability or seaworthiness;
(c) any event liable to pollute the waters or shores of
the coastal state;
(d) The sighting of a slick of polluting material or
drifting containers and packages.
The owner of a vessel, who has been informed by the
master that one of the above has occured, must inform the
coastguard and render any assistance that may be required.
1.56
Measures to be taken in the event of exceptionally
bad weather or sea conditions. If, on the advice of the
national meteorological office, the coastguard authority
deems a threat of pollution or a risk to human life exists

due to impending severe weather, the coastguard authority

will attempt to inform the master of every vessel about to
enter or leave port as to the nature of the weather and the
dangers it may cause.
Without prejudice to measures taken to give assistance
to vessels in distress, the coastguard may take such
measures as it considers appropriate to avoid a threat of
pollution or a risk to human life. The measures may
include:
(a) a recommendation or a prohibition on entry or
departure from a port;
(b) a recommendation limiting, or, if necessary,
prohibiting the bunkering of ships in territorial
waters.
The master is to inform his owners of any measures or
recommendations initiated by the coastguard. If, as a result
of his professional judgement, the master decides not to act
in accordance with measures taken by the coastguard, he
shall inform the coastguard of his reasons for not doing so.
1.57
Measures relating to incidents or accidents at sea.
The coastguard authority will take measures to ensure the
safety of shipping and of persons and to protect the marine
and coastal environment. Measures available to EC states
include;
(a) a restriction on the movement of a ship or an
instruction to follow a specific course.
(b) a notification to put an end to the threat to the
environment or maritime safety;
(c) send an evaluation team aboard a ship to assess
the degree of risk and to help the master remedy
the situation;
(d) instruct the master to put in at a place of refuge
in the event of imminent peril, or, cause the ship
to be piloted or towed.
The owner of the ship and the owner of the dangerous
or polluting goods onboard must cooperate with the
coastguard authority when requested to do so.
1.58
Places of refuge. EC states are required to designate
places of refuge where a vessel which has undergone an
accident or is in distress can receive rapid and effective
assistance to avoid environmental pollution.

Measures to enhance maritime security

Security information
1

1.59
In compliance with Regulation 725/2004/EC, subject
vessels are required to provide security information, as
required by SOLAS XI2 and the ISPS Code, to the
appropriate national authority 24 hours prior to arrival.

Closure of ports
Signals
1

1.60
Should it become necessary to control the entrance of
ships into, and the movement of ships within, certain ports
under the control of the Ministry of Defence in the United
Kingdom, the signals (Diagram 1.60) will be displayed.
They will be shown from some conspicuous position in or
near the approaches to the ports concerned and may also be
displayed by an Examination or Traffic Control Vessel
(1.62) operating in the approaches.
These lights, when exhibited by Examination Vessels
will be carried in addition to their ordinary navigation
lights.

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Signal

Meaning
4

Night

Day

Entrance to port
prohibited.

has embarked outside the United Kingdom, is allowed to

land.
Nothing in the above paragraphs is to be taken as
overruling any regulations issued by local authorities at
particular ports or by routeing authorities.

Quarantine
Quarantine and Customs Regulations
1

Entrance to port
permitted.

Movement of
shipping.
Port entrance control signals (1.60)

Dangerous areas
1

1.61
Masters of vessels are warned that should they approach
the entrance to a port being controlled by the Ministry of
Defence, they should not enter a declared Dangerous Area
without permission, nor anchor or stop in a Dangerous
Area or prohibited anchorage unless instructed to do so.
Masters are advised therefore to communicate with any
Government or Port Authority vessel found patrolling in the
vicinity to ascertain the recommended approach route to the
port.

Regulations to prevent the spread of Rabies

1

Examination Service
1

1.62
In certain circumstances it may be necessary to take
special measures to examine or establish the identity of
individual vessels desiring to enter ports and to control
their entry. This is the function of the Examination Service,
whose officers will be afloat in Examination Vessels or
Traffic Control Vessels. These vessels will wear the
distinguishing flag of the Examination Service, as
illustrated, together with a Blue Ensign, or exceptionally a
White Ensign.

Examination Service special flag

2

1.63
Vessels arriving at any ports or harbours in the United
Kingdom are subject to British Quarantine and Customs
Regulations.
In British Territorial Waters, no person is permitted to
leave a vessel coming from a foreign place, except in the
case of an emergency, until pratique has been granted by
the local authority.
The Master of a foreigngoing vessel is required to
inform the Port Health Authority by radio if any person
onboard is suffering from an infectious disease or has
symptoms which may be indicative of an infectious disease,
or if there are any circumstances requiring the attention of
the Port Medical Officer. This message should be made not
more than 12 hours and not less than 4 hours before arrival.
See Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 1 (1).

If ordered to anchor in an Examination Anchorage,

Masters are warned that it is forbidden, except for the
purposes of avoiding an accident, to do any of the
following without the prior permission of the Examination
Officer:
Lower any boat.
Communicate with the shore or any other vessel.
Work cables.
Allow any person or thing to leave the ship.
The permission of the Immigration Officer must be
obtained before any passenger or member of the crew, who

1.64
Stringent regulations are in force to prevent the spread
of Rabies into the British Islands.
The following is an extract from Article 12 of the
Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals)
Order 1974 (as amended 1977). This extract is applicable
to any animal which has, within the preceding 6 months,
been in a place outside Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the
Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of
Man, except one for which an import licence has been
issued
It shall be the duty of a person having charge or
control of a vessel in harbour in Great Britain to
ensure that an animal which is onboard that
vessel:
(a) is at all times restrained, and kept securely
confined within a totally enclosed part of the
vessel from which it cannot escape;
(b) does not come into contact with any other animal
or any contact animal (other than an animal or
contact animal with which it has been transported
to Great Britain); and
(c) is in no circumstances permitted to land.
If an animal to which the above extract applies is lost
from a vessel in harbour, the person having charge or
control of that vessel must immediately inform an Inspector
of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (now the
Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs),
or the Police, or an officer of H.M. Customs and Excise.
No native animals or contact animals are permitted to go
on board the vessel on which there is an animal from
abroad. This does not apply to dogs belonging to the
Police, H.M. Customs or the Armed Forces and under the
constant control of a trained handler or to animals being
loaded for export.
A contact animal is any one of 25 species, listed in an
Appendix to the Order, which are not normally subject to
quarantine for Rabies unless they have been in contact with
an animal which is subject to quarantine; for example, a
horse, listed as a contact animal, could become subject to

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quarantine if it came into contact with a dog or other

animal which is subject to quarantine.
Other than in exceptional circumstances, only certain
ports are authorized for the landing of animals for which
an import licence has been issued; within the limits of this
book there are no such ports.
The Pet Travel Scheme (Pilot Arrangements) (England)
Order 1999 amends the above mentioned Order in respect
of certain pet animals (cats and dogs only) which may be
brought into the United Kingdom without being subject to
quarantine provided a number of conditions are fulfilled.
The scheme is limited to pets coming from certain
designated countries and territories, and operates only on
certain sea, air and rail routes to England by designated
carriers. Pets may not be brought into the United Kingdom
in any private vessel. The scheme is administered by the
Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,
from whom advice is available.

REGULATIONS FROYAR
Port regulations
1

Protected wrecks
1

1.65
In waters around the United Kingdom, the sites of
certain wrecks are protected by the Protection of Wrecks
Act (1973) from unauthorized interference on account of
the historic, archaeological or artistic importance of the
wreck or anything belonging to it; for further details and a
list of protected wrecks, see The Mariners Handbook
(NP 100) and Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices to
Mariners.
To prevent the disturbance of the dead, similar
protection applies to certain other vessels, which sank in
the last 200 years, including aircraft, both in the United
Kingdom and international waters under the terms of
Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.
In this volume, areas in Moray Firth (4.14), Cromarty
Firth (4.184), Scapa Flow (5.87) and W of Orkney Islands
(5.151), have been protected.

Protection of wildlife

General information
1

1.67
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), is
an organisation whose primary interest lies in the
preservation of the many species of wild birds seen in and
around Britain. For the purposes of this volume, only
important bird reserves lying in and around the coastal
areas are mentioned in the text and shown on the charts.
In many cases visitors are not encouraged, and often not
permitted at all, whilst at other reserves visiting is only
permitted by arrangement and under strict control. Further
details can be obtained from: Head of Reserve
Management, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds,
The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL.

1.66
In Scotland Scottish Natural Heritage, 12 Hope Terrace,
Edinburgh, EH9 2AS gives advice on nature conservation to
government and to all those whose activities affect wildlife
and wild places. It is also responsible for establishing,
maintaining and managing a series of National Nature
Reserves and Marine Reserves; and in identifying and
notifying Sites of Special Scientific Interest. This work is
based on detailed ecological research and survey.
Information concerning byelaws, codes of conduct,
descriptions and positions of Reserves and Sites of Special
Scientific Interest within the area covered by this volume
can be obtained from the Scottish Natural Heritage.
National Nature Reserves. There are about 400
National Nature Reserves in the United Kingdom. Those
established on or near the coastline, which may be of
interest to the mariner, are mentioned in the text and may
be shown on the charts.
Marine Nature Reserves provide protection for marine
flora and fauna and geological and physiographical features
on land covered by tidal waters up to and including the
limit of territorial waters; they are shown on the charts.
These areas provide opportunities for study and research.
Local Nature Reserves. District councils in Scotland, in
consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage, are able to
acquire and manage local nature reserves.

1.68
General information. The harbours in Froyar are
under the control of an Inspector, who, when on duty,
wears a coatofarms or other badge to show his position,
and to whom the Master of every ship entering the port
must report.
Standard Regulations for Maintenance of Order in
Danish Harbours apply in Froyar. Copies are delivered to
Masters free of charge or may be obtained from local
harbour offices and must be held onboard all vessels in
harbour. These lengthy and detailed regulations include the
following:
(a) No vessel may anchor in a harbour or proceed to
an alongside berth, except in cases of necessity,
until the permission of the Harbour Authority has
been obtained.
(b) The Master of a vessel, or agent, must report to
the Harbour Authority and furnish all information
required before a vessel can be allotted a berth.
(c) Various special harbour regulations affect vessels
carrying inflammable liquid or explosive cargoes.
1.69
Ports of entry. All vessels arriving in Froyar must
obtain clearance at one of the following ports before they
enter other harbours in Froyar: Sandur; Vgur; Tvroyri;
Srvgur; Mivgur; Vestmanna; Trshavn; Runavk;
Fuglafjrur; Klaksvk.
If a vessel is compelled to enter a harbour which is not
a port of entry the Master must be guided by the
regulations issued by the local authority at that place and
must, as soon as possible proceed to a port of entry.

Quarantine regulations
1

1.70
There are hospitals in Tvroyri, Trshavn and Klaksvk.
Municipal doctors reside at: Sandur; Vgur; Srvgur;
Mivgur; Vestmanna; Toftir; Runavk; Ski; Kollafjrur;
Eii (Eysturoy); Fuglafjrur.
A vessel arriving from a place where epidemic illness is
considered prevalent, or having such illness onboard, must
display the quarantine flag, or a white flag.
Before the vessel has any other communication with the
shore the Master must land in order to show the vessels
papers to the local authority. Landing is to take place near
where the quarantine flag is displayed. The Harbour
Authority will issue a health certificate which gives
permission for communication with the shore. If another
harbour is entered this certificate and the vessels papers
must be shown to the Harbour Authority there before other
communication with the shore is permitted. For further
details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 1 (1).

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coordinating the subsequent SAR operations unless they

fall within the jurisdiction of the military ARCC. Close
liaison is maintained with adjacent SAR organisations.

Pollution
1

1.71
Regulations are in force prohibiting the dumping of
refuse and other pollutant substances in the waters of
Froyar.

Coastguard network

Foreign warships
1

1.72
Foreign warships are permitted to navigate or anchor in
Danish waters without prior notice except in inner
territorial waters which comprise the sea areas inside the
baselines which determine the national limits.

SIGNALS

Storm warnings

1.73
Visual storm warning signals are not displayed in the
area covered by this book.
For details of radio warnings see Admiralty List of Radio
Signals Volume 3 (1).

DISTRESS AND RESCUE

General information
General Arrangements for Search and Rescue
1
2

Coastguard stations

1.74
General arrangements for SAR in UK waters are given
in the Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices to Mariners.
HM Coastguard (HMCG) (1.76) is the authority
responsible for initiating and coordinating all civil
maritime SAR operations in the United Kingdom Search
and Rescue Region (UK SRR). This includes the
mobilisation, organisation and tasking of adequate resources
to respond to people either in distress at sea, or at risk of
injury or death on the cliffs or shoreline of the United
Kingdom.
The Ministry of Defence provides units to assist
casualties on request from HMCG. RN and RAF SAR
resources consist mainly of helicopters and maritime patrol
aircraft, supplemented as necessary by other aircraft and
surface vessels. The RN provides Explosive Ordnance
Disposal Teams to deal with unexploded or suspect
ordnance.
The Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC)
at Kinloss controls the operation of all military SAR air
resources within the UK SRR.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) (1.87)
provides allweather and inshore lifeboats around the coast
for saving life at sea.
Mariners are reminded that the radio watch on the
international distress frequencies which certain classes of
ships are required to keep when at sea is one of the most
important factors in the arrangements for the rescue of
people in distress at sea.

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

1

1.75
For full details of GMDSS see Admiralty List of Radio
Signals Volume 5.

United Kingdom HM Coastguard (HMCG)

General information
1

1.77
The UK SRR is bounded by latitudes 45N and 61N,
by longitude 30W and to the E by the adjacent European
Search and Rescue Regions, with whom UK Coastguard
maintains a close liaison.
The UK is organised into three SRRs each under the
authority of a Regional Inspector operating from a MRCC.
Each SRR contains one or more MRSC, centred on a
search and rescue district and under the authority of a
District Controller.
Each district is divided into sectors. Within each sector
there are Coastguard Rescue Teams (CRTs) composed of
Auxiliary Coastguards.
CRTs are situated at strategic locations around the coast,
and are equipped to deal with incidents appropriate to the
risks associated with local terrain, activities and conditions.
Capability includes cliff and mud rescue, coastal searches
and patrols. The smaller CRTs only provide an initial
response for investigation, surveillance and reporting. The
larger Auxiliary CRTs provide the initial response and
additional capability.

1.76
HMCG is responsible for requesting and tasking SAR
resources made available by other authorities and for

10

1.78
The sea area within the limits of this book lies
principally in the Scotland and Northern Ireland Search and
Rescue Region, the MRCC for which is at Aberdeen (see
North Sea (West) Pilot). The area is divided into Aberdeen
District, with the MRCC at Aberdeen, and Shetland
District, with an MRSC at Lerwick. Coastguard Auxiliary
Stations (and Sector Bases) are located as follows:
Fair Isle (5932N 137W)
Durness (5834N, 444W)
Melness (5831N, 425W)
Melvich (5834N, 355W)
Scrabster (5837N 333W) (also Thurso Sector
Base)
Dunnet (5837N 321W)
Hoy (5855N 324W)
Duncansby Head (5839N 301W)
Brough Ness (5844N 258W)
Wick (5826N 305W)
Helmsdale (5807N 339W)
Dunbeath (5815N 325W)
Dornoch (5753N 402W) (also Dornoch Sector
Base)
Portmahomack (5750N 350W)
Fraserburgh (5742N 200W)
Gardenstown (5740N 220W)
Banff (5740N 231W)
Portsoy (5741N 241W)
Buckie (5741N 257W) (also Moray Sector Base)
Lossiemouth (5743N 317W)
Gordonstoun (5743N 322W)
Burghead (5742N 329W)
Nairn (5735N 352W)
Cromarty (5741N, 402W)
Fortrose (5735N 408W)
Inverness (5729N 414W) (also Inverness Sector
Base)
Loch Ness (5720N 425W) (also Coastguard
Rescue boat base)
Fort Augustus (5709N 441W)

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10

11

12

13

Longhope (5848N 312W)

Flotta (5850N 307W)
Stromness (5857N 318W)
Rousay (5909N 301W)
Westray (5920N 304W)
Papa Westray (5922N 253W)
Deerness (5856N 245W)
Stronsay (5905N 232W)
Sanday (5913N 239W)
North Ronaldsay (5923N 226W)
Shapinsay (5902N 251W)
Eday (5909N 247W)
Kirkwall (5859N 257W) (also Orkney Sector
Base)
Sumburgh (5951N 116W)
Hamnavoe (West Burra Island) (6006N 120W)
Walls (6014N 134W)
Papa Stour (6020N 142W)
Huxter (6023N 141W)
Hillswick (6028N 129W)
Gloup (6044N 104W)
No Ness (5959N 112W)
Bressay (6006N 104W)
Lerwick (6010N 110W) (also Lerwick Sector
Base)
Out Skerries (6025N 043W)
Whalsay (6020N 100W)
Sullom Voe (6028N 118W)
North Roe (6035N 120W)
Fetlar (6037N 052W)
Mid Yell (6036N 104W)
Baltasound (6046N 051W).

Medical link calls

1

1.79
UK Coastguard MRCCs and MRSCs maintain
continuous watch on VHF Channel 16 and 70 for distress,
urgency and safety calls, covering UK waters. A number of
MRCCs and MRSCs also maintain a continuous watch on
21875 kHz Digital Selective Calling (DSC) in accordance
with GMDSS.
The primary method for vessels to alert rescue services
is GMDSS VHF or MF DSC.

1.80
HM Coastguard makes enquiries to determine the
whereabouts of any vessel reported as missing or overdue
to establish whether the vessel, its crew or passengers are
at risk. Enquiries are made to owners, agents, Lloyds of
London, port authorities and yacht clubs. If enquiries and
broadcasts fail to locate the missing or overdue vessel then
SAR operations will be initiated. Assistance may be
requested from services outside UK SRR.

1.84
The Coastguard operates a VHF D/F service for SAR
purposes at over 40 stations around the United Kingdom.
Triangulation from adjacent RCCs can be used to establish
the position of a vessel in distress.
Within the limits of this book there are five stations as
follows:
Station

Position

MRCC/SC

Dunnet Head

5840N 322W

Aberdeen

Noss head

5829N 303W

Aberdeen

Windyheads Hill

5739N 215W

Aberdeen

Wideford Hill

5859N 301W

Shetland

Compass Head

5952N 116W

Shetland

For further details including a full list of stations around

the United Kingdom, see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 2 (1).

Search and Rescue Helicopter

1

Maritime Safety Information (MSI)

1

1.83
HMCG promotes a Voluntary Safety Identification
Scheme. Owners complete form CG66 with details of the
vessel and its normal area of operation. HMCG puts the
detail into a database for easy access later and returns an
acknowledgement pack containing safety information and a
card explaining how to contact the Coastguard. The owner
should give the card to a responsible person. That person
should contact the Coastguard if the safety of the vessel is
in doubt.
Further details can be obtained from any Coastguard
Station.

Directionfinding service for use in emergency.

Reports of missing or overdue vessels

1

1.82
HMCG provides a MEDILINK service. Mariners who
need medical advice or assistance should call the nearest
Coastguard Coordination Centre on DSC or VHF Channel
16. In an emergency the call should start with PAN PAN.
The Coastguard will transfer the call to a working
frequency and connect the caller to a hospital. The
Coastguard will monitor the call, while the doctor assesses
the patient, and a decision is made what assistance is
necessary.
For further details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 1 (1).

Voluntary Safety Identification Scheme

Coastguard communications
1

MSI broadcasts include Negative Tide Surge Warnings,

SUBFACTS (1.20) and GUNFACTS (1.21), ice warnings,
and interruption to electronic navigation aids.

1.81
HMCG is responsible for the scheduled broadcast of
MSI on VHF and MF R/T and NAVTEX. MSI originates
mainly from the UK Hydrographic Office for Navigational
Warnings and the Meteorological Office for weather
forecasts and warnings.
Navigation warnings broadcast by R/T by HMCG are
restricted to WZ (Coastal Warnings) and Local Warnings.
Navigation warnings broadcast by NAVTEX by HMCG
also include NAVAREA ONE Warnings.

1.85
Civilian SAR helicopters, operated on behalf of the
Coastguard Service, are based permanently at Sumburgh
Airport (5953N, 118W) and Stornoway (5812N
619W) (West Coast of Scotland Pilot). They have a speed
of about 110 kn, a radius of action of about 150 miles and
are equipped with MF and VHF radio.

Emergency Towing Vessels

1

11

1.86
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency charters
Emergency Towing Vessels (ETVs), to protect areas judged
to be at higher risk from environmental damage as a result
of mechanical failure or grounding. An ETV is based in the
seas around Shetland and Orkney Islands.

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CHAPTER 1

Royal National Lifeboat Institution

1

1.87
General information. The Royal National Lifeboat
Institution (RNLI) is a voluntarily supported organisation
whose headquarters are at West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset
BH15 1HZ.
The RNLI maintains a fleet of over 450 lifeboats of
various types and there are over 220 lifeboat stations
around the coasts of the United Kingdom and the Republic
of Ireland. Many of the stations operate allweather
(offshore) lifeboats often supported by inshore lifeboats, if
not on a permanent basis then during the summer months;
some stations operate inshore lifeboats only.

Lifeboat stations
1

Lifeboat characteristics
1

Inshore lifeboat characteristics:

Inflatable or rigid inflatable construction.
Outboard motor(s).
Speed 20 to 30 kn.
VHF(FM) multichannel R/T.

1.88
Allweather lifeboat characteristics:
Length between 10 and 17 m.
Speed 16 kn or more.
Radius of action about 140250 miles.
Equipment: radar; D/F on 2182 Khz and VHF;
communications on MF (2182 Khz) and VHF(FM)
multichannel R/T.
Blue quick flashing light exhibited at night, when on
service.

1.89
Within the limits of this book allweather lifeboats are
permanently stationed at the following locations:
In Scotland at Thurso (Scrabster), Wick, Fraserburgh,
Buckie and Invergordon.
In the Orkney Islands at Long Hope, Stromness and
Kirkwall.
In the Shetland Islands at Aith and Lerwick.
Inshore lifeboats are permanently stationed at Macduff,
and North Kessock. East Sutherland Rescue Association
operate an ILB based at Dornoch. An HM Coastguard
rescue boat is based at Loch Ness.

Froyar
1

12

1.90
MRCC Trshavn is responsible for coordinating Search
and Rescue operations within the Froyar SRR.
Communications. Distress reports, and traffic between
ships in distress and MRCC Trshavn, are normally
conducted through Trshavn Coast Radio Station (see
Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 5).

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CHAPTER 1

COUNTRIES AND PORTS

and is administered in accordance with the European
Unions Common Fisheries Policy.

UNITED KINGDOM
General information
1

History of Scotland and the northern isles

1.91
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland is a constitutional monarchy comprising England,
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but does not include
the Isle of Man or Channel Islands, which are
Dependencies of the Crown. The Sovereign is also Head of
the Commonwealth.
The population (2001 Census) of the United Kingdom is
as follows:
Country

Population

England & Wales

52 042 000

Scotland

5 062 000

Northern Ireland

1 685 000

Definitions
1

1.92
Great Britain:
England, including the Isles of Scilly, Wales and
Scotland; the Orkney and Shetland Islands are part
of Scotland.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland:
Great Britain, as above, and Northern Ireland.
British Isles:
Great Britain, The Isle of Man and Ireland (both the
Republic and the North).
British Islands:
British Isles, as above, and Channel Islands.

National limits
1

1.93
Territorial waters. The breadth of the Territorial Sea
adjacent to the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man
extends for a distance of 12 nautical miles as defined by
the Territorial Sea Act 1987 given in Appendix II, and the
Territorial Sea Act 1987 (Isle of Man) Order 1991. The
breadth of the Territorial Sea adjacent to the Channel
Islands is 3 nautical miles.
Baselines to be used for measuring the breadth of the
territorial waters adjacent to the United Kingdom, the
Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are defined in the
Territorial Waters Order in Council 1964 as amended by
the Territorial Sea (Amendment) Order 1996, given in
Appendix I. This 12 nautical mile Territorial Sea limit is
depicted on selected Admiralty charts.
See also Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices to
Mariners.
1.94
Fishery limits. The exclusive fishing limits of the
United Kingdom extend up to 6 nautical miles from the
baselines of the Territorial Sea and for the next 6 nautical
miles fishing is limited to countries with established rights
in accordance with the European Unions Common
Fisheries Policy. These 6 nautical mile and 12 nautical mile
limits are depicted on selected Admiralty charts. Foreign
fishing rights in these waters are depicted on Admiralty
chart Q6385. The Fishery Limits Act 1976 extended British
fishery limits to 200 nautical miles measured from the
baselines of the Territorial Sea, or to such limits as may be
specified. This limit is depicted on Admiralty chart Q6353

1.95
Unlike England, Scotland was never a province of the
Roman Empire from which it was separated by a fortified
wall, 75 miles long, built by the Emperor Hadrian in
AD 122 to 128 to secure the N frontier of the Roman
province of Britannia, present day England.
Following the withdrawal of the Roman Legions from
England in 410 AD, invading Saxons from NW Europe
gradually, in the fifth and sixth centuries, drove some of
the remaining Britons and Angles N of Hadrians Wall. At
about the same time there was a large incursion of Scots
from Ireland into the W part of the territory N of the wall
and in the incessant tribal warfare of the next four
centuries the Scots gradually achieved a unifying
supremacy over the other tribes. In 1034 AD they
established an effective Kingdom of Scotland in the central
and S parts of the territories N of Hadrians Wall. However
the Hebrides did not become part of the Kingdom of
Scotland until 1266, when they were ceded to Alexander
III by Magnus of Norway.
Meanwhile Vikings, or Norsemen, from Scandinavia
carried out repeated invasions of Britain during the eighth,
ninth and tenth centuries and overran part of France now
known as Normandy. They also occupied the Orkney and
Shetland Islands which remained Danish until 1472 when
they were ceded to Scotland as part of the dowry of
Margaret of Denmark who became the wife of King James
III of Scotland. Strong traces of Scandinavian culture
remain to the present day in both the Orkney and Shetland
Islands.
In 1066 William, Duke of Normandy, overcame the
resistance of the Saxons in Britain at the Battle of
Hastings. During the next 250 years the English crown,
with a far more populated kingdom, made a number of
attempts to overrun and annex the Scottish Kingdom but
after a crushing defeat by the Scots, led by King Robert
the Bruce, at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, the
English finally and formally recognised the independence
of Scotland as a sovereign state in 1328.
In 1603 the crowns of England and Scotland were
united by the accession, through inheritance, of King James
VI of Scotland as King James I of England and Scotland.
Final legislative union of the parliaments of the two
countries was enacted by The Act of Union of 1707. The
Scottish Parliament was revived in 1999 as a result of the
governments policy of devolution.

Government
1

13

1.96
The supreme legislative power is vested in Parliament,
which is divided into two Houses of Legislature, the House
of Lords and the House of Commons, and in its present
form dates from the middle of the fourteenth century,
although in 1999 the House of Lords was reformed to
exclude the majority of hereditary peers and peeresses.
The House of Lords is nonelected and consists of life
peers and peeresses, Law Lords, two archbishops and
twenty four bishops of the established Church of England,
and, as an interim measure, 92 hereditary peers and
peeresses. The House of Lords has judicial powers as the
ultimate Court of Appeal for courts in Great Britain and
Northern Ireland, except for criminal cases in Scotland.

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The House of Commons consists of members

representing county and borough constituencies. Every
constituency returns a single member. In 2005 there was a
total of 659 members, 529 from England, 72 from
Scotland, 40 from Wales and 18 from Northern Ireland.
Suffrage is limited to men and women aged 18 years and
above.
Executive government is vested nominally in the Crown,
but is exercised in practice by the Cabinet, a committee of
ministers, which is dependent on the support of the
majority in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister
presides over the Cabinet and dispenses the greater portion
of the patronage of the Crown.
Parliament can be dissolved by the will of the
Sovereign, or by proclamation during its recess or by lapse
of the statutory duration of five years.
In Scotland, where the judiciary and certain other areas
of government still differ significantly from those of the
remainder of the United Kingdom, the Scottish Parliament,
first elected in 1999, has legislative power over all matters
not reserved to the United Kingdom Parliament in
Westminster, or otherwise outside its powers.

FROYAR
General information
1

1.100
Froyar have an area of 1399 square kilometres; only
one of the 18 islands of the group is uninhabited and in
2002 the total population was estimated at 47 700.

National limits
1

1.101
Denmark claims territorial waters using a system of
straight baselines along the coast; outer territorial waters
claimed extend 3 miles seaward of the baselines; inner
territorial waters comprise the waters between the baselines
and the shore. See Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices
to Mariners.
1.102
Fishery limits. A Danish Government Decree has
established similar limits to those of The United Kingdom
around Froyar; the 12 nautical mile fishery limit is shown
on Chart 117. Special regulations exist restricting fishing
for certain species within the 12 nautical mile limit around
Froyar and prohibit trawling in certain areas which extend
beyond that limit.

History
International relations
1

1.97
The United Kingdom is a permanent member of The
Security Council of The United Nations, and a member of
the Commonwealth, the European Union, the Western
European Union, the Council of Europe, the Organisation
for Economic Cooperation and Development and the
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

Government
1

Industry and trade

1

1.103
Although discovered in very early times Froyar appear
to have remained uninhabited until the ninth century when
they were occupied by Vikings, or Norsemen, from
Scandinavia. The people are of Norse stock and Norse
culture remains predominant in the islands. The capital of
the islands is Trshavn (Thorshavn).

1.98
Britain is more dependent than most countries on its
industries, and trades worldwide.
Major industries are iron and steel, heavy engineering,
and the processing of imported goods such as wool, cotton
and tobacco. In recent years with the decline of some of
the traditional industries, Britain has had to rely on
technical skill and inventiveness and a new range of
industries has developed including motor vehicles, aircraft,
nuclear power equipment, instruments, man made fibres
and chemical products as well as electrical goods and
machines. Considerable quantities of crude oil are imported
to be refined into petroleum products.
The production of oil and gas from offshore fields plays
an important part in the countrys industry and technology.
The country is intensively farmed, mainly for home
consumption but an important export trade in agricultural
products has been established. A considerable fishing fleet
is maintained.
1.99
Scotland has the largest share of the United Kingdoms
offshore oil production industry, including rig fabrication
and repair, the support of offshore installations, and the
export of products from the offshore fields. A substantial
part of the offshore gas industry is also Scottishbased.
Highly technical industries, including advanced electronics,
are concentrated in the Forth/Clyde valley. Other important
industries include traditional agriculture, tourism, and
fishing; the farming of salmon and other marine species has
become a major industry, particularly in the Orkney and
Shetland Islands and development is continuing.

1.104
Froyar are part of the Kingdom of Denmark and send
two elected representatives to the Danish Parliament.
In 1948 the islands attained a considerable measure of
local selfgovernment under the Danish crown. The
Parliament (Lgting) comprises 32 elected members;
Parliament elects a government (Landsstri) of at least
three members which administers specific home affairs.
Denmark is represented in the Parliament by a chief
administrator. Local government is conducted through
50 kommunur which can raise their own taxes.
Froyar are not part of the European Union.
There is a national flag, which may be flown as an
alternative to the Danish flag.

Language
1

1.105
Faroese, a language based on an old Scandinavian
dialect and closely allied to Icelandic, has been the official
language since 1948 along with Danish.

Physical features
1

1.106
The islands are in the main hilly with coasts lined by
cliffs and indented by numerous fjords, The terrain is
generally devoid of trees and bare except for grass in the
valleys and on the sides of the fjords, and heather which
grows in places.

Industry and trade

1

14

1.107
There is no manufacturing industry in Froyar. Some
small scale agriculture and sheep breeding is carried on but
the main activities are fishing and fishprocessing.
The chief exports are fresh and processed fish; imports
are mainly subsistence goods.

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Exploration for oil and gas in surrounding waters is

being considered (2006).

PRINCIPAL PORTS, HARBOURS AND

ANCHORAGES
1.108
Place and position

Remarks

Mainland of Scotland
North coast
Loch Eriboll (3.30)
(5833N 439W)

Anchorage.

Scrabster (3.79)
(5837N 333W)

Fishing
and
small
commercial port in Thurso
Bay; RoRo ferry terminal;
anchorage in Roads.

Remarks

Pierowall Road (5.179)

(Westray)
(5919N 255W)

Anchorage.

Bay of Newark (5.234)

(Sanday)
(5915N 230W)

Fairweather anchorage.

Veantrow Bay (5.277)

(Shapinsay)
(5904N 252W)

Anchorage.

Kirkwall (5.352)
(Mainland)
(5859N 257W)

Commercial and fishing port;

RoRo ferry terminal.

Shetland Islands

Northwest side of Moray Firth

Wick (4.20)
(5826N 305W)

Place and position

Fishing
and
small
commercial port; supply base
for offshore oil and gas
industry.

Scalloway (6.49)
(Mainland)
(6008N 116W)

Small
fishing
commercial
port
restricted anchorage.

Lerwick (6.171)
(Mainland)
(6010N 109W)

Commercial and fishing port

with anchorage; major supply
base for offshore oil and gas
industries; RoRo ferry
terminal.

Dales Voe (6.184)

(6012N 110W)

Maintenance
offshore rigs.

Sullom Voe (6.232)

(Mainland)
(6028N 118W)

Major oil and gas terminal

with limited anchorage;
RoRo facility.

Colgrave Sound (6.331)

(Yell)
(6035N 057W)

Anchorage used by ships

awaiting berth in Sullom
Voe.

South side of Moray Firth

Fraserburgh (4.92)
(5742N 200W)

Fishing
and
small
commercial
port
with
anchorage in Fraserburgh
Bay.

Macduff (4.108)
(5740N 230W)

Fishing
and
small
commercial
port
with
anchorage in Banff Bay.

Buckie (4.140)
(5741N 257W)

Fishing
and
commercial port.

Lossiemouth (4.147)
(5743N 317W)

Small
fishing
and
commercial port. Marina for
small craft.

small

Balta Sound and Harbour Anchorage

and
(6.362) (Unst)
commercial port.
(6045N 048W)

Head of Moray Firth

Cromarty Firth (4.180)
(5741N 400W)

Inverness (4.262)
(5729N 414W)

for

small

Nor Wick (6.374) (Unst) Anchorage.

(6048N 047W)

Extensive anchorage; oil

terminal;
offshore
rig
fabrication and repair yards;
commercial berths; major
supply base for offshore oil
and gas industry; RoRo
ferry terminal.

Froyar

Commercial port with

anchorage in Inverness Firth.

Orkney Islands
Scapa Flow (5.10
5.147)
(5854N 300W)

base

and
with

to Extensive anchorage for all

sizes of ships.

Sandur (7.32) (Sandoy)

(6150N 448W)

Small
fishing
and
commercial
port
with
anchorage in Sandsvgur.

Vgsfjrur (7.39)
(Suuroy)
(6128N 645W)

Anchorage; small commercial

and fishing port at Vgur.

Trongisvgsfjrur (7.53)
(Suuroy)
(6132N 645W)

Anchorage; small commercial

and fishing port at Tvroyri.
Anchorage.

Small commercial and

fishing port with limited
anchorage in Srvgsfjrur.

Longhope (5.70)
(5849N 310W)

Anchorage.

Hvalbiarfjrur (7.66)
(Suuroy)
(6137N 652W)

Lyness (5.82)
(5850N 311W)

Commercial wharfs; RoRo

facility.

Srvgur (7.111) (Vgar)

(6206N 719W)

Stromness (5.112)
(5857N 318W)

Small
fishing
and
commercial port; RoRo
ferry terminal.

Mivgur (7.126) (Vgar) Small commercial and

fishing port with anchorage.
(6203N 710W)

Flotta Marine Oil

Terminal (5.135)
(5851N 307W)

Major oil and LNG terminal.

Vestmanna (7.128)
(Streymoy)
(6209N 710W)

15

Commercial and fishing port

with limited anchorage;
RoRo ferry terminals.

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CHAPTER 1

Place and position

Remarks

Trshavn (7.153)
(Streymoy)
(6200N 645W)

Principal commercial, fishing

and ferry port of Froyar;
anchorage; RoRo facility.

Sklafjrur (7.176)
(Eysturoy)
(6205N 646W)

Sheltered anchorage with a

number of harbours.

Toftir (7.185)
(6205N 644W)

Small commercial and ferry

port.

Strendur (7.186)
(6207N 645W)

Small commercial and ferry

port.

Runavk (7.187)
(6207N 643W)

Commercial port.

Sldarfjrur (7.190)
(6209N 645W)

Fuel jetty.

Kollafjrur (7.195)
(Streymoy)
(6207N 652W)

Commercial quays; exposed

anchorage.

Eii (7.207) (Eysturoy)

(6218N 705W)

Fishing port.

Norragta (7.229)
(Eysturoy)
(6212N 644W)

Small commercial and

fishing port; temporary
anchorage in Gtuvk.

Fuglafjrur (7.233)
(Eysturoy)
(6214N 648W)

Small commercial and

fishing port with anchorage.

Other facilities
Deratting
1

Klaksvk (7.242) (Boroy) Commercial and fishing port;

sheltered anchorage available
(6214N 635W)
in Pollurin.

1.110
Deratting certificates and exemption certificates.
Cromarty Firth (4.180), Kirkwall (5.361) and Lerwick
(6.200).
Deratting exemption certificates only: statutory harbour
areas of Scapa Flow (5.22), Wide Firth (5.330) and
Shapinsay Sound (5.330); Trshavn (7.159).

Measured distance

PORT SERVICES SUMMARY

Docking facilities
1

Moray Firth:
Wick. Patent slip, 23 m LOA, 200 dwt. (4.35).
Fraserburgh. Dry dock, 62 m LOA, 75 m draught; 6
berth shiplift, 33 m LOA, 10 m beam, 7 m draught.
(4.98).
Macduff. Patent slip, 24 m LOA, 5 m draught,
200 dwt. (4.115).
Buckie. Two patent slips, largest 140 m LOA, 62 m
draught, 850 dwt. (4.146).
Nigg, Cromarty Firth. Graving dock. (4.224).
Shetland Islands:
Scalloway. Patent slip, 33 m LOA, 88 m beam,
425 m draught and 350 dwt. (6.55).
Froyar:
Vgsfjrur. Patent slip, 1 500 dwt. (7.52).
Vestmanna. Patent slip, 3.3 m draugtht. (7.130).
Trshavn. Two patent slips, 1 000 and 2 500 dwt
(7.159).
Skli. Dry dock and patent slip. (7.191).
Klaksvk. Patent slip. (7.249).

1.109
The summary below lists ports with docking facilities;
dimensions, where given, relate to the largest vessel that
can be accommodated; further details of the facilities are
given at the reference quoted for each port.

1.111
West of Scar Nose (5742N 251W) (4.131).

Decompression chamber
1

16

1.112
Sella Ness (6027N 116W) (6.295).

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NATURAL CONDITIONS
MARITIME TOPOGRAPHY
General topography
1

1.113
The area covered by this book is roughly bisected by
the outer edge of the Scottish continental shelf, which is
aligned NE/SW. The Froe shelf surrounds Froyar and is
separated from the Scottish (West Shetland) shelf by the
SW/NE trending FroeShetland Channel, with depths in
excess of 1600 m. The Froe Bank lies SW of the Froe
shelf and is separated from it by the Froe Bank Channel,
with depths in excess of 1000 m. Wyville Thomson Ridge
extends SE from the Froe Bank to the Scottish shelf, with
depths of about 500 m.

Currents within the area covered by this book

1

Seabed
1

Predominant direction. The mean direction within a

continuous 90 sector containing the highest proportion of
observations from all sectors.
Average rate, to the nearest kn, of the highest 50%
in the predominant sectors.
Constancy, is indicated by the thickness of the arrows.
This is a measure of its persistence. Low constancy implies
marked variability in rate and direction.

1.114
Between Scotland and Froyar sand is the dominant
material flooring the seabed, thickly strewn with patches of
gravel and shell. There are occasional rock and gravel
patches as well as the rock outcrops of Nun Rock (5853N
459W) and Sule Skerry (5905N 424W). Small isolated
patches of mud occur in the region. Fine mud and sand are
the main constituents of the seabed in the area of Wyville
Thomson Ridge, with patches occurring on the elevations.
Sand and gravel fringe the N coast of Scotland between
Cape Wrath and Duncansby Head, and the coasts of the
Orkney Islands, Fair Isle and the Shetland Islands, varying
in extent from 5 to 20 miles. Rock and gravel are found in
the sounds and channels between the islands, but the
remainder of the seabed is formed mainly of sand with
occasional rock.
Sand is also the dominant material in Moray Firth and
North Sea areas, although mud forms two patches in the S
part of the former (in the Southern Trench (4.81) and the
entrances to Cromarty and Inverness Firths), as well as
being found about 50 miles NE of the Shetland Islands and
in the vicinity of Dutch Bank (5920N 045W), Fladen
Ground (5825N 040E) and Bressay Bank (5925N
010E).
The seabed extending up to 20 miles from the coasts of
Froyar is mainly sand with mixtures of shell and gravel
dispersed over it. Offshore, quite large patches of shells are
to be found N and SW of the main group of islands. Many
of the islands have a continuous or broken fringe of rock.
Mud is rare inshore, but large patches lie some 20 miles
WSW and ENE of Sandoy.

1.117
Within the 200 m depth contour the currents are weak
and variable and are mainly controlled by tidal factors.
Beyond the 200 m depth contour the North Atlantic Current
sets in a predominately NE direction in the W but with an
E or ESE set in the area between Froyar and Fair Isle. In
the extreme NE, the set is towards the NE; in the extreme
SE there is a weak S or SE set.
Constancy of the North Atlantic Current is between
55% and 75% in the W and NE reducing to less 40%
within the 200 m depth contour. Despite the predominance
of these sets, the currents show considerable variability in
response to the recent wind speed and direction.
Rates. Over the majority of the area the mean rate is
between and kn. Between 93% and 98% of all
currents have a rate of less than 1 kn. Currents between 2
and 3 knots are rarely found.

Effects of strong winds

1

1.118
Strong and persistent winds from any quarter can induce
changes that may enhance, reduce or change the direction
of the current indicated in the diagram. In these latitudes
the rate of the surface current component due to wind may
be estimated at onefortieth of the speed of the wind, and
its direction as about 30 to the right of the direction
towards which the wind is blowing. There is a lag of some
hours between the setting of the wind and the establishment
of the associated current component. When well
established, the current is likely to persist for a day or
more after the wind has decreased or changed direction.
Within the 200 m depth contour the effect of wind upon
tidal streams is even more marked.

Tides
1

CURRENTS, TIDES AND TIDAL STREAMS

Currents
2

1.119
The tide on the N coast of Scotland is predominantly
semidiurnal and progresses E along the N coast and
through the Orkney and Shetland Islands thence S down
the E coast. Ranges are about 3 m in the Orkney Islands,
2 m in the Shetland Islands and 4 m at the head of Moray
Firth.
In Froyar ranges are small.

North Atlantic Current

1

Tidal streams

1.115
In North Atlantic Ocean, E of about 46W, the Gulf
Stream ceases to be a welldefined current, becoming
weaker as it fans out up the E side of Grand Banks of
Newfoundland. The resulting wide NE and E flow, known
as the North Atlantic Current, crosses the ocean towards
the British Isles.

Currents diagram
1

1.116
In the currents diagram 1.116, arrows indicate
predominant direction, average rate and constancy, which
are defined as follows:

17

1.120
The main ingoing tidal stream sets along the N coast of
Scotland and joins the Sgoing stream through the Shetland
Islands and E of the Orkney Islands and thence S down the
E coast. Among the islands tidal streams can be strong,
particularly in Pentland Firth, and eddies of considerable
strength can be expected. Full details are given on the
charts or in the appropriate geographical chapters of this
book. See also Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: Orkney and
Shetland Islands.
Within a deep channel, 60 to 100 miles wide and
orientated NE/SW, between Froyar and the Shetland

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Index
CHAPTER 1

15

20

10

VARIABLE

3/4
1/2

60

60
1/2
1/2

VARIABLE
1/2 KNOT

1/2

VARIABLE
1/2 KNOT

50

50
1
1/2

KEY
Average rate in knots is indicated in figures.
Arrows indicate the predominant direction.
The constancy of a current is indicated by the
thickness of the arrow thus:

3/4

High constancy >75%

Moderate constancy 50%-75%
Low constancy <50%
Probable direction when
observation count is low
1/2
1/2

20

15

Longitude 10 West from Greenwich

Predominant surface currents JANUARY to DECEMBER (1.116)

18

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Index
CHAPTER 1

Islands, the Orkney Islands and Scotland, tidal streams set

as follows:
Interval from HW
Ullapool (HW Dover)

Remarks

0030 (0450)

Tidal stream NWgoing and at

its weakest.

+0230 (0150)

Tidal stream NEgoing and at

its strongest; spring rate to
kn.

+0530 (+0110)

Tidal stream SEgoing and at

its weakest.

0355 (+0410)

Tidal stream SWgoing and at

its strongest; spring rate to
kn.

Density
1

Sea surface temperature

1
2

SEA AND SWELL

1

1.121
For the definitions and information on sea and swell, see
The Mariners Handbook.

Sea conditions
1

1.122
The whole of the area covered by this book is affected
by deep Emoving depressions from the North Atlantic
Ocean. In January, between 26% and 32% of observations
in the N and W parts of the area record sea waves of 4 m
and over. Only 20% of observations record waves of this
height in the SE. In July, this proportion has fallen to 4%
for the whole area.
Sea heights of 4 to 7 m are common in winter,
especially in the W part of the area. The combination of
high seas and heavy swell (see below) is liable to generate
confused and hazardous seas.
The coastal waters of N Scotland covered by this book
are sheltered from S to SW gales but experience rough to
very rough seas with gales from most other directions.

1.127
The sea surface temperature may increase by 2 to 3C
above the mean after a prolonged warm spell and decrease
by a slightly larger amount in late winter or early spring,
after a period of very cold E winds.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

General information
1

1.123
Diagrams 1.123.1 to 1.123.4 give swell roses for
selected months.. The roses show the percentage of swell
waves for selected sectors and wave height range. Swell
data for the NW part of the area is sparse and the swell
roses should be used with caution.
Swell waves in the W of the area are predominantly
from the SW quarter. There is also a high occurrence of
swells from between N and NE. In the E of the area, swell
direction is more varied with a low percentage occurrence
of observations recording swells from the E quarter. Over
the open sea, in winter, the percentage occurrence of
observations with swells 4 m or more is around 35% to
40% in the extreme W of the area and 20% to 25%
elsewhere. The percentage reduces to less than 4% in
summer..

1.128
The following information should be read in conjunction
with The Mariners Handbook.
Weather reports and forecasts that cover the area are
regularly broadcast in a number of languages; see
Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 3 (1).
Ice accumulation. In certain weather conditions, ice
accumulation on hulls and superstructures of ships can be a
serious danger. This hazard occasionally occurs in the N
part of the area. See The Mariners Handbook for details
on ice accumulation on ships.

General conditions
1

SEA WATER CHARACTERISTICS

3

Salinity
1

1.126
Diagram 1.126 shows the mean sea surface temperature
for February, May, August and November.
In winter, the mean sea surface temperature is between
6 and 7C in the SE of the area, rising to between 7 and
9C in the W. In January and February, the sea temperature
is about 1 to 2C warmer than the overlying air in the E
and about 2 to 3C warmer in the W. In August, the mean
sea surface temperature is about 14C in the SE and around
12C in the W and similar to the overlying mean air
temperature

Variability

Swell conditions
1

1.125
The density of surface water is at a maximum in the
winter (February) when variation across the area ranges
from values of 102700 g/cm3 on the N coast of Scotland
to 102750 g/cm3 between the Orkney and Shetland Islands
passing S and W of Froyar.
Density is at a minimum in the summer (August) when
the variation across the area ranges from values of
102600 g/cm3 on the N coast of Scotland to 102700 g/cm3
in an area enclosing Froyar and extending N from those
islands.

1.124
The salinity of sea surface water has virtually no
seasonal variations in this area. Values do, however, vary
across the area ranging from 3400 in the Moray Firth, to
3500 to 3525 around Froyar.

19

1.129
The area has a mild maritime climate due to the
prevailing SW winds and the warming influence of the
North Atlantic Current. Gale to hurricane force winds may
occur from any direction especially during the period
October to April. In the W and central parts of the area,
gales from the SW quadrant are more frequent, while in the
extreme E of the area gales from the S quarter are more
frequent.
Frequent mobile depressions affect the area, especially in
winter, and widespread rain and low cloud is common.
Squally showers with winds between NW and NE are
often accompanied by snow in winter. With N winds
visibility is frequently good to very good, except in
showers. Sea fog is uncommon in winter but increases in
frequency during the summer months. Land fog is most
frequent in autumn and winter around dawn and
occasionally extends to inshore waters.

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Index
CHAPTER 1

66 20

18

64

16

<1

14

12

10

<1

4
66

<1

64

62

62

<1
60

<1

<1

<1

<1

60

58

58

1
56

56

54

54

20

18

16

14

12

10

Meridian 0 of Greenwich

Swell distribution JANUARY (1.123.1)

EXPLANATION. The frequency of swell from
any direction is given according to the scale:
0%

10

20

30

40

50%

This scale is further subdivided to indicate the

f r e q u e n c y o f swe l l o f d i f fe r e n t h e i g h t s ( i n
metres) according to the legend:
0.1-2.2

4.3-6.2

8.3+

3
2.3-4.2

6.3-8.2

20

Swell direction is towards the circle centre. The

figure within the circle gives the percentage of
calms.

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Index
CHAPTER 1

66 20

18

16

64

14

12

10

62

4
66

64

62

<1
60

60

58

58

56

54

56

54

20

18

16

14

12

10

Meridian 0 of Greenwich

Swell distribution APRIL (1.123.2)

EXPLANATION. The frequency of swell from
any direction is given according to the scale:
0%

10

20

30

40

50%

This scale is further subdivided to indicate the

f r e q u e n c y o f swe l l o f d i f fe r e n t h e i g h t s ( i n
metres) according to the legend:
0.1-2.2

4.3-6.2

8.3+

3
2.3-4.2

6.3-8.2

21

Swell direction is towards the circle centre. The

figure within the circle gives the percentage of
calms.

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Index
CHAPTER 1

66 20

18

16

14

12

10

4
66

4
64

64

62

62

1
60

60

58

58

56

56

54

54

20

18

16

14

12

10

Meridian 0 of Greenwich

Swell distribution JULY (1.123.3)

EXPLANATION. The frequency of swell from
any direction is given according to the scale:
0%

10

20

30

40

50%

This scale is further subdivided to indicate the

f r e q u e n c y o f swe l l o f d i f fe r e n t h e i g h t s ( i n
metres) according to the legend:
0.1-2.2

4.3-6.2

8.3+

3
2.3-4.2

6.3-8.2

22

Swell direction is towards the circle centre. The

figure within the circle gives the percentage of
calms.

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Contents

Index
CHAPTER 1

66 20

18

16

14

12

10

4
66

<1

64

64

62

62

<1
60

<1

<1

60

58

58

<1
56

<1

56

<1

54

54

20

18

16

14

12

10

Meridian 0 of Greenwich

Swell distribution OCTOBER (1.123.4)

EXPLANATION. The frequency of swell from
any direction is given according to the scale:
0%

10

20

30

40

50%

This scale is further subdivided to indicate the

f r e q u e n c y o f swe l l o f d i f fe r e n t h e i g h t s ( i n
metres) according to the legend:
0.1-2.2

4.3-6.2

8.3+

3
2.3-4.2

6.3-8.2

23

Swell direction is towards the circle centre. The

figure within the circle gives the percentage of
calms.

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Index
CHAPTER 1

66

20

18

16

14

12

10

8
66

3
4

64

64

6
7
62

62

9
60

60

58

58

56

56

10
54

54

7
9
52
20

52
18

16

14

12

10

Meridian 0 of Greenwich 4

Mean sea surface temperature (C) FEBRUARY (1.126.1)

24

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Index
CHAPTER 1

66

20

18

16

14

12

10

8
66

5
6
64

64

8
62

62

9
9
60

60

58

58

11
56

56

11

54

54

10

11
52
20

52
18

16

14

12

10

Meridian 0 of Greenwich 4

Mean sea surface temperature (C) MAY (1.126.2)

25

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Index
CHAPTER 1

66

20

18

16

14

12

10

8
66

9
64

64

10

11

62

62

12

14

60

60

13
15
58

58

14

16

56

56

17

15
54

15

18

54

16
16
52
20

52
18

16

14

12

10

Meridian 0 of Greenwich 4

Mean sea surface temperature (C) AUGUST (1.126.3)

26

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Index
CHAPTER 1

66

20

18

16

14

12

10

8
66

64

64

62

62

60

60

10

58

58

11

56

56

12

11

54

12

54

52
20

52
18

16

14

12

10

Meridian 0 of Greenwich 4

Mean sea surface temperature (C) NOVEMBER (1.126.4)

27

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Index
CHAPTER 1

Pressure

Polar depressions

Average distribution
1

1.130
The distribution of the mean atmospheric pressure is
shown in diagram 1.130. In general, pressure increases
from NW to SE across the area with the lowest pressure in
the NW in autumn and winter and the highest in the SE in
spring and summer.

Fronts
Polar front
1

Variability
1

1.131
The actual pressure distribution will vary significantly
from the mean due to the numerous Emoving depressions
and occasional build of anticyclones. Pressure values may
vary between 1050 Hpa (mb) and 950 Hpa. During
disturbed weather large and rapid variations may occur,
particularly in winter. Changes of 40 Hpa in a period of
24 hours may occur, especially in winter.
1

1.132
The regular diurnal variation is less than 1 Hpa and is
nearly always masked by other changes in the pressure
pattern.

Anticyclones
1

1.133
There is normally an anticyclone in the vicinity of the
Azores throughout the year. In summer, a ridge of high
pressure often extends NE from the anticyclone towards
France and central Europe. This ridge commonly brings
settled weather to the S of the area while guiding
Emoving depressions further N.

Average distribution

1.134
Scandinavian anticyclones frequently develop during the
spring and autumn and give rise to a cold dry E or SE
airflow over the region. This airflow normally persists for 2
to 3 days but has, on occasions, lasted several weeks. When
this airflow is in place mobile depressions are deflected N
towards Iceland and away from the E part of the area.

Atlantic depressions

1.140
The wind roses in diagrams 1.140.1 to 1.140.4 show the
frequency of wind for selected direction and wind speed.

Variability

Depressions

1.139
Most of the major depressions crossing the area have
very active and welldefined warm and cold fronts (see
The Mariners Handbook). Whenever a depression passes N
of the area, the wind at the passage of a warm front
usually veers from a S point to SW. At the cold front there
is often a sharp veer from SW to NW.

Winds

Scandinavian anticyclones
1

1.138
The mean position of the Arctic front in winter is to the
N of Scandinavia. Occasionally vigorous depressions over
the Norwegian Sea cause the front to move S to bring
squally snow showers to the region. The arctic front is of
negligible importance in summer, as the air becomes almost
indistinguishable from polar air.

Warm and cold fronts

Azores anticyclone
1

1.137
The polar front is the most important front in the region
and plays a dominant role throughout the year. It marks the
boundary between the cold air to the N and the moist
warm air to the S. In winter its mean position is from
40N, 40W to the S coast of England. In summer it lies
from 45N, 40W to N Wales. The majority of the mobile
depressions that affect the area originate in the polar frontal
zone over the W North Atlantic.

Arctic front

Diurnal variation
1

1.136
Polar depressions may reach the region from Norwegian
Sea. These have a relatively small circulation of intense
showers that frequently bring outbreaks of snow in winter.

1.141
With the recurring mobile depressions, winds are
variable in both direction and speed in all seasons. When
an anticyclone becomes established over Europe,
particularly during the spring and autumn, an E to SE wind
may persist for up to several weeks.

Open Ocean

1.135
The area lies to the SE of the location of the
semipermanent Icelandic low. This low pressure region is
most intense in winter because of the recurring deep
depressions that transit the area. Some however, move on a
more S track and cross the NW part of the area and are
frequently accompanied by secondary depressions. The
secondary depressions, on more S tracks, often move E
across Scotland and then either NE towards Norway or
ESE towards the Baltic.
Depressions are generally more frequent in winter. The
first of the severe winter storms sometimes occur as early
as October. The intervals between depressions can be as
short as 24 hours or as long as 3 to 4 days. When intervals
between intense depressions are short, gale or storm force
winds may affect the more exposed locations for a long
period.

1.142
Over the open ocean to the W, the winds are very
variable with winds from either SW or NNE being
marginally predominant. To the E the winds are also very
variable. Winds from SSE to SW are slightly more
predominant in winter. Winds of force 5 and over are
reported on about 63% of occasions in winter and 25% of
occasions in summer.

Coastal areas
1

28

1.143
Weather, and hence the wind, close off the coast can
differ considerably from that experienced farther to seaward
(see The Mariners Handbook). Around the three island
groups and along the coast of NW Scotland, the local
winds are affected by topography. Winds may strengthen in
narrow inlets and channels open to the prevailing wind, due

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CHAPTER 1

66

20

64

18

16

14

12

10

996

8
66

64

99

00
10

62

62

02
10

1004

60

60

6
100
10 0 8

58

58

10 1 0

56

10
12

56

54

54

52
20

52
18

16

14

12

10

Meridian 0 of Greenwich 4

Mean barometric pressure (hPa) JANUARY (1.130.1)

29

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Index
CHAPTER 1

66

20

18

16

10

14

12

10

8
66

12
64

62

62

60

60

64

08

10

58

10

58

56

56

1012

54

54

101

52
20

52
18

16

14

12

10

Meridian 0 of Greenwich 4

Mean barometric pressure (hPa) APRIL (1.130.2)

30

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Index
CHAPTER 1

66

20

18

16

14

12

10

8
66

100

06
10

100
64

64

101

62

62

60

60

58

58

1012
56

56

10 1

54

54

52

52

20

18

16

14

12

10

Meridian 0 of Greenwich 4

Mean barometric pressure (hPa) JULY (1.130.3)

31

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CHAPTER 1

20

18

16

14

12

10

8
66

00

66

64

64

10

00

62

62

100 2

1004

60

60

1006
58

58

1008

56

56

101

12
10
54

54

52

52

20

18

16

14

12

10

Meridian 0 of Greenwich 4

Mean barometric pressure (hPa) OCTOBER (1.130.4)

32

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Index
CHAPTER 1

66 20

18

64

16

14

12

10

62

4
66

64

62

60

60

58

58

56

56

54

54
20

18

16

14

12

10

Meridian 0 of Greenwich

Wind distribution JANUARY (1.140.1)

EXPLANATION. The frequency of wind from
any direction is given according to the scale:
0%

10

20

30

40

50%

This scale is further subdivided to indicate the

frequency of winds of different Beaufort force
according to the legend:

33

Wind direction is towards the circle centre. The

figure within the circle gives the percentage of
calms.

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Index
CHAPTER 1

66 20

18

64

16

14

12

10

62

4
66

64

62

0
60

58

60

58

0
56

54

56

54

20

18

16

14

12

10

Meridian 0 of Greenwich

Wind distribution APRIL (1.140.2)

EXPLANATION. The frequency of wind from
any direction is given according to the scale:
0%

10

20

30

40

50%

This scale is further subdivided to indicate the

frequency of winds of different Beaufort force
according to the legend:

34

Wind direction is towards the circle centre. The

figure within the circle gives the percentage of
calms.

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Index
CHAPTER 1

66 20

18

16

64

14

12

10

62

4
66

64

62

0
0

60

58

60

58

0
56

54

56

54

20

18

16

14

12

10

Meridian 0 of Greenwich

Wind distribution JULY (1.140.3)

EXPLANATION. The frequency of wind from
any direction is given according to the scale:
0%

10

20

30

40

50%

This scale is further subdivided to indicate the

frequency of winds of different Beaufort force
according to the legend:

35

Wind direction is towards the circle centre. The

figure within the circle gives the percentage of
calms.

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Index
CHAPTER 1

66 20

18

16

14

12

10

64

62

4
66

64

62

60

60

58

58

0
0

56

56

54

54

20

18

16

14

12

10

Meridian 0 of Greenwich

Wind distribution OCTOBER (1.140.4)

EXPLANATION. The frequency of wind from
any direction is given according to the scale:
0%

10

20

30

40

50%

This scale is further subdivided to indicate the

frequency of winds of different Beaufort force
according to the legend:

36

Wind direction is towards the circle centre. The

figure within the circle gives the percentage of
calms.

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Contents

CHAPTER 1

to funnelling, or weaken over waters sheltered by high

ground. Strong offshore winds blowing over mountains
close to the coast are liable to result in squalls, especially
in Froyar where the often violent squalls are known
locally as Fjeldkasten. There is frequently little warning of
the approaching squalls which can, on occasions, occur
even in fair weather. Due to topography, sudden changes in
the wind direction are also likely, especially along indented
coasts and in the area around the Moray Firth.

over most of the area is between three and six per year.
They occur with little seasonal variation and tend to be
short lived. The majority of them develop during violent
squalls or during the passage of a cold front.

Snow
1

Gales
1

1.144
Diagram 1.144 gives the percentage frequency of winds
of force 7 and over for selected months. In winter, the
percentage frequency of gales (force 8 and above) over the
open sea is between 13% and 18%. In the spring the
frequency reduces to about 5% but increases in the autumn
to around 9%.
The climate information diagrams (1.156 to 1.164) give
the number of days with winds in excess of force 6 for
each month for selected stations.

Fog and visibility

Open ocean
1

Cloud
1

1.145
The average cloud cover for the area is between 6 and
7 oktas, except in the SE of the area where it is 5 to
6 oktas. When an anticyclone covers the area spells of fine
weather, especially in summer, may persist for a week or
more. Up to 17 hours of sunshine are possible on some
days.
Very low cloud may cover the coasts exposed to moist S
or particularly SE winds; this cloud may last for several
days with only temporary breaks. Along the N facing
coasts of Scotland, especially between Banff and Elgin,
well broken skies are common with S winds.

1.146
The climate information pages give the average amounts
of precipitation and precipitation days for each month at
selected stations.

Rain
1

1.147
Over the open ocean in winter, the percentage frequency
of occurrence of all types of precipitation increases from
about 20% in the SE of the area to around 30% in the NW.
In July the percentage frequency is 12% and 18%
respectively. The amount of precipitation and the duration
can vary significantly from the mean. This is due to the
varying frequency and tracks of the mobile depressions.
At coastal stations, precipitation will vary according to
the stations exposure, local topography and elevation.
Average rainfall decreases from N to S. It ranges from
about 1500 mm in the wetter areas of Froyar to around
650 mm in the relatively sheltered areas around the Moray
Firth. There is a significant seasonal variation. In most
years, April to June are the driest months and October to
January the wettest. In the three island groups of Froyar,
Orkney and Shetland there is some form of precipitation on
about 20 days per month between October and January, and
with almost double the rainfall amount recorded during the
driest months of the year.

1.151
Sea fog may occasionally affect coastal areas in summer
with moist S winds. It is infrequent in the Moray Firth
because the air dries as it passes over the high ground to
the S. However, sea fog or haar (very low stratus cloud) is
most frequent in the coastal areas of the Moray Firth in
summer with SE winds. In winter, the coastal areas of the
Moray Firth are subject to radiation fog (see The Mariners
Handbook) that forms inland and is generally most dense
around dawn. Between Pentland Firth and Rattray Head,
the percentage frequency of visibility over 5 miles increases
from about 83% in summer to around 90% in winter..
The average number of days with fog for selected
stations is given in the climate information pages (1.156 to
1.164).

Air temperature
General information
1

1.152
The coldest months are January and February and the
warmest July and August. The air temperature can be
extremely variable from one day to the next due to the
extremely unsettled conditions that can affect the area.
1.153
Over most of the area the mean daily minimum in
February is between 1 and 2C and the mean daily
maximum between 5 and 6C. However, minimum
temperatures of 5C occur occasionally.
In July the mean daily minimum is about 10C, while
the mean maximum is around 13C in the N and 16 to
18C along the N coast of Scotland.

Humidity

Thunderstorms and hail

1

1.150
Sea fog is mainly encountered between April and
September with warm moist air from the S. The percentage
frequency of fog in June is around 4% in the S and E and
about 6% elsewhere, except for the area just to the S and E
of Froyar where the percentage frequency is about 8%.
Visibility is frequently good over the open ocean.
Throughout the year, the percentage frequency of
occurrence of visibility in excess of 5 miles range from
about 72% in the N to around 83% in the SE of the area.

Coastal areas

Precipitation
1

1.149
Snow occurs on about 30 days per year in the S and up
to around 40 days in the extreme N and E of the area.
Occasions of substantial snowfall are mainly associated
with the passage of a mobile depression just S of the area
between late December and March. Heavy snow showers
can occur with N winds, in winter and early spring, on N
facing coasts, with the coastal area between Cape Wrath
and Duncansby Head being particularly susceptible.

1.148
Thunder and hail can accompany the heavier showers in
any month although the average number of thunderstorms

37

1.154
Over the open ocean the average humidity in winter
ranges from about 77% in the N of the area to 81% in the
S. In summer the humidity is about 84% across the whole

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66

20

18

16

14

12

10

8
66

<20

64

64

25

35

62

62

60

60

<35
58

25

35

30

58

56

20

56

<20

54
20

54
18

16

14

12

10

Meridian 0 of Greenwich

Percentage frequency of occasions with winds of Beaufort force 7 and over JANUARY(1.144.1)

CHAPTER 1

38

<35

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Index

66

20

18

16

14

12

10

64

8
66

64

62

62

60

>5
58

58

56

56

54
20

54
18

16

14

12

10

Meridian 0 of Greenwich

Percentage frequency of occasions with winds of Beaufort force 7 and over JULY(1.144.2)

CHAPTER 1

39

>3

60

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CHAPTER 1

of the area. The daily variation is small but is most marked

on the passage of a front.
The seasonal and diurnal variation is much greater over
land than sea. This depends on the exposure to the
prevailing wind, topography, distance from the sea and
elevation. There is generally a significant decrease from
high humidity at dawn to lower values in the early
afternoon, especially in coastal areas in the lee of the
Highlands of Scotland.

CLIMATE INFORMATION
1

1.155
The climate information pages give statistics for selected
stations. The positions of the stations are shown in
Diagram 1.155.
The data supplied refers to average conditions at specific
locations and may not represent conditions elsewhere. The
following notes indicate ways in which conditions over the

40

open sea may be different from those at the nearest

selected station (see The Mariners Handbook).
Wind speeds tend to be higher at sea with more
frequent gales than on land, although funnelling in
narrow inlets can result in locally increased wind
strength.
Precipitation along windfacing coasts may be
considerably higher than at sea or in the lee of
high ground.
Air temperature over the sea is less variable than over
land. In winter the temperature is usually higher
over the sea, especially at night. In summer, it is
usually cooler than over the land, especially during
the day.
In the information pages fog and gale are defined as
follows:
Fog visibility less than 1 km
Gale Beaufort force 8 or more.

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61
30

4
7

30

30

FOROYAR

TORSHAVN

62

30

0 61

30

SHETLAND
ISLANDS

62

1.164

30
LERWICK

1.163

30

77

30

60

60

Limit of NP 52

FAIR ISLE

1.156

59

59

ORKNEY ISLANDS
KIRKWALL

1.162

1.157

CAPE WRATH

WICK

1.158

N
58

58

1.159

1.161

ROSEHEARTY

INVERGORDON
KINLOSS

Limit of NP 52

1.160

57

57

Longitude 4 West from Greenwich 3

Location of Climatic Stations (1.155)

41

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WMO No 03008 FAIR ISLE

1.156

5932'N 0138'W. Height above MSL - 57 m Climatic Information for period 1995 - 2005
20

Mean annual maximum = 18C

Mean annual minimum = -4C
Period maximum = 20C
Period minimum = -6C

Mean maximum
and minimum
temperatures C

15
FAIR ISLE

Mean monthly maximum

10

Mean daily maximum

Mean daily minimum

11 yr period

0
J

ORKNEY ISLANDS

D Mean monthly minimum

-5
1016

11 yr period

6.8

1014
1012
1010

12

6.4

10

6.2

5.8
Mean sea level pressure in
hPa
Annual mean 1010 hPa

5.6
5.4

J F M A M J J A S O N D

0.6

35
Mean precipitation in mm

120

30

100

25
20

9 yr period

60

15

40

10

0.5
77 days
per year

0.3
0.2
0.1

0
J F M A M J J A S O N D

96

Mean precipitation
days > 0.1mm

94
92

J F M A M J J A S O N D

16

Relative humidity %
0900 local

90

12

88

10

82

20

80

76

247 precipitation days per year

973 mm per year

0

74

0
J F M A M J J A S O N D

1500 local

Annual 0900 local mean 84

%;
1500 local mean 83 %

2
0

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

11 yr period

84

78

Days with fog

14

11 yr period

86

9 yr period

4 days per year

0.4

Annual 0900 local mean= 6;

1500 local mean= 6

11 yr period

0.7

1500 local

Days with thunder

0.9
0.8

6
11 yr period

J F M A M J J A S O N D

140

80

0900 local

1006

1002

14

6.6

Days with winds

> force 6

11 yr period

1008

1004

16

Cloud cover in oktas

57 days per year

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Station Wind Distribution - 0900 local

March

January

May

July

Beaufort force is indicated by:

The frequency of wind is given by scale:

0% 10
20
30
50%
40

September

November

Wind flow is towards the circle. The figure

in the circle gives the percentage of calms.

Station Wind Distribution - 1500 local

January

March

May

42

July

September

November

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WMO No 03049 CAPE WRATH

1.157

5837'N 500'W. Height above MSL - 112 m Climatic Information for period 1995 - 1997
30

Mean maximum and minimum

temperatures C

25

Mean annual maximum = 21C

Mean annual minimum = -2C
Period maximum = 24C
Period minimum = -3C

20
15
Mean monthly maximum

10

CAPE WRATH

Mean daily maximum

Mean daily minimum

3 yr period

WICK

D Mean monthly minimum

-5
1020

7.4

3 yr period

7.2

1015

1000

990

Mean sea level pressure in

hPa
Annual mean 1012 hPa

10

6.4

6.2

1500 local

5.8

3 yr period

35
30

200
2 yr period

88

0.3
3 yr period

J F M A M J J A S O N D

12

Relative humidity %
0900 local

84
6

83
15

81
80

79

255 precipitation days per year

1384 mm per year

0

78

0
J F M A M J J A S O N D

3 yr period

82

10
50

Days with fog

10

85

20

100

2 days per year

86
2 yr period

3 yr period

0.2
0.1

87

25

150

0.4

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Mean precipitation
days > 0.1mm

Mean precipitation in mm

60 days per year

J F M A M J J A S O N D

250

0.5

Annual 0900 local mean= 6;

1500 local mean= 6

5.6

J F M A M J J A S O N D

0.6

12

6.6

Days with thunder

0.7

14
0900 local

6.8

1005

0.8

Days with winds

> force 6

16

1010

995

18

Cloud cover in oktas

4
3 yr period

1500 local

Annual 0900 local mean

84 %;
1500 local mean 83 %

40 days per year

0

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Station Wind Distribution - Whole Day

March
January

May
April

February

June

Beaufort force is indicated by:

The frequency of wind is given by scale:

0% 10
20
30
50%
40

Wind flow is towards the circle. The figure

in the circle gives the percentage of calms.

Station Wind Distribution - Whole Day

September
July

October

August

43

November

December

1.158

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WMO No 03075 WICK

5827'N 0305'W. Height above MSL - 36 m Climatic Information for period 1995 - 2005
30
ORKNEY ISLANDS

Mean maximum and minimum

temperatures C

25

KIRKWALL

Mean annual maximum = 22C

Mean annual minimum = -8C
Period maximum = 24C
Period minimum = -12C

20
15
Mean monthly maximum

10

Mean daily maximum

Mean daily minimum

WICK

-5

11 yr period

Mean monthly minimum

1014

6.5

0900 local

5.5

28 days per year

1010
1008

No data Available

11 yr period

1006

1002

Days with thunder

11 yr period

1012

1004

Days with winds

> force 6

Cloud cover in oktas

11 yr period

-10
1016

1500
local

Mean sea level pressure in

hPa
Annual mean 1011 hPa

4.5
4

J F M A M J J A S O N D

1
Annual 0900 local mean= 5;
1500 local mean= 5

J F M A M J J A S O N D

120

30
Mean precipitation in mm

100

25

80

20

J F M A M J

90

Mean precipitation
days > 0.1mm

J A S O N D

J F M A M J

12

Relative humidity %

88

J A S O N D

Days with fog

0900 local

10

86
84

82
60

80

15

11 yr period

78
40
20
0

10
5

9 yr period

828 mm per year

9 yr period

74

260 precipitation days per year

72

43 days per year

Annual 0900 local mean
85 %;
1500 local mean 80 %

70

J F M A M J J A S O N D

11 yr period

1500 local

76

2
0

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Station Wind Distribution - 0900 local

January

March

May

July

September

Beaufort force is indicated by:

The frequency of wind is given by scale:

0% 10
20
30
50%
40

November

Wind flow is towards the circle. The figure

in the circle gives the percentage of calms.

Station Wind Distribution - 1500 local

January

March

May

July

44

September

November

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WMO No 03094 ROSEHEARTY

1.159

5702'N 0207'W. Height above MSL - 7 m Climatic Information for period 1995 - 2005
30

Mean annual maximum = 24C

Mean annual minimum = -4C
Period maximum = 26C
Period minimum = -10C

Mean maximum and minimum

temperatures C

25

11 yr period

20
15
Mean monthly maximum

ROSEHEARTY

10
Limit of NP 52

Mean daily maximum

5
Mean daily minimum

0
J

Mean monthly minimum

-5
1016

11 yr period

1014

5.5

1012

1010

1500 local

1002

0.6

0.5

0.3

2
Annual 0900 local mean= 5;
1500 local mean= 4

0.2

0.1

0
J F M A M J

90

1
Mean precipitation in mm

J A S O N D

0.8
0.7

84

0.5

80

74
0

72

0
J F M A M J J A S O N D

11 yr period

0.3

1500 local

0.2

Annual 0900 local mean

85 %;
1500 local mean 81 %

0.1
0

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

11 yr period

0.4

78
76

2 days per
year

0.6

82

No data available

Days with fog

0.9

0900 local

86

No data available

11 yr period

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Relative humidity %

88

Mean precipitation
days > 0.1mm

1 day per year

0.4

J F M A M J J A S O N D

0.7

11 yr period

2.5
J F M A M J J A S O N D

37 days per year

11 yr period

Days with thunder

0.8

3.5
Mean sea level pressure in
hPa
Annual mean 1011 hPa

0.9

0900 local

1006

Days with winds

> force 6

4.5

1008

1004

8
Cloud cover in oktas

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Station Wind Distribution - 0900 local

4
January

November
March

May

September

July

Beaufort force is indicated by:

The frequency of wind is given by scale:

0% 10
20
30
50%
40

Wind flow is towards the circle. The figure

in the circle gives the percentage of calms.

Station Wind Distribution - 1500 local

2

January

March

May

July

45

September

November

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WMO No 03066 KINLOSS
1.160
5739'N 0334'W. Height above MSL - 5 m Climatic Information for period 1995 - 2005
40

Mean annual maximum = 27C

Mean annual minimum = -8C
Period maximum = 31C
Period minimum = -16C

Mean maximum and minimum

temperatures C

35
30
25
20
15

Mean monthly maximum

10

INVERGORDON

Mean daily maximum

KINLOSS

Mean daily minimum

0
J

-5

Cloud cover in oktas

1014

6.6

1012

6.4

1010

1006

5.8

1002

Mean sea level pressure in

hPa
Annual mean 1011 hPa

5.6
5.4

J F M A M J J A S O N D

25
Mean precipitation in

1.4

1.2

2.5

0.8

50

J F M A M J J A S O N D

6
Days with fog

85

0900 local

75

70

40

10

65

30
20

5
10 yr period

10

55
210 precipitation days per year

684 mm per year

50

J F M A M J J A S O N D

11 yr period

1500 local

60
10 yr period

Annual 0900 local mean

77 %;
1500 local mean 70 %

11 yr period

36 days per year

0

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

11 yr period

Relative humidity %

15

6 days per year

0.2

90

80

Days with
thunder

0.4

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Mean precipitation
days > 0.1mm

0.6
11 yr period

60

1.6

0.5

20

70

1.8

18 days per year

Mean monthly minimum

1500 local

Annual 0900 local mean= 6;

1500 local mean= 6

1.5
11 yr period

3.5

J F M A M J J A S O N D

90
80

0900 local

Days with winds

> force 6

4.5

6.2

1008

1004

6.8

11 yr period

11 yr period

-10
1016

J F M A M J

J A S O N D

Station Wind Distribution - 0900 local

2

January

2
1

May

March

July

September

Beaufort force is indicated by:

The frequency of wind is given by scale:

0% 10
20
30
50%
40

November

Wind flow is towards the circle. The figure

in the circle gives the percentage of calms.

Station Wind Distribution - 1500 local

1
January

March

May

July

46

September

November

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WMO No 03058 INVERGORDON HARBOUR

1.161

5741'N 410'W. Height above MSL - 3 m Climatic Information for period 1995 - 2001
30

Mean maximum and minimum

temperatures C

25

Mean annual maximum = 22C

Mean annual minimum = -6C
Period maximum = 28C
Period minimum = -13C

20
15
Mean monthly maximum

INVERGORDON

10

KINLOSS

Mean daily maximum

Mean daily minimum

0
J

-5

7 yr period

1014

Mean monthly minimum

6.8

1012

6.6

1010

1.2

Days with winds

> force 6

Cloud cover in oktas

0900 local

6.2

1006

1004

1000

Mean sea level pressure in

hPa
Annual mean 1011 hPa

90

Mean precipitation in mm

80

7 yr period
7 yr period

J F M A M J J A S O N D

25

0.2

Annual 0900 local mean= 6;

1500 local mean= 6

5.6

0.4

1500 local

5.8

J F M A M J J A S O N D

100

90

Mean precipitation
days > 0.1mm

85

20

J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Relative humidity %
0900 local

2.5

80

60

15

Days with fog

13 days
per year

2
7 yr period

75
1.5

50
40

70

10

7 yr period

30

10

7 yr period

0
J F M A M J

70

20

2 days per year

0.6

1008

1002

Days with thunder

0.8

22 days per year

6.4

7 yr period

-10
1016

65
5 yr period

5 yr period

749 mm per year

60

194 precipitation days per year

55

0
J F M A M J J A S O N D

1500 local

0.5

Annual 0900 local mean

80 %;
1500 local mean 72 %

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Station Wind Distribution - 0900 local

5
4

5
5

March
January

July

May
Beaufort force is indicated by:

The frequency of wind is given by scale:

0% 10
20
30
50%
40

September

November

Wind flow is towards the circle. The figure

in the circle gives the percentage of calms.

1
3

May
July
January

March

Station Wind Distribution - 1500 local

47

September
November

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WMO No 03017 KIRKWALL

1.162

5857'N 0254'W. Height above MSL - 26 m Climatic Information for period 1995 - 2005
25

FAIR

Mean maximum
and minimum
temperatures C

20

Mean annual maximum = 21C

Mean annual minimum = -4C
Period maximum = 25C
Period minimum = -6C

11 yr period

15
Mean monthly maximum

10

Mean daily maximum

ORKNEY ISLANDS

5
Mean daily minimum

KIRKWALL

0
J

D
Mean monthly minimum

-5
1016

11 yr period

6.8

1014

6.6

1012

12

Cloud cover in oktas

10

0900 local

6.4

1002

5.6

5.2
5

1500 local

5.4

Mean sea level pressure in

hPa
Annual mean 1011 hPa
J F M AM J J A S O N D

140

30

120

Annual 0900 local mean= 6;

1500 local mean= 6

20

80

0.2

0
J F M A M J J A S O N D

90
Mean precipitation
days > 0.1mm

88
86

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Relative humidity %
0900 local

82

10 yr period

80
3

78

10 yr period

15

60

76
72
70

20

68

261 precipitation days per year

1035 mm per year

66

J F M A M J J A S O N D

1500 local

74

10

40

Days with fog

84

25

100

11 yr period

11 yr period

35
Mean precipitation in mm

0.4
11 yr period

J F M A M J J A S O N D

160

3 days per year

0.6

5.8

1006
1004

0.8

6
1008

Days with thunder

1

47 days per year

6.2

1010

1.2

Days with winds

> force 6

11 yr period

Annual 0900 local mean

83 %;
1500 local mean 79 %

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

11 yr period

45 days per year

J F M A M J

J A S O N D

Station Wind Distribution - Whole Day

January

February

March

April

May

June

Beaufort force is indicated by:

The frequency of wind is given by scale:

0% 10
20
30
50%
40

Wind flow is towards the circle. The figure

in the circle gives the percentage of calms.

Station Wind Distribution - Whole Day

July

August

September

October

48

November

December

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WMO No 03005 LERWICK

1.163

6008'N 0111'W. Height above MSL - 84 m Climatic Information for period 1995 - 2005
30
SHETLAND
ISLANDS

Mean annual maximum = 19C

Mean annual minimum = -5C
Period maximum = 22C
Period minimum = -7C

Mean maximum and minimum

temperatures C

25
20

11 yr period

15
Mean monthly maximum

10
LERWICK

Mean daily maximum

Mean daily minimum

0
J

11 yr period

6.9

1014

14

Cloud cover in oktas

0900 local

1012

6.6

Days with thunder

1.2

10

6.7

1010

1.4

Days with winds

> force 6

12

6.8

D
Mean monthly minimum

-5
1016

1
67 days per year

1500 local

0.8

0.6

4 days per year

6.5
1008

6.4

1004
1002

11 yr period

6.3

1006

6.2

Mean sea level pressure in

hPa
Annual mean 1010 hPa

6.1
6

J F M A M J J A S O N D

11 yr period

Annual 0900 local mean= 6;

1500 local mean= 6

0.4

0.2

J F M A M J J A S O N D

0
J F M A M J J A S O N D

180
160

88
Mean precipitation in mm

30

Mean precipitation
days > 0.1mm

140
25

120

11 yr period

J F M A M J J A S O N D

20

1500 local

86

18

84

16
14

82

10 yr period

100
20

76
15

40
1250 mm per year

70

10
J F M A M J J A S O N D

11 yr period

4
2

68 days per year

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

11 yr period

Annual 0900 local mean

84 %;
1500 local mean 81 %

72

263 precipitation days per year

0900 local

74

10 yr period

10

Relative
humidity %

78

60

20

12

80

80

Days with fog

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Station Wind Distribution - 0900 local

January

March

May

July

September

Beaufort force is indicated by:

The frequency of wind is given by scale:

0% 10
20
30
50%
40

November

Wind flow is towards the circle. The figure

in the circle gives the percentage of calms.

Station Wind Distribution - 1500 local

0

January

March

May

49

July

September

November

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WMO No 06011 TORSHAVN

1.164

6201'N 0646'W. Height above MSL - 61 m Climatic Information for period 1974 - 2005
25

FOROYAR

Mean annual maximum = 17C

Mean annual minimum = -6C
Period maximum = 20C
Period minimum = -9C

Mean maximum and minimum

temperatures C

20

32 yr period

15

TORSHAVN
Mean monthly maximum

10

Mean daily maximum

Mean daily minimum

0
J

32 yr period

1014

6.8

1012

1008

1002

6
Mean sea level pressure in
hPa
Annual mean 1008 hPa

996

5.6
J F M A M J J A S O N D

200
180

0.4

3
32 yr period

0.3

30

Mean precipitation in mm

96

10

7
6

254 precipitation days per year

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Annual 0600 local mean

88 %;
1200 local mean 85 %

76

1
0

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

32 yr period

1200 local

78

28 days
per year

5
32 yr period

80

21 yr period

Days with fog

88

82

5
1427 mm per year

90

84

10

86

15

40

J F M A M J J A S O N D

0600 local

92

80
60

J A S O N D

Relative humidity %

94

20

100

0
J F M A M J

25
21 yr period

0.1

Mean precipitation
days > 0.1mm

32 yr period

0.2

Annual 0600 local mean= 6;

1200 local mean= 6

120

20

0.5

0600 local

J F M A M J J A S O N D

160
140

0.6

39 days per year

32 yr period

5.8

1 day per year

0.7

4
6.2

Days with thunder

0.8

6.4

1004

998

0.9

1006

1000

Days with winds

> force 6

1200 local

6.6

1010

Cloud cover in

D
Mean monthly minimum

-5
1016

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Station Wind Distribution - 0900 local

January

March

May

11

July

September

November

Beaufort force is indicated by:

The frequency of wind is given by scale:

0% 10
20
30
50%
40

Wind flow is towards the circle. The figure

in the circle gives the percentage of calms.

Station Wind Distribution - 1500 local

January

March

May

July

September

November

50

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Contents

1.165

METEOROLOGICAL CONVERSION TABLE AND SCALES

Fahrenheit to Celsius
Fahrenheit
0

733
678
622
567
511
456
400
344
289
233
178
178
122
67
11
+44
100
156
211
267
322
378
433
489

739
683
628
572
517
461
406
350
294
239
183
172
117
61
06
+50
106
161
217
272
328
383
439
494

744
689
633
578
522
467
411
356
300
244
189
167
111
56
0
+56
111
167
222
278
333
389
444
500

750
694
639
583
528
472
417
361
306
250
194
161
106
50
+06
61
117
172
228
283
339
394
450
506

F
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
+0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120

761
706
650
594
539
483
428
372
317
261
206
150
94
39
+17
72
128
183
239
294
350
406
461
517

767
711
656
600
544
489
433
378
322
267
211
144
89
33
+22
78
133
189
244
300
356
411
467
522

772
717
661
606
550
494
439
383
328
272
217
139
83
28
+28
83
139
194
250
306
361
417
472
528

778
722
667
611
556
500
444
389
333
278
222
133
78
22
+33
89
144
200
256
311
367
422
478
533

783
728
672
617
561
506
450
394
339
283
228
128
72
17
+39
94
150
206
261
317
372
428
483
539

1030
850
670
490
310
130
+50
230
410
590
770
950
1130
1310

1048
868
688
508
328
148
+32
212
428
608
788
968
1148
1328

1066
886
706
526
346
166
+14
194
446
626
806
986
1166
1346

1084
904
724
544
364
184
04
+176
464
644
824
1004
1184
1364

1102
922
742
562
382
202
22
+158
482
662
842
1022
1202
1382

Degrees Celsius
756
700
644
589
533
478
422
367
311
256
200
156
100
44
+11
67
122
178
233
289
344
400
456
511

Celsius to Fahrenheit
Celsius
0

C
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
+0
10
20
30
40
50

4
Degrees Fahrenheit

940
760
580
400
220
40
+140
320
320
500
680
860
1040
1220

958
778
598
418
238
58
+122
302
338
518
698
878
1058
1238

976
796
616
436
256
76
+104
284
356
536
716
896
1076
1256

994
814
634
454
274
94
+86
266
374
554
734
914
1094
1274

1012
832
652
472
292
112
+68
248
392
572
752
932
1112
1292

HECTOPASCALS TO INCHES
HECTOPASCALS
950

960

970

980

28

29

MILLIMETRES TO INCHES
0

990

10

20

05

500

0 5 10

20

1010

30

15

2
inches

1020

1030

70

25

40

50

60
70
inches

80

51

90
35

80

1050

31

(2) (for large values)

millimetres
1500
2000
1000
30

1040

30

INCHES
(1) (for small values)
millimetres
50
60
40

1000

2500
90

100

100
4

3000
110

120

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NOTES

52

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Index

CHAPTER 2
OFFSHORE WATERS AND CHANNELS

GENERAL INFORMATION
Charts 2, 219

Marine farms

Scope of the chapter

1

2.1
This chapter gives a general description of the offshore
waters within the limits (1.1) of this book including
approach and passage through Fair Isle Channel between
Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands and a list of oil and
gas fields in the E part of the area.

Tidal streams

Routes
1

2.2
Details of recognised North Atlantic Ocean routes which
pass N of the mainland of the United Kingdom are given
in Ocean Passages For The World.
Pentland Firth. Advice to Masters intending to transit
Pentland Firth is given at 3.119.
Fair Isle Channel is described at 2.10.
Caution. Masters of vessels bound to or from Sullom
Voe Oil Terminal (6028N 117W) in Shetland Islands are
advised that significant numbers of fishing vessels operate
in the sea lanes regularly used by deepdraught vessels and
consequently due vigilance and caution should be exercised
in these areas. They should note that deepdraught vessels
have no privileges in relation to other vessels when
navigating these lanes.

General information
Chart 1119

Description
1

2.5
Detailed information concerning these areas, which are
found in the waters of this chapter, may be found on
Practice Exercise Area (PEXA) charts. Such areas are also
shown on all new, and new edition navigation charts. For
further details see 1.20, and Annual Summary of Admiralty
Notices to Mariners Nos 5 and 8.
1

2.6
For details see 1.7 and Appendix IV

Marine exploitation
1

2.11
Topography is described in geographical chapters as
follows:
Noup Head (5920N 304W), the W extremity of
Westray, see 5.169.
Mull Head (5923N 253W), the N extremity of
Papa Westray, see 5.171.
North Ronaldsay (5923N 223W), see 5.221.
Fair Isle see 2.24.
Foula (6007N 204W), see 6.71.
Sumburgh Head (5951N 116W), the S extremity
of Shetland Islands, see 6.143.
Depths in the channel are very irregular. The bottom is
mostly sand and shells.

Caution

Former mined areas

1

2.10
Fair Isle Channel is the collective name for the passage
between Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands, the passage
between Fair Isle (5932N 137W) and Shetland Islands
being known as The Hole.

Topography

2.3
Areas to be Avoided (1.47) are established around
Orkney Islands, Fair Isle and Shetland Islands, as indicated
on the charts.
2.4
Precautionary Area. A Precautionary Area (1.48)
extends S and E of Sumburgh Head (5951N 116W), as
indicated on the charts.

Exercise areas
1

2.9
Details of tidal streams are given on larger scale charts
of the area, in Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: Orkney and
Shetland Islands and Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: North
Sea, Northwestern Part.

FAIR ISLE CHANNEL AND APPROACHES

Routeing measures
1

2.8
Marine farms are likely to be encountered throughout
the waters of this chapter and should be avoided. Farms in
proximity to shipping routes are marked by buoys. Other
farms may be marked by beacons (X topmark) and some
are fitted with radar reflectors. Lights, when fitted, show
flashing yellow. See also 1.19.

2.7
Established oil and gas field installations and mobile rigs
of various kinds constitute a formidable hazard. Established
installations are charted, and listed alphabetically at 2.33;
the positions of mobile rigs are contained in Navarea I
Navigational Warnings.
Considerable traffic is generated by support and other
craft operating between the Offshore Oil and Gas fields and
support bases, the principal of which in the area covered
by this book, are Wick, Cromarty Firth and Lerwick.

2.12
There have been many strandings on Fair Isle and
mariners are advised to give the island a wide berth in
thick weather, particularly in winter when the hours of
daylight are short.
Soundings give little warning of approach to Fair Isle,
the charted 50 m depth contour around the island lying
nowhere more than 1 miles offshore.

Routeing measures
1

53

2.13
IMOadopted routes are recommended for use by all
vessels passing through the Fair Isle Channel as follows:
A single recommended route N of Fair Isle for use
by Wbound traffic.
Separate recommended routes to the SW of Fair Isle
with Ebound traffic taking a route NE of North

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CHAPTER 2

Ronaldsay, and Wbound traffic taking a route to

the SW of Fair Isle.
For radio reporting requirements see Admiralty List of
Radio Signals Volume 6 (1).
2.14
Areas to be Avoided (1.47) are established around the
N end of Orkney Islands, Fair Isle and S end of Shetland
Islands, as indicated on the charts.
2.15
Precautionary Area. A Precautionary Area (1.48)
extends S and E of Sumburgh Head (5951N 116W), as
indicated on the charts.
2.16
Radio reporting requirements are contained in
Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6 (1).

Tidal streams
1

Rescue
1

2.17
Coastguard. A Coastguard Auxiliary Station is
maintained on Fair Isle at Malcolms Head (1 miles SSW
of Ward Hill (2.24)). For further details see 1.76.
SAR Helicopter see 1.85.

2.20
Details of tidal streams in Fair Isle Channel are given on
the charts and in Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: Orkney and
Shetland Islands.
In general the tidal streams run SE and NW. In the
middle of Fair Isle Channel, well clear of the islands N and
S, and of Fair Isle which, lying in midstream causes an
eddying affect, the direction of the tidal streams changes
between SE and NW in a more or less rotary manner. The
times when the tidal streams are at their strongest, which
occurs when they are actually running SE or NW, are
subject to small local variations throughout the channel, as
are the directions and rates of the tidal streams at any
intermediate time. The SEgoing tidal stream reaches its
maximum rate at 0250 HW Aberdeen (0030 HW Dover)
and the NWgoing tidal stream at +0330 HW Aberdeen
(+0550 HW Dover); these rates, for both directions, are
1 kn at springs and kn at neaps.
For details of tidal streams in the close vicinity of Fair
Isle see 2.26.
For tidal streams in vicinity of Sumburgh Head see 6.20.

Tidal races
Climate information
1

2.18
For Fair Isle see 1.155 and 1.156.

Local magnetic anomaly

1

2.21
Sumburgh Rst, a violent race, occurs S of Sumburgh
Head; for details see 6.21.
Races extend up to 2 miles off the N and S extremities
of Fair Isle; for details see 2.26.

Principal marks

2.19
In 1988 a local magnetic anomaly, which deflected the
compass needle 20, was reported to occur on Papa Bank
in the vicinity of 5957N 316W.

2.22
Landmark:
Ward Hill (5933N 138W) (2.24) on Fair Isle.

Fair Isle Skroo Lighthouse from NE (2.22)

(Photograph Jean Guichard)

(Original dated 200002)

54

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Index
CHAPTER 2

Major lights:
Noup Head Light (5920N 304W) (5.169).
Foula Light (6007N 204W) (6.71) on South Ness.
North Ronaldsay Light (5923N 223W) (5.224).
Start Point Light (5917N 222W) (Chart 1942)
(5.224).
Skadan Light (white tower, 26 m in height) (5931N
139W) on a relatively low point at S end of Fair
Isle.
Skroo Light (white tower, 14 m in height) (5933N
136W) on the NW extremity of Fair Isle.
Sumburgh Head Light (5951N 116W) (6.143).

Other aid to navigation

1

2.26
Tidal streams around the island are strong and run as
follows:
Interval from
HW Aberdeen
(HW Dover)

Remarks

+0535 (0430)

SEgoing tidal stream begins. Direction

changes gradually clockwise.

0220 (HW)

Tidal stream running SSW.

0120 (+0100)

Tidal stream running SSW off the E

side of the island and WSW off W
side.

Maximum spring rate 4 kn.

2.23
Racon:
North Ronaldsay Light. as above.
For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.

0020 (+0200)

NWgoing stream begins. Initial

direction WNW.

+0340 (+0600)

Direction changes gradually clockwise.

Maximum spring rate 5 kn.

2

Fair Isle and adjacent waters

Chart 3299 plan of Fair Isle

General information
1

2.24
Fair Isle (5932N 138W) is the most S of Shetland
Islands and lies about 20 miles SW of Sumburgh Head and
nearly midway between Orkney and Shetland Islands.
Topography. Fair Isle has a distinctive outline and is
composed of red sandstone. The island attains its summit in
Ward Hill (5932N 138W), which rises in the NW part
of the island and can be seen from a distance of 30 miles;
a radio mast, 63 m in height, stands on the E slope of the
hill but is not visible from N or NW. There are no trees or
shrubs on the island but suitable ground is cultivated.
Except at the S end, which is low and bare, the
coastline consists of high and inaccessible cliffs which are
fissured by numerous clefts and inlets known as geos. The
entire coast line is fringed by detached islets and
abovewater and belowwater rocks which, with only few
exceptions, lie within 1 cables of the shore. The chart is
the best guide.
Sheep Rock (1 miles SSE of Ward Hill) is a huge
perpendicular mass of rock joined to the coast by a narrow
neck of land.
Bu Ness (1 mile SE of Ward Hill), a peninsula about
5 cables long, terminates N and S, respectively, in North
Gavel and South Gavel, and is joined to the coast by a
narrow isthmus.
Depths in vicinity. The 30 m depth contour lies
nowhere more than 3 cables offshore except for an isolated
patch, least charted depth 168 m, 1 miles SSW of the
island.
Population. The majority of the small population of 69
(2001) are crofters who live in the S part of the island. The
staff of a bird observatory live at North Haven (1 mile ESE
of Ward Hill).
2.25
Area to be avoided. Fair Isle is encircled by an Area to
be Avoided (1.47), the extent of which is shown on the
appropriate charts.
Communications. A regular passenger and mail service
is operated between North Haven and Grutness (6.150) on
Shetland, subject to favourable weather conditions. There is
an airfield near the centre of the island.

Both the SEgoing and the NWgoing tidal streams

(2.20) in Fair Isle Channel increase in strength as Fair Isle
is approached, and an eddy forms E of the island during
the SEgoing stream and W of the island during the
NWgoing stream.
Races form off both the N and S ends of the island
during the strength of the tidal streams in both directions.
The race off the S end, locally known as Rst of Keels, is
the more dangerous and extends about 2 miles SE during
the SEgoing tidal stream and a similar distance SW or W
during the NWgoing tidal stream.
2.27
Major lights:
Skadan Light (2.22) at S end of Fair Isle
Skroo Light (2.22) on The Nizz, the NE extremity of
Fair Isle.

Chart 3299 plan of North Haven

North Haven
1

55

2.28
General information. North Haven is a narrow inlet
entered between North Gavel (5932N 136W), the N
extremity of Bu Ness (2.24), and Yessness a point on the
coast 2 cables W. The inlet is lined by steep cliffs on both
sides and by a beach along the N side of the isthmus at the
head. The only harbour on Fair Isle is situated at the SE
head of the inlet and is protected N by a breakwater, about
70 m long, which extends W from the cliff face of Bu Ness
across a detached rock (2 cables SW of North Gavel). A
swell sets into the inlet when there is any swell outside.
2.29
Directions. When approaching the inlet from N care is
necessary to avoid Stacks of Wirrvie (2 cables NNW of
North Gavel), a group of detached abovewater rocks.
When entering the inlet care is necessary to avoid
abovewater and belowwater rocks which border the NW
side of Bu Ness, and a drying rock which lies cable SE
of Yessness. North Haven Direction Light (metal column
on concrete base, 3 m in height) stands on the shore at the
W end of the beach.
Anchorage, suitable only for smaller vessels, lies
cable NNE of the direction light in a depth of about
4 m, rocks and stones.
Berths. A quay, about 80 m in length extends S from
near the root of the breakwater; there is a depth of 39 m

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Index
CHAPTER 2

alongside. A pier, with a slip alongside the NE side,

extends NW from the shore near the S end of the quay.

It should be noted from the charts that not all fields

have surface structures and some are marked by
lightbuoys only.

Chart 3299 plan of Fair Isle

Minor harbours
1

2.30
South Harbour, a small bay at the S end of Fair Isle, is
entered between Meo Ness (5931N 138W) and Head of
Tind (2 cables W). The entrance is obstructed by a spit,
on which there are abovewater and belowwater rocks,
extending nearly 5 cables SW from Meo Ness; The Skerry,
a small rock islet, stands on the outer end of the spit. The
bay itself is also much encumbered with rocks.
Local knowledge is required, even for boats.
A small pier extends from the NW shore.
2.31
South Haven is entered W of South Gavel (5932N
136W), the S extremity of Bu Ness (2.24) from which a
reef with abovewater and belowwater rocks extends
cable SSW. A dangerous rock lies in the middle of the
entrance and a disused submarine cable area extends SSE
from the inlet.

Charts 274, 278, 291, 292, 294, 295

Alphabetical list of offshore oil and gas fields

1

OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS FIELDS

Charts 2182c, 2182d

General information
1

2.32
A large number of oil and gas fields exist a considerable
distance offshore in the E part of the area covered by this
book. They extend from the Nelson Oil Field (5740N
109E), 93 miles E of Rattray Head, in the S to Magnus
Oil Field (6137N 120E), 80 miles NE of Shetland
Islands, in the N. They are listed below in alphabetical
order and shown on diagram 2.33. Additionally, Beatrice
Oil Field (5807N 305W) lies in the Moray Firth and is
described at 4.12.
While some of the fields produce solely either gas or oil
many produce both. Many of the fields are interconnected
by submarine pipelines and cables (1.41). All gas and a
large proportion of the oil produced is conveyed by
submarine pipelines to shore terminals in NE Scotland,
Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands. Those oil fields not
connected to a shore terminal load into tankers either
directly through some form of single point mooring (SPM)
(see The Mariners Handbook) or via a storage facility. A
few fields, as indicated on the charts, utilise a Single Well
Oil Production System (SWOPS) whereby a wellhead on
the seabed is serviced by a tanker dynamically positioned
over it; when oil recovery is in progress the tanker is
protected by a 500 m radius safety zone and is lit as an
offshore installation.
Development Areas. Certain fields which are being
developed or are currently productive have been designated
Development Areas; for details see The Mariners
Handbook. Mariners are strongly advised to keep outside
these areas.
For further information concerning offshore oil and gas
fields including types of platforms and structures, safety
zones, signals made, markings displayed, lights exhibited
and fog signals sounded, see The Mariners Handbook.
Racons transmit from a few platforms; for details see
Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.

56

2.33
The positions of offshore oil and gas fields listed below
are shown at Diagram 2.33.
Name

Position

Remarks

Alba

5804N
105E

Development Area;
Racon on platform;
floating storage unit

Alwyn North

6048N
144E

Development Area

Andrew

5803N
124E

Armada

5757N
151E

Escaping gas
6 miles WSW

Balmoral

5814N
106E

Development Area

Banff

5700N
119E

Beryl

5933N
132E

Birch

5837N
116E

Blake

5811N
123W

Brae
(N,E,S and Central)

5845N
117E

Brent

6105N
143E

Development Area

Britannia

5803N
108E

Development Area

Bruce

5944N
140E

Buchan

5754N
002E

Buckland

5926N
134E

Buzzard

5749N
058W

Production Platforms;
Development Area.

Captain

5818N
146E

Development Area;
storage tanker

Chanter

5823N
022E

Chestnut

5759N
114E

Development Area;
FPSO

Clair

6041N
232W

Production Platform

Claymore

5827N
015W

Deveron

6122N
130E

SPM Nos 2 and 3;

Development Area

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Index
CHAPTER 2

10

Name

Position

Don

6130N
134E

Dunbar

Remarks

Name

Position

Linnhe

5940N
135E

6038N
139E

Lyell

6055N
116E

Dunlin

6116N
136E

MacCulloch

5819N
044E

Eider

6121N
110E

Magnus

6137N
120E

Ellon and Grant

6036N
149E

Marnock

5717N
140E

Everest

5745N
148E

Miller

5842N
124E

Emerald (Cheviot)

6040N
100E

Murchison

6124N
144E

Farragon

5809N
130E

Nelson

5740N
109E

Foinaven

6019N
416W

Ness

5934N
126E

Development Area

Forties

5744N
055E

Ninian

6051N
128E

Development Area

Frigg

5953N
204E

North Cormorant

6115N
109E

Development Area

Galley

5818N
026E

North West Hutton

6106N
119E

Glamis

5810N
103E

North West Seymour

5758N
152W

Glitne

5843N
140E

Osprey

6119N
133E

Goldeneye

5800N
023W

Petronella

5820N
006W

Grane

5910N
229E

Pierce

5810N
218W

Storage Tanker

Gryphon

5921N
134E

Piper

5828N
015E

Racon (Piper Bravo

Platform)

Harding

5917N
131E

Ringhorne

5916N
226E

Heather

6057N
057E

Rob Roy

5812N
007E

Highlander

5824N
008W

Ross

5807N
126W

Storage tanker

Hudson

6116N
043E

Saltire

5825N
020E

Racon (Saltire
Alpha Platform)

Ivanhoe

5812N
007E

Scapa

5826N
019W

Janice

5623N
217E

Schiehallion

6021N
404W

Joanne

5642N
209E

Scott

5817N
012E

Judy

5642N
225E

South Cormorant

6106N
104E

Kvitebjorn

6105N
230E

Strathspey

6057N
142E

Leadon

5934N
139E

Statfjord

6115N
151E

11

12

Storage tanker;
racon on platform

Storage unit

13

Storage tanker

15

Storage tanker;
Development Area

16

17

Storage tanker

57

Remarks

Storage tanker;
Development Area

Storage tanker

Development Area

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Index
CHAPTER 2

18

Name

Position

Statfjord North

6127N
200E

Statfjord East

Remarks

Name

Position

Thelma

5822N
123E

6021N
208E

Thistle

6122N
136E

Tambar

5659N
257E

Tiffany

5829N
116E

Tartan

5822N
004E

Toni

5826N
123E

Teal and Guillemot

5715N
049E

Triton

5705N
054E

Tern

6116N
055E

Visund

6122N
230E

19

Storage tanker
20

58

Remarks

Development Area

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Index
CHAPTER 2

Approximate United Kingdom / Norway Continental Shelf Boundary

62

62

sp
re
y

No r th
tfjord
Magnus Don
Sta
n
De Th
Vi
iso
su E
i
rch Snorre
nd id vero stle
Mu
er
n
Te
Statfjord S
rn
Dunlin
Tordis
Hudson
N. Cormorant Statfjiord
Gullfaks
N. W. Hutton
S. Cormorant
Kvitebjorn
Brent
Hutton
Heather
Strathspey
Huldra
Lyell
N. Alwyn
Ninian
Veslefrikk
Emerald (Cheviot)

61
Clair

Dunbar

Ellon
Osberg

Sullom Voe

Schiehallion
Foinaven

61
Troll

Brage

Lerwick

60

60
Frigg
Bruce
Beryl
Buckland
Harding

Linnhe
Heimdal
Jotun
Ringhorne
Gryphon
Balder
Leadon
Grane

Ness

59

59
E. Brae
Brae

Flotta

Miller
S. Brae

Wick
Beatrice

58

NW. Seymour

Cromarty
Firth

Birch
Glitne
Piper
Claymore
Tiffany
tan r
Tarhante
Loke
Saltire
h
c
Scapa
o
l
l
y
u
C alle acC
Sleipner
Highlander
G M
a Toni
Captain
Petronella
lm
tt Rob Roy he Balmoral
Blake
o
c
T
S
Farragon
Ivanhoe
Ross
is
Varg
am
Gl lba ia
Golden Eye
A n e w
n r re
a
Armada
t
i
o
Buchan
Br ym And
Buzzard
a
Cl
Forties
Everest
Nelson

Peterhead

Inverness

Kittiwake

Teal and Guillemot

Gannet

Aberdeen

57

Durward
Dauntless

Triton
Banff

Montrose

Mungo
Lomond
Pierce
Erskine
Machar
Cod Ula
Elgin
Tambar
Shearwater
Gyda

57

Judy
Tor
Albsukjell
W. Ekofisk
Ekofisk
Fulmar Tommeliten
Clyde Edda Eldfisk
Auk
Janice
Valhall
Ardmore
Hod
Fife

56
4

Montrose
Arbroath
Marnock

Joanne

Dundee

58

Meridian of 0 Greenwich

North Sea major oil and gas fields, terminals and supply bases (2.33)

59

56
4

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Chapter 3 - North coast of Scotland including Pentland Firth

5

30'

30

30

Sule Skerry

3.26
Mainland

3.26

CHAPTER
5

Stack Skerry

59

59

2524

NP 66
West Coast of Scotland Pilot

35

ORKNEY

ISLANDS

2581
Hoy
2249
CHAPTER
5
Tor Ness

3.
W

hit
en
Hea
d

ll
Er i

bo

58

a
nc
Du

by
ns

2162

58
CHAPTER
4

Ky

Lo

le

ch

30

Thurso
3.94

3.45

30

Kyle of
Durness

1462

Scrabster
3.79

Strathy Point

of
To
ng
ue

ead
dH
ra i
Fa

115

3.2

Cape
Wrath

3.63

3.23

Swona
P e
n t
l a
n d
3.132
3.129
3. 1
30
Pentland
Stroma
3. 1 3 9- - 1
Skerries
40
3.100
3.102
3. 1 4 1
F
-1
Du
i r
nn
4
et
t
He
h
ad
H
ea

60

3.19

South
Ronaldsay

3.101

30

1942

2076

D
11

0106

30

30

30

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CHAPTER 3
NORTH COAST OF SCOTLAND INCLUDING PENTLAND FIRTH

GENERAL INFORMATION
Chart 1954

100 m depth contour but as there is little variation in either

the depths or the nature of the bottom on or near the
vicinity of the banks soundings are generally of little use
for accurate or reliable fixing.

Scope of the chapter

1

3.1
This chapter describes the coastal waters along the N
coast of Scotland between Cape Wrath (5838N 500W)
and Duncansby Head (5839N 301W). It includes details
of Pentland Firth for which directions are given for both
E and Wbound traffic; details of the Orkney Islands
bordering the N side of the firth are given in Chapter 5.

Exercise areas
1

North and Northwest approaches to Cape Wrath

1

3.2
Cape Wrath, the NW point of the mainland of the
United Kingdom, is an important landfall and departure
point for ocean routes as described in Ocean Passages for
the World.
A number of isolated dangers lie within a sector
between about 50 miles NW and 35 miles NNE of the
cape; those W of the meridian of 5W are described in
West Coast of Scotland Pilot, those E of 5W at 3.24. The
sector contains a number of banks which lie within the

3.3
Detailed information concerning these areas, which are
found in the waters of this chapter, may be found on
Practice Exercise Area (PEXA) charts. Such areas are also
shown on all new, and new edition navigation charts. For
further details see 1.20, and Annual Summary of Admiralty
Notices to Mariners Nos 5 and 8.

Marine farms
1

3.4
Marine farms may be encountered throughout the waters
covered by this chapter and should be avoided. Farms in
proximity to shipping routes are generally marked by
buoys. Other farms are marked by beacons (X topmark)
and some are fitted with radar reflectors. Lights, when
fitted, show flashing yellow. See also 1.19.

CAPE WRATH TO DUNNET HEAD WITH OUTLYING DANGERS

AND WESTERN APPROACHES TO PENTLAND FIRTH
Tidal Streams

GENERAL INFORMATION
Chart 1954

Description
1

3.5
This section describes the N coast of Scotland between
Cape Wrath (5838N 500W), the NW extremity of
Scotland, and Dunnet Head (52 miles E) at the W entrance
to Pentland Firth together with a number of islets and
banks which lie within 35 miles N of the W part of this
coast, and which present a danger to mariners approaching
the Pentland Firth from N of W.

CAPE WRATH TO STRATHY POINT WITH

OUTLYING ISLETS AND BANKS

Topography
1

General information

3.6
Between Cape Wrath and Dunnet Head the coastline is
mainly lined by bold cliffs with few offlying dangers and is
much indented. Rugged mountain peaks, usually
cloudcapped, lie inland from the coast between the cape
and Kyle of Tongue (20 miles E); farther E the hinterland
consists of broken or rolling hills of moderate height.

Charts 1954, 2720

Topography
1

Currents
1

3.8
Tidal streams along this stretch of coast are broadly E
and Wgoing; well clear of land their direction changes
progressively later with distance E from Cape Wrath. For
further details see information on the chart.
Close inshore the coastal tidal streams remain broadly E
and Wgoing but eddies form in several places; they do
not change their direction at the same time as the tidal
streams farther to seaward. Details are given in the text
describing the relevant locality.

3.7
There is usually a weak Egoing current along this
stretch of coast. Occasionally, however, localised currents
may be encountered with rates of up to kn and setting in
any direction between NE and SE. The reason for them is
unexplained; they seem to be of a temporary nature and do
not appear to be caused by winds blowing locally at the
time.

61

3.9
For description of Cape Wrath (5838N 500W) see
3.17.
Between Faraid Head (5836N 446W) and the
entrance to Loch Eriboll (4 miles SE) the coast is fringed
by rocks, is much indented and formed mainly of cliffs
which in places are broken by beaches.
Between Whiten Head or An Ceann Geal and
Achininver Bay (4 miles ESE) inaccessible cliffs up to
244 m high, of which Clit an tSeabhaig (3.17) forms
part, line the coast.
From the vicinity of Eilean nan Ron (5833N 420W)
to Strathy Point (10 miles ENE) the coast continues to be
mainly lined by cliffs with many indentations.

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CHAPTER 3

Ullapool (+ 0545 HW Dover) and the Wgoing at

+0350 HW Ullapool (0030 HW Dover). Both tidal streams
are fairly strong off the salient points along this stretch of
coast, and have a spring rate of about 3 kn off Whiten
Head (5835N 435W) and Strathy Point, but they are
weak off the bays and inlets between the salient points.

Firing exercise area

1

3.10
A ship to shore firing exercise area extends up to
5 miles offshore between Cape Wrath and Faraid Head. In
this area, the extent of which can best be seen from the
charts, firing takes place from time to time involving use of
live ammunition by ships and aircraft. A target buoy
(special) is moored 1 miles WNW of Faraid Head. When
the area is in use, red flags, or pairs of red lights disposed
vertically, are exhibited at the four extremities of the land
limits. During such periods vessels may only pass through
the area in the ordinary course of navigation, but for their
own safety are advised to keep well clear; pleasure craft
should not cruise in the area; anchoring and fishing are
prohibited when the range is in use. By day the red flags
on the S extremities of the range will be halfmasted to
notify the Master of a vessel that he is within the exercise
area; by night such notification will be conveyed by a
continuous signalling by searchlight, in the direction of the
vessel, of the group IB (You should keep clear of the firing
range) from The International Code of Signals; when so
notified vessels should leave the area without loss of time
except for reasons of exigencies of navigation. See 3.3 and
1.20.

Local weather and sea state

1

Principal marks
1

Rescue
1

3.11
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are sited at the following
locations:
Durness (5834N 444W) near the head of Sango
Bay (3.56); a helicopter landing site is situated
near Smoo Lodge (7 cables ESE of Durness).
Melness (5831N 425W) in Kyle of Tongue (3.45).
For further details see 1.76.

3.12
For Cape Wrath see 1.155 and 1.157.

Fog
1

3.13
When approaching Cape Wrath in thick weather
mariners are advised to keep outside the 50 m depth
contour.

Cape Wrath to Whiten Head or An Ceann Geal

Tidal streams

3.18
Racon:
Sule Skerry Light as above.
For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.

Directions

3.17
Landmarks:
Cape Wrath (5838N 500W), a conspicuous, bold
and precipitous headland which from a distance
NE appears as an island. Cape Wrath Lighthouse
(white tower, 20 m in height), with wind generator
adjacent, stands near the cliff edge of the N
extremity of the cape.
Clit an tSeabhaig (5835N 432W), a reddish
headland prominent from E and W; a detached
rock, 35 m high, lies at its foot.
Radio mast (5830N 423W) (3.50).
Major lights:
Cape Wrath Light as above; owing to its high
elevation the light is frequently obscured by fog.
Strathy Point Light (white low tower on white
dwelling, 14 m in height) (5636N 401W).
Sule Skerry Light (white tower, 27 m in height)
(5905N 424W).

Other aid to navigation

Climate information
1

3.16
Cape Wrath is totally exposed to the N and W and is
frequently subjected to very strong winds which build up a
huge and dangerous sea in a very short time. Even in calm
weather a large ocean swell is often present.

3.14
The following information gives details of tidal streams
close to the coast; for tidal streams farther offshore see
Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands
and information on the chart; for tidal streams in vicinity
of Sule Skerry (5905N 424W) see 3.26.
3.15
Close to the coast between Cape Wrath and Stack Cl
Kearvaig (2 miles ESE) the Egoing tidal stream begins at
0350 HW Ullapool (+0415 HW Dover) and the Wgoing
at +0235 HW Ullapool (0145 HW Dover) with a spring
rate of about 3 kn in both directions.
Off Cape Wrath an eddy forms E of the cape during the
Egoing coastal tidal stream so that there is a nearly
continuous Wgoing stream close inshore E of the cape.
Similarly, close inshore SW of the cape there is a nearly
continuous Ngoing stream. Close off the cape, where these
streams meet, there is almost always turbulence; during
strong winds there is a heavy and dangerous sea for a
considerable distance seaward from the cape.
Between Stack Cl Kearvaig and Strathy Point (5836N
401W) the Egoing tidal stream begins at 0220 HW

62

3.19
From a position between Cape Wrath (5838N 500W)
(3.17) and Nun Rock (15 miles N) (3.25) the coastal
passage to abreast Whiten Head or An Ceann Geal
(13 miles ESE) leads E passing (positioned from Cape
Wrath):
N of Duslic Rock (7 cables NE), a drying rock, the
black head of which generally shows in troughs of
long Atlantic swell; the rock is steepto. See 3.21
for passage between Cape Wrath and Duslic Rock.
Thence:
N of Stack Cl Kearvaig (2 miles ESE), a rock
resembling a ruined castle lying close off a point
of land; a white sandy beach lies in a shallow bay
close SW of the rock. Thence:
N of An Garbheilean (4 miles E), grasscovered, and
from which a shoal extends 4 cables NW. The
island lies 3 cables NE of Clit Dubh, a rugged
point of the mainland from which the land slopes
steeply to the summit of Sgribhisbheinn, 369 m
high, bare and rounded, 1 miles SSW of the
point. Thence:
N of Faraid Head (7 miles E), the bold and steepto
N extremity of a peninsula forming the E side of
the entrance to Kyle of Durness (3.27); a

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CHAPTER 3

prominent building stands on the peninsula

3 cables S of Faraid Head; Clach Mhr na Faraid,
a pinnacle rock and the highest of a group of
detached rocks extending 4 cables offshore, lies
5 cables SE of the headland. Thence:
N of Seanachaisteal (8 miles ESE), thence:
N of Whiten Head (5835N 435W), a bold,
precipitous, doubleheaded cliff on the E side of
the entrance to Loch Eriboll (3.30). The NE
extremity of the headland, 155 m high, is dark
slate in colour with veins of red; its SW extremity,
5 cables WSW, is 137 m high and composed of
white stratified quartz which is very prominent
when exposed to the evening sun. Between the
two extremities the shore is fringed by a rocky
ledge on which stand a number of rocks including
Bodach Dearg (close W of the NE head), and
Stacan Bna (1 cables farther SW), two
prominent white stacks (see Chart 2076 for further
details).

An Garbheilean and the shoal extending NW

from it.
1

3.21
Leading line. The alignment (102) of the N extremity
of Faraid Head with the S extremity of An Garbheilean
leads between Duslic Rock and Cape Wrath, but this
passage, in which there is almost always turbulence and at
times a dangerous sea, should never be attempted without
local knowledge.
3.22
Useful marks (positioned from Faraid Head):
Na Glas Leacan (2 miles W), three rocky islets
close together.
Eilean Hoan (3 miles SE) (3.37).

Whiten Head to Strathy Point

1

3.20
Clearing lines:
For Duslic Rock: Am Balg (6 miles SSW of Cape
Wrath), a rocky islet, bearing about 215 and just
open NW of Cape Wrath passes NW of Duslic
Rock;
For Duslic Rock: the summit of Faraid Head
(7 miles E of Cape Wrath) (3.19) bearing 109
and just open N of An Garbheilean (4 miles E of
Cape Wrath) (3.19) passes N of Duslic Rock.
For An Garbheilean: the summit of Ben Hutig
(16 miles ESE of Cape Wrath) (3.23) bearing 113
and just open NNE of Faraid Head passes NNE of

3.23
From a position N of Whiten Head (5835N 435W)
the coastal passage to abreast Strathy Point (17 miles E)
leads E passing (positioned from Whiten Head):
N of Clit an tSeabhaig (1 miles E) (3.17), the
land rising 2 miles SSE to Ben Hutig; thence:
N of Eilean nan Ron (7 miles E) (3.46), on the E
side of the entrance to Kyle of Tongue, thence:
N of Neave Island (9 miles E), rugged, with a N side
which is much indented, steepto and composed of
alternate and nearly vertical strata of pink quartz
and micaslate giving it a peculiar striped
appearance. Thence:
N of Farr Point (11 miles E), a steepto
promontory, thence:

Strathy Point and Lighthouse from N (3.23)

(Original dated 1998)
(Photograph Martin Lawrence)

63

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CHAPTER 3

N of Kirtomy Point (13 miles E), the land behind

rising steeply; a radio mast stands 1 miles S.
Thence:
N of Ardmore Point (14 miles E), rising a short
distance inland to Creag Garbh (139 m high),
thence:
N of Strathy Point (5836N 401W), the extremity
of an extensive promontory projecting boldly
2 miles N from the coast; the promontory slopes
downward to the point which is 35 m high and on
which stands a light (3.17). The W side of the
promontory is fringed by rocks and rocky islets
including Garbheilean, rocky and steepto, close
off the NW side of the point. There is usually
turbulence off the point; for details see 3.71.
Between Neave Island and Strathy Point the coast is
clear of dangers beyond a distance of 2 cables offshore
and by keeping fairly close inshore along this stretch of
coast much of the strength of the tidal stream can be
avoided.
Useful marks:
Sule Skerry Lighthouse (5905N 424W) (3.17).
Radio mast (5832N 427W).
(Directions continue at 3.76)

Sule Skerry from W (3.26)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph Air Images)

Kyle of Durness
Chart 1954

General information

Outlying banks and islets

Islets northwest of Cape Wrath

1

3.24
Sula Sgeir (5905N 610W), the outermost danger in
the NW approaches to Cape Wrath, and Rona (10 miles
ENE) are both described in West Coast of Scotland Pilot.

Nun Rock
1

3.25
Nun Rock (5853N 458W) is a pinnacle rock the top
of which is weedcovered and the position of which is
generally indicated by tiderips and breakers. The rock
stands near the SE edge of Nun Bank, least depth
elsewhere 215 m with a bottom of rock, sand, stones and
shells; the bank is a good ground for cod.

Charts 2524 plan of Sule Skerry, 1954

Skerry and Sule Banks

1

Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands and from

information on the charts.
Anchorage and landing at Sule Skerry. Anchorage can
be found close under the E side of the islet as indicated on
the chart. The best landing places are on the E and SE
sides but they can only be used in fine weather.

3.26
General information. Skerry Bank occupies the SW
part and Sule Bank the NE part of an irregularlyshaped
area with uneven depths of less than 50 m extending
between 24 and 38 miles NNE of Cape Wrath.
Stack Skerry (5901N 430W), 37 m high, rises from
Skerry Bank and is steepto. Viewed from S the stack
resembles a vessel under sail; from W it appears as a
double rock.
Sule Skerry (5905N 424W), a flat and grassy islet,
12 m in height, stands towards the S end Sule Bank; the
islet is marked by a light (3.17) from which a racon
transmits.
Rocky patches, with depths of less than 20 m over them,
lie on a bank extending more than 1 mile NE from the
islet; in W gales the sea breaks over this bank. On the W
side of the islet a dangerous reef, over which the sea
breaks in a moderate swell, extends 3 cables W.
The islet is a resort for seals and seabirds.
Tidal streams. From the vicinity of Sule Skerry the
Egoing tidal stream divides, part setting NE towards Fair
Isle Channel and part setting SE towards Pentland Firth;
these directions are reversed during the Wgoing tidal
stream. Details are best obtained from Admiralty Tidal

3.27
Kyle of Durness is entered between the NW extremity
of the peninsula of which Faraid Head (5836N 446W)
(3.19) is the N tip, and a point on the coast 1 mile W.
Topography. Balnakeil Bay forms the E part of the
wide outer portion of the kyle and extends between the E
entrance point which consists of a cliff (8 cables WSW of
Faraid Head), 25 m high and composed of white marble
with red veins, and Eilean Dubh, a low islet lying close
offshore 1 miles SSW. A white sandy beach fringes the E
side of the bay; the shore of the S side is rocky. The
village of Balnakeil, in which there is a church, lies at the
SE head of the bay.
Above Eilean Dubh the inner part of the kyle narrows
and extends about 3 miles S to its head into which flows
River Dionard. This narrow inner part is almost filled by
drying sandbanks through which waters from the river and
several mountain streams cut a tortuous channel. Passage
across a shifting bar which extends across the channel
abreast Eilean Dubh is available only to small craft in
totally calm conditions.
Local knowledge is required for navigation above
Eilean Dubh.
Ferry. A ferry crosses the inner kyle 1 miles S of
Eilean Dubh.
Tidal streams. The ingoing tidal stream begins at
0510 HW Ullapool (+0225 HW Dover) and the outgoing
at +0105 HW Ullapool (0315 HW Dover). The tidal
streams are fairly strong off Faraid Head, but are weak
farther W, across the entrance to Kyle of Durness. Both
streams are barely perceptible in the outer part of the kyle
but run strongly in the channel through the sandbanks in
the narrows, especially near LW when the banks dry.

Directions
1

64

3.28
A target buoy (special) (see 3.10 for details of firing
range) is moored off the entrance, 1 mile NW of the E
entrance point.
When entering Balnakeil Bay care is necessary to avoid
a number of above and below water rocks which lie up to
5 cables off the NE shore of the bay, and a rock (7 cables
NNE of Eilean Dubh) over which there is a depth of 27 m.

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CHAPTER 3

Anchorage
1

3.29
Anchorage can be found in depths of 18 to 27 m with
ample swinging room in the outer part of the kyle but it is
not safe, being exposed NW.

Loch Eriboll and approaches

Charts 1954, 2076

General information
1

3.30
General description. Loch Eriboll is approached
between Whiten Head (5835N 435W) and Poll a Chait
Fhaidhaich (4 miles WSW), and is entered between
AntAigeach (5833N 439W) and Rubh Ard an tSiil
(2 miles NE). For about 2 miles within the entrance the
outer part of the loch is wide, but in the vicinity of White
Head (5831N 439W) it narrows and the inner part
extends a further 5 miles SSW. The loch affords good
anchorage.
3.31
Topography: approaches and outer part. From a
distance offshore N, the entrance to Loch Eriboll shows up
well in clear weather between the bold cliffs of Whiten
Head (3.19) and Beinn Ceannabeinne (4 miles WSW). In
the W approaches a number of islands and rocks, the
largest of which is Eilean Hoan (1 mile NW of
AntAigeach), extend up to 1 miles off the rocky coast
between Poll a Chait Fhaidhaich and AntAigeach.
AntAigeach (5833N 439W), a small peninsula
joined to the coast by a narrow neck of land, rises to a
welldefined summit but is not easy to identify in hazy
weather; Eilean Climhrig which lies 3 cables ENE of the
peninsula, is bare, flat and fringed by drying rock ledges;

its sides are steep and lined by cliffs except at the S

extremity which is low; a narrow gully nearly bisects the
islet near its centre.
Between Whiten Head and Freisgill Head (2 miles
SSW) the coast is bordered by rocks which extend
1 cables offshore in places. River Hope, the outlet for the
waters of Loch Hope, enters Loch Eriboll over a bar
3 cables E of RubhaaMhuilt (3 miles SSW of Whiten
Head), a steep point backed 5 cables SSW by Ben Heilam.
3.32
Topography: inner part. The inner part of Loch Eriboll
is entered between White Head and Rubha Ruadh
(6 cables NW). The W side rises steeply to a chain of
peaks which lies parallel with the loch, the peaks
increasing in height SW and culminating in the summit of
Cranstackie (6 miles SW of White Head); details are best
seen from the charts.
The head of the loch consists of a sand and shingle
beach through which several small rivers discharge. The
beach is backed by low ground on which stands Creag na
Faoilinn (3.36), and is fringed by a shallow bank extending
about 3 cables seaward.
Ard Neackie (5830N 440W), is a small peninsula
connected to the E shore by a causeway and when
approaching from N appears as an islet; it has been
extensively quarried and there are some disused limekilns
on the SE side near the root of a small pier; a white house
stands cable N of the pier.
Eilean Choraidh (58290N 4425W), grasscovered
and with a knoll, which on its N side falls in a steep cliff,
at the N extremity, lies nearly in midchannel. A drying
rocky ledge fringes the shore of the island except near its
SE end where there is a shingle beach.

Loch Eriboil Ard Neackie from NE (3.32)

(Photograph Martin Lawrence)

(Original dated 1998)

65

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CHAPTER 3

3.33
Marine farms exist throughout the waters of the loch,
generally situated close to adjacent shores and S of
58315N. Such farms are shown on the chart and should
be avoided. See 3.4 and 1.19.
3.34
Local weather. The wide bay on the E side of the outer
part of Loch Eriboll and the narrows abreast White Head
together prevent the ocean swell and heavy seas raised by
gales over the open sea from reaching S of Ard Neackie
(1 miles SSW of White Head). However, SW gales,
particularly in winter, sweep down the whole length of the
loch with great violence and the inner part of the loch is
subject to sudden and severe mountain squalls at all
seasons. Vessels anchoring near the head of the loch should
be particularly alert during SW gales when sudden gusts of
great violence and speed descend through the mountain
gullies.
3.35
Tidal streams. In the W approaches to the loch tidal
streams begin as follow:
Interval from HW
Ullapool (HW Dover)

(3.31) and Freisgill Head (1 miles E), a cliff with a dark

cave in its S face.
When approaching from E it is advisable to round
Whiten Head at a distance of at least 5 cables to avoid the
confused seas which are often to be found close off it.

Remarks
3

Between Eilean Hoan and the coast S and W:

0345 (+0420)

SEgoing tidal stream begins.

+0230 (0150)

NWgoing tidal stream begins.

Between AntAigeach and Eilean Climhrig

(3 cables ENE):

0510 (+0255)

SEgoing tidal stream begins.

+0105 (0315)

NWgoing tidal stream begins.

At both these locations the spring rates are about kn

in both directions.
For details of tidal streams in the vicinity of Whiten
Head see 3.15.
Within Loch Eriboll the ingoing stream begins at
0510 HW Ullapool (+0255 HW Dover) and the outgoing
at +0105 HW Ullapool (0315 HW Dover).
The strengths of the coastal streams are only weak
across the entrance to Loch Eriboll. Both the ingoing and
outgoing tidal streams are very weak throughout the loch
except in the channels on either side of Eilean Choraidh
where the spring rate is about kn in each direction.
3.36
Firing practice areas are situated in the loch, as shown
on the chart. See 1.20 and 3.3 for details.

Chart 2076
3.38
Passage to Eilean Choraidh. From a position about
1 mile E of AntAigeach the passage to the vicinity of
Eilean Choraid follows a midchannel track passing
(positioned from White Head (5831N 439W)):
E of a rocky bank (1 miles N) with a least depth of
152 m over it, thence:
WNW of Sgeir aBhuic (1 mile NE), a drying reef on
which there is an island, thence:
WNW of White Head, a bold point on which stands a
light (white metal framework tower, 5 m in
height); there is a white patch on the rocks below
the lighttower, thence:
ESE of Achlit (8 cables W), a small grasscovered
islet joined to the shore at LW, thence:
ESE of Eilean Dubh (1 miles WSW), an islet joined
to the shore at LW, thence:
WNW of Ard Neackie (1 miles SSW) (3.32), noting
that a mooring buoy, designated No 1, is moored
1 mile WSW.
3.39
Passage south of Eilean Choraidh. The channel W of
Eilean Choraidh (3.32) is obstructed by marine farms; see
1.19.
The channel E of the island has a least width of 2 cables
between the 20 m depth contours, but is constricted by the
SE boundary of the area surrounding the island in which
there are marine farms; a rocky shoal (1 cables ENE of
the NE extremity of the island) over which there is a depth
of 34 m lies within the area.
Attention is drawn to a drying sand spit which extends
more than 1 cable NW from Rubh Ard Bhaideanach
(8 cables SSW of the S end of Eilean Choraidh), a low
shingly point, and to a dangerous rock 2 cables NE of the
point; a marine farm surrounds the rock.

Directions (by night)

1

Directions (by day)

3.37
Approach. From a position NE of Faraid Head (5836N
446W) (3.19) the outer approach from W leads SE with
Whiten Head (3.19) ahead passing (positioned from
AntAigeach (5833N 439W)):
NE of Seanachaisteal (Old Castle Point) (3 miles
NW), thence:
NE of An Dubhsgeir (1 miles N), consisting of
two abovewater rocks joined by a drying reef
which lie on the outer end of a bank extending
5 cables NE from Eilean Hoan, a grasscovered
island; An Dubhsgeir is clear of dangers outside
1 cable from its N and E sides.
Course can then be adjusted as necessary to pass in
midchannel between Eilean Climhrig (3 cables ENE)

3.40
When approaching by night in clear weather Whiten
Head (3.19) stands out well, and it is probable that Beinn
Ceannabeinne (3.31) will be distinctly seen before either
Eilean Hoan or An Dubhsgeir (3.37) can be positively
identified.
Mariners are advised to remain well N of the latitude of
Whiten Head until in the white sector (191212) of
White Head Light (5831N 439W) and then adjust course
to keep the light bearing 197. This track leads into the
outer part of the loch to abreast Sgeir aBhuic (1 mile NE
of White Head Light) (3.38), all dangers on the W side of
the approach and entrance being covered by the red sector
(172191) of White Head Light.
Thence a midchannel track should be maintained into
and through the inner part of the loch.

Side channels
1

66

3.41
Channel between Eilean Hoan and AGhoilSgeir. A
tortuous channel, about 1 cable wide, leads between the W

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CHAPTER 3

Rubha na Creig Airde

Rispond Bay and Harbour from NE (3.44)

(Original dated 1998)
(Photograph Martin Lawrence)

end of Eilean Hoan (5834N 440W) (3.37) and

AGhoilSgeir (3 cables WSW), a cluster of rocks
surrounded by a drying reef.
Local knowledge is required.
The channel is obstructed by (positioned from W end of
Eilean Hoan) An Cruachan (4 cables NNW), a small domed
rock with a drying reef close S, at the NW end, and a
drying reef (5 cables SSE) which extends more than
2 cables N from the mainland shore in the vicinity of
Rubha na Griosaich at the SE end.
3.42
Channel between AntAigeach and Eilean Climhrig.
A channel, about 1 cables wide, leads SSE between
AntAigeach (3.31) and Eilean Climhrig (3 cables ENE)
(3.31). With offshore winds it is occasionally used by local
craft, but as there are no good marks local knowledge is
advisable.
Care is necessary to avoid (positioned from E extremity
of AntAigeach) Sparrow Rock (2 cables N), awash on a
rocky bank over which the sea breaks heavily in bad
weather, in the N approach to the channel, and Harris Rock
(1 cables SE) in the S approaches.

Minor harbours
1

Anchorage
1

Within Loch Eriboll. Subject to the constraints imposed

by local weather (3.34), there is good anchorage for vessels
of all sizes, with excellent holding ground, mud, almost
anywhere S of a line joining Ard Neackie and Portnancon
(1 mile WNW), but it is necessary to avoid No 1 Mooring
Buoy, which has ground tackle extending for a radius of
140 m around it, and the area of marine farms surrounding
Eilean Choraidh.
There are good berths, the positions of which are
indicated on the chart, in midchannel between the S end
of Eilean Choraidh and the head of the loch in depths from
13 to 27 m, mud.

3.43
Approaches to Loch Eriboll. There is good anchorage
off the S side of Eilean Hoan. The best berth, as indicated
on the chart, lies with the E extremity of the island bearing
037 and the W extremity bearing 282 in a depth of 15 m,
sand; this berth is sheltered from all but NE and E winds
and is of great value when the strong SW winds sweep
violently down Loch Eriboll.

67

3.44
Rispond Harbour, close within the NW entrance of
Loch Eriboll, extends NW from near the head of Rispond
Bay, a small inlet entered N of Rubha na Creig Airde
(2 cables SSW of AntAigeach). The harbour dries out,
but there are depths of about 27 m at HW and being
enclosed by hills it affords shelter to small craft.
The approach to Rispond Bay is encumbered by
(positioned from E extremity of AntAigeach) Harris Rock
(1 cables SE), Rispond Rock (2 cables S) and a rocky
shoal with a depth over it of 34 m extending nearly
1 cable NE from Rubha na Creig Airde.
Portnancon (1 mile N of the N extremity of Eilean
Choraidh) is a small cove with a village of the same name
at its head. A stone pier, privately owned, is situated on the
SW side of the cove. Small quantities of provisions may be
obtainable at the village.
Ard Neackie. A small pier, the head of which dries, is
situated on the SE side of Ard Neackie.

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CHAPTER 3

Kyle of Tongue

Interval
Remarks
from HW
Ullapool

Chart 1954

General information
1

3.45
General description. Kyle of Tongue is entered between
Eilean Chaoil (5833N 425W), and Eilean nan Ron
(2 miles E), and penetrates about 7 miles inland. The
outer part of the kyle is wide but obstructed by a number
of islands and incorporates Port Vasgo, close W of Eilean
Chaoil, Talmine Bay, 1 miles farther S and Skullomie
Harbour (1 miles SSW of the SW tip of Eilean nan Ron).
From close S of the latter the inner part of the kyle
narrows and consists mainly of drying sand flats through
which a narrow winding channel is made by Kinloch River
which flows into the head of the kyle. A causeway carries
a road across the kyle about 3 miles from the head, the
main channel passing under the causeway close to the W
shore. Locally the SE portion of the outer part of the kyle
is known as Tongue Bay.
3.46
Topography. Eilean nan Ron (5833N 420W) stands
on the E side of the entrance to Kyle of Tongue, separated
from the mainland S by Caol Raineach; the N and W sides
of the island have been much worn by the sea; the E and S
sides are steep. Eilean Iosal, a smaller islet about 50 m
high with Meall Holm close off its NW side, is joined to
the NW side of Eilean nan Ron; An Innis, a small islet,
lies close off the SW tip of Eilean nan Ron. There are
several dwellings on the island.
From Ard Skinid (58313N 4245W) a drying spit
extends 5 cables NNE to Rabbit Islands, two grasscovered
islets joined by a narrow neck of land; a small narrow
island, 40 m high and pierced by a natural arch, stands
1 cable N of the outer Rabbit Island. The sea area between
these features and the shore W is encumbered with a
number of dangers.
A bar, which is liable to shift in gales, extends across
the kyle between the vicinities of Ard Skinid and Meall
Mr, a point of land 1 mile SE. David Bank (3 cables SE
of Ard Skinid) divides the passage over the bar into the
inner part of the kyle into two shifting channels.
The following villages are located around the shores of
the kyle (positioned from Ard Skinid): Talmine (7 cables
WNW); Melness (spread out, W and SW) with Melness
House (1 mile SW) prominent on the hillside: Tongue
(3 miles S), with Tongue House near the shore 1 mile
farther N.
3.47
Pilotage. The services, as pilot, of a local fisherman
may be obtainable at Skullomie Harbour (5831N 423W).
3.48
Local knowledge is essential, particularly for navigation
into Talmine Bay (3.54) and for passage over the bar and
through the inner part of the kyle.
3.49
Tidal streams run as follows:

Sgoing branch meets, and is shortly

overcome by, the outgoing tidal stream from
the kyle; there is some turbulence between
Eilean nan Ron and Rabbit Islands. Egoing
branch continues through Caol Raineach.

+0350

Wgoing tidal stream through Caol Raineach

begins and meets outgoing tidal stream from
the kyle off Sleiteil Rocks (8 cables SSW of
Eilean nan Ron); turbulence dangerous to
boats occurs on the S side of the narrowest
part of Caol Raineach.

0505

Turbulence in Caol Raineach subsides as

ingoing tidal stream in kyle begins. Wgoing
tidal stream through Caol Raineach divides
SW of Eilean nan Ron, one branch setting S
into the kyle, the other turning WNW and
continuing seawards.

Within Kyle of Tongue:

0505

Ingoing tidal stream begins.

+0110

Outgoing tidal stream begins.

The coastal streams set only weakly across the entrance

to the kyle. In Caol Raineach both the E and Wgoing
tidal streams attain a spring rate of about 2 kn S of Eilean
nan Ron. Within the kyle both ingoing and outgoing tidal
streams are weak but their rates increase towards the
narrower part and they are strong in the channels between
the drying sandbanks, especially near LW.
3.50
Principal landmarks:
Radio mast (5832N 427W).
Radio mast (5830N 423W), about 5 cables S of
Cnoc an Fhreiceadain (305 m high), a rocky
summit which rises from Meall Mr.

Directions
1

Interval
Remarks
from HW
Ullapool
In Caol Raineach:
0220

+0110

Sgoing tidal stream begins off W side of

Eilean nan Ron; it divides SW of the islet,
one branch running E through Caol Raineach,
the other continuing S into the kyle.

68

3.51
Approach. From W the entrance to the kyle is not
readily discernable but the summit of Cnoc an Fhreiceadain
(3.50) shows up well from seaward.
From E, in good visibility, the entrance is more easily
distinguishable as Eilean nan Ron is readily identifiable as
the first offshore island of any appreciable size along the
coast W of Dunnet Head. Entry can be made passing either
N or S of the island.
3.52
Entry. The summit of Cnoc an Fhreiceadain bearing
about 187 leads into the kyle passing:
W of Eilean nan Ron and the islets which lie close
off its W side (3.46), thence:
E of the islet (3.46) with the natural arch, thence;
W of Sleiteil Rocks (8 cables SSW of the SW tip
of Eilean nan Ron) lying close off the mainland
shore; S of the rocks the E shore of Tongue Bay is
fringed by rocks but clear of dangers beyond a
distance of 1 cable offshore. And:
E of the outer Rabbit Island, the E side of which is
clear of dangers a short distance offshore.
3.53
Caol Raineach, the channel S of Eilean nan Ron, has a
depth of about 91 m in the fairway which is clear of
dangers more than cable offshore. From a position N of

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Neave Island (1 mile ESE of Eilean nan Ron) (3.23) the

channel leads generally WSW passing (positioned from the
S extremity of Eilean nan Ron):
SSE of the S side of Eilean nan Ron which may be
approached to within cable, and:
NNW of a rock ledge (4 cables S) which extends
cable offshore from the mainland, thence:
NNW of Sleiteil Rocks (8 cables SW) (3.52).
There is no channel into the kyle W and S of Rabbit
Islands.

Chart 2076

Sango Bay and vicinity

1

Anchorages, harbours and landings at

Kyle of Tongue
1

3.54
Temporary anchorage can be found in a depth of 7 m,
sand, SE of Rabbit Islands on the alignment of the NW
extremity of Meall Holm with the SE extremity of Rabbit
Islands, and with Eilean a Chaoil showing over the neck
of land joining the two islands.
Port Vagso (5833N 426W) is a small cove which is
partially sheltered E by Eilean a Chaoil.
Eilean nan Ron. Except during E gales boats can land
on a gravel beach at Port na hUaille (2 cables NE of the
S extremity of the islet); the bay on the W side of the islet
is foul.
Talmine Bay is entered between Talmine Island which
lies, close offshore, 4 cables WNW of Ard Skinid
(58313N 4245W), and Eilean Creagach, about
2 cables farther NNW, which is connected to the
mainland by a causeway. The village of Talmine lies at the
head of the bay. The bay is afforded shelter by Rabbit
Islands and is frequented by local vessels.
When approaching the bay care is necessary to avoid
(positioned from Ard Skinid) a group of rocks (1 miles
N) about 05 m high and on which the sea always breaks;
and Dubhsgeir Bheag (7 cables NNW) which dries 2 m.
Vessels usually anchor well up in the NW corner of the
bay in a depth of 6 m. Small craft can also secure to iron
rings on Eilean Creagach and ride landlocked close inshore
in a depth of about 4 m.
Skullomie Harbour (1 mile E of Ard Skinid) is a small
cove with a N facing entrance on the E side of Tongue
Bay. On the W side of the harbour there is a quay from
the N end of which a small pier extends SE affording
shelter to the cove from N. The head of the quay has
collapsed and stones on the bottom may obstruct berthing
alongside; elsewhere there are depths of 12 m within the
pier.
Inner part of Kyle of Tongue. Piers are situated on the
W shore close S, and on the E shore close N, of the
causeway.

Chart 1954

Achiniver Bay
1

3.57
Achiniver Bay, about 6 cables wide, is entered W of
Cnoc Glass (5333N 426W) (3.45). The bay is exposed
N and has a sandy bottom. At the head of the bay there is
a sandy beach behind which lies the small village of
Achiniver.

Neave Island
1

3.58
Small craft can anchor and boats land in a small cove
with a sandy bottom on the S side of Neave Island
(5833N 418W) (3.23). The cove is situated at the E end
of Caol Beag, the channel separating Neave Island from the
mainland, which is about cable wide with depths of
about 2 m.

Torrisdale Bay
1

Harbours and anchorages

Chart 1785

3.59
General information. Torrisdale Bay, About 1 mile wide
at its mouth, indents the coast W of Creag Ruadh (99 m
high) (5832N 414W). The bay is clear of dangers and
has a sandy bottom which starts to shelve steeply 5 cables
from the head of the bay. River Borgie flows into the SW
corner of the bay and River Naver, with the village of
Bettyhill on its E bank, flows into the SE corner. The head
of the bay is part of a National Nature Reserve; see 1.66.
Berths. The bay should only be used in settled offshore
weather as it is exposed N and in bad weather the sea
breaks at a considerable distance from its head. There is a
small pier close within the mouth of River Naver at
Bettyhill.

Farr Bay

Vicinity of Cape Wrath

1

3.56
General information. Sango Bay is entered between
Seanachaisteal (Old Castle Point) (3.19) (58351N
4445W) and the N extremity of the promontory of
Leirinbeg, 1 mile farther SE. The village of Durness lies a
short distance inland at the head of the bay.
Geodha Smoo, a very narrow inlet with vertical sides,
penetrates the cliffs on the NE side of Leirinbeg. A
subterranean stream cascades from Smoo Cave situated
24 m above a shelving gravel beach which fills the S half
of the inlet.
Directions. Care is necessary to avoid Na Culadain
(3 cables SE of Seanachaisteal), an extensive cluster of
above and belowwater rocks.
Useful mark:
Pocan Smoo (1 miles SE of Seanachaisteal), a rock
1 m high on the outer edge of a drying reef
extending 1 cable N from the E side of the
entrance to Geodha Smoo.

3.55
A cove, in which there is a small jetty with a road
leading to Cape Wrath Lighthouse, breaks the cliffs 1 mile
SE of the cape. In calm conditions boats can land in the
cove near HW.

69

3.60
Farr Bay is entered between Creag Ruadh (5832N
414W) and a rocky islet which lies close off a point of
land 6 cables ENE. There are depths of 11 m in the
entrance, shelving towards the head of the bay where there
is a sandy beach.

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With local knowledge boat landing is possible, but only

in settled offshore weather, at two small gaps in the rocks,
one on either side of the bay.
4

Kirtomy Bay
1

3.61
Kirtomy Bay lies at the SE head of a rugged bight in
the coast between Farr Point (5833N 413W) and
Kirtomy Point (2 miles ENE) (3.23); Bay of Swordly lies at
the S head of the bight. Kirtomy Bay is entered between a
narrow islet (1 mile SSW of Kirtomy Point) and cliffs
2 cables E. The village of Kirtomy stands a short distance
inland from the head of the bay.
Local craft find shelter in bad weather in an area
between the narrow islet and a rock ledge, 1 cable further
E, which projects from the head of the bay.

Armadale Bay and vicinity

1

Hoy

3.62
General information. Armadale Bay, with a beach at its
head, lies at the head of a large indented bight in the coast
between Ardmore Point (5834N 407W) (3.23) and
Strathy Point (3 miles NE) (3.23). Port Mr, a small cove
with a gravel beach at its head, lies close W of Armadale
Bay with the village of Armadale a short distance inland
between the two. Boursa Island, grasscovered and shaped
like a pitched roof, lies 1 miles SSW of Strathy Point and
close off the rocky coast of the bight.
Berths. In good weather landing by boat is possible on
the gravel beach at the head of Port Mr which is partially
sheltered NE.
Armadale Bay is exposed and during N gales seas break
right across its entrance in depths of 15 m.
Fair shelter for boats can be found in a small cove
between Boursa Island and the coast E. Local knowledge is
required. The cove is entered from S of the island by a
narrow channel, entry from N being obstructed by a rock
ledge. The sea often breaks off the entrance.

STRATHY POINT TO DUNNET HEAD

3

General information
Charts 1954, 2162

Topography
1

seven small pillars on the shore in front of the buildings.

An airstrip and a helicopter landing site are situated behind
the buildings.
Between Brims Ness (5837N 339W), which is low,
and Holborn Head (3 miles E) the coast gradually
increases in height and becomes more precipitous; E of
Brims Hill (2 miles E of Brims Ness), which rises to a
height of 112 m a short distance inland, the cliffs are of
black slate and about 90 m high.
Between Holborn Head and Dunnet Head (5 miles
ENE) the coast recedes to form Thurso and Dunnet Bays.
Numerous radio masts and radar arrays, including a
conspicuous sphere, stand a short distance inland along the
coast about 2 miles ESE of Holborn Head. Between
Dunnet Head and Rough Head (2 miles SSW) the W side
of the Dunnet peninsula is cliffbound and more than 60 m
high.

3.63
Mainland Scotland. The E side of the Strathy Point
(5836N 401W) promontory is lined by cliffs and is
steepto; sandhills (3.90) fringe the shore at the base of the
promontory.
Between Rubha anTuir (5834N 354W) and Sandside
Bay (3 miles E) the coast consists of low hills covered
with grass and heather and is generally free of dangers
offshore.
Between Sandside Bay and Ushat Head (5 miles NE) the
coast is mostly lined by low dark cliffs and should not be
approached within 2 cables. East from Sandside Bay the
hinterland is lower, less rugged and more gently undulating
than farther W. The extensive buildings, including a sphere
and a chimney (3.75), of Dounreay Nuclear Power
Development Establishment stand 1 mile NE of Sandside
Bay; lowpowered orange flashing lights are exhibited from

3.64
General description. Hoy, the most W point of which is
Rora Head (5852N 326W), is the second largest and the
loftiest of the Orkney Islands. The highest part of Hoy lies
in the NW end of the island and attains its summit in Ward
Hill (3 miles NE of Rora Head) (3.75); deep valleys cut
across the island in this vicinity. The central part of Hoy
consists of rugged hills with glens and valleys between, the
hills gradually decreasing in height to the SE and S.
The W coast of the island is described below; the
remaining sides of the island are described with the
waterways which they border.
3.65
West coast. The W coast of Hoy, between Kame of Hoy
(5855N 324W), which rises to Cuilags (1 mile SE)
(3.75), and Tor Ness (9 miles SSE), forms the N side of
the approaches to Pentland Firth and is remarkable for the
height and reddish colour of the cliffs, which are almost
unbroken.
Between Kame of Hoy (3.75) and Rora Head (3 miles
SSW) the cliffs are reddish in colour and high, rising sheer
to a height of 346 m at Saint Johns Head (1 mile SSW of
Kame of Hoy). Old Man of Hoy (1 mile N of Rora Head),
a remarkable pinnacle rock, stands on a low rocky point
which projects 2 cables from the base of the cliffs.
The only break in the cliffs of the W coast lies in Rack
Wick, entered between Too of the Head ( mile E of Rora
Head), a bold point, and Point of Craiggate, 1 mile farther
SW. Here the lowlying head of the wick, where there is a
beach of sand and shingle, is in striking contrast to the
high cliffs on either side.
From The Berry (5 miles SSE of Rora Head), where
the cliffs are about 180 m high and deep red in colour, the
cliffs steadily decrease in height towards Tor Ness
(2 miles farther SSE) (3.129).

Caution
1

3.66
Areas in which surveys are incomplete exist near the W
coast of Hoy, as indicated on Chart 2162.

Area to be Avoided
1

70

3.67
The S limit of an Area to be Avoided by certain types
of ships in the vicinity of the Orkney Islands extends

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WNW from Tor Ness as shown on the charts. For further

details see 1.47.

of Hoy. The Wgoing stream W of Hoy is, similarly, the

combination, W of Rora Head, of the SWgoing coastal
stream from the vicinity of Kame of Hoy and the
NWgoing coastal stream, emanating from Pentland Firth,
which rapidly loses strength with distance from Tor Ness.

Submarine cables
1

3.68
Submarine power cables are laid between Dunnet Bay
and Rack Wick, as indicated on the chart. A submarine
cable from Schiehallian Oil Field comes ashore in Dunnet
Bay.

Principal marks
1

Rescue
1

3.69
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained at:
Melvich (5834N 355W), Scrabster (5837N 333W),
Dunnet (5837N 321W) and on Hoy. Scrabster is a
Coastguard Sector Base; for further details see 1.76.
Lifeboat. An RNLI allweather lifeboat is stationed at
Scrabster. For further details see 1.87.
VHF radio directionfinding facilities are situated at
Dunnet Head Lighthouse; for details see 1.84 and
Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.

Tidal streams
1

3.70
Inshore:
5 cables N of Holborn Head the ENEgoing tidal
stream begins at 0140 HW Ullapool (0600 HW
Dover), and the WSWgoing stream at +0420 HW
Ullapool (HW Dover); spring rate in both
directions about 2 kn.
5 cables N of Dunnet Head the Egoing tidal stream
begins at 0305 HW Ullapool (+0500 HW Dover),
and the Wgoing stream at +0320 HW Ullapool
(0100 HW Dover); spring rate in both directions
about 3 kn.
See also information on the chart.
3.71
Strathy Point. On the E side of the Strathy Point
promontory the Egoing tidal stream forms a back eddy
resulting in a nearly continuous Ngoing stream along this
stretch of coast. There is usually turbulence off Strathy
Point where both the E and Wgoing coastal streams meet
this Ngoing eddy.
3.72
Between Holborn and Dunnet Heads tidal streams set
ENE/WSW; both streams begin earlier and are probably
rather stronger off Dunnet Head than off Holborn Head.
3.73
Vicinity of Dunnet Head. Along the coast between
Rough Head and Dunnet Head there is an almost
continuous N and NEgoing eddy which increases the size
of the waves off Briga Head (1 mile SW of Dunnet Head).
When a NW swell persists the sea up to 5 cables off
Dunnet Head becomes confused and strong offshore NW
sets can be experienced.
3.74
Southwest coast of Hoy. Off Rora Head the Egoing
tidal stream begins at about +0310 HW Aberdeen
(+0530 HW Dover) and Wgoing at about 0250 HW
Aberdeen (0030 HW Dover) with a spring rate of 1 to
2 kn in both directions.
The Egoing stream W of Hoy divides off Rora Head
and sets SE towards Tor Ness with rapidly increasing
strength as the ness is approached, and NE towards Kame

3.75
Landmarks:
Sphere (5835N 345W), 58 m in diameter, pale
blue and conspicuous; a chimney, 57 m in height,
from which red obstruction lights are exhibited
when an adjacent airstrip is in use, stands about
2 cables SW.
Wind turbines (5836N 341W), conspicuous, (78 m
in height).
Dunnet Head (5840N 322W), a bold perpendicular
cliff forming the N tip of a large headland, and the
most N point of mainland Britain. Its W side is
fringed by rocks; its E side is steepto. A light
(white stone tower, 20 m in height) stands on the
head.
Ward Hill (5854N 321W), the summit of Hoy,
conspicuous, and falling steeply on its W side;
deep valleys traverse the island SE and NW of the
hill.
Cuilags, a conspicuous summit 1 miles NW of Ward
Hill, from which it is separated by a deep valley.
Kame of Hoy (2 miles NW of Ward Hill), a
remarkable, high and conspicuous cliff headland.
Major lights:
Strathy Point Light (5836N 401W) (3.17).
Dunnet Head Light as above.
Cantick Head Light (5847N 308W) (5.42).
Stroma Light (5842N 307W) (3.126).

Directions
(continued from 3.23)
1

71

3.76
From a position N of Strathy Point (5836N 401W)
(3.23) the approach to Pentland Firth leads E passing
(positioned from Strathy Point):
N of Rubha na Cloiche (2 miles SE), a bold and
prominent headland, thence:
N of Rubha anTuir (4 miles ESE), a bold rounded
headland on the E side of the entrance to Melvich
Bay (3.91), thence:
N of Sandside Head (7 miles ESE), an overhanging
cliff on the W side of the entrance to Sandside
Bay (3.92). Attention is drawn to a submarine
seawater outfall pipe (1 miles ENE of Sandside
Head); the pipe extends about 600 m offshore from
in front of Dounreay Nuclear Power Development
Establishment and terminates in an obstruction
which is 3 m in height above the seabed and
which is marked by a lightbuoy (special), thence:
N of a promontory of which Ushat Head (11 miles E)
is the W extremity and Brims Ness, about 5 cables
farther E, is the low N extremity; Whales Back, a
drying rock ledge, extends 2 cables N from Brims
Ness and a reef with depths of less than 10 m over
it extends a further 2 cables N. Close off the ness
the spring rate of both E and Wgoing tidal
streams is about 3 kn and there is usually
turbulence off the ness. Wind turbines (3.75) stand
about 1 mile SW of Ushat Head and Brims Castle,

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Dunnet Head from NE (3.75)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph Air Images)

uncharted, stands 2 cables S of the NE tip of

Brims Ness. Thence:
N of Holborn Head (5837N 332W) (3.86), the W
entrance point of Thurso Bay, thence:
N of Dunnet Head (5840N 322W) (3.75) and:
S of Rora Head (5852N 326W) (3.64).

3.77
Lowpowered vessels bound W can avoid the strength
of the Egoing tidal stream by closing this stretch of coast,
but the turbulence, previously described, off Strathy Point
should be considered.
3.78
Useful marks with positions from Dunnet Head:
Clett (6 miles WSW), a remarkable detached rock
close inshore 2 cables W of Holborn Head.
Holborn Head Lighthouse (disused) (6 miles SW)
(3.85) on Little Head.
Spire (6 miles SW) (3.85) in Thurso.
Radio mast (6 miles S) on Hill of Oirig (Chart 1954).
(Directions continue for Outer Sound at 3.129,
for Inner Sound at 3.139,
and for approaches to Sound of Hoxa at 5.44)

Scrabster Harbour, with Thurso Bay

Charts 2162, 1462 plan of Scrabster

General information
1

3.79
Scrabster Harbour (5837N 333W) lies at the W head
of Thurso Bay, which is entered between Holborn Head

72

and Clardon Head (2 miles ESE). Scrabster Road is

defined as the sea area W of a line joining Holborn Head
and Thurso breakwater (1 miles SSE).
Function. Scrabster serves as the port for Thurso (3.94),
which together have a combined population of about
10 000, and is principally an important fishing port at
which catches from both UK and foreign registered vessels
are landed. The port is an important centre for cruise liners
and is also a support base for supply and survey vessels. It
is also a busy RoRo terminal for ferries to the Orkney
Islands and is involved with coastal trade, handling general
commercial cargoes, including fuels, sand and gravel.
Topography. The SW head of Thurso Bay is shallow
and except for the coast between Holborn Head and Little
Head (5 cables SSE) the entire shore is fringed by drying
rock ledges for up to 2 cables offshore. The village of
Scrabster stands close W of the harbour which is protected
N by high cliffs; the larger town of Thurso lies 1 miles
farther SE at the S head of the bay. The ruins of Thurso
Castle are situated on the shore 1 cable E of Thurso
breakwater.
Harbour limits are shown on Chart 2162.
Traffic. In 2004 35 vessels, excluding ferries, used the
port totalling 73 220 dwt.
Port Authority. Scrabster Harbour Trust, Harbour
Office, Scrabster, Caithness KW14 7UJ. The Harbour Office
is situated on N side of Centre Dock as shown on the
chart.
Website: www.scrabster.co.uk
Email: harbour@scrabster.co.uk

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CHAPTER 3

Lighthouse (disused)

Queen Elizabeth RoRo and Layby Piers

Fish Dock

Inner and Outer Basins

Scrabster Harbour from WSW (3.79)

(Original dated 2004)
(Photograph Copyright Granted)

alignment (about 189) of Saint Andrews and Saint Peters

Churches (3.85) with Thurso breakwater distant 6 cables,
avoiding as necessary, (positioned from Little Head), The
Grounds (1 miles ENE) (3.86) and a wreck (charted as
foul) (3 cables SE); mariners anchoring closer to the S
shore of Thurso Bay are cautioned to note a 4 m patch
(PA) (6 cables SSE), and a submarine pipeline outfall
(1 mile SE) extending NNW from Thurso Harbour.

Limiting conditions
1

3.80
Deepest and longest berth: Queen Elizabeth Layby
Pier for further details see 3.88.
Tidal levels see information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
Mean spring range about 40 m; mean neap range about
18 m.
Maximum size of vessel handled. Cruise ship, length
183 m, has berthed in the port.

Harbour

Arrival information

3.81
Pilotage is not compulsory but is advisable. The pilot
boarding position is located about 4 cables E of the harbour
as indicated on the charts.
Anchorage. The best berth is in a depth of 20 m, sand,
3 cables E of Little Head. Vessels may safely anchor on the

73

3.82
General layout. Scrabster Harbour consists of five
artificial dock areas as shown on the chart. They are mostly
lined by quays, and are protected from E by two piers.
Queen Elizabeth Pier extends 2 cables S of Little Head,
and St Ola Pier 1 cables SSE from a position on the
shore 2 cables WSW of Little Head. Reclaimed land

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CHAPTER 3

Queen Elizabeth RoRo Pier and Layby Piers

Scrabster Harbour from ENE (3.82)

(Photograph Copyright Granted)

(Original dated 2004)

bordering the W sides of Fish and Inner Docks is occupied

by oil storage tanks of a fuel depot, a fish market, business
centre, and other buildings used by fishingrelated
industries.
3.83
Fishing areas (uncharted), containing lobster pots, are
situated S of Fish Dock and E of Queen Elizabeth Pier.
3.84
Natural conditions. Scrabster Road is exposed E and
NE but provides good shelter from W gales; E gales raise
a short steep sea in the road.
Between Holborn Head and Little Head (5 cables SSW)
tidal streams begin as follows:
Interval from HW
Ullapool
(HW Dover)

Remarks

0235 (+0530)

Ngoing eddy stream begins, and

runs for about 10 hours.

Directions to Scrabster Road

1

0435 (+0330)

Holborn Head Lighthouse (disused) (white tower,

17 m in height) which stands on Little Head.
Scrabster House (6 cables SW), prominent.
Spire (1 miles SSE) of Saint Andrews Church, the
most conspicuous feature in Thurso.
Square tower (1 cable S of the spire described above)
of Saint Peters Church, prominent.
Iceplant (3 cables SW) conspicuous, on head of Ice
Quay.

Sgoing tidal stream begins, and runs

for about 2 hours only.
During weather from the E there is usually an outgoing
undertow in the N part of Scrabster Road.
For tidal streams in the approaches to Thurso Bay see
information on the chart.
3.85
Landmarks with positions from Holborn Head
Lighthouse (disused) (58369N 3324W):

74

3.86
From a position about 1 miles NE of Holborn Head
the approach to Scrabster Road leads SSW passing
(positioned from Holborn Head Lighthouse (disused)):
Clear of The Grounds (1 mile ENE) over which the
sea breaks heavily in NW gales; in calm
conditions it is extensively fished by local craft,
thence:
ESE of Holborn Head (5 cables NNE), a steepto
cliff 30 m high, thence:
ESE of Little Head (3.85).
3.87
Useful marks with positions from Holborn Head
Lighthouse (disused):
Base of ruined tower (1 miles ESE).
Light (post) (2 cables S) on head of Queen
Elizabeth RoRo Pier at Scrabster.

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CHAPTER 3

2
3

shallow and sandy. The village of Strathy lies a short

distance inland behind sandhills, 60 m high, which fringe
the shores of the head of the bay.

Light (metal post, 3 m in height) (3 cables SW) on

head of Fuel Quay at Scrabster.
Light (green post, 3 m in height) (1 miles SE) on
breakwater head at Thurso.
Thurso Harbour Leading Lights (front structure grey
post, 3 m in height, rear structure grey mast, 5 m
in height) (1 miles SE) on E face of breakwater
(3.94).

Melvich Bay
1

Basins and berths

1

3.88
Queen Elizabeth Pier. Two berths on the W side:
Ro Ro berth at the S end 150 m in length with depth
alongside of 9.0 m.
Layby berth at N end 180 m in length with depth
alongside of 8 m.
The Layby berth is used mainly for oil supply, survey
and cruise vessels.
St Ola RoRo berth, length 96 m and depth alongside
54 m, occupies the W side of the outer part of St Ola Pier;
the inner part, known as St Ola Layby Pier, is used by
general cargo vessels and occasionally by fishing vessels
during harbour rest periods.
Fish Dock is dredged throughout to 40 m (1992) and is
used solely by fishing vessels; New Fish Market Quay,
length 123 m and depth alongside 45 m, forms the W side,
adjacent to the fish market. The SE side consists of South
Breakwater, and Fuel Quay which extends N from it; it has
an overall length of 150 m and is lined by a quay used for
landing fish and by vessels during harbour rest periods.
Outer Basin is used by fishing vessels and small craft.
The entrance, close W of the iceplant, between the heads
of the Old Fish Market Berth and Ice Quay, is 28 m wide
and marked on either hand by lights. There are depths of
32 m near the entrance, decreasing N; on the S side of the
dock a berth 72 m long and with a depth of 30 m is also
used by tankers.
Inner Basin, with an entrance 15 m wide, is approached
through Outer Basin, and is used by fishing vessels and
small craft. It has general depths of 1 m, and incorporates
the old fish market on its S side.

Sandside Bay
1

3.92
General information. Sandside Bay is entered between
Sandside Head (5834N 348W) (3.76) and Isauld Point
(6 cables E). Both sides of the bay are fringed by reefs
extending 1 cables offshore in places. A sandy beach
lines the head of the bay and the village of Reay lies a
short distance inland.
Local knowledge is required.
Tidal streams close off the entrance are weak, attaining
spring rates of only about kn in both directions.
Directions. When entering, care is necessary to avoid
The Stags, two drying rocks close off Sandside Head.
Harbour. Two piers project from the NW side of the
bay to form a small harbour which dries out. The harbour
entrance faces E and is partially sheltered by the coastal
reef close N.

Port of Brims
1

Port services
1

3.91
Melvich Bay is entered between Rubha anTuir
(5834N 354W) (3.76) and Rubha Bhr (about 1 mile
WNW). Both sides of the bay are rocky, and The Stag of
Port Skerra, a large drying rock, lies 1 cable off Rubha
Bhr. Halladale River flows into the head of the bay where
there is a sandy beach, behind which grasscovered
sandhills rise to 35 m. The straggling villages of Melvich
and Portskerra merge along the W side of the bay where
there is a small pier which dries. Bighouse, a mansion,
stands on low grassy land on the E bank of the river, close
within its mouth.
Local knowledge is required.

3.89
Repairs of an engineering and electrical nature can be
undertaken.
Other facilities: hospital with helicopter landing site
1 mile SW of Thurso; fishermens mission; facilities for
disposal of some oily wastes.
Supplies: water at Fuel, Ice and Layby Quays; fuel oil
at Fuel Quay and by road tanker at all other berths except
Fish Market Quay; ice; provisions at Thurso or, by delivery
vehicle only, at Scrabster.
Communications: Three daily sailings by RoRo ferry
to Stromness (5857N 318W) (1 hours steaming) in the
Orkney Islands, with more frequent service in summer.
Rescue: see 3.69; the lifeboat is moored alongside a
tidal pontoon in NE corner of Outer Basin.

3.93
Port of Brims is a small sheltered cove on the E side of
Brims Ness (5837N 339W) (3.76). It lies below Brims
Castle and has a gravel beach on which boat landing is
possible in almost any weather. To avoid turbulence off
Brims Ness it is advisable to approach the cove from NE.
Detailed local knowledge is required.
Chart 2162

Thurso Harbour
1

3.94
Thurso Harbour is formed by the sea reach of the
River Thurso which flows into the S head of Thurso Bay
by a narrow channel through rocks; a breakwater, on the
head of which stands a light (3.87), extends 1 cable NNE
from the W side of the entrance. The town of Thurso lies
along both banks of the river.
The harbour is closed to all but boat traffic.
The alignment (195) of leading lights (3.87) leads to
the harbour entrance.
Craft can safely take the ground in the harbour at LW.

Dunnet Bay
Minor bays and harbours

Chart 1954

Strathy Bay
1

3.90
Strathy Bay lies between Baligill Head (5834N
359W), 87 m high, and the E side of the root of the
Strathy Point promontory about 1 mile W. The bay is

75

3.95
General information. Dunnet Bay is entered between
Rough Head (58384N 3248W) and Clardon Head
(2 miles SW). The SW shore of the bay is fringed by
drying reefs; the NW shore is mainly lined by cliffs and
although clear of dangers from a short distance offshore
should not be approached too closely on account of cliff
falls which occur from time to time. Northern Gate House

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Routes through Pentland Firth

stands above Dwarwick Head (1 miles SE of Rough

Head). At the head of the bay Dunnet Sands dry out and
the beach is backed by large sand dunes, part of which
form a National Nature Reserve. The villages of Castletown
and Dunnet lie, respectively, near the SW and NE ends of
the sands.
Natural conditions. Very heavy seas, extremely
dangerous to small craft, roll into the bay during W and
NW gales. Dwarwick Head provides a little shelter off the
NE end of Dunnet Sands during NW gales. For tidal
streams in the entrance see information on the chart.
Fish stakes project into the bay in several places as
indicated on the chart.
Submarine cables. Four submarine power cables are
landed in Murkle Bay (2 miles SSW of Rough Head), as
indicated on the chart; their landing position on the shore is
marked by a beacon. One submarine cable lands on the
SW part of Dunnet Sands; the landing position indicated by
a beacon. Abandoned submarine cables extend from
Dwarwick Head.
Castlehill. A small privately owned harbour, which
dries, is situated at Castlehill, near Castletown, at the SW
end of Dunnet Sands.
There is a small pier 1 cables ESE of Dwarwick Head.

3.97
The island of Stroma divides the firth into two passages
as described below.
Outer Sound is the passage between Stroma and
Swona. It is 2 miles wide, deep, and well marked and is
the principal and usual route through the firth by day or
night, and the route recommended for large vessels.
However, tidal streams are strong attaining a spring rate of
about 9 kn.
Inner Sound, about 1 miles wide, is the passage
between Stroma and the mainland S in which tidal streams
attain a spring rate of only about 5 kn. Under normal
conditions the time saved by using Inner Sound when
transiting against the tidal stream is very little. Inner Sound
is used, with local knowledge, mainly by slow or smaller
vessels; it may be particularly preferred in bad weather or
in order to avoid proceeding against a strong contrary
stream in Outer Sound. Its use is not recommended by
large vessels at any time, particularly in high winds. The
passage is poorly marked and its use at night is not
recommended.

Areas to be Avoided
1

PENTLAND FIRTH
General information
Charts 2162, 2581

Topography

Description
1

3.98
The S limits of an Area to be Avoided by certain types
of ships around the Orkney Islands extend WNW from Tor
Ness and ENE from Old Head as shown on the charts. For
further details see 1.47.

3.96
Pentland Firth separates the Orkney Islands from the
Scottish mainland. It is entered from the W between
Dunnet Head (5840N 322W) and Tor Ness (6 miles
NNE) and from the E between Duncansby Head (5839N
301W) and Old Head (6 miles NE).
Stroma and Swona, two islands of appreciable size, lie
within the firth, respectively 3 miles NW and 5 miles N
of Duncansby Head.
The E approach to the firth is divided into two channels
by Pentland Skerries, an extensive group of islets and rocks
lying nearly midway between Duncansby Head and Old
Head.

3.99
The south side of the Pentland Firth comprises the
mainland coast of Scotland between Dunnet Head (3.75)
and Duncansby Head (3.126) and is indented by numerous
bays and coves. Inland the terrain rises to rolling hills of
moderate height.
Caution. Except for the lighthouse on it Duncansby
Head resembles, and has on occasion been confused with,
both Old Head (6 miles NNE) (3.132), and Ness Head
(4 miles SSW) (4.36) (Chart 1954).
3.100
Island of Stroma, the largest of the islands in Pentland
Firth, has Swilkie Point (5842N 307W) as its N
extremity and attains its summit at Cairn Hill (1 miles S

Swilkie Point Light

Stroma from NNW (3.100)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph Air Images)

76

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CHAPTER 3

of Swilkie Point); a light (3.126) stands on Swilkie Point

and a conspicuous church stands 1 mile S. The W side of
Stroma is cliffbound but the E side is relatively low and
flat. Landings see 3.151.
3.101
Swona, with The Tarf (5844N 304W) as its SW
extremity, lies on the N side of Pentland Firth and in the S
approaches to Scapa Flow. The W side of the island is low.
The E side is lined by very smoothfaced cliffs, inclined at
45 to the vertical, which rise to Warbister Hill (6 cables
ENE of The Tarf), the rounded and green summit of the
island. Swona Light (white concrete column, 6 m in height)
is exhibited from The Tarf; another light (white hut and
pillar, 2 m in height) stands on North Head, the N
extremity of the island; a cairn is situated 1 cables ESE
of the former and a radio mast stands near the cliff top
4 cables S of the latter.
3.102
Pentland Skerries (5841N 255W), a group of islets
and rocks, are situated in the middle of the E entrance to
Pentland Firth at the NW end of a long narrow bank
extending 10 miles SE, with depths over it of less than
50 m.
Muckle Skerry, the largest and most NW of the skerries,
is 18 m high, flat and grasscovered. Pentland Skerries
Lighthouse, with a tower adjacent, stands on this islet; for
details and view see 3.126. The other named but smaller
skerries are separated from Muckle Skerry by a channel
(3.145) and extend 9 cables NE from Little Skerry
(7 cables SSE of Muckle Skerry) on the E side of which
a stranded wreck is conspicuous; details of these skerries
are best seen from the chart; see also view 3.102.

South Walls (5848N 310W), which is connected to

the S end of Hoy in the vicinity of Brims Ness (2 miles E
of Tor Ness), is described at 5.24.
South Ronaldsay. For general description see 5.198.
The S coast of the island extends between Brough Ness
(5844N 258W) (3.132), and Old Head (1 miles E)
(3.132). Except near its centre, which is low, this stretch of
coast is generally lined by cliffs which are indented, and
fringed by rock ledges extending up to 1 cable offshore
with a few detached rocks in the vicinity of Banks Head
(9 cables E of Brough Ness).

Hazards
1

3.104
Large vessels may be encountered manoeuvring to
embark or disembark pilots in the vicinity of Swona and
should be given a wide berth.
Aspect of vessels. The large angle required between the
heading of a vessel and the track to be made good to
counteract the strong tidal streams may give a deceptive
visual aspect, particularly in the case of vessels proceeding
at slow speeds.
Fishing. Numerous fishing pots, marked by small buoys,
are laid up to cable offshore between Tor Ness and
Cantick Head (5 miles E). The buoys, whose moorings
often have long scopes, are sometimes swept below the
surface by strong tidal streams, resulting in fouling of
boats screws.

Pilotage
1

Muckle Skerry

3.105
While the services of a pilot are neither essential nor
available locally, they are advantageous. Pilotage can be
provided by licensed deepsea pilots; for details see
Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6 (1).

Local knowledge
1

3.106
Local knowledge of the Firth is not essential, but is an
advantage.

Radio reporting
1

3.107
For details of radio reporting requirements see Admiralty
List of Radio Signals Volume 6 (1).

Tidal information
1

Little Skerry

Pentland Skerries from SE (3.102)

(Original dated 1999)
2
(Photograph Air Images)

3.103
Hoy. For general description and W coast, see 3.64.

77

3.108
General information. Tidal streams are highly
significant to the mariner navigating in or through Pentland
Firth and need to be considered at all times. They
encounter a number of obstructions, which give rise to
eddies and races, which, in several areas of the firth, can
be very strong and extremely violent.
Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland
Islands and the information shown on the charts give an
excellent picture of the tidal stream regime in the area, and
the following remarks should be read in conjunction with
them.
Direction. In general terms tidal streams in Pentland
Firth conform to the following criteria:

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Interval from HW Aberdeen Remarks

(HW Dover)

+0500 to 0130
(0505 to +0050)

Tidal stream is Egoing.

0130 to +0500
(+0050 to 0505)

Tidal stream is Wgoing.

2

It is useful to note the time of HW at Muckle Skerry is

almost the same as that of HW at Dover.
Rates. Tidal streams run with great strength, rates up to
16 kn having been reported close W of Pentland Skerries;
in 1984 MV Proud Seahorse was unable to make headway
over the ground in many parts of the firth when making
11 kn through the water. Rates quoted in the following
descriptions are for mean spring tides; at extreme spring
tides rates may be up to a third greater.
Eddies. In some parts of the firth the transition between
the main stream and an eddy, and vice versa, can occur so
suddenly as to cause even a large vessel to take a violent
sheer. All the islands, headlands and other dangers in the
Firth should therefore be given a wide berth, particularly in
poor visibility.
Races. Even in calm conditions there can be heavy
turbulence in the races; in disturbed conditions, particularly
when the tidal streams are opposed by strong winds or a
swell, the sea in the races can be extraordinarily violent
and confused, and extremely dangerous to smaller vessels
which may become unmanageable.
3.109
Western part of Pentland Firth. On the S side close
off Dunnet Head the Egoing tidal stream begins at
+0240 HW Aberdeen (+0500 HW Dover) and the Wgoing
tidal stream at 0320 HW Aberdeen (0100 HW Dover)
with rates up to 3 kn which increase towards Saint Johns
Point (5840N 311W) where they attain 5 kn Egoing
and 7 kn Wgoing. In Brough Bay a Ngoing eddy runs
continuously for about 12 hours along the E side of Dunnet
Head.
In midchannel about 3 miles N of Dunnet Head the
Egoing stream begins at +0515 HW Aberdeen (0450 HW
Dover), initial direction SE but changing anticlockwise,
spring rate increasing rapidly from kn; this stream, mean
direction 105, is at full strength, spring rate 3 kn,
between 0610 HW Aberdeen (0350 HW Dover) and
0210 HW Aberdeen (+0010 HW Dover). At the end of
this period the stream begins to change direction
anticlockwise and rapidly loses strength. The Wgoing
stream begins at 0010 HW Aberdeen (+0210 HW Dover),
mean direction 280, spring rate 3 kn. Further E, about
3 miles N of Saint Johns Point, the Egoing tidal stream
begins at +0515 HW Aberdeen (0450 HW Dover) and the
Wgoing at 0100 HW Aberdeen (+0120 HW Dover);
spring rates of 7 kn in both directions may be encountered.
On the N side of the firth, off Tor Ness, the Egoing
tidal stream begins at +0435 HW Aberdeen (0530 HW
Dover) and the Wgoing tidal stream at 0150 HW
Aberdeen (+0030 HW Dover) with rates of 6 to 7 kn. The
Egoing tidal stream is diffused E of Tor Ness and runs
towards and N and S of Swona.
Details of tidal streams NW of Swona and along the S
side of South Walls are given at 5.32.
3.110
Tide race: Merry Men of Mey. The most extensive and
dangerous race in Pentland Firth, known as Merry Men of
Mey, forms off Saint Johns Point during the Wgoing tidal
stream, and, when fully established, extends NNW the

78

whole way across the firth to Tor Ness. The most violent
part of Merry Men of Mey lies over a large sandwave field
3 miles W of Stroma. With a W sea or swell the entire
race becomes very violent; large waves form suddenly and
from varying directions, making them difficult to anticipate
or counter.
The race forms a natural breakwater across the firth, and
even when the race is most violent the firth can be crossed
E of the breakers in smooth water. However, mariners,
particularly those in small, lowpowered, or sailing vessels,
are advised to remember that the Wgoing tidal stream
emerging through Outer Sound can be very strong, rates in
excess of 10 kn having been recorded, and the danger of
being swept into the race is very real.
The race forms in the following sequence:
Interval from
HW Aberdeen
(HW Dover)

Remarks

0150 (+0030)

Race forms off Men of Mey Rocks

(close off Saint Johns Point) and
extends initially W towards Dunnet
Head. As the Wgoing tidal stream
gains strength the race begins to
extend from the bank 1 miles NW
of Saint Johns Point in a NNW
direction.

+0200 (+0420)

When the Wgoing stream has

attained its full strength heavy
breaking seas extend the whole way
across the firth between Saint Johns
Point and Tor Ness even in fine
weather.

+0315 (+0535)

The SE end of the race becomes

detached from Men of Mey Rocks
leaving a clear passage, which
gradually widens N, between the
rocks and the breaking seas.
Elsewhere the race persists.

+0435 (0530)

The NW end of the race off Tor Ness

begins to subside.

+0515 (0450)

The race subsides in midchannel

with the beginning of the Egoing
tidal stream.

3.111
Outer Sound. Tidal streams set very strongly through
Outer Sound, the rate of the Egoing stream being
reportedly greater than the Wgoing. In midchannel and
off Tails of The Tarf (5844N 304W) the Egoing tidal
stream begins at +0505 HW Aberdeen (0500 HW Dover),
rate about 9 kn, and the Wgoing tidal stream at
0120 HW Aberdeen (+0100 HW Dover), rate about 8 kn.
3.112
Eddies and races adjacent to Stroma. The Swilkie
persists almost continuously off Swilkie Point (5842N
307W) where the strong E and Wgoing main streams
through Outer Sound meet the Ngoing eddies, described
below, which flow on the E and W sides of Stroma. The
Swilkie can be dangerous and should be avoided even in
fine weather. It is most violent when the Wgoing stream
through Outer Sound is opposed by a W gale.
During the Egoing streams through Outer and Inner
Sounds an eddy forms off the E side of Stroma and
gradually extends about 1 mile E of the island as indicated

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CHAPTER 3

on the chart; this eddy causes a Ngoing stream along the

E side of Stroma.
A corresponding eddy forms off the W side of Stroma
during the Wgoing streams through the sounds and
gradually extends about 2 miles WNW from the island
and causes a Ngoing stream along the W side of Stroma.
The approximate extent of both eddies is shown on the
charts.
3.113
Eddies and races adjacent to Swona. The Egoing
stream passing N of Swona forms an eddy E of the island
which eventually extends about 1 miles SE as indicated
on the chart.
During the Egoing and Wgoing streams, races form,
respectively SE and SW of Tails of The Tarf on the edge
of eddies E and W of Swona; they may become violent
when wind is opposed to stream.
For further details see 5.32 and 5.33.
3.114
Inner Sound. The main tidal streams run in
midchannel, the Egoing stream beginning at +0435 HW
Aberdeen (0530 HW Dover) and the Wgoing stream at
0150 HW Aberdeen (+0030 HW Dover) with a rate of
about 5 kn in both directions. The rates may be greatly
increased around the S end of Stroma.
Eddies, generally indeterminate and weak with a
maximum rate of 1 kn, form near the shore on both sides
of the main stream.
Race. During the Egoing stream a race, which is
particularly violent during E and SE gales, forms off Ness
of Huna (5839N 306W).
3.115
Channel between Duncansby Head and Pentland
Skerries. The SEgoing tidal stream begins at +0505 HW
Aberdeen (0500 HW Dover) and attains a rate of 9 kn;
close off Pentland Skerries a rate of 12 kn has been
reported. The NWgoing tidal stream begins at 0105 HW
Aberdeen (+0115 HW Dover), rate 8 kn.
3.116
Duncansby Race forms in the following sequence:
Interval from
HW Aberdeen
(HW Dover)

Remarks

+0505 (0500)

Race forms off Ness of Duncansby

(9 cables WNW of Duncansby Head)
coincident with the commencement of
the SEgoing tidal stream, and extends
initially ENE but wheels gradually
anticlockwise. There is turbulence off
Duncansby Head throughout the period
of the SEgoing stream.

0440 (0220)

Race begins to subside.

0105 (+0115)

Duncansby Race ceases temporarily,

coincident with commencement of
NWgoing tidal stream.

Race forms again off Ness of

Duncansby and extends ENE.

+0430 (0535)

Race again ceases temporarily.

Duncansby Race is extremely violent and dangerous

when the SEgoing stream is opposed by E and SE gales
and when the NWgoing stream is opposed by W gales.
3.117
Channel between South Ronaldsay and Muckle
Skerry. In the passage between the S coast of South
Ronaldsay and Muckle Skerry tidal streams begin and
Liddel Eddy occurs in the following sequence:
Interval from HW Remarks
Aberdeen (HW Dover)
+0405 (0600)

Egoing stream begins. Spring

rate about 8 kn. As the stream
gains strength Liddel Eddy
forms, initially SE of Old Head.

About 0610 (0350) Liddel Eddy gives rise to a

Sgoing stream along the SE side
of South Ronaldsay, which, as it
gains strength and the strength of
the Egoing stream S of Old
Head starts to wane, forces its
way S and W past Old Head
towards Muckle Skerry and along
the S coast of South Ronaldsay.
A race starts to form off Old
Head and persists until about
0220 (HW).
About 0540 (0320) Liddel Eddy, Wgoing, firmly
established along the S coast of
South Ronaldsay and gradually
extending S from the coast.
Farther offshore the Egoing
stream persists but with
diminishing strength.
About 0440 (0220) Liddel Eddy, Wgoing, now
occupies about the N half of the
passage, the Egoing stream
persisting in the S half. Heavy
overfalls and breakers occur
along the boundary between the
eddy and the stream.
About 0240 (0020) Liddel Eddy, Wgoing, extends
the whole way across the passage
except for a remnant of the
Egoing stream close N of
Muckle Skerry.

Race now extends NW from the Ness

of Duncansby and gives rise to Boars
of Duncansby (3.139) 1 mile NW of
the ness.

0140 (+0040)

+0245 (+0505)

0220 (HW)

79

True Wgoing stream begins

throughout the passage. The race
off Old Head subsides.

During the Egoing tidal stream, the SEgoing tidal

stream between Swona and South Ronaldsway joins the
main tidal stream S of Lother Rock (5844N 258W).
Lother Eddy and race. During the Wgoing main tidal
stream a violent race of great strength occurs SW of Lother
Rock where the Sgoing part of Lother Eddy (5.33) meets

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CHAPTER 3

the NWgoing tidal stream at the SE end of the passage

between Swona and South Ronaldsay.
3.118
Pentland Skerries and southeastern approaches. In
close proximity to the skerries tidal streams set as follows:
Interval from HW
Aberdeen (HW Dover)

Remarks

+0505 to about 0220

(0500 to about HW)

When the SE and Egoing

tidal streams, respectively SW
and N of Muckle Skerry, are
well established an eddy forms
off the SE side of Muckle
Skerry and eventually extends
about 3 miles ESE from
Pentland Skerries. Within the
eddy the tidal stream sets
towards the skerries at a spring
rate not exceeding 1 kn.

0120 to +0405
(+0100 to 0600)

During the NW and Wgoing

tidal streams, respectively SW
and N of Muckle Skerry, an
eddy forms along the S side of
the channel between Muckle
Skerry and the named skerries
SE; this eddy does not extend
NW of Muckle Skerry.

Tidal streams four miles ESE of the skerries are affected

by the eddies described above; they rotate clockwise and
are relatively weak. For details see information on charts.

General precautionary measures and navigational

advice
1

3.119
Passage planning. Because of the very strong tidal
streams, the eddies and races to which these give rise and
the extraordinarily violent and confused seas which occur
at times, particularly in some of the races, navigation in
Pentland Firth requires careful preparation and is attended
by special problems. These are such that some mariners
may find it advantageous to adjust their arrival at the firth
so as to pass through under favourable tidal conditions, or
alternatively, to use Fair Isle Channel (2.10) rather than
transit Pentland Firth in unfavourable conditions.
Laden tankers. Masters of laden tankers not bound to
or from Flotta and Scapa Flow should not use the Pentland
Firth in restricted visibility or adverse weather. At other
times, there may be a case for transiting with the tide to
reduce the time spent in the Firth, although Masters should
take account of the general precautionary measures and
navigational advice herein.
3.120
Fixing. Safe navigation in Pentland Firth depends
initially on constant attention so that any deviation from the
planned track is immediately apparent. This can best be
achieved by frequent fixing and when radar is available, by
use of parallel index techniques. Although good visibility is
therefore an advantage, navigation through Outer Sound
using radar is perfectly practicable. In clear conditions the
entrance points at both ends of the firth are readily
distinguishable and at night, these points, together with
nearly all the salient points within the firth exhibit lights.
The shores of the firth are clear of dangers beyond a short
distance and most of the dangers near the main channels
are marked.

3.121
Restricted visibility. When fixing is difficult, great
caution is necessary, and mariners, particularly those in
small, lowpowered and sailing vessels, are advised not to
attempt passage of Pentland Firth unless it is absolutely
essential to do so or unless they are equipped with a
navigational radar. Patchy fog is common in the firth and
in combination with strong tidal streams can be very
disorientating.
Fog signals. Experience has tended to show that fog
signals in the firth are generally less audible when being
approached with the stream than they are when being
approached against the stream.
3.122
Steerage. Difficulties in maintaining course and speed
can be encountered when transiting either with or against
the tidal stream. Masters should therefore ensure that a
close watch is kept at all times on the course and speed of
their vessels. This is particularly relevant, especially for
those in slower ships, when navigating Inner Sound during
a following tidal stream as steering can become particularly
difficult.
3.123
Power. Another factor in safe navigation of Pentland
Firth is availability of sufficient power to overcome the
strength of the tidal streams.
Lowpowered vessels, small vessels, and vessels under
sail, whatever the weather, should avoid at all costs being
drawn into any race which is at strength, in particular
taking care to avoid Merry Men of Mey during the
Wgoing stream, The Swilkie during both streams and
Duncansby Race during the Egoing stream. Such vessels
should be aware that the strength of the tidal stream setting
towards a race can be in excess of 10 kn.
Most of the casualties in Pentland Firth have resulted
from vessels steering directly across, or obliquely to, the
direction of the tidal stream with insufficient knowledge of
the actual strengths of the streams involved and with
insufficient power to overcome them.
3.124
Security. All vessels should be thoroughly secured
before entering the Pentland Firth even in the calmest
weather. A false sense of security should never be allowed
to prevail, as even relatively large vessels can sustain deck
damage when passing through Merry Men of Mey during a
Wgoing stream, The Swilkie during both streams, and
Duncansby Race during the Egoing stream.

Rescue
1

3.125
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained at the
following locations: Longhope (5848N 312W);
Duncansby Head (5839N 301W); Brough Ness (5844N
258W). For further details see 1.76.
Lifeboat. An RNLI allweather lifeboat is stationed in
Aith Hope (5847N 313W) between Hoy and South
Walls. For further details see 1.87.
VHF radio directionfinding facilities are situated at
Dunnet Head Lighthouse; for details see 1.84 and
Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.

Principal marks
1

80

3.126
Landmarks with positions from Swilkie Point (5842N
307W):
Dunnet Head (8 miles WSW) (3.75).
Stroma Lighthouse (white tower, 23 m in height) on
Swilkie Point.

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Stacks of Duncansby

Light

Duncansby Head from N (3.126)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph Air Images)

Church (1 mile S), conspicuous, near the centre of

Stroma.
Pentland Skerries Lighthouse (white tower, 36 m in
height) (6 miles E) on Muckle Skerry; a white
tower, of lesser height and surmounted by a fog
horn (disused), stands close SW of the lighthouse.
Duncansby Head (4 miles SE), a headland with
perpendicular cliffs; a light (white tower, 11 m in
height) stands on the NE extremity with a radio
mast 1 cable SSW.
Coastguard lookout (disused) (5 miles ENE),
conspicuous high white building, on Brough Ness.

3.127
Major lights with positions from Swilkie Point (5842N
307W):
Dunnet Head Light (8 miles W) (3.75).
Tor Ness Light (7 miles NW) (3.129).
Cantick Head Light (5 miles N) (5.42).
Stroma Light as above.
Duncansby Head Light as above.
Pentland Skerries Light as above.

Swilkie Point Light (5842N 307W) (3.126) with

Pentland Skerries Light (5 miles E) (3.126) leads into
Pentland Firth passing:
S of Tor Ness (5847N 318W), a low flat point and
the SW extremity of Hoy, from which a light
(white tower, 8 m in height) is exhibited; a white
tower stands close SE. Thence:
S of Brims Ness (2 miles E of Tor Ness), a low
rugged point from which dangerous rocks extend
2 cables from the SW side; a flagstaff stands
within the ness. Brims Ness should be given a
wide berth as the strong tidal streams often cause
a heavy sea off the point and dangerous seas will
develop on the Wgoing tidal stream when a W
swell is entering Pentland Firth.
When about 2 miles W of Swilkie Point, in the
vicinity of an isolated patch, least depth 245 m lying
within the area of The Merry Men of Mey race, course
should be adjusted to pass N of Stroma, at a distance of
not less than 5 cables to avoid The Swilkie (3.112).

Passage southwest of Pentland Skerries

Other navigational aids
1

3.128
Racons:
Duncansby Head Lighthouse as above.
Lother Rock Lightbeacon (5 miles NNE of
Duncansby Head); this racon is a good mark for
transit of Pentland Firth.
For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.

Directions: Outer Sound eastbound

(continued from 3.78)
Charts 2162, 2581

Dunnet Head to Stroma

1

3.129
From a position about 2 miles N of Dunnet Head
(5840N 322W) (3.75) the alignment (093), ahead, of

81

3.130
When past Stroma course should be adjusted slowly SE
so as to bring into alignment (328), astern, Swona Light
(3.101) on The Tarf (5844N 304W) and Cantick Head
Light (3 miles NNW) (5.42). This alignment leads SSE
out of the firth passing:
WSW Muckle Skerry (5841N 255W) (3.102),
thence:
ENE of Duncansby Head (5839N 301W) (3.126),
and:
SSW of Little Skerry (8 cables SSE of Muckle
Skerry) (3.102), thence:
WSW of Sandy Riddle (2 miles SE of Muckle
Skerry), a detached shoal with a least depth of
111 m over it on which the sea breaks heavily in
SE gales; depths of less than 30 m exist for
5 miles SE from the shoal.

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3.132, in reverse, until S of Swona and then continue W as

directed below.

Low powered and small vessels

1

3.131
During eastgoing tidal stream. If well up with Saint
Johns Point (3 miles SSW of Swilkie Point) in the early
stage of the Egoing tidal stream mariners are advised to
use Inner Sound as described at 3.139. If not well up with
Saint Johns Point until the later stages of the Egoing tidal
stream, the use of Outer Sound is advised, taking care to
avoid The Swilkie and anticipating a Ngoing eddy off the
E side of Stroma during the main Egoing tidal stream.
When clearing the firth SE during Egoing tidal stream,
advantage can be taken of the last of the favourable stream,
by keeping in midchannel between Duncansby Head and
Pentland Skerries.
During westgoing tidal stream the use of Inner Sound
as described at 3.140 is advised.

Swona to Dunnet Head

1

Passage north of Pentland Skerries

1

3.132
From a position N of Swilkie Point the route leads E
passing (with positions from The Tarf (5844N 304W)):
S of The Tarf on which there is a light (3.101),
thence:
S of Lother Rock (3 miles E), a drying rock almost
completely covered at HW, which is marked by a
lightbeacon (black pyramidshaped, 12 m in
height; racon) near its SW end; a steepto and
detached drying rock close off the SW end of
Lother Rock should be given a wide berth. Tidal
streams in the vicinity are much affected by those,
described at 5.33, in the passage between South
Ronaldsay and Swona; they set over the rock and
can be very dangerous during springs, particularly
at about 0445 HW Aberdeen (0225 HW Dover);
during the Wgoing tidal stream a violent race
forms SW of the rock. See 5.48 for clearing
bearings and 5.47 for passage between Lother
Rock and Brough Ness. Thence:
S of Brough Ness (3 miles E), a low point at the
SW extremity of South Ronaldsay on which there
is a disused Coastguard lookout (3.126), thence:
S of Old Head (4 miles E), a somewhat
unremarkable point about 18 m high, forming the
SE extremity of South Ronaldsay. And:
N of Muckle Skerry (5 miles ESE) (3.102) on
which there is a light (3.126).

Low powered and small vessels

1

Directions: Outer Sound westbound

Approach from southeast
1

3.133
Mariners approaching Pentland Firth from SE and using
the channel between Duncansby Head and Pentland
Skerries should follow the Direction, given at 3.130, in
reverse, remaining on the alignment (328) of Swona Light
(5844N 304W) (3.101) and Cantick Head Light
(3 miles NNW) (5.42) until within about 3 miles SSE of
Swona, when course can be adjusted W to transit Outer
Sound as described at 3.135.

Approached from between north and east

1

3.135
From a position S of Swona (5844N 304W) (3.101)
the route through the W part of Pentland Firth leads W
passing:
N, at a distance of about 1 mile, of Swilkie Point
(5842N 307W), the N extremity of Stroma
(3.100), on which there is a light (3.126), thence:
S of Brims Ness (5846N 314W) (3.129), thence:
S of Tor Ness (2 miles W of Brims Ness) (3.129),
thence:
N of Dunnet Head (5840N 322W) (3.75).
Caution. When the Wgoing tidal stream is opposed by
strong W and NW winds there is a heavy breaking sea,
which can be dangerous to small coasters, in midfirth W
of Swona and Stroma. In these conditions passage through
the firth should not be attempted and mariners are advised
to proceed E of Swona and await favourable conditions in
Long Hope (5.70).

3.134
Mariners approaching Pentland Firth from between N
and E and using the channel between South Ronaldsay and
Pentland Skerries should follow the Directions, given at

82

3.136
Approach from southeast. During the Egoing tidal
stream mariners should keep close to the Scottish mainland
S of and around Duncansby Head where comparatively
slack water, or even possibly quite a pronounced Ngoing
eddy stream of 1 to 1 kn, will be found while the
SEgoing main tidal stream is running farther to seaward,
and then proceed via Inner Sound as described at 3.141;
care is necessary to avoid Baxter Rock (4 cables S of
Duncansby Head Light).
During the Wgoing tidal stream mariners should follow
Directions at 3.133, making due allowance for the strong
Wgoing tidal stream, and then proceed via Outer Sound as
directed above.
3.137
Approach from between north and east. Mariners are
advised to avoid the race (3.117) which forms off Old
Head during the Egoing tidal stream. The risk of being set
on to Pentland Skerries by the strong SEgoing tidal stream
emanating from the channel between South Ronaldsay and
Swona can be avoided by remaining within Liddel Eddy
(3.117), between Old Head and Brough Ness, to await the
last of the Egoing tidal stream when course can be shaped
towards Outer Sound; if this course of action is adopted,
the risk of being swept into Merry Men of Mey race by the
strong Wgoing tidal stream must be anticipated.
During the Wgoing tidal stream, having rounded and
passed Old Head at a distance of at least 5 cables, mariners
are advised to make ground S, away from the S end of
South Ronaldsay, by shaping a course towards Duncansby
Head. When Swilkie Point (5842N 307W) (3.100) bears
more than 264 and Dunnet Head is well shut in S of that
point, course can be adjusted W to transit Outer Sound.
Failure to make sufficient ground S from South Ronaldsay
incurs the very real risk of being set on to Lother Rock or
Swona by the tidal stream setting NW into the channel E
of Swona.
Caution. If approaching Pentland Firth from E in an E
or SE gale it is essential to remain at least 6 miles E of
Pentland Skerries until the end of the Egoing tidal stream
through the firth.

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John 0 Groats Harbour and Hotel from N (3.138)

(Original dated 1998)
(Photograph Martin Lawrence)

Useful marks
1

3.138
With positions from Duncansby Head Light (5839N
301W):
Castle of Mey (6 miles W).
Kirkstyle Church (3 miles W) with square tower.
John oGroats Hotel (1 miles W) on a low
grasscovered mound; a light (3.150) is exhibited
from a small boat harbour immediately in front of
the hotel.
Lother Rock Lightbeacon (5 miles NNE) (3.132).
Stacks of Duncansby (8 cables SSW) (4.18).
Noss Head Light (10 miles S) (4.17) (Charts 115,
1954).

Directions: Inner Sound eastbound

(continued from 3.78)

Eastgoing tidal stream.

1

3.139
In order to take advantage of the favourable tidal stream
the approach to Inner Sound from the W part of Pentland
Firth leads with Duncansby Head bearing less than 110
and open S of Mell Head (5840N 308W), the SW
extremity of Stroma. This line of bearing passes about
1 mile N of Saint Johns Point (1 miles WSW of Mell
Head), a rugged salient point 15 m high from which Men
of Mey Rocks, some above water and others drying, extend
2 cables N.
The route through the sound then leads in midchannel
passing (positioned from Mell Head):
NE of Head of Crees (1 miles SW), and:
S around Stroma Skerries which extend 2 cables S
from Mell Head; a beacon (black and yellow
pyramid with cylindrical topmark surmounted by a
cross, 12 m in height) stands on the SW extremity

of the skerries; depths of less than 5 m extend

nearly 1 cable S from the skerries, and the beacon
should be given a wide berth. Thence:
NNW of Ness of Huna (1 miles SE) off which there
can be violent turbulence (3.114), thence:
SSE of Scarton Point (1 mile ENE), from where a
Ngoing eddy (3.112) sets N along the E side of
Stroma, thence:
NNE of Ness of Duncansby (3 miles ESE), a low
grassy point fringed by a drying reef and an
unsurveyed bank on which there are drying rocks;
the ness should be given a berth of about 1 miles
to avoid Duncansby Race (3.116) and Boars of
Duncansby, heavy breaking seas at the outer end
of a rocky spit extending 1 mile NNW from the
ness. Thence:
Around Duncansby Head (3 miles ESE) (3.126);
several detached rocks, including Hell Rock, lie
close offshore between Duncansby Head Light and
a position on the coast 4 cables NW. This headland
should also be given a wide berth to avoid
Duncansby Race. When clearing the firth SE,
advantage can be taken of the last of the
favourable SEgoing tidal stream, by keeping in
midchannel between Duncansby Head and
Pentland Skerries on the 328 alignment as
directed at 3.130.
Caution. See 3.122.

Westgoing tidal stream

1

83

3.140
To avoid the strength of the tidal stream in the W part
of Pentland Firth Dunnet Head should be passed as close
as conditions allow and course adjusted to pass 1 mile N of
Saint Johns Point (3.139); if necessary the coast can be

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CHAPTER 3

closed in Brough Bay and followed at a distance of

5 cables offshore until near Saint Johns Point.
Mariners should aim to arrive off Saint Johns Point
during the last two hours of the Wgoing tidal stream
when Merry Men of Mey race (3.110) will have become
detached from Men of Mey Rocks (3.139) leaving a
widening gap between the rocks and the breakers of the
race.
Having passed Saint Johns Point course should be
shaped for Mell Head (5840N 308W) and when close
off that point either: haul close S around Stroma Skerries
(3.139) and keep to the Stroma side through the sound, or:
cross the sound into Gills Bay and keep to the
mainland side of the sound, but noting that the
coast between Gills Bay and Duncansby Head is
generally poorly surveyed and in a number of
places is fringed by dangerous or drying rocks.
These courses of action take advantage of comparatively
slack water, or even possibly an Egoing eddy stream,
which exists on either side of the sound while the main
Wgoing tidal stream is still running in midchannel.
Furthermore, the race off Ness of Huna (3.114) is not
active and Duncansby Race (3.116) is of little significance
during the Wgoing tidal stream.

3.143
Clearing lines:
Old Head (3.132), the SE extremity of South
Ronaldsay, bearing about 056 and well open SE
of Scarton Point passes SE of Stroma Skerries.
The alignment (271) of Saint Johns Point with the
second rise within Dunnet Head passes S of
Stroma Skerries.
Dunnet Head (3.75) just open N of Saint Johns Point
(3.139) and bearing not more than 276 passes N
of the dangers lying close offshore between
Duncansby Head and Ness of Duncansby (see
3.141).

Useful marks
1

3.144
See 3.138.
(Directions continue for
W coast of Moray Firth at 4.18
and for passage N at 5.206;
Directions for entry to Scapa Flow by Sound of Hoxa
are given at 5.44)

Side channels
Chart 2581, 2162

Pentland Skerries
Directions: Inner Sound westbound

Eastgoing tidal stream

1

3.141
Approach Duncansby Head (3.126) as directed at 3.136.
From a position close NE of the head, the route leads W
with Dunnet Head (3.75) just open N of Saint Johns Point
(3.139) and bearing not more than 276. This track passes
clear N of the dangers close off the coast between
Duncansby Head and Ness of Duncansby (3.139) and about
3 cables N of Ness of Duncansby in depths greater than
10 m; it also passes inside Duncansby Race (3.116).
Precise navigation is required and on no account should
Dunnet Head be allowed to become shut in by Saint Johns
Point.
After passing Ness of Duncansby the track favours the
mainland shore through Inner Sound, but the coast between
Ness of Duncansby and Gills Bay should not be
approached too closely as it is generally poorly surveyed
and in a number of places is fringed by dangerous or
drying rocks.
If the Egoing tidal stream is still running strongly on
arrival off Saint Johns Point temporary anchorage can be
found in Gills Bay (3.149) while awaiting more favourable
conditions, but Saint Johns Point should be rounded before
the formation of Merry Men of Mey race (3.110) shortly
after the beginning of the Wgoing tidal stream.

Anchorages, harbours and landings

Chart 2162

Brough Bay
1

Westgoing tidal stream

1

3.145
Channel passing southeast of Muckle Skerry. A
channel passes close SE of Muckle Skerry (5841N
255W) (3.102). The SE side of this channel consists of
(positioned from Pentland Skerries Light) Little Skerry
(1 mile SSE) (3.102), Louther Skerry (1 mile SE), an
abovewater rock from which dangerous rocks extend NE
and SW, and Clettack Skerry (1 miles ESE), a rock, most
of which is above water. The channel is about 5 cables
wide and clear of dangers but care is necessary to avoid
dangerous rocks extending 2 cables W of Little Skerry.
On the SE side of this channel, the passage between
Little Skerry and Louther Skerry is foul; that between
Louther Skerry and Clettack Skerry has a depth of 49 m,
but local knowledge is required.
3.146
Tidal Streams. For details of tidal streams in vicinity of
the channels described above see 3.118, Admiralty Tidal
Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands and information
on the chart.

3.142
Duncansby Race (3.116) is insignificant and the race off
Ness of Huna (3.114) is inactive. A midchannel track can
therefore be followed, taking advantage of the favourable
tidal stream. Mariners are reminded that Merry Men of
Mey race is active during the Wgoing tidal stream and if
using Inner Sound in preference to Outer Sound are
advised to pass Saint Johns Point during the last 2 hours of
the Wgoing tidal stream when the race has become
detached.
Caution. See 3.122.

84

3.147
General information. Brough Bay is entered between
Dunnet Head (5840N 322W) (3.75) and Scarfskerry
Point (3 miles ESE), 9 m high and doubleheaded. A
number of small villages stand close to the shore of the
bay.
Anchorage in the bay is not safe as the bottom is rocky.
Harbours and landings with positions from Scarfskerry
Point:
Quay, used by local craft, situated in a small cove
close N of the village of Brough (2 miles WSW);
the cove is partially sheltered by Cletts of Brough
which lie a short distance offshore at the SW head
of the bay.
Small boat harbour at the village of Ham (1 miles
SW); the harbour dries and is accessible only in
fine weather.

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CHAPTER 3

Small pier in The Haven, a cove adjacent close W to

Scarfskerry Point and near the village of
Scarfskerry; the cove is afforded some protection
from E winds by a rock ledge which extends NW
from Scarfskerry Point.

Mey Bay
1

3.148
Mey Bay lies between Tang Head (5839N 315W) and
Longgeo Skerries (1 mile E) and is shallow and rocky. A
small pier is situated at the SW head of the bay. Castle of
Mey stands a short distance inland near the SE head of the
bay.

Stroma
1

Chart 2581

Inner Sound: Gills Bay

1

3.149
General information. Gills Bay, is entered between
Head of Crees (5839N 310W) and Ness of Quoys
(1 miles ESE) and forms the S part of Inner Sound. The
shore at the head of the bay is rocky and incompletely
surveyed.
Local knowledge is advised.
Useful marks with positions from Head of Crees:
Stroma Skerries Beacon (1 miles ENE) (3.139).
Kirkstyle Church (1 miles ESE) (3.138).
Anchorage. In fine weather, vessels awaiting a
favourable tide can find convenient temporary anchorage in
the bay, as indicated on the chart, over a bottom of rock
and sand.
Landing. A small pier at which boats can land in
almost any weather extends from the rocky shore at the
head of the bay between the mouths of two steep
watercourses.
Scotlands Haven, a cove close W of Head of Crees, is
shallow with an entrance obstructed by a bar.

3.151
Anchorage. There is fair anchorage in 15 m, over a
bottom of shells, off the S side of Stroma with the S
extremity of Mell Head bearing 267 and The Haven boat
harbour (see below) bearing about 013, as indicated on
Chart 2581. This berth is clear of the strength of tidal
streams but is affected by the eddy streams (3.114) in Inner
Sound. It is somewhat restricted and open SE, but heavy
seas are seldom present.
Landings. The Haven (7 cables E of Mell Head) where
there is a small artificial boat harbour is the usual landing
place on Stroma.
There is a small pier on the NE side of the island
5 cables SSE of Swilkie Point.

Pentland Skerries
1

Inner Sound: east part

1

clear of the strength of tidal streams but the holding is not

good and a swell is generally present when tidal streams
change.
A small boat harbour is situated in front of John
oGroats Hotel. A light (white pole) is exhibited from the
head of its E pier. A passenger ferry plies to Bur Wick
(6 miles NNE) (5.53) in the summer.

3.150
Ness of Huna. There is a small boat harbour 2 cables
SW of Ness of Huna (2 miles W of Duncansby Head).
John oGroats. Temporary anchorage can be found, but
in fine weather only, in 13 m with John oGroats Hotel
(1 miles W of Duncansby Head) bearing 194 and on the
alignment (097) of Ness of Duncansby (3.139) with the N
extremity of the land about 5 cables farther E. This berth is

3.152
Anchorage. In calm settled conditions Sandy Riddle
(2 miles SE of Muckle Skerry) (3.130) affords convenient
temporary anchorage while awaiting favourable tides
through Pentland Firth. The best berth is with the W
extremity of Muckle Skerry bearing 314 and just open NE
of Little Skerry, and Dunnet Head bearing 272 and just
open S of Stroma.
Landings. There are landing places on both E and W
sides of Muckle Skerry, the better being in Scartan Bay, a
small cove on the E side. Local knowledge is essential.
Landing, which is only possible in good weather, is never
easy and is most difficult at the turn of the tidal streams;
difficulties are somewhat alleviated when local eddy
streams are established.

Northern side
1

85

3.153
For details of anchorage, harbours and landings on the N
side of Pentland Firth, including the island of Swona, see
Chapter 5.

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Chapter 4 - Moray Firth

5

30

30

30

115
CHAPTER 3
ad
He

4.13

30

sby
can
Dun

NP 66
West Coast
of Scotland
Pilot

30

Noss Head

Wick
4.20 1462
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4.62
Dunbeath

1942

1954

NORTH
SEA

Ne
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1409
Beatrice
Oil Field

1462

4.12

4.
42

58

222

4 .1 3 7

30

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71

1791
Loch Dochfour

4.101

4.89
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4.2

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MORAY FIRTH

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57
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(West)Pilot

Gairlochy Lochs

Corpach
1791

0106

30

Longitude 4 West from Greenwich

86

30

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CHAPTER 4
MORAY FIRTH
GENERAL INFORMATION
Chart 115

Scope of the chapter

1

4.1
This chapter describes Moray Firth, which comprises the
whole of the large indentation in the NE coast of Scotland
lying SW of a line joining Duncansby Head (5839N
301W) and Rattray Head (5737N 149W), 74 miles SE.
As well as a number of busy coastal harbours, the firth
includes the following important waterways:
Cromarty Firth, which opens into Moray Firth
between North and South Sutor (vicinity of
5742N 400W).
Inverness Firth, entered at Fort George (5735N
404W) at the SW head of Moray Firth, which
leads to the port of Inverness and to the N
entrance of the Caledonian Canal.
The chapter also includes a description of the whole of
the Caledonian Canal.

Rescue
1

Currents

4.2
The currents in the North Sea are generally very
variable and much affected by the existing, and recent,
local weather, but off the NE coast of Scotland there is
usually a weak SSW--going current running from the E side
of Shetland Islands towards Rattray Head. This current
turns W off Rattray Head and sets up a very weak
clockwise circulation around the shores of Moray Firth.
When the snow on the highlands is melting in spring,
and during and after heavy rain or W gales, temporary but
quite appreciable local currents emerge from Dornoch Firth
(5750N 400W) and Cromarty and Inverness Firths.

4.7
For details see 1.7 and Appendix IV

Marine farms

Tidal streams

4.3
General information. Although tidal streams are very
strong off Duncansby Head and fairly strong off Rattray
Head and in the inner part of the firth, they are generally
weak elsewhere, both in the E approaches to, and within,
Moray Firth. For details see information on the chart and in
Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: North Sea, Northwestern
Part.

4.8
Marine farms are likely to be encountered throughout
the waters of this chapter and should be avoided. Farms in
proximity to shipping routes are marked by buoys. Other
farms may be marked by beacons (X topmark) and some
are fitted with radar reflectors. Lights, when fitted, show
flashing yellow. See also 1.19.

Candidate Special area of Conservation

1

Exercise areas
1

4.6
Racons transmit from:
Duncansby Head (5839N 301W).
Tarbat Ness Light (4.48).
Rattray Head (5737N 149W).
Cromarty Firth Fairway Light--buoy (4.169).
Kessock Bridge (4.249).
Details of these aids are contained in Admiralty List of
Radio Signals Volume 2.

Former mined areas

4.5
Coastguard. Within the Moray Firth there are a number
of Coastguard Sector Bases and Coastguard Auxiliary
Stations. For further information see 1.76.
VHF Direction--finding facilities, for use in an
emergency only, are available in the Moray Firth. For
further information see 1.84.
Lifeboats. Several RNLI lifeboats are stationed in the
Moray Firth. For further information see 1.87.

Other aids to navigation

1

Target Buoy. Number 3 Light--buoy (special) (5758N

250W) is a radar target buoy and has no navigational
significance.

4.4
Detailed information concerning these areas, which are
found in the waters of this chapter, may be found on
Practice Exercise Area (PEXA) charts. Such areas are also
shown on all new, and new edition navigation charts. For
further details see 1.20, and Annual Summary of Admiralty
Notices to Mariners Nos 5 and 8.

87

4.9
An area W of a line between Helmsdale (4.52) and
Lossiemouth (4.147) including Beauly (4.240), Dornoch
(4.72) and Cromarty (4.180) Firths hosts a vulnerable
population of bottlenose dolphins and has been designated
a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) within
the European Community Habitats Directive. Mariners are
advised to proceed at a safe, constant speed through the
area and to avoid disturbance to the dolphins. A
management scheme is in place to protect the Bottlenose
Dolphins and sandbanks. A locally approved code of
conduct can be obtained from port or harbour authorities.

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CHAPTER 4

NORTH--WEST SHORE OF MORAY FIRTH

GENERAL INFORMATION

Chart 115

Area described
1

4.10
The NW shore of Moray Firth describes the coast
between Duncansby Head (5839N 301W) and Tarbat
Ness (53 miles SSW) and includes Dornoch Firth which
opens into Moray Firth in a large bight in the coast W of
the latter.

Topography
1

4.11
The coast is generally bold with a hilly hinterland.
4

Marine exploitation
1

4.12
Beatrice Oil Field (5807N 305W) lies on Smith Bank
about 11 miles off the NW coast of Moray Firth and is
surrounded by a Development Area (2.32). The field
consists of three production platforms which are connected
to each other by pipelines and to the shore SSW by a
submarine pipeline landed at Shandwick Bay (5745N
355W) (4.160); a submarine power cable is laid from the
central platform to Dunbeath Bay (13 miles NW) (4.62).
These details are shown on the chart.

Between Brough Head (6 miles SSW of Duncansby

Head) and Noss Head (4 miles farther SSE) (4.17) the
shores of Sinclairs Bay (4.37) are lower.
Between Noss Head and North Head (2 miles S) (4.31)
on the N side of the entrance to Wick Bay, the coast is
rocky and relatively low.
Between Wick Bay and Clyth Ness (8 miles SSW) the
coast continues to be lined by cliffs which are indented and
broken. Several detached masses lie close off the cliffs,
which are dark, between South Head, the S entrance point
of Wick Bay, and Helman Head (1 miles SSW). From
Sarclet Head (4 miles SSW of Wick Bay) to Clyth Ness the
cliffs are between 35 and 45 m high with sloping land
behind rising to heights of over 150 m.
This entire stretch of coast is clear of natural dangers
beyond a short distance offshore, those lying the farthest
offshore tending to fringe the salient points. There are,
however, a number of dangerous wrecks close inshore as
indicated on the charts.
Radio masts, some in groups and others standing singly,
are visible along the coast. The tallest (5 miles WNW of
Clyth Ness) is described at 4.48; details of the remainder
are best seen from the chart.

Military wreck

4.14
A restricted area is established with a radius of 750 m,
as shown on the chart, to protect a military wreck
(58185N 2289W); see 1.65.

Tidal streams
1

Beatrice Oil Field -- SW platform (4.12)

Rescue

(Original dated 1999)

(Photograph -- Air Images)

DUNCANSBY HEAD TO CLYTH NESS

General information
Charts 115, 2162

Topography
1

4.15
Tidal stream information is given on the charts and in
Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: North Sea, Northwestern
Part. The following details supplement that information.
Close to the coast between Duncansby Head and Skirza
Head there is often slack water, or even, perhaps, a
N--going eddy stream while a SE--going stream exists
farther to seaward.
Near the coast between Noss Head and Wick Bay the
NNE-- going tidal stream commences at 0040 HW
Aberdeen (+0140 HW Dover) and the SSW--going at
+0530 HW Aberdeen (0435 HW Dover), spring rate about
1 kn in both directions.
About 3 miles ESE of the entrance to Wick Bay tidal
streams are more or less rotary clockwise, but are
predominantly NNE and SSW--going.
4.16
Coastguard. A Sector Base and Auxiliary Station are
located at Wick; for further details see 1.76.
VHF Radio Direction--finding facilities, for use in
emergency only, are situated at Noss Head (5829N
303W); for details see 1.84
Lifeboat. An RNLI all--weather lifeboat, with a radius of
action of over 200 miles, is stationed at Wick; for further
details see 1.87.

Principal marks

4.13
Coastline. Between Duncansby Head (5839N 301W)
and Skirza Head (3 miles S), the coast consists of steep
cliffs, generally in excess of 30 m high; in several places
portions of the cliffs have become detached by the constant
pounding of the sea. Hill of Crogodale rises close above
the cliffs 1 miles S of Duncansby Head.

88

4.17
Landmarks:
Pentland Skerries Lighthouse (5841N 255W)
(3.126).
Duncansby Head and Lighthouse (5839N 301W)
(3.126).

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Noss Head (5829N 303W), a dark steep headland

about 36 m high; a lighthouse (white stone tower,
18 m in height) stands on the headland.
Radio mast (5820N 322W) (4.48).
Major lights:
Pentland Skerries Light (5841N 255W) (3.126).
Duncansby Head Light (5839N 301W) (3.126).
Noss Head Light as above.

Limiting conditions

Directions

(continued from 3.144)

4.18
From a position 2 miles E of Duncansby Head
(5839N 301W) (3.126) on the alignment (328) (3.130)
of Swona Light (5844N 304W) and Cantick Head Light
(3 miles NNW) the coastal passage leads S passing
(positioned from Duncansby Head Light):
E of Stacks of Duncansby (8 cables S), a group of
detached rock pinnacles lying close under the
cliffs; the rugged top of the highest stack, which is
also the outermost, can be seen projecting above
the adjacent land, thence:
E of Fast Geo Head (2 miles S) which is fringed by
dangerous rocks, thence:
E of Skirza Head (2 miles S), an abrupt cliff, 30 m
high, with several caves in its base, thence:
E of Noss Head (10 miles S) (4.17) which is
steep--to, thence:
E of Wick Bay (12 miles S) (4.20), noting
dangerous wrecks lying respectively 8 cables NE
and 2 cables SE of North Head (4.31); a harbour
signal station stands on South Head (7 cables
SSW of North Head), and the ruins of Castle of
Old Wick, a prominent square tower, stand on the
cliff edge about 5 cables farther SSW, thence:
E of Clyth Ness (5819N 313W) on which stands a
light (white tower, red band, 13 m in height). The
headland is fringed by a detached and partly
drying rock ledge.
4.19
Useful marks with positions from Duncansby Head:
Freswick House (3 miles SSW) (4.36).
Water tower (5 miles SSW), concrete, 20 m in
height, on rising ground WNW of Brough Head.
(Directions continue at 4.49)

General information

4.22
Notice of ETA required. Two hours notice is required.
Outer anchorage. During winds from SSW through N
to NE there is good sheltered anchorage on a sandy bottom
in Wick Bay. It is necessary to avoid an area of foul
ground, indicated on the plan, on the N side of the bay in
which there is unexploded ordnance on the seabed.
Wick Bay is very exposed and in winds from other
quarters (4.27) anchorage may be uncomfortable or even
unsafe.
Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 90 gt, except
fishing vessels and yachts. Pilots normally board about
4 cables NE of South Head from a dark hulled motor
boat with yellow superstructure on which the word
PILOTS is painted in black.
Regulations. River Harbour may not be entered without
permission.

Harbour

Chart 1462 plan of Wick and approaches

4.21
Controlling depths: dredged depth of 51 m (1991) in
approach channel to River Harbour (4.32) subject to silting;
turning basin in River Harbour dredged to 51 m (1978);
dredged depth of 24 m (1988) in most areas of Inner and
Outer Harbours (4.25). The Harbour Authority should be
consulted for latest information concerning depths and
permissable draughts.
Deepest berth. Quay on NE side of North Pier in River
Harbour; for details see 4.34.
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
Mean spring range about 28 m; mean neap range about
14 m.
Maximum size of vessel handled. Length 823 m in
Inner, Outer or River Harbours.
Local weather and sea state. The harbour should not
be approached, even for shelter, during strong winds
between NE and S which raise dangerous seas in the head
of Wick Bay; see also 4.27.

Arrival information

Wick Harbour and approaches

Traffic. In 2004, 13 vessels used the port totalling

24 141 dwt.
Port Authority. Wick Harbour Trust, Harbour Office,
Wick, Caithness KW1 5HB, Scotland. The position of the
Harbour Office is indicated on the plan.
Website: www.wickharbour.co.uk

4.20
Position. Wick Harbour (58265N 3050W) is situated
at the head of Wick Bay.
Function. Wick handles both fishing and commercial
traffic, the latter being accommodated mainly in River
Harbour.
Topography. Both sides of Wick Bay, which is entered
between North Head (58266N 3035W) and South Head
(7 cables SSW) are bordered by rocks and cliffs. A
memorial tower, grey with battlements, stands amidst
houses above the cliffs 4 cables W of North Head.
Wick River flows into the head of the bay through the
harbour. The town of Wick, population about 10 000, lies
on both sides of the lower reach of the river and around
the harbour.

89

4.23
General layout. The harbour is divided into River
Harbour and Inner and Outer Harbours by North Pier
which extends 2 cables SE from the S side of the mouth
of Wick River.
4.24
River Harbour lies NE of North Pier and is protected E
by North River Pier and South River Pier which extend,
respectively, S from the N side of Wick Bay, and N from
North Pier. North Pier may be identified by two framework
towers (4.29), by a number of fuel storage tanks situated
near the root of South River Pier and by a beacon (4.29)
standing about cable from the head. A significant area of
River Harbour, best seen on the chart, has been dredged
(see 4.21 for depth) and parts are lined by quays.
4.25
Inner and Outer Harbours lie SW of North Pier and
are protected E by South Pier which extends about 1 cable
NE from the S shore of Wick Bay. The entrance to Outer
Harbour lies between the NW side of South Pier and the
SE extremity of North Pier. Inner and Outer Harbours are

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CHAPTER 4

Wick Harbour from ESE (4.23)

(Photograph -- Air Images)

(Original dated 1999)

separated by The Jetty which extends E from a position on

the shore about midway between the roots of North and
South Piers. A cut between the SW side of North Pier and
the E extremity of The Jetty gives access to Inner Harbour
from Outer Harbour. A prominent rectangular tank of an
ice--making plant stands near the head of The Jetty with the
fish handling facility close W. These harbours are lined by
quays; depths in the harbours see 4.21.
4.26
Traffic Signals. When Wick Harbour is closed to traffic
the following signals (Diagram 4.26) are displayed from a
mast on South Head.

4.29
Principal landmarks with positions from head of South
Pier:
Grey chimney (1 cables SW), conspicuous, at root
of South Pier.
Spire of Central Church (3 cables W), conspicuous;
Old Parish Church, with conspicuous spire, stands
about 3 cables farther NNW (Chart 115).
Beacon (1 cable W), a disused framework light--tower
on North Pier.
Two framework towers (respectively 1 cables and
2 cables WNW), conspicuous and carrying
floodlights, on North Pier.

Directions for approach

Wick -- traffic signals (4.26)

4.27
Climate information for Wick see 1.155 and 1.158.
Sea and swell conditions. Wick Bay is very exposed E
and winds from NE through E to S cause heavy seas to
build up in the bay. Occasionally, even though W winds or
a calm prevail at Wick, a heavy swell can be experienced
in the bay from the effects of E winds elsewhere in the
North Sea. During periods of severe frost, with little or no
wind, a heavy E swell can again be experienced.
Although both South Pier and North Pier are constructed
of stone and have storm parapets from 3 to 6 m in height,
seas sometimes roll over both piers during E gales. On
such occasions there is considerable scend in Outer
Harbour, with smoother conditions in Inner Harbour.
Tidal streams. There is little or no tidal stream within
Wick Bay. However, it sets strongly parallel to the coast in
the mouth and its approaches and mariners are advised to
make due allowance when approaching the bay, especially
during periods of spring tides and in darkness.
4.28
Caution. When navigating at night in the vicinity of
Wick Bay a good lookout should be kept for small boats
fishing with hand--lines or creels.

4.30
When approaching Wick Bay from N, Noss Head Light
(4.17) (Chart 115) bearing not more than 358 and well
open E of the land near the village of Staxigoe, 1 miles
farther S, passes E of a detached 27 m patch (4 cables NE
of North Head).
When approaching from S mariners are advised to keep
Noss Head Light bearing not more than 358 and well
open E of the land near Staxigoe until South Pier Light
(white 8--sided tower, 11 m in height) (58264N 3046W)
on the head of South Pier bears about 280 or when in the
white sector of Wick Harbour Direction Light (3 cables
WNW of South Pier Light) (4.31). Course can then be
altered WNW into the bay as directed below.

Directions for entering harbour

1

90

4.31
Leading light. Wick River Harbour Direction Light
(metal column, 7 m in height) (3 cables WNW of South
Pier Light) on the N end of the bridge at the head of River
Harbour is exhibited by day and at night.
From a position about 1 mile E of South Pier Light, the
white sector (287290) of Wick River Direction Light
seen through the entrance of River Harbour leads WNW
through Wick Bay to a position about 1 cable NE of South
Pier passing (positioned from South Pier Light):
SSW of North Head (6 cables ENE), which is faced
with cliffs about 15 m high and fringed by a
drying rock reef on which stand several
above--water rocks, and:

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CHAPTER 4

Port services

NNE of South Head (5 cables SE), thence:

NNE of the outer extremity (2 cables ESE) of a
shallow spit, parts of which dry, extending
1 cables NE from the S shore of the bay; a
beacon (N cardinal) (2 cables ESE), 37 m in
height, stands about cable inside the extremity
of the spit and marks the outer end of a ruined
breakwater which formerly extended along the spit.
The beacon is liable to damage in severe weather.
The alignment (285) of South Pier Light with the
disused light--tower (1 cable WNW) (4.29), passes
clear NNE of this spit. Thence:
SSW of a spit, least depth 4 m, extending 1 cables
SSW from a position on the N shore 3 cables
NE of South Pier Light.
Light sectors:
The reef fringing North Head lies in the green sector
(253270) of South Pier Head Light.
The Spit extending NE from the S shore and marked
by a beacon (N cardinal) lies in the red sector
(286329) of South Pier Light.
4.32
Entry to River Harbour. From a position about 1 cable
NE of the head of South Pier, the white sector of Wick
River Harbour Direction Light, as described above, leads
through the dredged channel, width about 40 m, to the
entrance of River Harbour. Lights (each a metal tripod, 4 m
in height) are exhibited from the pierheads on either side of
the entrance which is 365 m wide.
Caution. A detached 26 m patch lies in the channel,
cable N of the end of South Pier.
4.33
Entry to Outer Harbour requires a wide sweep to be
taken around the head of South Pier in order to bring into
alignment (234) Wick Leading Lights South Pier Root
(front light mast, 3 m in height: rear light on building, 6 m
in height) close W of the root of the pier which lead
through the harbour entrance, about 17 m wide. These
lights are not visible until the head of South Pier has been
rounded.
To facilitate passage through this narrow entrance a head
rope may be secured to the head of North Pier and the
vessel swung into Outer Harbour; this procedure is usually
unnecessary for small craft and vessels fitted with bow
propulsion units.
In Inner Harbour a dan buoy carrying a flag marks the
outer end of the below--water track of a slipway situated in
the NW corner of the basin as shown on the chart.
Caution. As the storm parapet on South Pier obscures a
view either side of the pier all vessels, and small craft in
particular, must take care to give the head of South Pier a
wide berth when entering or leaving.

Bays and minor harbours

Charts 115, 2162

Freswick Bay
1

Sinclairs Bay
1

Basins and berths

4.36
General information. Freswick Bay is entered between
Skirza Head (5836N 303W) (4.18) and Ness Head
(1 mile SW). The bay is often used by low--powered
vessels awaiting a favourable tide for passage through
Pentland Firth. Freswick House, a large building, irregular
in shape and with four storeys, is situated prominently near
the shore at the head of the bay, and the scanty ruins of a
castle stand on the cliff edge 5 cables S of Ness Head.
Tidal streams. A N--going eddy stream is reported to
set around the shores of the bay for about 9 hours from
+0420 HW Aberdeen (0545 HW Dover) to +0055 HW
Aberdeen (+0315 HW Dover).
Anchorage is afforded to coasters in a depth of 6 m,
sand, about 2 cables SSW of a small pier on the N shore of
the bay; care is necessary to avoid a dangerous wreck near
the centre of the bay.
Landing. There is a stone jetty at Skirza Haven on the
N side of the bay.
Chart 115

4.35
Repairs: repairs to hull, machinery and electrical
equipment; 3--berth patent slip (NW corner of Inner
Harbour); shallow--water divers.
Other facilities: Caithness General Hospital is situated
in Wick; fish handling facility.
Supplies: fuel oils by pipeline to N side of North Pier,
elsewhere by road tanker; fresh water from hydrants at
most berths; ice; provisions; ships stores.
Communications. Wick airport is situated 1 mile N of
the town and operates regular services to Aberdeen,
Inverness, and the Orkney and Shetland Islands. Rail
services to rest of UK.
Rescue. An RNLI station is situated at the head of The
Jetty; the lifeboat berth lies alongside.

4.34
River Harbour. A quay, 137 m in length, extends along
the NE side of North Pier from its junction with South
River Pier, depth alongside 51 m (2004); a quay, 46 m in
length, extends W from the root of North River Pier, the E
part having depths of 24 m and the W part drying.
Inner and Outer Harbours. There are general depths
of 24 m, maintained by periodic dredging, at the quays in
Inner and Outer Harbours except, as indicated on the chart,
at the SE corner of Outer Harbour.

91

4.37
General information. Sinclairs Bay is entered between
Noss Head (5829N 303W) (4.17) and Brough Head
(4 miles NNW). A long sandy beach borders the head of
the bay but the NW and S ends are rocky.
Tidal streams. A continuous E--going eddy stream sets
along the S shore of the bay.
Directions. The shores of the bay are clear of dangers
beyond a distance of 2 cables offshore. When under way in
the bay at night, caution is advised as the brilliance of
Noss Head Light makes it difficult for the mariner to gauge
his distance offshore.
Useful marks with positions from Noss Head:
Keiss Castle (4 miles NNW), a modern building,
standing 1 cable inland and behind the ruins of an
ancient castle on the cliff tops.
Ackergill Tower (2 miles W), a tall grey building
resembling a castle with a tower close S.
Castle ruins (5 cables W) on the cliff edge.
Anchorage. In fine settled weather Sinclairs Bay
affords fair anchorage but it is not safe in unsettled
conditions. With winds between SW and SE the best berth

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CHAPTER 4

Sinclairs Bay -- Keiss Harbour from SE (4.37)

(Original dated 1998)
(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

is in the S part of the bay in a depth of 16 m with

Ackergill Tower bearing 230 and Noss Head bearing 105
as indicated on the chart.
Keiss Harbour, a small fishing harbour in the rocky
coast about 1 miles SW of Brough Head, consists of two
basins which mostly dry but have a depth of about 24 m at
HW. A short approach channel to the outer harbour has a
dredged depth of 10 m over a width of 8 m; the harbour
entrance, which faces SSW, is 11 m wide. There is a
dredged depth of about 15 m alongside the W pier in the
outer harbour.
Ackergill Harbour is a small fishing harbour on the S
shore of the bay about 1 miles W of Noss Head and
close to Ackergill Tower. A pier, with an alongside depth
of 43 m at MHWS, is approached by a narrow and
unmarked channel with a least depth of 24 m. Local
knowledge is required.

Chart 115

The Haven

4.38
The village of Staxigoe (1 miles S of Noss Head) lies
at the head of a small inlet in which there is a stone quay
and slip. The inlet is used by small coasting craft in fine
weather, some shelter from N and S being provided by
drying rock ledges which extend seaward from both sides
of the entrance.

4.41
Wester Whale Geo (5820N 310W), a small cove and
fishing station near the village of Ulbster, is totally
exposed.

CLYTH NESS TO TARBAT NESS

(EXCLUDING DORNOCH FIRTH)
General information

Chart 1462 plan of Wick and Approaches

Otter Geo and Broad Haven

1

4.40
The Haven, a small cove in the cliffs, lies close N of
Sarclet Head (5822N 306W). Ruined breakwaters extend
from both sides of the cove enclosing a small fishing
harbour with an E--facing entrance 11 m wide. In bad
weather there is a heavy scend within the harbour. A
dangerous wreck, indicated on the chart, lies off the
entrance.

Wester Whale Geo

Staxigoe
1

North Head (5626N 303W) and an un--named point

about 3 cables NNE.
When entering the inlet care is necessary to avoid the
drying rock ledge around North Head (4.31) and Fas
Skerry, another drying rock ledge extending 1 cables SSE
from the un--named point, noting that a detached 27 m
patch (4.30) lies about cable E of the latter.

Chart 115

Topography

4.39
Otter Geo and Broad Haven (2 miles S of Noss Head)
are small coves situated, respectively, on the N side and at
the head of a rocky and indented inlet entered between

92

4.42
Lybster Bay to Berriedale. Between Lybster Bay
(5818N 317W) and Dunbeath Bay (5 miles SW) the

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CHAPTER 4

Sinclairs Bay -- Ackergill Harbour from ENE (4.37)

(Original dated 1998)
(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

Rescue

cliffs generally decrease in height from about 50 m between

Lybster Bay and Forse Cove (1 miles WSW), to 6 to
20 m along the coast NE of Dunbeath Bay. This stretch of
coast is fringed in places by drying rocks and boulders but
is clear of dangers beyond a distance of 2 cables offshore.
From Dunbeath Bay to Berriedale (5811N 330W) the
coast consists of bold sandstone cliffs, 15 to 45 m high;
farther SW they become higher and steeper. Cadha an
t--Sagairt (4.48) rise about 5 miles inland from Berriedale.
4.43
Berriedale to Helmsdale. Between Berriedale and
Helmsdale (5807N 339W) the coast consists, in the
main, of inaccessible cliffs split by deep ravines with a
coastal range of hills surmounted by a radio mast (4.48)
rising inland. Near Berriedale the cliffs are of red sandstone
with white streaks and patches and are between 120 and
150 m high. Nearer Helmsdale the cliffs become rather
lower with outcrops of granite. The Needle, a detached
pinnacle rock 60 m high, stands close offshore 7 cables
SW of Berriedale but from any distance to seaward is
somewhat difficult to distinguish against the cliffs behind it.
4.44
Helmsdale to Brora Point. Between Helmsdale and
Brora Point (9 miles SW) the coast is low and the hills
recede to a position about 5 cables inland. For 2 miles NE
from Brora Point the coast is bordered by a wide sandy
beach.
4.45
Brora Point to Tarbat Ness. Between Brora Point and
Tarbat Ness (5752N 346W) the coast recedes into a
large bight which forms the approach to Dornoch Firth and
is described commencing at 4.63.

4.46
Coastguard. Auxiliary Stations are maintained at
Helmsdale (5807N 339W) and Dunbeath (5815N
325W). For further details see 1.76.

Tidal streams
1

4.47
For principal details concerning tidal stream see
information on the chart and in Admiralty Tidal Stream
Atlas: North Sea, Northwestern Part.
Off Dunbeath Bay the SW--going tidal stream begins at
+0605 HW Aberdeen (0400 HW Dover) and the NE--going
at 0020 HW Aberdeen (HW Dover), spring rate in both
directions not exceeding 1 kn.
Mariners are advised to note that in the vicinity of
Berriedale the NE--going tidal stream sets generally towards
the coast and the SW--going tidal stream sets away from
the coast.

Principal marks
1

93

4.48
Landmarks:
Radio mast (fixed red obstruction lights at 5 levels)
(5820N 322W), 229 m in height, on the NE
slope of Ben--a--Chielt; a group of radio masts
stands on the summit of Ben--a--Chielt, 7 cables
SSW.
Cadha an t--Sagairt (5813N 335W), a bold and
well--defined mountain ridge nearly bare of
vegetation and composed of white quartz.
Scaraben, the summit of the E end of the ridge,

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CHAPTER 4

Helmsdale

appears from seaward as three distinct peaks of

nearly equal height. Cadha an t--Sagairt often looks
completely snow clad and is a most useful landfall
mark.
Radio mast (5809N 338W), conspicuous.
Beatrice Oil Field Platform No 1--30--A (5807N
305W), with Platform No 11--30--B 3 miles NE
and Platform No 11--30--C 2 miles SW.
Major lights:
Tarbat Ness Light (white tower, red bands, 41 m in
height) (5752N 346W) standing 2 cables SW of
the extremity of Tarbat Ness (4.159).
Covesea Skerries Light (5743N 320W) (4.134).

Chart 1462 plan of Helmsdale

General information
1

Limiting conditions

Passage Directions

4.52
The village of Helmsdale (5807N 339W) is a small
fishing port with a harbour protected by breakwaters and
lies on the NE side of the mouth of River Helmsdale,
which is spanned by two road bridges.
Harbour limits are shown on Chart 1462.

(continued from 4.19)

4.49
From a position SE of Clyth Ness (5819N 313W) the
direct route to a position SE of Tarbat Ness (4.159) leads
31 miles SW in clear water avoiding, as necessary, Beatrice
Oil Field (centred about 5807N 305W) (4.12) and its
associated Development Area.
4.50
Mariners navigating nearer the coast SW of Helmsdale
and bound for Dornoch Firth or approaches are advised to
keep in depths of not less than 20 m, particularly at night
or in poor visibility; Duke of Sutherlands Monument
(10 miles NW of Tarbat Ness) (4.69) bearing not less than
241 passes SE of a rock ledge which extends nearly
5 cables SE from Lothbeg Point (4 miles SW of
Helmsdale).
4.51
Useful marks:
Dunbeath Castle (8 miles WSW of Clyth Ness),
painted white and standing prominently on a cliff
21 m high.
Morven (5814N 342W), a sharp peak 3 miles
WNW of Cadha an t--Sagairt.
Building (5800N 352W), conspicuous.
Carrol Rock (5803N 358W) (4.64).
Ben Horn (2 miles WSW of Carrol Rock) (4.64).
(Directions continue at 4.169; Directions for
Dornoch Firth and approaches are given at 4.70)

4.53
Depths in the entrance and within the harbour are
shallow and are liable to change; the latest information
should therefore be obtained from the Harbour Master.
A bar of boulders and stones, over which the sea breaks
heavily during gales between E and S, extends across the
approach about cable to seaward of the entrance. At LW
spring tides the bar is impassable even for boats.
Tidal levels see Admiralty Tide Tables; mean spring
range about 32 m, mean neap range about 16 m.
Maximum size of vessel handled. Vessels not exceeding
35 m in draught and 25 m in length can use New Harbour
(4.55).

Arrival information
1

4.54
Anchorage, sheltered against winds from between SW
and NW, can be obtained 5 cables SE of the harbour
entrance in 12 m. The holding is good but there is a
possibility of fouling the anchor on large rocks.

Harbour

4.55
General layout. The harbour is enclosed by a ruined
breakwater, which extends 1 cables ESE from the SW
entrance point of the river, and East Pier which extends
SW from the NE shore abreast the outer end of the
breakwater, leaving an entrance 49 m wide between the
respective heads.
New Harbour lies on the NE side of the river and is a
basin enclosed by East Pier, which is fronted to seaward by
rock armour extending about 4 m off the SE face of the
pier and North West Pier, which extends SE from the NE
entrance point of the river and lies parallel with the

Helmsdale Harbour from SE (4.55)

(Photograph -- Air Images)

(Original dated 1999)

94

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Anchorage, harbours and landings

breakwater. The entrance to the basin is close within the

head of East Pier and is 11 m wide.
Old Harbour, which is no longer used, also lies on the
NE side of the river adjacent to, but up--stream of, the road
bridge which spans the mouth of the river
Fishing area. An area containing fishing equipment on
the seabed lies between mile and 1 mile SW of the
harbour. Mariners are advised to keep clear of this area.
Current. Although the outflow from River Helmsdale is
to some extent controlled by dams in the upper reaches,
there may still be a current of considerable strength flowing
out of the river when the snow is melting in spring and
during freshets; this current may be felt an appreciable
distance to seaward.
Harbour signals. Under normal circumstances and to
indicate that the port is open, a fixed green light is
exhibited from the front leading light--beacon (4.56). When
the port is closed a fixed red light is exhibited in its place.
Principal mark:
Clock tower (3 cables NW of head of East Pier),
prominent.

Chart 115

Lybster
1

4.59
General information. Lybster Harbour (5818N
317W) is situated at the head of Lybster Bay, a small
inlet in the coast. It consists of breakwaters, with a narrow
entrance between, which enclose an inner harbour lined by
quays and a sheltered boat basin. The village of Lybster
stands above the NE side of the bay.

Directions for entering harbour

4.56
Leading light--beacons (each a wooden post with
orange square topmark) standing at the W end of New
Harbour, in line bearing 313, lead through the approach
and entrance to the harbour, passing SW of a buoy
(starboard hand) and NE of a buoy (port hand) moored
respectively 1 cables and 1 cables SE of the head of
East Pier.

Lybster Harbour from S (4.59)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph -- Air Images)

Berths

4.57
There is a depth of 44 m alongside the N side of North
West Pier, the E part of which is normally reserved for
local fishing craft. A berthing pontoon for small craft lies
close N of North West Pier; it is connected to the N shore
of New Harbour by an access bridge and pontoon. Boats
can be beached at the W end of New Harbour.

The harbour is accessible at HW to vessels not

exceeding 3 m in draught; it has a bottom composed of
peat covered with gravel which is deposited by a stream
that flows into the harbour.
A swell sets into the bay with winds between SE and S
but the scend does not reach the inner harbour.
During the fishing season a light is exhibited from a
white tower on the head of the S breakwater.
Supplies: water from S quay in inner harbour; limited
provisions.

New Harbour

Helmsdale from W (4.57)

Lybster Harbour from NNE (4.59)

(Original dated 2002)

(Original dated 2002)

Port services
1

Achastle Shore and Forse Cove

4.58
Supplies: water at North West Pier; fuel oils; provisions;
limited ships stores.

95

4.60
Achastle Shore (5817N 319W) and Forse Cove, close
SW, are two small fishing coves separated by a point on

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Moray Firth -- Latheronwheel Harbour from SE (4.61)

(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

(Original dated 1998)

which there are the ruins, with a tower 9 m in height, of

Forse Castle.
Achastle Shore has a steep gravel beach. It is exposed
between SW and E but has fair shelter from NE.
Forse Cove has a clear sandy bottom and a gravel beach
in the NW corner which is used by fishing boats. The cove
is exposed SE.

which have to be removed, are brought down by the stream

every year.
Directions. The bay and harbour may be identified by
Dunbeath Castle (4.51), about 7 cables SSW. A beacon
(port hand) stands on the outer end of the W breakwater.
Anchorage is prohibited in the vicinity of a submarine
power cable from Beatrice Oil Field (4.12) which lands in
the bay as shown on the chart.

Latheronwheel
1

DORNOCH FIRTH AND

OUTER APPROACHES

4.61
At the village of Latheronwheel (5816N 323W) there
is a small fishing harbour enclosed by a pier and a wall.
The harbour is frequently choked by gravel deposited by a
stream which flows into it.

General information
Charts 223, 115

Description

Dunbeath Harbour and Bay

1

4.62
General information. Dunbeath Harbour (5815N
325W) is situated at the mouth of Dunbeath Water, a
stream which flows into the N side of Dunbeath Bay. The
harbour is formed by an E and a W breakwater, the latter
being the larger and extending 1 cables ESE from the W
side of the mouth of Dunbeath Water; the entrance to the
harbour, between the breakwater heads, is 45 m wide but
the head of the W breakwater is foul with submerged
debris. The village of Dunbeath lies on the NE side of the
harbour where there is a quay.
Dunbeath Bay is fringed by rocks. Dunbeath Water is
very turbulent during freshets; both the position of, and
depths in, its mouth frequently change and large boulders,

4.63
Between Brora Point and Tarbat Ness (5752N 346W),
8 miles SSE, the coast recedes into a large almost
semi--circular bight which forms the outer approaches to
Dornoch Firth. The entrance to Dornoch Firth lies at the
SW head of the bight in the vicinity of Dornoch Point
(5752N 401W).

Topography
1

96

4.64
North and west sides of outer approaches. Behind
Brora Point the land is relatively low and flat for about
2 miles inland where hills begin. Between Brora Point
and Dunrobin Point (5759N 353W), 1 miles SW, the

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Moray Firth -- Dunbeath harbour from ESE (4.62)

(Original dated 1998)
(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

coast is low with drying ledges extending up to 2 cables

offshore. A short distance inland there is a cliff terrace
about 15 m high whence the land rises steeply. The village
of Golspie (4.75) is spread along the shore about 2 miles
WSW of Dunrobin Point with a number of prominent
features (4.69) in the vicinity. Thence, between Golspie and
Ferry Point (3 miles SSW), situated at the entrance to Loch
Fleet (4.76), the coast consists of low shingle ridges and
sand dunes with rough grassland behind; near Ferry Point
the land is wooded.
Inland, hills, the lower slopes of which are wooded, rise
to a number of summits, the most notable of which are
(positioned from Brora Point (5800N 351W)): Carrol
Rock (4 miles WNW), a nearly perpendicular bluff,
conspicuous from S; Ben Horn (5 miles WNW),
prominent from seaward; Cagar Feosaig (4 miles W), a flat
summit with a small but conspicuous conical peak, 250 m
high, 5 cables farther NE; Beinn a Bhragaidh (5 miles
WSW), flat--topped, very prominent, being identifiable by
the Duke of Sutherlands Monument (4.69) and separated
from Cagar Feosaig by a steep valley; Silver Rock
(6 miles WSW) (4.69).
From the entrance of Loch Fleet to Dornoch Point
(5752N 401W), 4 miles farther S, the coast is low and
generally sandy. Dornoch Point is the S extremity of a flat
peninsula, about 4 m high, of sand and grass and is subject
to constant changes in shape caused by the effects of wind
and weather. The peninsula is fringed by drying sands;
Gizzen Briggs, drying quicksands, extend 1 miles E from
the point. The small cathedral town of Dornoch with
several notable buildings, stands a short distance within the
coast about 1 miles NNW of the point; an airstrip is
situated close inland of the point.

4.65
Southern side of outer approaches. The S shore of the
outer approaches to Dornoch Firth is formed by a bight
extending between Tarbat Ness and White Ness or Rubh
na h--Innse Mire (5751N 358W).
Between Tarbat Ness and the village of Portmahomack
(2 miles SSW) the coast consists of pebble ridges fringed
by rocks; thence for about 1 mile SSW the shore is fringed
by rocks. For further details of Tarbat Ness and the
peninsula of which it is the NE extremity see 4.159.
The SW shore of the bight is formed by Morrich More,
a bare tract of marshes and sand dunes about 1 m high, of
which White Ness is the N extremity. Drying sandbanks
extend from Morrich More, and Whiteness Sands, drying
quicksands, extend up to 1 mile offshore around White
Ness; the extent of these drying banks are best seen from
the chart. At HW the shore line of Morrich More is not
easily discernable.

Hazards
1

97

4.66
Fishing. Salmon fishing takes place seasonally along the
W side of Tarbat Ness peninsula. The stake nets are set at
right angles to the coast and may extend a considerable
distance offshore.
Foul areas. A number of small foul areas are situated in
the S part of the approaches between Tarbat Ness and
Dornoch Point; their positions are best seen from the chart.
Tain firing and bombing range is situated on Morrich
More and extends to seaward into the approaches to
Dornoch Firth.

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Rescue
1

4.67
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained at
Dornoch (5753N 402W) and Portmahomack (6 miles
ESE); Dornoch is a Sector Base. An Inshore Lifeboat
operated by the East Sutherland Rescue Association is
based at Dornoch. For further details see 1.76.

Monument (2 miles N) to the first Duke of

Sutherland, conspicuous, on the E edge of the
summit of Beinn a Bhragaidh behind and above
Golspie.

Flow
1

4.68
Tidal streams. See information on chart. About
7 cables NNE of Tarbat Ness the WSW--going tidal
stream, mean direction 245, begins at +0310 HW
Aberdeen (+0530 HW Dover) and the NE--going tidal
stream, mean direction 045, begins at 0220 HW
Aberdeen (HW Dover); spring rate in both directions about
kn.
Details of local streams are given with the description of
the locality concerned.
Current. The head of Dornoch Firth is fed by the
waters of Kyle of Sutherland which itself is fed by three
rivers of considerable size. During the spring thaw and
after heavy prolonged rain a current therefore probably runs
out of the firth. The existence of such a current, which, on
emerging from the firth, runs NE towards Brora Point and
E towards Tarbat Ness has been frequently reported; N and
W of Tarbat Ness there have been frequent reports of an
E--going current with a rate exceeding that of the tidal
stream.

Sutherland Monument (4.69)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph -- Air Images)
4

Silver Rock (2 miles NNW), a prominent, dark and

steep--sided peak with a rounded top.
Cathedral spire (3 miles S), conspicuous, in centre
of Dornoch.
Hotel (3 miles S), high--rise and conspicuous, in
Dornoch.
Tarbat Ness Lighthouse (5752N 346W) (4.48).
Major light:
Tarbat Ness Light as above.

Principal marks
1

4.69
Landmarks with positions from Ferry Point (5756N
400W):
Dunrobin Castle (3 miles NNE), a large turreted
building, conspicuous, in a wooded park on a ridge
above the shore.

Directions

(continued from 4.51)

Dunrobin Castle (4.69)

(Original dated 1999)

(Photograph -- Air Images)

4.70
When approaching Tarbat Ness attention is drawn to
Culloden Rock (2 cables NE from the extremity of Tarbat
Ness), a shoal lying on the inner part of Tarbat Ledge
which itself extends 8 cables ENE from the same point.
Tarbat Ness should invariably be given a wide berth and, at
night or in poor visibility, rounded in depths of not less
than 20 m.
If bound for the entrance to Dornoch Firth or vicinity
attention is called to Tain Bar (4.73).
Useful marks with positions from Dornoch Point
(5752N 401W):
Radio masts on Brora Point (10 miles NE).
Embo House (2 miles N) with high white front,
amidst trees and prominent from S.
Lights (mast) (occasional) (2 miles SE) on Tain
firing and bombing range; shown when the range
is active.
Two churches in Portmahomack (6 miles ESE).
Lights (grey column) on head of jetty at
Portmahomack (6 miles ESE) (4.78).

Brora

Church spire (2 miles N), short but conspicuous,

near centre of Golspie.
Hospital (2 miles N) with two wings and a gable,
conspicuous, on hillside at SW end of Golspie.
School building (white with three storeys) (2 miles N)
at SW end of Golspie.

98

4.71
General information. The village of Brora lies close N
of Brora Point (5800N 351W) at the mouth of River
Brora. At HW spring tides vessels with a draught of 3 m
can enter the river.

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Moray Firth -- Brora River entrance from ESE (4.71)

(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)
2

(Original dated 1998)

A drying bar of hard gravel and rock obstructs the river

entrance, a short distance within which, on the S side, there
is a small harbour.
Local knowledge is required.
Tidal streams. In the vicinity of Brora Point tidal
streams are as follows:
Interval from
HW Aberdeen
(HW Dover)

Remarks

Dornoch Firth

0320 (0100) NE--going tidal stream begins and runs

for about 7 hours. Spring rate to
kn.

Chart 223

+0410 (0555) SE--going tidal stream begins and runs

at right angles away from the coast for
about 5 hours. Spring rate about kn.
4

In good weather boats can enter the river within about

1 hours of HW by a narrow channel which is marked by
posts. Within the bar the best water lies on the S side of
the river.
Berth, landing. There is a wharf at a small harbour on
the S of the river. In calm conditions boat landing is
possible on the S side of Lech Robie about cable from
its extremity.

General information

However, these streams are affected by an out--going

current (4.68) from Dornoch Firth.
Directions. Brora can be identified by a group of radio
masts on Brora Point and the following features which are
prominent from seaward:
Golf clubhouse near shore 1 cable N of river mouth.
Factory chimney on N bank of river 3 cables within
its mouth.
Church belfry on S side of river 2 cables SSE of
factory chimney.
When approaching it is necessary to avoid Lech Robie,
a reef which extends 3 cables SE from Brora Point and
dries in places; foul ground extends 1 cable farther SE from
the reef. Particular care is required, even in fine weather, in
approaching the reef near the time of HW when its outer
part is covered.

99

4.72
General description. Dornoch Firth is entered between
Dornoch Point (5752N 401W) and White Ness
(1 miles ESE) and extends some 15 miles inland. It is
much encumbered, especially in and near its entrance, by
shifting sandbanks and is spanned by a road bridge
3 miles WSW of Dornoch Point.
Topography. Dornoch Point see 4.64; White Ness see
4.65. Shallow banks which extend E from Gizzen Briggs
(4.64) and NE from Whiteness Sands (4.65) merge about
3 miles E of Dornoch Point to form Tain Bar (4.73).
Between the entrance of the firth and the road bridge the
firth opens out on both sides. On the N side Dornoch
Sands and Cuthill Sands, both of which dry, completely fill
the wide bay between Dornoch Point and Ard na Cailc
(3 miles WSW), a low point at the N end of the road
bridge. On the S side Tain Sands fills the extensive bay
between White Ness and Ardjachie Point (4 miles W),
which is low and grassy and lies close E of the S end of

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CHAPTER 4

the road bridge; Tain Sands dry and on them lie Mussel
Scalps and Tarlogie Scalps, clumps of boulders situated,
respectively, 1 miles ESE of, and close around, Ardjachie
Point.
The small town of Tain lies 2 miles SE of Ardjachie
Point. There is a conspicuous church tower in the centre of
Tain, but the town, which stands on a slope, tends to merge
into the background and is not prominent from the firth.
Limiting conditions. Local knowledge is required. The
firth is accessible only by vessels of light draught.
Admiralty Chart coverage and Directions terminate a short
distance above the road bridge which has a vertical
clearance 10 m.
Pilotage. There are no local pilots but given sufficient
notice it may be possible to obtain the services of a local
mariner with good local knowledge to give pilotage advice
for the firth.
Current see 4.68.
Tidal streams in the vicinity of Tain Bar are given on
the chart. In the approaches to the firth E of Dornoch Point
the in--going tidal stream sets SW and the out--going tidal
stream sets, sometimes strongly, NE across the channel. Off
Dornoch Point the spring rates are about 1 kn for the
in--going stream and about 1 kn for the out--going stream.
At the road bridge the in--going tidal stream begins at
0550 HW Aberdeen (0330 HW Dover) and the out--going
tidal stream at 0005 HW Aberdeen (+0215 HW Dover),
attaining spring rates of 2 kn and 2 kn, respectively.
Sea conditions. During E gales the sea breaks heavily
over Tain Bar, Gizzen Briggs and Whiteness Sands.

Directions

4.73
Close approach and entry. Mariners are advised to
approach the entrance from the vicinity of 5752N 353W,
near which there is a lighted target float, whence the track
leads generally W passing:
Across Tain Bar which generally has a least depth
over it of 12 m but is liable to variation; the
position of the bar may also vary. Thence:
Between Whiteness Sands (4.65), which extend
around White Ness, and Gizzen Briggs (4.64)
which extend E from Dornoch Point; here both
sides of the channel are steep--to until almost
abreast Dornoch Point.
Due allowance must be made for tidal streams (4.72).
Channel to Dornoch Bridge. Within the entrance the
fairway to the road bridge passes N of The Middle (1 mile
SW of Dornoch Point) and Cross Sand (1 miles WSW of
Dornoch Point), both drying banks, the extent of which is
best seen from the chart. The fairway passes beneath three
spans of the road bridge, each span not less than 30 m
wide and marked by lights and daymarks visible from both
E and W of the bridge; for details see Admiralty List of
Lights Volume A.
Useful mark:
Chimney of large distillery (1 mile SE of Ardjachie
Point).

Minor harbours and landings

Golspie

Loch Fleet

Anchorage
1

4.74
There is anchorage in depths of 6 to 7 m, mud and sand,
fair holding, 8 cables ESE of Dornoch Point as indicated on
the chart; the berth is sheltered from NE swell by Gizzen
Briggs.

4.75
General information. The village of Golspie (5759N
358W) is spread along the shore for 5 cables and lies
WSW of Dunrobin Castle and below the Duke of
Sutherlands Monument, which, with other conspicuous
marks in the immediate vicinity, are described at 4.69. At
the SW end of the village a pier, with a tall chimney at the
root, projects about 60 m SE across the drying foreshore
which extends 1 cables offshore along the whole frontage
of the village. From the head of the pier a short arm
projects SW and a ruined breakwater, marked by posts,
extends NE across the drying foreshore. The pier is
accessible only by boats.
The Bridge, a bank with depths of less than 18 m over
it, lies about 2 cables to seaward of the pier and parallel
with the shore. The sea breaks heavily over this bank
during NE winds rendering it dangerous, particularly near
LW.
Local knowledge is required.
Tidal streams are negligible in the vicinity.
Directions. Mariners are advised to approach Golspie
pier on the line of bearing, 316, of the Duke of
Sutherlands Monument, which leads in the best water over
The Bridge until on the alignment (about 006) of the head
of the pier with the conspicuous church spire near the
centre of the village, which line leads to the pier.
Berths. Boats are afforded some shelter during NE
winds on the SW side of Golspie pier where there is a
depth of about 12 m alongside at HW spring tides.
Immediately below Dunrobin Castle there is a small stone
pier which dries, and a boat slip 3 cables farther SW.

100

4.76
General information. Loch Fleet (5756N 401W) is a
salt water lagoon forming the estuary of River Fleet. It is
connected with the sea by a narrow entrance channel,
known as Littleferry, between the S shore of a low
peninsula of which Ferry Point (5756N 400W) is the SE
extremity, and a low shingle point about 1 cable S; a
beacon and a notice board stand on Ferry Point. The loch,
the greater part of which dries, extends to The Mound
(2 miles WNW of Ferry Point), an embankment which
carries a road across the head of the loch and in which
sluice gates control the flow of River Fleet. The small and
partly derelict village of Littleferry stands 4 cables W of
Ferry Point with a pyramid--shaped beacon (white with
black stripe) close N. A disused pier lies on each side of
the entrance channel abreast the village.
Local knowledge is required. as a bar, with a depth
over it of 06 m, lies across the entrance and frequently
shifts its position.
Overhead cables, vertical clearance 20 m, span
Littleferry close E of the village.
Directions. Littleferry is entered over the bar between
drying sandspits which extend about 5 cables offshore from
both sides of the entrance.
Anchorage can be found in about 3 m SE of the village,
noting that submarine cables are laid across Littleferry
between the disused piers.

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Moray Firth -- Golspie Pier from ESE (4.75)

(Original dated 1998)
(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

Entrance to Loch Fleet -- Littleferry from E (4.76)

(Original dated 1998)
(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

101

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CHAPTER 4

Dornoch Firth -- Portmahomak Harbour from SE (4.78)

(Original dated 1998)
(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

Embo Point
1

4.77
At Embo Point (5754N 400W), which lies about
5 cables S of the village of Embo, there is a stone pier
which is accessible by boats at about half tide. The pier is
situated close W of a narrow tongue of land which extends
about 1 cable SSE from the point, the latter being fringed
by rocks. The point can be identified by Embo House
(7 cables W) (4.70).

Portmahomack
1

4.78
General information. The village of Portmahomack
(5750N 350W), with a small boat harbour and two
churches, lies on the shore of a small bay and is readily
identified from N. The harbour lies between an L--shaped
jetty, which projects SW from the N end of the bay, and
the shore E. It dries out but can afford good shelter for
boats during NE winds.

Local knowledge is required.

Tidal streams off Portmahomack are negligible.
Directions. A small foul area lies about 3 cables W of
the jetty as indicated on the chart. When approaching the
jetty, from the head of which lights (4.70) are exhibited,
care is necessary to avoid Curach Rock, two large drying
boulders, the outer lying about cable SW of the jetty
head and the other nearer the shore. The boulders are
unmarked and are not discernible in calm conditions when
covered.

Inver Bay
1

4.79
Inver Bay (5749N 354W) lies at the head of the
bight between Tarbat Ness and White Ness. Inver, a fishing
village, lies on the S side of the bay and is approached by
Inver Channel, a narrow and tortuous channel through the
drying sandbanks which extend into the head of the bight
and fill Inver Bay. Inver Channel is accessible only to
boats and local knowledge is necessary.

SOUTHERN SHORE OF MORAY FIRTH

GENERAL INFORMATION

Chart 115

General description
1

4.80
The S shore of Moray Firth extends from Rattray Head
(5737N 149W) to Burghead, 55 miles W. The E part of
this coast is bold and backed by rising hills. The W part is
lower with extensive stretches of sandy beach off which the
coastal bank extends a considerable distance offshore. A
number of small ports, some of which are important fishing
centres, are located along this stretch of coast.

The Scottish coast S of Rattray Head is described in

North Sea (West) Pilot.

Depths
1

102

4.81
Southern Trench, a submarine valley, lies with its E
end 15 miles NNE of Rattray Head and extends for about
40 miles W, roughly parallel with outer part of the S side
of the firth; details are best seen from the chart.
In poor visibility continuous sounding when in the
vicinity of the trench can give valuable indication of
distance offshore.

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The bottom within the trench is generally grey mud, but

in shallower patches in the wide part of the trench the
bottom consists of quartz, broken granite and shells.

Rescue
1

Tidal streams
1
2

4.82
Tidal streams run fairly strongly off Rattray Head but
along the S shore E of Burghead they are generally weak.
Between Knock Head (5741N 235W) and Covesea
Light (5743N 320W), about 25 miles W, the streams are
confused but as a general statement set as follows:
Interval from
HW Aberdeen
(HW Dover)

Remarks

+0545 (0420) W--going tidal stream begins.

0410 (0150) Tidal stream begins to run E between

Knock Head and Scar Nose (9 miles
W), but continues to run W between
Scar Nose and Covesea.

+0210 (+0430) Tidal stream begins to run W between

Knock Head and Scar Nose, but
continues to run E between Scar Nose
and Covesea. There may be ripples off
Scar Nose.

4.83
A number of ports along this stretch of coast are
administered, as indicated in the text, by the following
authorities:
Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation and
Infrastructure, Cape House, Seafield Street, Banff
AB39 2DP.
The Moray Council, Department of Environmental
Services, Academy Street, Elgin IV30 1LL.

RATTRAY HEAD TO ROSEHEARTY

General information
Charts 213, 222

Topography
1

4.84
The coast between Rattray Head (5737N 149W) and
Kinnaird Head (8 miles NW) consists mainly of sand dunes
or sand hills.
Strathbeg Bay, between Rattray Head and Inzie Head
(4 miles NW), is fringed by a sandy beach.
Between Inzie Head and Cairnbulg Point (5 miles NW
of Rattray Head) the coast is bordered by rock ledges and
shoals which should be given a wide berth. There are
several fishing villages on this stretch of coast, but none
have harbours, their boats finding shelter between the rock
ledges.
For details of Fraserburgh Bay see 4.92.
Between Kinnaird Head and Rosehearty (5742N
207W) the coast is generally rocky with drying ledges
and outlying patches extending up to 2 cables offshore in
places, but it becomes low and sandy near Rosehearty.

4.85
For Rosehearty see 1.155 and 1.159.

4.88
From a position NE of Rattray Head, described in North
Sea (West) Pilot, the coastal passage to abreast Kinnaird
Head leads NW passing:
NE of Inzie Head (4 miles NW of Rattray Head),
from which a narrow ledge with depths over it of
less than 10 m extends 1 miles ESE; the village
of Saint Combs stands close NW of the headland.
Thence:
NE of Cairnbulg Point (5741N 157W), the E
entrance point of Fraserburgh Bay. Cairnbulg
Briggs, a drying rock ledge which is difficult to
distinguish near HW in smooth conditions, extends
3 cables N from the point and is marked on its
outer extremity by a light--beacon (10 m in height).
The villages of Inverallochy and Cairnbulg, which
merge together, lie a short distance SE of the
point. In strong winds the sea breaks heavily over
Steratan Rock (1 miles NE of Cairnbulg Point).
Thence:
NE of Colonel Rock (1 miles NW of Cairnbulg
Point) lying in the middle of the approach to
Fraserburgh Bay; although small, it is dangerous to
cross in heavy weather on account of broken
water. Thence:
NE of Kinnaird Head (5742N 200W), about 18 m
high, from which a light (4.87) is exhibited; a
prominent chimney stands cable SSE of the
light.

Kinnaird Head to Rosehearty

1

Climate information
1

4.87
Landmarks with positions from Rattray Head (5737N
149W):
Mormond Hill (7 miles W), see North Sea (West)
Pilot.
Three radio masts (red obstruction lights) (centred
2 miles W), about 5 cables apart.
Two spires in Fraserburgh (8 miles NW); for details
see 4.95.
Metal chimney (7 cables WSW of Kinnaird Head),
conspicuous.
Major lights:
Rattray Head Light on The Ron (3 cables E), see
North Sea (West) Pilot.
Kinnaird Head Light (white tower, 10 m in height)
(5742N 200W) situated close NW of disused
lantern (elevation 37 m) on castle tower.

Directions
Rattray Head to Kinnaird Head

See also information on charts and in Admiralty Tidal

Stream Atlas: North Sea, Northwestern Part.

Port Authorities

An Auxiliary Station is maintained in

further details see 1.76.
RNLI all--weather lifeboat is stationed at
further details see 1.87.

Principal marks

0020 (0200) E--going tidal stream begins.

4.86
Coastguard.
Fraserburgh; for
Lifeboat. An
Fraserburgh: for

103

4.89
From a position NE of Kinnaird Head the coastal
passage to Rosehearty leads W passing (positioned from
Kinnaird Head):
Clear, as required by draught, of a wreck with an
unsurveyed clearance depth of 15 m ( mile
NNE), thence:
N of Sandhaven (1 miles W) (4.99), a village on
the coast, thence:

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N of Rosehearty Point (3 miles W), a prominent

point on which lies the village of Rosehearty
(4.100); a conspicuous white tower stands 2 cables
WSW of the point and a radio mast and tower
stand 5 cables S of the point.

Clearing lines

4.90
For Steratan Rock: Troup Head (9 miles W of
Kinnaird Head) (4.105) (Chart 222) open N of Kinnaird
Head passes N of the rock.
For Colonel Rock: Troup Head (see above) bearing
266 and open N of Rosehearty Point (4.89) passes N of
the rock.

Useful marks
1

4.91
Positioned from Kinnaird Head:
Inverallochy Castle (3 miles SE), in ruins.
Cairnbulg Castle (2 miles SSE), restored.
Pittulie Castle (3 miles W), in ruins.
Pitsligo Castle (3 miles W) in ruins.
Dovecot tower (4 miles WSW).
Radio mast (8 miles WSW) (4.105) on Windyheads
Hill.
(Directions continue at 4.106)

Arrival information
1

Fraserburgh Harbour with Fraserburgh Bay

Chart 1462 plans of Fraserburgh approaches and Fraserburgh

General information
1

4.92
Position. Fraserburgh Harbour is situated close S of
Kinnaird Head (5742N 200W) and lies on the W side of
Fraserburgh Bay which is entered between Cairnbulg Point
(5741N 157W) and Kinnaird Head.
Function. Fraserburgh is mainly a fishing port with a
large locally--based fishing fleet. There is also some general
commercial and oil and gas related traffic. The town of
Fraserburgh, population about 12 500, skirts the W side of
the harbour.
Topography. Rock ledges extend 2 cables W from
Cairnbulg Briggs (4.88) on the E side of Fraserburgh Bay
and 1 cable E from the shore both N and S of the entrance
to Fraserburgh Harbour. Depths, generally, in Fraserburgh
Bay are somewhat irregular; depths of less than 5 m extend
nearly 5 cables from a sandy beach which fringes the head
of the bay. Behind the beach there are sand hills, Corbie
Hill (1 miles SSE of Kinnaird Head) being nearly twice
the height of any other.
Harbour limits are shown on the chart.
Traffic. In 2004, 117 vessels, excluding fishing vessels,
used the port totalling 121 625 dwt.
Port Authority. Fraserburgh Harbour Commissioners,
Harbour Office, Shore Street, Fraserburgh, AB43 5BR.
Website: www.fraserburgh--harbour.co.uk
Email: enquiries@fraserburgh--harbour.co.uk
The position of the Harbour Masters office is shown on
the chart.

4.93
Controlling depth. Outer Entrance Channel maintained
depth 89 m; Outer Harbour through to Balaclava Harbour
maintained depth 59 m; Balaclava Inner Harbour
maintained depth 55 m; North Harbour maintained depth
34 m, South Harbour and Faithlie Basin maintained depth
32 m. See chart for further details.

4.94
Port operations. A Harbour Control Tower with radar is
situated at the NW end of West Pier and operates a 24 hour
advisory service. Berthing instructions will be given
according to tide and weather conditions. Radar advice can
be supplied to vessels when visibility is poor. For further
details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6 (1).
Notice of ETA required. Confirmation of ETA is
required 2 hours before arrival at pilot boarding position.
Outer anchorages. Vessels can anchor in Fraserburgh
Bay E of the harbour entrance. A good berth is in a depth
of 11 m, 5 cables E of the harbour entrance, with
Kinnaird Head Light bearing 300 and Corbie Hill bearing
191. Larger vessels can anchor about 1 cables farther N
in 14 to 15 m. The bottom in these berths is sand over
rock and in bad weather vessels anchored in Fraserburgh
Bay have been known to drag their anchors.
Mariners are cautioned against anchoring on the leading
line (4.96) for the harbour entrance and to note that an area
of foul ground, of indeterminate size, lies W of the
recommended berths.
Pilotage is compulsory for commercial vessels of
300 tonnes and over except for those exempt by law. A
24 hour service is operated. Pilots normally board in
Fraserburgh Bay but, by arrangement and in suitable
weather, will do so within a 2 mile radius of the harbour
entrance.
Tugs are not available but limited assistance can be
provided by a harbour work boat.
Dockside assistance is essential for entry to the inner
harbours and basins. Details are not given in this book, but
mariners are advised to have warps and fenders available
for use.

Harbour
1

Limiting conditions

Longest berth. North side of North Pier, 150 m in

length.
Deepest berth. Provost Andersons Jetty, Balaclava
Harbour (4.97).
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
Mean spring range about 31 m; mean neap range about
15 m.
Largest vessel accommodated: normally, length 95 m,
beam 16 m, draught 65 m.
Local weather. Entry in E or NE gales can be
dangerous for small craft.

104

4.95
General layout. Fraserburgh Harbour consists of a
number of irregularly--shaped and inter--connected harbours
and basins enclosed, on the NE side, by Balaclava Pier and
Balaclava Breakwater, and on the SE side by South
Breakwater; details are best seen from the chart. The
harbour entrance, 61 m wide, lies between the head of
South Breakwater and The Spur which projects SW from
near the head of Balaclava Breakwater.
Storm gates, hydraulically operated, are fitted in the
entrances to Balaclava Harbour and South Harbour (from
North Harbour) for use in bad weather.
Landmarks with positions from head of South
Breakwater:
Spire (2 cables WSW), conspicuous, of South Free
Church.
Spire (4 cables WSW), elevation 54 m and
conspicuous, of West Parish Church.
Dalrymple Hall (2 cables WSW) with tower and
turret.

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South Breakwater

Balaclava Breakwater

Fraserburgh Harbour from ESE (4.95)

(Photograph -- Air Images)

(Original dated 1999)

Major light:
Kinnaird Head Light (4 cables NNW) (4.87).

Directions for approaching

Fraserburgh Harbour entrance
1

4.96
When approaching Fraserburgh Bay care is necessary to
avoid Colonel Rock (4.88) and the dangers extending N
from Cairnbulg Point (4.88).
Leading marks. By day, from within Fraserburgh Bay,
the approach to the entrance leads WNW with Balaclava
Breakwater Head Light (dome on white stone tower, red
band, 21 m in height) just open NNE of the spire of Old
Parish Church (3 cables farther WNW), the latter
identified by the dome of the Town Hall which lies
close N.
Front light (white mast, red bands, 9 m in height) on
elbow of Middle Jetty (2 cables WNW of head of
South Breakwater),
Rear light (metal mast, 11 m in height) on dockside
75 m farther WNW, lead towards and through the
harbour entrance.
Attention is called to Burnett Buss (1 cable SE of the
head of South Breakwater), and to shoals with depths of
less than 5 m over them which extend E of the head of
Balaclava Breakwater.
Useful marks with positions from head of South
Breakwater:
Cairnbulg Briggs Light--beacon (1 miles ESE)
(4.88).
Light (white metal post, 3 m in height) on parapet at
head of South Breakwater.

Light (white metal post, 2 m in height) on head of

The Spur (close NNE).
The faces of the extremities of Balaclava Breakwater,
South Breakwater and The Spur are painted white
and illuminated at night.

Basins and berths

105

4.97
Outer Harbour lies immediately within the harbour
entrance and affords access to all the other parts of the
harbour.
North Harbour is entered from Outer Harbour between
the N side of West Pier and the head of North Pier; it has
a total berthing length of 360 m.
South Harbour is entered from North Harbour by an
entrance 12 m wide with storm gates, through which
vessels have to be warped; it has a total berthing length of
580 m.
Faithlie Basin is entered from South Harbour by an
opening 155 m wide; it has a total berthing length of
760 m. Faithlie Jetty projects from the W side of the basin
and is about 100 m long with depths of 32 m along either
side; an ice--making plant is situated on its outer end.
Balaclava Harbours are entered from Outer Harbour
between the head of North Pier and Steamboat Quay at the
head of Balaclava Pier and are divided into Balaclava
Outer Harbour, Balaclava Harbour and Balaclava Inner
Harbour by jetties. The entrance to Balaclava Harbour
between Abernethy Jetty and Provost Andersons Jetty is
18 m wide and can be closed by storm gates. The E end of
the N side of Provost Andersons Jetty has a depth of
approximately 69 m alongside.

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Sandhaven from NE (4.99)

(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)
5

(Original dated 2001)

Balaclava Inner Harbour, in which there is a dry dock

(4.98), is used for repairs and lay--up and is dredged to a
depth of 55 m (1996).
An RNLI station and lifeboat are situated in Balaclava
Outer Harbour.
Cairnbulg boat haven, enclosed between a jetty and a
mole, is situated on the NW side of Cairnbulg Point. The
entire harbour dries but affords shelter to a variety of small
craft.

ROSEHEARTY TO BANFF BAY

General information
Chart 222

Port services
1

4.98
Repairs: dry dock (Balaclava Inner Harbour), length
66 m, width 14 m; 6 berth shiplift (near root of South
Breakwater) maximum lifting capacity 850 tonnes,
maximum size of vessel 33 m LOA, 10 m beam, 7 m
draught.
Other facilities: hospital; cold storage.
Supplies: fuel and fresh water at all berths; provisions;
ships stores; ice.

Topography

Minor harbours
Charts 213, 222

Sandhaven
1

4.99
At Sandhaven (5742N 203W) there is a harbour
enclosed by piers. It dries and is used by a few inshore
fishing boats.

Rosehearty
1

although this area dries it provides shelter to fishing craft

in fine weather.
Local knowledge is required for entry to both the
harbour at Rosehearty and to Port Rae; entry should never
be attempted during onshore winds.

4.100
General information. The village of Rosehearty stands
on Rosehearty Point (5742N 207W) (4.89) and with a
small harbour enclosed by piers, was formerly a flourishing
fishing port. It is administered by Aberdeenshire Council
(4.83).
The harbour mainly dries; the E side of the outer part of
the W pier can be used at all stages of the tide but is
exposed from the NE quadrant.
A wide space among the rocks SE of the harbour,
known locally as Port Rae, is protected by a pier and

4.101
Rosehearty to Troup Head. Between Rosehearty and
Quarry Head (1 miles SW) low cliffs of blue mica slate
gradually increase in height SW.
In the vicinity of the ruins of Dundarg Castle (1 mile
SW of Quarry Head) in Aberdour Bay, the composition of
the cliffs changes to red sandstone and at the head of the
bay, about 1 miles SW of Quarry Head, a deep ravine
forms a distinct crevice in the cliffs when viewed from E.
Between Strahangles Point (5741N 213W) and
Pennan Head (1 miles W) the cliffs attain heights of
about 120 m and are of a purple colour. Thence to Troup
Head (2 miles WNW of Strahangles Point) (4.105) there are
numerous indentations in the coast.
4.102
Troup Head to Banff Bay. Between Troup Head and
Head of Garness (4 miles WSW) the coast, indented in
part by Gamrie Bay (4.118), is lined by cliffs which
decrease in height W of More Head (2 miles E of Head of
Garness). Thence to the E side of the entrance to Banff
Bay (4.108) the coast consists of much indented cliffs,
about 30 m high, of slate with bands of limestone, and is
fringed by detached rocks and ledges extending 2 cables
offshore.

Rescue
1

106

4.103
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained at Banff
(5740N 231W) and Gardenstown (6 miles E). For
further details see 1.76.
Lifeboat. The RNLI bases an inshore lifeboat at
Macduff (5740N 230W); for further details see 1.87.

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White Tower

Port Rae Harbour

Rosehearty Harbour

Port Rae and Rosehearty from NE (4.100)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

VHF Radio Direction--finding facilities, for use in

emergency only, are situated at Windyheads Hill (5739N
215W); for details see 1.84.

Troup Head (5742N 218W), a prominent

perpendicular cliff.
Monument (War Memorial) (5740N 230W), 24 m
in height and conspicuous, in an open space in
Macduff.

Tidal streams
1

4.104
See 4.82.

Directions

(continued from 4.91)

Landmarks
1

Macduff War Memorial (4.105)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph -- Air Images)

4.105
1

Radio mast (5739N 215W), conspicuous, on

Windyheads Hill.

107

4.106
From a position N of Rosehearty Point (5742N
207W) the coastal passage leads 13 miles W passing:
N of Troup Head (5742N 218W) (4.105) from
which violent gusts of wind sweep downwards
during offshore winds; Troup House (1 mile S)
stands amid trees on high ground and is prominent
from N and E, thence:
N of Crovie Head (1 mile SW of Troup Head), the
NE entrance point of Gamrie Bay (4.118), thence:
N of More Head (5741N 222W), a dark cliff,
thence:
N of Stocked Head (1 miles W of More Head),
thence:
N of Head of Garness (2 miles W of More Head),
thence:
N of Collie Rocks (5741N 230W) (4.112), close
off the E entrance point of Banff Bay (4.108).
4.107
Useful marks:
Dovecot tower (1 mile SSW of Rosehearty).
Lions Head (7 cables SE of Troup Head) (4.119).
Gardenstown church (2 miles SW of Troup Head),
prominent, on eminence at head of Gamrie Bay.
Lighthouse Pier Light (white tower 11 m in height)
(5740N 230W) at Macduff.
Church with domed tower (5740N 230W) in
Macduff.
Duff House (8 cables SW of church with domed
tower), a large and prominent Italian style
building.
Hill of Alvah (5738N 233W) with radio mast on
summit.

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Whitehills Pier Light (white tower, 3 m in height)

(5741N 235W) (4.124).
(Directions continue at 4.124)

Limiting conditions

Macduff Harbour with Banff Bay

4.109
Controlling depth. There are depths of 34 m in the
entrance channel to Macduff Harbour. The maximum length
of vessels normally accommodated is 61 m.
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
Mean spring range about 31 m; mean neap range about
17 m.

Arrival information

Chart 1462 plan of Banff and Macduff

General information

4.108
Position. Macduff Harbour is situated on the E side of
Banff Bay which is entered between Meavie Point
(57403N 2313W) and a low point 1 mile E.
Function. Macduff, population about 4050, is principally
a fishing port with some coastal trade mainly serving local
agricultural needs.
Topography. Banff Bay is shallow from close within the
entrance points and is exposed N. River Deveron flows into
the head of the bay, which dries, and is spanned by a
seven--arched road bridge close within its mouth. The town
of Banff, with Banff Harbour (4.116) adjacent, skirts the W
side of Banff Bay from a ridge close S of Meavie Point to
low land on the W side of the mouth of River Deveron.
Traffic. In 2004, three vessels, excluding fishing vessels,
used the port totalling 2 205 dwt.
Port Authority. Aberdeenshire Council (4.83) is the
Competent Harbour Authority for both Macduff and Banff.
The position of the Harbour Office in Macduff is indicated
on the chart.

4.110
Outer anchorages. Anchorage may be obtained off the
entrance to Banff Bay, as indicated on the chart, in depths
of about 12 m with Knock Head (4.124) (Chart 222)
bearing 276 and Duff House (4.107) bearing about 190.
Smaller vessels can anchor farther inshore, as appropriate
to draught, where the ground swell which persists in the
approaches to the bay is felt less.
Pilotage is not compulsory but is advisable and can be
obtained on request to the harbour office.
Notice of ETA required. 24 hours.
Pilot boarding position. 5 cables NW of harbour
entrance. For further details see Admiralty List of Radio
Signals Volume 6 (1).

Harbour
1

4.111
General layout. Macduff Harbour consists of three
irregularly--shaped and inter--connected basins which are
enclosed W by piers giving partial protection even during
the heaviest of gales; West Basin lies S of the entrance;
Outer Basin, N of the entrance, leads into Princess Royal
Basin, the inner basin. The harbour entrance faces NW; the

War Memorial

Macduff Harbour from NW (4.111)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph -- Air Images)

108

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CHAPTER 4

entrances to West, Outer and Princess Royal basins are

respectively 18, 12 and 15 m wide.
Tidal streams off Banff Bay set as follows:
Interval from
HW Aberdeen
(HW Dover)

Remarks

+0210 (+0430) W--going tidal stream begins. Direction

changes gradually from SW to WNW
during which a spring rate of to kn
is attained.
0350 (0130) E--going tidal stream begins. Direction
changes gradually from NE to ESE
during which a spring rate about kn
is attained.
3

Landmarks with positions from Macduff Lighthouse

Pier Light:
War Memorial (2 cables SSE) (4.105).
Church with domed tower (1 cables SSW).

Directions for entering harbour

4.112
Approach. When entering Banff Bay care is necessary
to avoid Collie Rocks, detached drying rocks situated
2 cables N of the E entrance point of the bay. They are
covered by the red sector of Lighthouse Pier Light (4.107)
at Macduff; the alignment (210) of Duff House (7 cables
S of Meavie Point) (4.107) with the summit of Hill of
Alvah (4.107) (Chart 222) passes cable W of the rocks.
Mariners are advised to give Collie Rocks a wide berth,
particularly during N winds when there is nearly always an
E tidal set towards the rocks.
Local knowledge is required for navigation of a narrow
channel between Collie Rocks and the mainland S.
Caution. Smaller vessels are advised against entering
Macduff Harbour in strong NW winds.
4.113
Entry. From Banff Bay, the alignment (127) of leading
lights situated on relatively high ground in Macduff:
Front light (fluorescent orange triangular daymark) on
the roof of a building,
Rear light (mast, 5 m in height, with fluorescent
orange triangular daymark) (60 m SE of front
light), lead to the harbour entrance in the white
sector of Macduff Lighthouse Pier Light (4.107)
and into the outer basin.
Useful marks (positioned from harbour entrance):
Temple of Venus (5 cables SSW) on Hill of Doune.
Light on head of West Pier (S side of entrance).

Berths and basins

4.114
There are about 400 m of quays within the basins,
providing about 7 berths. There are depths of 34 m in the
outer basin and 28 m in Princess Royal Basin.

Other anchorages and harbours

Chart 222

Aberdour Bay
1

4.115
Repairs: patent slip in Princess Royal Basin, lifting
capacity 200 tonnes, maximum size of vessel 24 m LOA,
5 m draught, 7 m beam; all general repairs to hull and
machinery undertaken.
Supplies: water from quayside hydrants; fresh
provisions.

4.117
Aberdour Bay is entered between Quarry Head (5741N
210W) and Strahangles Point (1 miles W) and affords
anchorage as indicated on the chart. For topographical
details see 4.101.

Gamrie Bay and Gardenstown

Port services
1

Banff Harbour
4.116
Banff Harbour lies close S of Meavie Point (57403N
2313W) and adjacent to the town of Banff, population
about 4120. It is mainly used for recreational purposes,
although small cargo vessels can be accommodated.
The harbour consists of an outer basin and two inner
basins, all inter--connected and enclosed by two piers. A
light is exhibited from the head of the N pier. The harbour
entrance, which faces ESE, is 139 m wide but access to
the inner basins is restricted by a width of 93 m. The inner
basins and part of the outer basin almost completely dry at
MLWS, but at other times most of the harbour contains
water.
The harbour is owned and administered by
Aberdeenshire Council (4.83); there is a part--time Harbour
Master.
Directions. The harbour should initially be approached
from Banff Bay on a WSW heading; thence the alignment
(295) of Banff Leading Lights (metal columns) leads in
the harbour entrance.
If the wind is between ENE and E and its strength more
than a moderate breeze, great care must be taken as with
strong winds from this quarter the sea breaks a long way
offshore. If a moderate to heavy ground swell is running,
entry should not be attempted.

109

4.118
General information. Gamrie Bay extends between
More Head (5741N 222W) (4.106) and Crovie Head
(1 miles NE). The village of Gardenstown with a fishing
harbour enclosed by piers, lies at the foot of a steep slope
at the head of the bay; the smaller village of Crovie lies on
the E side of the bay. The shore of the bay is much
encumbered by rocks, some of which dry a considerable
distance offshore. Craig Dagerty (7 cables SSW of Crovie
Head), a rock ridge 7 m high and about 1 cables in
length, lies close NW of the entrance to Gardenstown
Harbour.
Local knowledge is required.
Directions. The entrance to Gardenstown Harbour faces
WNW.
Leading lights:
Front (metal post) (57404N 2203W).
Rear (atop flat roof) (57403N 2203W)
The alignment (183) of the lights leads S towards the
harbour between Craig Dagerty and the edge of the coastal
reef, close S.
Useful marks:
Gardenstown church (close E of harbour) (4.107).
Church (SW corner of Gamrie Bay), in ruins, above
the mouth of a ravine.
Anchorage can be obtained in Gamrie Bay as indicated
on the chart.

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CHAPTER 4

Banff from NNW (4.116)

(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

(Original dated 2001)

Gardenstown from NNE (4.118)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

110

Craig Dagerty

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CHAPTER 4

Howdman

(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

(Original dated 2001)

BANFF BAY TO SCAR NOSE

Gardenstown Harbour dries but has depths of 27 and

35 m at HW neap tides and HW spring tides, respectively,
and quays with a total length of about 510 m. During NE
winds there is considerable swell in the harbour but Craig
Dagerty affords good shelter from NW winds. At the
village of Crovie, miles NE of Gardenstown, there is a
pier and a landing slip which covers at HW spring tides.

Pennan Bay and Cullykhan Bay

1

Pennan from WNW (4.119)

4.119
Pennan Bay and Cullykhan Bay are two small rocky
bays which lie adjacent to each other in an indentation of
the coast between Pennan Head (5741N 215W) and
Lions Head (9 cables WNW) on which there are some
buildings and the ruins of Fiddes Fort. The village of
Pennan lies at the foot of steep cliffs at the head of Pennan
Bay, the E of the two bays.
Tamhead and Howdman, two drying rocks lie,
respectively, in the approach to Pennan Bay and Cullykhan
Bay. Local knowledge is required to enter the bays.
Two small piers at the E end of Pennan village afford
shelter to fishing boats which are hauled out of the water
in bad weather.

General information
Chart 222

Topography

4.120
Between Meavie Point (5740N 231W), the W
entrance point of Banff Bay, and Scar Nose (10 miles W)
the coast everywhere is clear of dangers more than 3 cables
offshore. Westward from Knock Head (1 miles WNW of
Meavie Point) the coast is much indented and consists
mainly of rugged cliffs.

Rescue
1

4.121
Coastguard. An Auxiliary Station is maintained at
Portsoy (5741N 241W); for details see 1.76.

Tidal streams
1

111

4.122
See 4.82.

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Whitehills from NNE (4.126)

(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

(Original dated 2001)

Landmarks
4.123

Troup Head (5742N 218W) (4.105).

Monument (War Memorial) (5740N 230W)
(4.105).

Directions

(continued from 4.107)

4.124
From a position N of Banff Bay the coastal passage
leads 10 miles W passing:
N of Knock Head (5741N 235W), a
wedge--shaped point, noting that White Stones, a
detached reef that just dries, lies 2 cables N of
the point with a boat passage between; a light
(white tower, 3 m in height) is exhibited on the W
side of the point from a pierhead in Whitehills
Harbour (4.126). The coast between Banff Bay and
Knock Head, formed by Boyndie Bay, is foul for
3 cables offshore, thence:
N of Cowhythe Head (5741N 239W), a limestone
headland near which there are several prominent
limekilns; the ruins of Boyne Castle lie 5 cables
inland, thence:
N of East Head (6 cables WNW of Cowhythe Head)
a steep--to point; Cowhythe Hill rises steeply from
the head of Strathmarchin Bay which lies between
East Head and Cowhythe Head, thence:
N of Portsoy (1 miles W of Cowhythe Head)
(4.127), thence:

N of Redhythe Point (5741N 243W), rugged and

steep--to on the N and E sides, but fringed by
rocks on the W side. Durn Hill, with a rounded
summit, lies 2 miles S of Redhythe Point, thence:
N of Logie Head (5742N 247W), a perpendicular
cliff with vertical strata; the ruins of Findlater
Castle (7 cables SE) stand on the edge of the
rugged cliffs which comprise the coast between
Logie Head and Crathie Point (1 mile E), thence:
N of Scar Nose (5742N 251W) with Bow Fiddle,
a high detached rock, close N; the two together
form a remarkable and steep--to granite headland.

4.125
Useful marks:
Lighthouse Pier Light (5740N 230W) (4.107).
Hill of Alvah (5738N 233W) (4.107).
Bin of Cullen (5740N 252W) (4.130).
(Directions continue at 4.135)

Anchorages and harbours

Whitehills Harbour

112

4.126
Whitehills (5741N 235W), lies at the head of a cove
close W of Knock Head. A small but well sheltered
harbour is situated close N of the village on the E side of
the cove. There is a depth of 18 m in the harbour entrance,
which faces NW; within the harbour, which has about
300 m of quay, there are general depths of 18 m in the
inner harbour. The outer harbour has a depth of 20 m.
There is a marina at Whitehills. A light (4.124) stands on a
pier head at the entrance of the harbour.

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Berths. New Harbour, the outer (E) and larger basin,

dries but is accessible at HW spring tides to vessels of 3 m
in draught and has about 200 m of quay; Old Harbour, the
inner (W) basin, has lesser depths and is little used.
Anchorage. Vessels awaiting sufficient tide to permit
entering harbour can anchor, as indicated on the chart,
5 cables offshore NW of the harbour entrance, with Durn
Hill (4.124) bearing 203, in a depth of about 12 m.
Supplies: water from quayside hydrants; provisions
(advanced warning required).

Cullen Bay and Harbour

1

Whitehills Harbour from ESE (4.126)

(Original dated 2002)

Portsoy Harbour

4.127
General information. Portsoy (5741N 241W), a
small fishing and recreational harbour administered by
Aberdeenshire Council (4.83), lies in a cove and has two
basins.
Local knowledge is required.
Directions. The alignment (about 160) of leading lights:
Front light (tower, 3 m in height) on pier on N side
of harbour entrance,
Rear light (mast, 4 m in height) on hillside SSW,
leads to the harbour entrance. A rock, with a depth over
it of 07 m, lies in the approach but since the harbour dries
it does not constitute a danger provided the height of tide
gives sufficient water for entry.

4.128
General information. Cullen Bay is entered between
Logie Head (5742N 247W) (4.124) and Scar Nose
(2 miles W) (4.124). Both sides of the bay are rocky but
the head of the bay is sandy. The town of Cullen, where
there is a small harbour, stands on rising ground at the E
end of the sandy beach. A disused railway viaduct, situated
close W of the town and designed to resemble an ancient
gateway, is conspicuous from N and E; a pavilion, with
pillars and a dome, stands close W of the viaduct.
Harbour. Cullen Harbour, used by fishing and other
small craft, is situated on the NW side of the town of
Cullen. It is enclosed by two piers and divided into two
basins within by a jetty; a light is exhibited from the shore
at the head of the outer basin. Coastal reefs and detached
rocks NE of the entrance afford some protection, but the
entrance, which dries and faces NW, is dangerous during
strong winds from between N and W.
The harbour is subject to silting; mariners should contact
the harbour master prior to entry, for the latest depths
available

Portsoy from N (4.127)

(Photograph -- Copyright Granted)

(Original dated 2001)

113

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Cullen from NE (4.128)

(Photograph -- Copyright Granted)

(Original dated 2001)

Directions. The bay is clear of dangers except for Caple

Rock (7 cables W of Logie Head), a steep--to pinnacle
about 2 cables offshore; Bin of Cullen (3 miles SW of
Logie Head) (4.130) bearing 219 and open W of the
railway viaduct passes NW of Caple Rock.
Anchorage can be found in the outer part of Cullen
Bay, as indicated on the chart, with the railway viaduct
bearing 193 and Scar Nose bearing about 280 in depths
of 9 to 11 m.
Port Long (close W of Logie Head), a rocky cove with
a sandy bottom, is used as a temporary refuge by local
craft unable to make Cullen Harbour during strong winds
from the N quadrant.

SCAR NOSE TO BURGHEAD

General information
Charts 222, 223

Topography
1

Sandend Bay
1

4.129
Sandend Bay is entered between Redhythe Point
(5741N 243W) (4.124) and Garron Point (1 mile W) and
has a sandy beach at its head. The village of Sandend,
where there is a small boat harbour, lies in the SW corner
of the bay.

114

4.130
Between Scar Nose (5742N 251W) (4.124) and
Stotfield Head (14 miles W), the coast recedes to form
Spey Bay and except for the E part, which has cliffs, is
low--lying.
Spey Bay is entered between Scar Nose (5742N
251W) and Stotfield Head (14 miles W) (4.135).
The ports of Buckie (4.140) and Lossiemouth (4.147)
are situated 4 miles WSW of Scar Nose and on Stotfield
Head, respectively. The shores of the bay are clear of
dangers outside a distance of 5 cables but the head of the
bay has been considerably silted by large quantities of sand
and gravel deposited by River Spey which enters the bay at
Mouth of Spey (5740N 306W) (4.155).
Apart from the stretch of coast from Scar Nose to the
vicinity of Buckie, which is rugged, indented and lined
with cliffs, the shore of the bay is generally low. It is

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Sandend from SE (4.129)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

bordered by rock ledges and numerous detached above-and below--water rocky patches as far as the village of
Portgordon (5 miles WSW of Scar Nose) (4.155); thence
to Mouth of Spey the coast is low--lying, flat and sandy.
Between Mouth of Spey and Stotfield Head the coast is
fringed by a sandy beach and consists of sandhills 6 to
15 m in height and covered in grass, behind which there is
extensive forestation. Binn Hill (5740N 310W) is an
isolated hillock about 8 cables inland, with a base covered
by drifted sand and a summit densely wooded; red lights
are occasionally exhibited from a firing range, the position
of which is best seen from the chart, between Binn Hill
and the coast.
Inland the terrain rises to heights in excess of 300 m
(Chart 115). Bin of Cullen (2 miles SSW of Scar Nose),
with a cairn on its summit, and Little Bin, 5 cables W, are
both prominent and are dark coloured.
Between the villages of Covesea (3 miles W of Stotfield
Head) and Hopeman, 2 miles farther WSW, the coast
consists of sandstone hills up to 50 m high at the foot of
which, particularly close W of Covesea, there are many
caves. There are also several stone quarries in the cliff
face.
From Hopeman to Burghead (5742N 330W) (4.137)
the coast is rocky with the land behind rising in grassy
slopes to heights of about 70 m. The village of
Cummingstown, in the vicinity of which there are a
number of radio masts, lies on the slopes midway between
Hopeman and Burghead.

Measured distance
1

4.131
There is a measured distance about 1 miles W of Scar
Nose (5742N 251W) as indicated on the chart. The
distance, 18532 m in length on running courses of
073/253, is marked by two pairs of beacons (each painted
red and white in bands with a red and white striped
triangular daymark).

Rescue
1

4.132
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained at Buckie
(5741N 257W), Lossiemouth (5743N 317W),
Covesea (Gordonstoun) (5743N 322W), and Burghead
(5742N 329W); Buckie is a Sector Base. For further
details see 1.76.
Lifeboat. An RNLI all--weather lifeboat is stationed at
Buckie: for further details see 1.87.

Tidal streams

4.133
About 4 miles NNW of Stotfield Head tidal streams
set as follows:
Interval from
HW Aberdeen
(HW Dover)

Remarks

+0545 (0420) SW--going tidal stream begins. Mean

direction 230.

115

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Interval from
HW Aberdeen
(HW Dover)

Remarks

0020 (+0200) NE--going tidal stream begins. Mean

direction 055.
2

Spring rate kn in both directions.

See also 4.82 for further details.

Principal marks
1

4.134
Landmarks:
Covesea Skerries Lighthouse (5743N 320W)
(white tower, 36 m in height).
Group of radio masts (red obstruction lights)
(5742N 328W), conspicuous, close SW of
Cummingstown (4.130).
Major lights:
Buckie Cliff Terrace Light (5741N 257W) (4.144).
Buckie Harbour Light (5741N 258W) (4.144)
Covesea Skerries Light as above.
Tarbat Ness Light (5752N 346W) (4.48).

Directions

(continued from 4.125)

Scar Nose to Lossiemouth

1

4.135
From a position N of Scar Nose (5742N 251W)
(4.124) the coastal passage leads about 14 miles W across
the mouth of Spey Bay (4.130) passing:
N of Craig Head (2 miles WSW of Scar Nose),
about 60 m high and with an obelisk; the coast
between Scar Nose and Craig Head is lined by
rugged cliffs and fringed by rock ledges with
many detached rocky islets lying within 2 cables
of the shore, thence:
N of Buckie (5741N 257W) at the E end of Spey
Bay; for further details see 4.140, thence:
N of Stotfield Head (5743N 317W), the NE
extremity of a promontory occupied by the town
and port of Lossiemouth (4.147); a light (4.151) is
exhibited at the entrance to Lossiemouth Harbour,
and a light--buoy (special) (5 cables NE of Stotfield
Head) marks the outer extremity of a submarine
outfall indicated on the chart.
4.136
Useful marks:
Beatrice Oil Field Platforms (centred about 5807N
305W) (Chart 115) (4.48).
Twin spires of Roman Catholic Church (5740N
258W) in SW part of Buckie.
Binn Hill (5740N 310W) (4.130).
Spire of Saint Jamess Church (2 cables SW of
Stotfield Head) in Lossiemouth; the spire of United
Free Church, elevation 58 m, stands 1 cables
farther SSW.

4.137
From a position N of Stotfield Head the coastal passage
leads WSW for about 7 miles passing (positioned from
Stotfield Head):
NNW of Halliman Skerries (1 miles WNW), mostly
drying, on the centre of which there is a beacon
(black iron framework pyramid, cylindrical cage
topmark surmounted by a cross), thence:

4.138
Clearing lines for Halliman and Covesea Skerries:
Prominent church spire SSW of Burghead Maltings
bearing less than 246 and open N of Hopeman
Harbour passes NW of both skerries.
Binn Hill (5740N 310W) (4.130) bearing 130 and
open NE of Stotfield Head passes NE of Halliman
Skerries.
By remaining outside the 20 m depth contour, the
mariner will pass about 1 mile N of both skerries.
(Directions continue at 4.169)

Side channels
Channels in vicinity of Covesea Skerries

4.139
There is a narrow channel with depths of up to 10 m
between Covesea Skerries (5744N 321W) and Halliman
Skerries, close E (4.137), and a narrow channel with depths
of about 30 m between Covesea Skerries and the coastal
bank S. Both these channels are used by local fishing craft.

Buckie
Chart 1462 plan of Buckie

General information
1

Lossiemouth to Burghead
1

NNW of Covesea Skerries (2 miles W), situated about

4 cables NW of Covesea Skerries Light (4.134)
which stands on a rocky point, thence:
NNW of a Coastguard lookout tower (white, about
10 m in height) (3 miles W), conspicuous, on
cliff top; four radio masts, each 24 m in height and
exhibiting a red obstruction light, stand in two
pairs about 5 cables S and SW, respectively, of the
tower, thence:
NNW of Neil and Jane (4 miles W), a drying ridge of
rock, about 5 cables long, lying parallel with the
coast and about 2 cables offshore, thence:
NNW of Hopeman Harbour (5 miles W) from
where lights (4.155) are shown seasonally, thence:
NNW of Burghead (5742N 330W), a bluff and
rocky promontory about 24 m in height; a
Coastguard lookout (white building, elevation
24 m) stands conspicuously on the NW extremity
with Burghead Maltings, a large and conspicuous
concrete building, on the coast about 4 cables E.
The town of Burghead, in which a church spire
close SSW of the Maltings is prominent, lies along
the spine of the promontory. Burghead Harbour
(4.171) is situated on the SW side of the
promontory.

116

4.140
Position. Buckie Harbour is situated close SW of Bents
Point (5741N 257W) at the E end of Spey Bay.
Function. Buckie, population about 9000, is principally
a busy fishing port with good facilities for repairs and
servicing. It also has considerable coastal trade, chiefly in
timber and agricultural commodities and can accommodate
2 coasters as well as the local fishing fleet.
Topography. The town lies along the shore for a
distance of about 1 miles WSW from Bents Point, with
rising ground behind.
Traffic. In 2004, 35 vessels, excluding fishing vessels,
used the port totalling 65 394 dwt.
Port Authority. Moray Council (4.83); the Harbour
Office is situated at the root of Pier No 3 as indicated on
the chart.

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Lossiemouth Airfield

Covesea Skerries Lighthouse

Halliman Skerries Beacon

Halliman and Covesea Skerries from NNE (4.139)

(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

(Original dated 2001)

Buckie Harbour from WNW (4.140)

(Photograph -- Air Images)

(Original dated 1999)

Limiting conditions

4.141
Depths shown within the harbour and entrance are liable
to change. For the latest information, consult the Harbour
Master (4.142).
Deepest and longest berth. East face of Pier No 1
(4.145).
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
Mean spring range about 34 m; mean neap range about
16 m.

Maximum size of vessel handled. Normally: length

84 m; beam 12 m; draught 45 m.

Arrival information
1

117

4.142
Mariners are advised to contact the Harbour Office by
radio to obtain the latest information before entering
harbour; for further details see Admiralty List of Radio
Signals Volume 6 (1).

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CHAPTER 4

Ianstown Harbour

Buckie Harbour from ENE (4.143)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)
2

Submarine power cables are laid between Pier No 1

and North West Pier and between the head of North West
Pier and West Muck (2 cables NW) as indicated on the
chart.
Pilotage is not compulsory but is advisable, and can be
obtained on request to the Harbour Office 1 hour before
arrival. The pilot boarding position is 5 cables NW of the
harbour entrance, as indicated on the chart. For further
details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6 (1).

Harbour

4.143
General layout. The harbour is enclosed between North
West Pier, which extends for about 3 cables WSW and
parallel with the shore from the W side of Bents Point, and
West Pier, which projects only a short distance NNE from
a position on the shore abreast the outer part of North West
Pier. The harbour entrance lies between the elbow of West
Pier and the outer part of North West Pier, which is angled.
Within the entrance Piers No 1 to No 4, extending from the
landward side, divide the harbour into West Basin, close E
of West Pier, and Basins No 1 to No 4 which are
inter--connected.

Traffic signals. At night when the harbour is closed

three red lights disposed vertically are exhibited from a
flagstaff on the head of North West Pier.
Scend. Considerable scend is felt in Basin No 1 during
strong onshore winds; Basin Nos 2, 3 and 4 are relatively
unaffected by scend in any weather.
Principal marks. As well as Buckie clearing marks
(4.144), the following features are prominent, with positions
from head of North West Pier:
Twin spires of Roman Catholic Church (6 cables
SW).
Group of silos (5 cables ESE).
White tower (1 cables E) of ice--making plant on
head of Pier No 2.

Directions for entering harbour

1

118

4.144
The approach to Buckie Harbour leads SE from Spey
Bay to the harbour entrance in depths of not less than
25 m, passing:
SW of West Muck, a drying rock patch which lies at
the extremity of a bank with depths of less than
5 m over it situated in front of Buckie Harbour; a
light (tripod, 5 m in height) stands on West Muck.

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CHAPTER 4

NE of Rook Craig, drying rocks which front Seatown,

3 cables WSW of the harbour entrance.
The harbour entrance faces WNW and is marked by
lights on the head of North West Pier (red column, 5 m in
height), and on the N elbow of West Pier (green column).
Abreast of the latter the entrance is 245 m wide but it
narrows to a width of 18 m between the elbow of North
West Pier and Pier No 1.
Clearing marks: The alignment (120) of the following
marks clears SW of West Muck:
Front mark, light (Green column) (57408N
2576W) on N elbow of West Pier
Rear mark, Cliff Terrace Light (white column, 10 m
in height) (340 m ESE of front mark) on a cliff
terrace on rising ground above the harbour.
Alternative clearing marks: The alignment (125) of
the following marks also clears SW of West Muck:
Front mark, Buckie Harbour Light (white tower, 15 m
in height) (57408N 2577W)) on North West
Pier.
Rear mark, Cliff Terrace Light (white column, 10 m
in height) (370 m SE of front light) on a cliff
terrace on rising ground above the harbour.
Cautions.
Mariners should note that the 120 alignment and
125 alternative alignment do not lead directly to
or through the harbour entrance; their purpose is to
assist mariners to pass at a safe distance SW of
West Muck.
Mariners should also note that an E set may be
experienced close to the harbour entrance.
At night mariners are advised to keep in depths of
not less than 12 m between Craig Head and
Buckie.

Lossiemouth
Chart 1462 plan of Lossiemouth, Chart 223

General information
1

Limiting conditions

4.149
Outer anchorage. If anchoring temporarily to await
suitable tides for entry mariners are advised to keep
Covesea Skerries Light open N of Stotfield Head and to
remain in depths of not less than 10 m.
The best berth for larger vessels is in a depth of about
13 m with the harbour entrance bearing 242 and Halliman
Skerries Beacon (2 miles WNW) (4.137) bearing 277 as
indicated on the chart. The holding ground in this berth is
good, but 2 cables farther E the bottom is rocky and the
holding bad.
Whenever anchoring off Lossiemouth care is necessary
to avoid a submarine outfall, indicated on the chart, the
extremity of which is marked by a buoy (special) (5 cables
NE of harbour entrance).
Pilotage is compulsory and is available on request to the
Harbour Master giving 4 hours notice of requirement. The
pilot boarding position is 5 cables E of the harbour
entrance. For further details see Admiralty List of Radio
Signals Volume 6 (1).

Harbour

Port services

4.146
Repairs: several slips and patent transverse slips, the
largest a slip with cradle 60 m in length and a lifting
capacity of 850 tonnes; repairs of all kinds carried out.
Supplies: fuel oils; provisions; water from quayside
hydrants; ships stores; ice.

4.148
Controlling depth. 04 m in harbour entrance.
Deepest and longest berth. N side of West Basin; for
further details see 4.152.
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
Mean spring range about 35 m; mean neap range about
16 m.
Maximum size of vessel handled. Normally 36 m in
length, 37 m in draught.
Local weather. The sea breaks at a considerable
distance off the harbour entrance during gales between N
and SE, and strong winds from these quarters raise a heavy
swell in the entrance. Mariners are advised on no account
to attempt entry in these conditions.

Arrival information

Basins and berths

4.145
West Basin is small and shallow and is entered between
the head of Pier No 1 and a wooden jetty extending SE
from West Pier.
Basin No 1. The N part is dredged to 33 m as part of
the harbour entrance channel. The basin can accommodate
two coasters; the E face of Pier 1 is dredged to a depth of
52 m (1997) over a width of 30 m; vessels not exceeding
78 m in length, 12 m in beam, 38 m in draught and
capable of taking to soft mud at LW can berth on the W
side of Pier 2.
Basins No 2, No 3 and No 4. Except at the E end of
Basin No 4, there are general depths of about 24 m over
silt covering a rock bottom which has been excavated to a
depth of 34 m. The width of entrances to the basins are as
follows: Basin No 2, 215 m; Basin No 3, 21 m; Basin
No 4, 21 m.
The RNLI lifeboat station is located in Basin No 4 as
indicated on the chart.

4.147
Position. On Stotfield Head (5743N 317W).
Function. Lossiemouth, population about 7300, is a
minor fishing port.
Topography. The town is situated on a promontory of
which Stotfield Head is the NE extremity; the harbour
borders the NE side of the town. River Lossie flows into
Spey Bay about 2 cables S of the harbour entrance which
is situated at Stotfield Head.
Harbour Authority. Address: Elgin and Lossiemouth
Harbour Company, Harbour Office, Pitgaveney Street,
Lossiemouth, Morayshire, IV31 6NT. The Harbour Office is
situated on the W side of East (Inner) Basin as indicated
on the chart.

119

4.150
General layout. Lossiemouth Harbour consists of three
basins which have been hewn out of the solid rock of
Stotfield Head and which are sheltered N and E by piers.
The entrance, which faces ESE between pierheads, leads
into an outer basin from which East (Inner) Basin,
occupied by a boat marina, extends S, and West Basin,

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CHAPTER 4

Old Harbour

Stotfield Head

West Basin

Lossiemouth Harbour from N (4.150)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph -- Air Images)

containing the fish market and repair facilities,

West Basin is separated from the outer basin
Jetty.
Harbour signals. The signals (Diagram
shown from a mast on the pierhead on the S
harbour entrance.

Basins and berths

extends W;
by Middle
4.150) are
side of the

4.152
There is a depth of 10 m alongside the N side of West
Basin for a length of 116 m, and a depth of 10 m
alongside the W side of East Basin. Elsewhere there are
general depths of 1 to 13 m. There is a marina at
Lossiemouth.

Port services
1

4.153
Repairs: repairs of all kinds undertaken; divers.
Other facilities. Hospital at Elgin (8 km S).
Supplies: fuel by road tanker; water from quayside
hydrants; provisions; ships stores.

Lossiemouth -- traffic signals (4.150)

3

Anchorages and harbours

Natural conditions. There is considerable scend in the

outer basin during E winds and depths within the harbour
entrance may be reduced after prolonged periods of E
winds.

Charts 222, 223

Anchorages
1

Directions for entering harbour

4.151
Leading lights. From Spey Bay the alignment (292) of
leading lights (each a mast, 44 m apart) (exhibited
occasionally) on Middle Jetty leads towards the harbour
entrance which is 185 m wide.
Caution. When approaching the entrance mariners are
advised to note that there may be an appreciable set across
it from a NW--going tidal stream which usually begins
0520 HW Aberdeen (0300 HW Dover) and can, during
strong S winds, attain a rate of about 1 kn. The effect of
this set is augmented after heavy rain by the outflow from
River Lossie.
Useful marks with positions from South Pier pierhead:
Light (mast, 11 m in height) on South Pier.
Spire (2 cables SW) of United Free Church.

4.154
Spey Bay. Anchorage is available anywhere in Spey Bay
W of the meridian of 3W, but mariners are advised to
remain in depths of not less than 10 m. In the event of
strong NE winds the anchorage should be vacated at once
as in these conditions the sea quickly starts to break at a
considerable distance offshore.

Harbours
1

120

4.155
Portknockie Harbour (5742N 252W) is administered
by Moray Council (4.83). Although it is one of the best
protected small harbours on the S side of Moray Firth
considerable scend is often experienced within the harbour.
The village of Portknockie, where there is a church with
belfry, stands on a slope above the harbour.
The harbour, enclosed by piers and with a W--facing
entrance, consists of an outer basin where there are depths
of 2 m, and an inner basin, the greater part of which dries.

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CHAPTER 4

Portknockie from NE (4.155)

(Photograph -- Copyright Granted)

(Original dated 2001)

Findochty from NNE (4.155)

(Photograph -- Copyright Granted)

(Original dated 2001)

121

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CHAPTER 4

Spey Bridge

Garmouth

Mouth of River Spey from N (4.155)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph -- Copyright Granted)
3

Leading lights (white posts) lead in the harbour entrance,

but care is necessary when entering the harbour in strong N
winds.
Findochty Harbour (5742N 254W), administered by
Moray Council (4.83), is situated in front of the village of
Findochty at the head of a rocky cove close W of Long
Head. It consists of two basins enclosed within piers which
extend from the E and W sides of the cove, leaving a N
facing entrance 20 m wide, and which make the harbour
safe in all weathers.
The harbour effectively dries at LW spring tides, when
vessels unable to take the ground should use Sterlochy Pier,
1 cable N of the harbour entrance. The landward side of
the harbour is lined by a quay from which extend floating
pontoon berths.
The alignment (166) of leading lights leads in the
harbour entrance, but care is necessary when entering the
harbour as there are several dangers in the immediate
approach to the cove; these dangers may be avoided if the
harbour entrance is kept open during the approach.
Portgordon. At the small village of Portgordon
(5740N 301W) there is a small harbour that dries. When
approaching, care is necessary to avoid Craigan Roan,
about 1 cable N of the harbour.
River Spey enters Moray Firth at Mouth of Spey
(5740N 306W) which can be identified by Binn Hill
(2 miles W) (4.130) and by Spey Bridge which spans the
river about 1 mile inland. The village of Kingston lies close

10

11

122

W of Mouth of Spey. The configuration of Mouth of Spey

is subject to periodic change as the shingle banks through
which the river flows are eroded by winter floods and
offshore currents. The river, the most rapid--flowing and
one of the most prolific salmon fisheries in Scotland, is
accessible only by boats.
Local knowledge is required.
Chart 1462 plan of Hopeman
Hopeman Harbour. (5743N 326W) is administered
by Moray Council (4.83). The harbour projects from a
rocky coast and is enclosed by North, South, East and West
Piers, the configurations of which are best seen from the
chart; the village of Hopeman stands on a ridge close
behind. The harbour is divided into an outer and inner
basin, which almost completely dry, by Central Pier.
Vessels normally berth in Inner Basin. The entrance, at the
NW corner of the harbour, faces W, is 175 m wide and has
a depth of about 33 m at HW spring tides. Entry is
impracticable in heavy weather. Local knowledge is
required.
Directions. The alignment (081) of leading lights,
exhibited from East Pier, leads through the entrance
between N and S Piers but does not pass clear of all the
dangerous rocks which lie in the immediate approach. A
light (mast, 6 m in height) is exhibited from the S side of
the harbour entrance.

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Hopeman from ENE (4.155)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

HEAD OF MORAY FIRTH INCLUDING CROMARTY FIRTH,

INVERNESS FIRTH AND CALEDONIAN CANAL
GENERAL INFORMATION

the coast from Tarbat Ness (5752N 346W) to North

Sutor (12 miles S) and, on the SE side, the coast between
Burghead (5742N 330W) and Nairn (13 miles WSW).

Charts 223, 1078, 1791

General description
1

4.156
The head of Moray Firth is entered between Tarbat Ness
(5752N 346W) and Burghead 13 miles SE.
Cromarty Firth, a deep water inlet, enters the head of
Moray Firth 13 miles SSW of Tarbat Ness between North
and South Sutor.
Inverness Firth enters the head of Moray Firth at Fort
George (5735N 404W). In the vicinity of the town of
Inverness (about 7 miles SW of Fort George) River Ness,
the Caledonian Canal and Beauly Firth enter Inverness
Firth.
The Caledonian Canal extends from Inverness to the
head of Loch Linnhe (about 50 miles SW), described in
West Coast of Scotland Pilot, and affords passage to
coasting vessels.

Topography: Tarbat Ness to North Sutor

1

OUTER APPROACHES TO
CROMARTY FIRTH AND
INVERNESS FIRTH
General information
Chart 223

Description
1

4.157
The outer approaches to Cromarty and Inverness Firths
describe the sea area contained between, on the NW side,

123

4.158
Distant aspect. The coast on the NW side between
Tarbat Ness and the entrance to Cromarty Firth at North
Sutor appears from a distance as a line of sheer and bare
red sandstone cliffs which gradually increase in height to
the SSW; the line is unbroken except for a gap, 2 miles
wide centred 7 miles SSW of Tarbat Ness, in which the
land slopes down to the sea. At the S end the entrance to
Cromarty Firth between North and South Sutor appears as
a distinct cleft in the cliff line and is readily distinguished.
4.159
Tarbat Ness to Cadboll Point. Tarbat Ness (5752N
346W) is the low--lying extremity of an undulating and
largely cultivated peninsula extending 4 miles NE from the
coast; Tarbat Ness Light (4.48) stands on the extremity and
a prominent radio tower stands 1 miles SSW of the light.
The coast from Tarbat Ness to Cadboll Point (6 miles
SSW) is everywhere lined by cliffs, as indicated on the
chart, which increase in height SSW and which in places
are separated from the sea by a narrow strip of low flat
land.
4.160
Cadboll Point to Shandwick Bay. Between Cadboll
Point and a point, about 2 miles SSW, the coast forms a
shallow bight in which the cliffs give way to gently sloping

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grassland. Shandwick Bay, with the village of Shandwick at

its head and fringed by a white sandy beach, extends about
5 cables N from the S point of the bight to the vicinity of
the village of Balintore (4.179).
4.161
Shandwick Bay to North Sutor. At the S end of
Shandwick Bay steep cliffs, reddish in colour, recommence
abruptly and continue for 3 miles SSW, gradually
increasing in height as they approach North Sutor (5742N
359W), a bold headland and the N entrance point of
Cromarty Firth. Along this stretch of coast there are
numerous caves at the foot of the cliffs. At Port an Righ
(3 miles NNE of North Sutor) there is a distinct break in
the cliffs through which a stream flows into the sea, and
about 1 mile farther SSW another stream empties over a
waterfall which is prominent after heavy rain. The cliffs
everywhere are backed by Hill of Nigg, an undulating
tree--covered ridge, which attains its summit in Castle Craig
Hill (1 mile N of North Sutor).
4.162
The entire stretch of coast between Tarbat Ness and
North Sutor is fringed by reefs and detached rocks which,
except in the vicinity of Three Kings (3 miles NE of North
Sutor) (4.169), do not extend more than 1 cables from the
shore. Details of depths are best seen from the chart.

Currents
1

4.166
It has been reported that with W gales there is an
ENE--going current up to 4 miles wide and with a rate of
about 1 kn along the S side of the head of Moray Firth,
and a complementary WSW--going current in mid--channel.

Fishing
1

4.167
During the salmon fishing season (mid--February to late
August) nets extending up to 3 cables offshore are laid, at
right angles to the shore, at many places along the coast
between Tarbat Ness and North Sutor. The nets are usually
readily seen, not only by their floats but also by wooden
spreaders, used to keep the nets vertical, which project
above the surface and sometimes are marked by small
flags.

Principal marks
1

4.168
Landmarks:
Tarbat Ness Lighthouse (5752N 346W) (4.48).

Topography: Burghead to Nairn

4.163
Between Burghead and the narrow mouth of Findhorn
Bay (5 miles WSW) the coast recedes into Burghead Bay
which is fringed by a sandy beach. The SE side of the bay
is wooded; the S side is backed by sandhills 3 to 15 m
high.
From Findhorn Bay to Nairn, 8 miles WSW, the coast
is low--lying and fringed by extensive drying sandbanks.
The Old Bar and The Bar which extend between 1 miles
and 5 miles NE from Nairn Harbour comprise a
succession of shingle ridges from 3 to 7 m high, covered in
places by coarse grass. They are joined to the shore near
their centre but elsewhere are separated from it by drying
sands. The ridges are subject to continual change and the
area is not easily distinguished from seaward. This stretch
of coast is lined in the main by Culbin Forest with bare
sandhills in places.

Tarbat Ness Lighthouse from N (4.168)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph -- Air Images)

Rescue
1

4.164
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained at
Burghead and Nairn. For further details see 1.76.

Tidal streams
1

4.165
Along the coast between Tarbat Ness and North Sutor
the SW--going tidal stream begins at +0435 HW Aberdeen
(0530 HW Dover) and the NE--going at 0120 HW
Aberdeen (+0100 HW Dover), spring rate in both directions
to kn.
During strong winds between W and S the ENE--going
stream at the S end of the area may persist rather longer
and run rather more strongly than predicted with
corresponding reductions in both the duration and the rate
of the WSW--going stream. The same effect may be
expected during and after periods of heavy rain inland and
when the snow is melting in spring; the reverse effect may
be expected during strong winds between E and N.
For further details see information on the chart and in
Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: North Sea, Northwestern
Part.

Covesea Skerries Lighthouse (5743N 320W)

(4.134).
Radio Masts (5742N 328W) (4.134).
Wind generator (white tubular tower, 24 m in height)
(5739N 335W).
Monument (5737N 336W) at Forres.
TV mast (5738N 404W) (4.234).
Major lights:
Tarbat Ness Light (5752N 346W) (4.48).
Covesea Skerries Light (5743N 320W) (4.134).

Directions

(continued from 4.51 and 4.138)

124

4.169
From a position in mid--channel between Tarbat Ness
(4.159) and Burghead (4.137) passage to Cromarty Firth
Fairway Light--buoy (safe water; racon) (3 miles SE of
North Sutor) leads SW for 11 miles passing (positioned
from North Sutor (5742N 359W)):
NW of the coastal bank, which with depths over it of
less than 10 m, extends N from Burghead Bay,
thence:
Clear, as required by draught, of Guillam Bank
(6 miles ENE), situated in mid--channel and over
which in heavy weather there is a confused sea
with overfalls. An area in which unexploded
ordnance on the seabed has been reported (1999)
lies on Guillam Bank, thence:
SE of Three Kings (3 miles NE), a reef which partly
dries and over which the sea breaks in any swell;
the outer extremity of the reef lies about 5 cables
offshore and is marked 3 cables farther E by a
light--buoy (E cardinal); detached dangerous rocks

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CHAPTER 4

lie within 5 cables SSW of the reef, and a wreck

with an unsurveyed clearance depth of 8 m lies
2 cables NE of the light--buoy thence:
NW of a dangerous wreck (6 miles ESE). Mariners
are advised to pass at least 1 mile clear of the
coast between the entrance of Findhorn Bay and
Nairn.
Clearing line. Tarbat Ness Light bearing 025 and just
open SE of the coast at Rockfield (3 miles SSW) passes SE
of Three Kings and adjacent dangers.
4.170
Useful marks:
Ruined walls of Ballone Castle (2 miles SSW of
Tarbat Ness), prominent, on cliff edge.
Black silo (8 miles SW of Tarbat Ness), prominent,
about 1 mile inland from Balintore.
Clock--tower surmounted by spire (5 cables SSW of
Nairn Harbour entrance), prominent, near centre of
Nairn; two church spires stand nearby.
Large building (5736N 400W) (4.234) in former
McDermott Base.
(Directions continue for Cromarty Firth at 4.209,
and for approaches to Inverness Firth at 4.235)

Limiting conditions

Arrival information

Burghead Harbour

4.173
Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 40 gt. The pilot
boarding position is 1 mile W of the harbour entrance. For
details of communications see Admiralty List of Radio
Signals Volume 6 (1).
Times of entry. Vessels should arrive between 2 hours
before and 1 hour after HW.
Outer anchorage. A recommended anchorage lies
1 mile W of the harbour entrance in a depth of about 11 m,
sand. Disused cables in this vicinity are no longer
considered a hazard but a submarine outfall pipe, over
which depths may be about 25 m less than charted on
account of rock protection, extends 5 cables NW from the
extremity of Burghead.

Harbour

Chart 1462 plan of Burghead

General information

4.172
Depths shown within the harbour and entrance are liable
to change. For the latest information, consult the Harbour
Master.
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
Mean spring range about 35 m; mean neap range about
16 m.
Maximum size of vessel handled. Normally about 57 m
in length and 35 m in draught, but dependent upon
prevailing depths.

4.171
Position. Burghead Harbour (5742N 329W) is
situated on the SW side of a promontory terminating NW
in Burghead.
Function. The harbour is used mainly by fishing
vessels.
Topography. For details of Burghead see 4.137.
Harbour Authority. Moray Council (4.83). the position
of the Harbour Office is indicated on the chart.

4.174
General layout. The harbour entrance, which faces SSW
and is 18 m wide, lies between the head of South Pier and
the elbow of North Pier; the latter affords protection W.
The harbour consists of a single basin, the configuration of
which is best seen from the chart.
Natural conditions. During strong winds there is often a
considerable sea off Burghead and during gales there may
be some scend within the harbour, but with its SW aspect
and the shelter afforded by the promontory, Burghead
Harbour is often more accessible as a port of refuge than
any other harbour in the vicinity.

CG Lookout

North Pier

South Pier

Burghead Harbour from SW (4.174)

(Photograph -- Air Images)

(Original dated 1999)

125

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Directions for entering harbour

1

4.175
The promontory of Burghead is fringed on the N and W
sides by drying rock ledges, and on the SW side by drying
sands. The outer approach to the harbour leads over a
shallow coastal bank with depths over it of less than 5 m,
which in this vicinity extends about 2 cables W of the head
of North Pier.
Thence the immediate approach to the harbour entrance
(depth see 4.172) passes:
WNW of a light--beacon (metal tripod, starboard
hand) on outer extremity of a groyne extending
115 m SSW from near the head of South Pier;
thence:
Close E of a short concrete piled jetty which projects
S from the head of North Pier; a light (concrete
and steel structure, 3 m in height) stands on the
head of the jetty. A light (concrete tower, 6 m in
height) stands on the head of North Pier.
The E side of the harbour entrance is marked by a light
(wooden structure, 3 m in height) on the head of South
Pier.

Coastal anchorage: north--west side

Minor harbours on north--west side

1

Berths
1

4.176
The harbour is lined by quays; parts dry, elsewhere there
are depths not exceeding 14 m but subject to variation by
silting.

Port services
1

Chart 223
4.178
Coasters can find temporary fair--weather anchorage at
the following locations (positioned from Tarbat Ness):
5 cables E of Wilkhaven (5 cables SSW) (4.179) in
depths of 13 to 14 m with the extremity of Tarbat
Ness bearing 321.
5 cables E of Rockfield (3 miles SSW) (4.179) in a
depth of about 15 m with the extremity of the land
NE bearing 017.
Off Shandwick Bay (8 miles SSW) with the
breakwater at Balintore (4.179) bearing 314
distant 4 cables in a depth of 14 m, sand, fair
holding only; there is nearly always a swell in this
anchorage and it is untenable in E weather. Great
care must be taken to avoid a submarine oil
pipeline which, as indicated on the chart, is landed
in Shandwick Bay from the Beatrice Oil Field
(4.12).

4.177
Supplies: limited fuel and provisions; water from
quayside hydrants.

4.179
Wilkhaven (5 cables SSW of Tarbat Ness), a fishing
village with a boat haven and small jetty, lies at the head
of a shallow cliff--lined indentation of the coast. The jetty
is accessible to boats near HW in fine weather but a reef
with dangerous rocks lies 1 cable E of the jetty head.
Rockfield (3 miles SSW of Tarbat Ness) is a fishing
village with a 90 m long stone jetty extending along the
edge of a narrow fissure in the reef which fringes the
shore. Landing at the jetty is possible near HW in fine
weather but any swell is troublesome.
About 1 miles SSW of Rockfield a break in the coastal
reef abreast a small cleft in the cliffs allows landing in fine
weather over coarse sand, but is not well suited for
ordinary boats.

Balintore Harbour from SE (4.179)

(Original dated 1998)
(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

126

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Findhorn Entrance from NW (4.179)

(Photograph -- Copyright Granted)
4

(Original dated 2001)

Balintore (5745N 355W), a village, lies at the N end

of Shandwick Bay and has a small harbour which is
protected N and E by a curved breakwater from which a
light is exhibited. The harbour dries and although the sea
breaks over the breakwater in E gales, fair shelter is
afforded to small craft.
There is a small jetty at the village of Hilton of Cadboll
(6 cables NE of Balintore Harbour).
Landing is seldom possible on the beach fringing
Shandwick Bay (4.160) because of swell.

Minor harbours on SW side

6

Findhorn Bay (5740N 337W), most of which dries,

is the estuary of River Findhorn and is entered through a
narrow and tortuous channel between drying sandbanks;
this channel is obstructed by a bar over which the sea
breaks even in moderate N weather. The position of the
channel and the bar continually change. The village of
Findhorn lies on the E bank, close within the entrance, and
can be reached at HW plus or minus 2 hours by craft
drawing less than 2 m.
A tide gauge is marked with black, white and red bands,
black upper--most. When the red band is just covered, there
is a working depth in the channel of 2 m; when the white
band is covered, 3 m.
Directions. A buoy (safe water, spherical topmark)
marks the approach to the entrance channel. The channel is
marked by light--buoys and poles. Some of the entrance
buoyage is lifted over winter, November to early April.
Note should be made of wrecks lying N of the approaches
to Findhorn, one with a depth of 3 m over it.
Berths. Anchorage may be found 2 cables SE of the
Windsock but tidal streams are strong. Craft alongside the
piers take the ground at LW.
Chart 1462 plan of Nairn, 223
Nairn. Nairn Harbour (5735N 352W) lies at the
mouth of River Nairn. The harbour is entered between two

10

11

12

13

piers which extend seaward, one from each side of the

river mouth. The town of Nairn stands on the W bank of
the river which is spanned 2 cables within the pierheads by
a road bridge. The harbour is administered by the Highland
Council. Local knowledge is advised for entry 1 hours
either side of HW.
Directions. In the NE approach to the harbour, the outer
extremity of a submarine sewer extending from the shore is
marked by a buoy (special) (5 cables NE of harbour
entrance).
The coast in the vicinity of Fearn Head (7 cables W of
harbour entrance) should be given a berth of at least
5 cables as rocks, some of which dry and over which the
sea nearly always breaks, extend 2 cables offshore.
The close approach to the harbour entrance and the
entrance channel leading between the piers dry. A sand and
shingle bank closes off the entrance channel at LW spring
tides.
Useful marks:
Light (8--sided concrete tower, 5 m in height) on head
of E pier.
Light (grey post) on head of W pier.
Clock--tower surmounted by spire (5 cables SSW of
W pierhead) (4.170).

CROMARTY FIRTH
General information
Charts 1077, 1889 and 1890

Position
1

4.180
Entrance to Cromarty Firth 5741N 400W.

Function
1

127

4.181
Cromarty Firth is the best deep water harbour on the NE
coast of Scotland and affords sheltered anchorage for

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CHAPTER 4

Nairn from S (4.179)

(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

(Original dated 2001)

Nairn from N (4.179)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

128

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vessels of all types and sizes. Invergordon (57415N

4100W) is a major centre for the support of offshore oil
operations as well as having a significant general
commercial trade, including cruise ships and Ro--Ro traffic.
An oil rig fabrication yard and an oil terminal are also
located in the firth.

Rescue
1

Topography: The Sutors to Invergordon

4.182
Entrance. Cromarty Firth is entered between South
Sutor (5741N 400W), a bold headland which attains its
summit in Gallow Hill (7 cables SW), and North Sutor
(8 cables NNE) (4.161); from seaward both headlands are
similar in shape and appearance, and both slope W to low
ground within the firth. About 1 miles within the entrance
the firth opens out on either hand.
On the south side, between the village of Cromarty,
which stands on The Ness (5741N 402W) (4.209), and
Newhall Point or Chapelton Point (4 miles W) the shore
forms a shallow bight of which Udale Bay is the W part.
A drying sandbank fringes the W part of the bight and fills
the greater part of Udale Bay.
On the north side, the shore of the firth recedes to
form Nigg Bay, an extensive inlet extending between an oil
rig fabrication yard on reclaimed land opposite The Ness,
and Invergordon. Nigg Sands, a drying flat, covered in
places by stones and weeds and steep--to on its S edge, fills
the whole of Nigg Bay except at the shallow W part. The
oil rig fabrication yard contains numerous large buildings
and cranes; fuel storage tanks associated with Nigg Oil
Terminal, which extends from the SW corner of the
reclaimed land, stand N of the yard.
The small town of Invergordon is situated on a salient
point at the W end of Nigg Bay. A conspicuous spire
stands near the centre of the town with a large distillery,
having two towers, about 5 cables NNE.
National Nature Reserves are established in Nigg Bay
and Udale Bay. See 1.66.

Topography: Invergordon to Balconie Point

4.183
South side. Between Newhall Point and Castlecraig
(4 miles SSW) the land slopes regularly down to the
shore from a ridge about 60 m high situated 5 cables inland
and is fringed by a drying weed--covered bank.
North side. Between Invergordon and Balconie Point
(57394N 4183W) the shore is everywhere bordered by
a drying flat composed mainly of sand, mud and stones;
the extent of this flat is best seen from the chart. River
Alness flows into the firth close E of Alness Point
(2 miles W of Invergordon) on which Alness storehouse
(4.210) is prominent; in this vicinity the drying flat is
encumbered with numerous cairns. Dalmore Distillery
(7 cables NE of Alness Point) is readily distinguished.
Between Alness and Balconie Points the shore recedes into
Alness Bay which is totally filled by Ardroy Sands, part of
the drying flat previously described. In the vicinity of
Balconie Point the edge of the drying flat is marked in
places by stone cairns.

Military wreck

4.185
Coastguard. Auxiliary Station is maintained at
Cromarty. For further details see 1.76.
Lifeboat. An RNLI all--weather lifeboat is stationed at
Invergordon and is berthed on Centre Pier as indicated on
the chart. For further details see 1.87.

Port limits
1

4.186
As indicated on the chart.

Traffic
1

4.187
In 2004, 420 vessels totalling 5 795 669 dwt used the
combined ports of Cromarty Firth, Invergordon and Nigg
Oil Terminal.

Port authority
1

4.188
Cromarty Firth Port Authority, Port Office, Shore Road,
Invergordon, Ross--shire, Scotland IV18 0HD.
E--mail: cfpa@cfpa.co.uk
Website: www.cfpa.co.uk

Limiting conditions
Controlling depth

4.189
There is a least depth of 151 m in the approach channel
between Cromarty Firth Fairway Light--buoy and The
Sutors. Vessels with a draught of 17 m have used the firth.

Vertical clearance
1

4.190
Cromarty Bridge (5737N 422W) is supported by 67
pillars about 20 m apart; vertical clearance is 25 m; the
bridge is unlit.

Deepest and longest berths

1

4.191
Tankers. Nigg Oil Terminal Jetty (4.219).
Oilfield cargo. Invergordon Service and Supply Base
(4.222).
General cargo. Saltburn Pier (4.220).

Tidal levels
1

4.192
See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. Mean spring
range about 36 m; mean neap range about 17 m.

Density of water
1

4.193
Dependent on position within the firth; mean value
1022 g/cm3.

Maximum size of vessels handled

1

4.184
A restricted area, in accordance with 1.65, is established
with a radius of 100 m, as shown on the chart, to protect a
military wreck (57412N 4053W).
129

4.194
Nigg Oil Terminal Jetty: tankers up to 157 000 dwt;
lengths, maximum 290 m LOA; draught constrained by
depth in approach to the firth.
Saltburn Pier: vessels up to 294 m LOA; maximum
draught subject to tidal conditions.
Admiralty Pier: 345 m LOA; maximum draught subject
to tidal conditions.
Invergordon Service and Supply Base. A vessel of
99 000 dwt has been accommodated in ballast condition,
and vessels up to 300 m LOA can be accepted.

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Arrival information

Harbour
General layout

Notice of ETA required

4.195
Twenty four hours notice of ETA is required. For further
details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6 (1).

Outer anchorage

4.196
There is anchorage for tankers in a depth of about 21 m,
sand and mud, 3 miles ESE of South Sutor as indicated
on the chart.

Submarine cable
1

4.197
A submarine power cable is laid SE across the firth
from the W side of Alness Point (57408N 4155W) as
indicated on the chart; its landing place on both shores is
marked by beacons.

Pilotage and tugs

1

4.198
Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels except the
following:
Vessels, excluding fishing vessels, under 300 gt.
All fishing vessels under 475 m LOA.
Vessels moving within the pilotage district with the
permission of the Harbour Master.
Pilotage services are available 24 hours a day, with
certain exceptions. Pilot boarding positions, indicated on
the chart, are as follows:
Tankers bound for Nigg Oil Terminal, and other
deep--draught vessels: 6 cables SE of Cromarty
Firth Fairway Light--buoy (57396N 3534W).
Other vessels: 11 miles E of The Ness.
For further information, see Admiralty List of Radio
Signals Volume 6 (1).
Tugs are available.

Local knowledge
1

Caution
1

4.199
Local knowledge is advised for navigation above
Dalmore (57413N 4145W).

Regulations
1

4.200
Reporting. All vessels are to report to Port Radio as
follows:
When passing Buss Bank Light--buoy (57409N
3595W) inbound or outbound.
When departing the berth.
When secured on the berth.
Speed. Between lines joining South Sutor and North
Sutor in the E, and The Ness and Nigg Oil Terminal in the
W, vessels must not exceed a speed of 8 kn.
Bye--laws, details of which are available from the
Harbour Master, are in force. See also Admiralty List of
Radio Signals Volume 6 (1) concerning general regulations
for vessels over 1600 gt carrying dangerous and polluting
goods. See also 1.50 to 1.58.

4.203
Semi--submersible or jack--up oil rigs are liable to be
encountered anywhere in the Cromarty Firth port area,
including moored alongside in the vicinity of the Service
and Supply Base at Invergordon. Anchors, buoys, small
craft and ancillary plant are liable to be encountered up to
900 m from moored rigs. Mariners are instructed to give
rigs a wide berth where possible, and at all times to
proceed with utmost caution when in their vicinity. Rigs
berthed at the Service and Supply Base should be passed at
a distance of at least 1 cable.

Marine farms
1

4.204
Marine farming takes place at the following locations
which are indicated on the chart:
In an area centred 5 cables S of South Sutor.
In an area centred on a position 2 miles E of
Newhall Point.
See 1.19.

Ferry
1

Quarantine

4.201
Quarantine anchorage position is available on request to
the Port Authority.

4.202
Cromarty Firth extends 7 miles W from its entrance
and thence 9 miles SW to its head at the town of Dingwall
(5736N 425W). About 2 miles below Dingwall it is
spanned by Cromarty Bridge (4.190), which carries a road
over the firth and lies near the W limit of the port.
Port installations. Within the limits of the harbour the
following separate port installations are dispersed along the
N shore of the firth between North Sutor and Balconie
Point:
Oil rig fabrication yard (57419N 4020W) on
reclaimed land at the foot of the W slopes of Hill
of Nigg.
Nigg Oil Terminal and Jetty situated adjacent to the
oil rig fabrication yard. The terminal is used for
the import, export and transhipment of crude oil by
tanker. A land and submarine pipeline connects the
terminal to the Beatrice Oil Field (4.12).
Saltburn Pier (57413N 4083W), operated by
Cromarty Firth Port Authority and used for general
commercial trade and bulk cargoes.
Admiralty Pier (57412N 4097W), which is
privately owned and handles cruise liners.
Cromarty Firth Port Authority berths at Invergordon
including West Harbour (1 cables W of
Admiralty Pier) and Invergordon Service and
Supply Base (3 cables W of Admiralty Pier), an
extensive complex supporting offshore oil
operations including the inspection, refit and
maintenance of rigs; it is also used for general
commercial operations.
Highland Deephaven Jetty (57399N 4167W) at
Evanton, used mainly for loading of submarine
pipelines, but also by coasters and oilfield support
vessels.

4.205
A ferry plies between the harbour at Cromarty and Nigg
Pier (8 cables NE).

Tidal streams
1

130

4.206
The following details supplement the tidal stream
information which is shown on the charts.

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General. When the snow is melting in spring and during

and after periods of heavy rain, both the duration and rate
of the out--going tidal stream are increased and those of the
in--coming tidal stream are correspondingly decreased.
Close off the entrance to Cromarty Firth the in--going
tidal stream begins +0605 HW Aberdeen (0400 HW
Dover) and the out--going at 0105 HW Aberdeen
(+0115 HW Dover), spring rate in both directions 1 kn.
Off Invergordon, in the conditions described above
where the quantity of water flowing down the firth has
been augmented, there may be a continuous out--going
stream, with a spring rate of 2 kn, on the surface while
the sub--surface stream continues to run normally. In the
vicinity of Admiralty Pier tidal streams are greatly affected
by the flow of water down the firth.

Climate information
1

4.207
For Invergordon see 1.155 and 1.161.

extends more than 2 cables offshore around South

Sutor.
When abreast of Buss Bank Light--buoy course should
be adjusted to pass in mid--channel (positioned from The
Ness (5741N 402W)):
S of Nigg Ferry Pier (7 cables NE) from the E head
of which a light (metal structure, 4 m in height) is
exhibited, thence:
N of The Ness, a low point with the village of
Cromarty and rising land behind; Cromarty Light
(disused) (4.208) stands near the extremity of the
point, thence:
S of Nigg Oil Terminal Jetty (5 cables NNW); a
light (grey metal framework tower, 27 m in height,
floodlit) stands on the central island of the jetty;
lights (each a grey post, 5 m in height) stand on
the outermost mooring dolphin E and W of the
central island.
Clearing line. The alignment (268) of Hugh Millers
Monument (3 cables SSE of The Ness) (4.208) with the N
extremity of South Sutor passes S of Cromarty Bank.

Principal marks
1

4.208
Landmarks with positions from Cromarty Lighthouse
(disused) (57409N 4022W):
Cromarty Lighthouse (disused) (white tower, 13 m in
height), conspicuous, on The Ness.
Hugh Millers Monument (2 cables SSE), a large
and conspicuous statue, which from a distance
resembles a minaret, standing on the hillside above
Cromarty village.
Spire of Gaelic Kirk (2 cables SSE), also
conspicuous, and standing cable SW of Hugh
Millers Monument with which it should not be
confused.
TV mast (3 miles SSW) (4.234).
Spire (57414N 4102W), conspicuous, in
Invergordon.
Two storage tanks (2 cables S of conspicuous spire
described above) in Invergordon Service and
Supply Base.

Nigg Oil Terminal to Invergordon

Directions for entering harbour

(continued from 4.170)

Fairway Light--buoy to Nigg Oil Terminal

1

4.209
From a position close S of Cromarty Firth Fairway
Light--buoy (safe water; racon) (5740N 354W) the
approach to the entrance to Cromarty Firth leads WNW by
a fairway about 500 m wide, minimum depth see 4.189,
passing:
Close SSW of Cromarty Bank Light--buoy (starboard
hand) moored about 3 cables SSW of the SE
extremity of Cromarty Bank which, with depths
over it of less than 10 m, extends 1 miles ESE
from North Sutor. Due account should be taken of
the tidal streams which, in the vicinity of Cromarty
Bank, set diagonally across the approach to the
firth, thence:
In mid--channel between North and South Sutor
(4.182) noting that Buss Bank Light--buoy (port
hand) is moored close off the N edge of a bank
with depths of less than 10 m over it which

131

4.210
Leading bearings:
Novar House (57408N 4196W), conspicuous,
bearing 267 ahead and open its own width S of
the extremity of Admiralty Pier at Invergordon, or,
if Novar House cannot be identified,
The extremity of Admiralty Pier bearing 268 ahead.
From a position in mid--channel S of Nigg Oil
Terminal Jetty these leading bearings lead about
2 miles W in mid--channel between banks on
either hand passing (positioned from The Ness):
S of Nigg Sands East Light--buoy (starboard hand)
(1 miles WNW), moored in a depth of 10 m on
the S edge of Nigg Sands, thence:
Clear, but preferably N, of a wreck (16 miles W)
over which there is a swept depth of 109 m; the
wreck is marked 1 cable E by a light--buoy
(isolated danger). It is necessary to make a
temporary deviation from the leading bearings to
pass clear of this wreck, thence:
S of Nigg Sands West Light--buoy (starboard hand)
(2 miles W) moored in a depth of 10 m on the S
edge of Nigg Sands. Unlighted barges or pontoons
up to 300 m in length may be secured to mooring
buoys laid on the S side of the channel between
SE and SSW of Nigg Sands West Light--buoy.
Thence mariners bound for Saltburn Pier (57413N
4083W) can continue to follow the lines of bearing
previously described or manoeuvre as required for berthing.
Those bound for Invergordon or beyond should adjust
course to bring into alignment (268) Alness storehouse
(57409N 4153W), a large, prominent, but disused
building with buttresses, situated in front of several large
hangars on the E side of Alness Point, and Novar House
(2 miles W) by passing:
S, in mid--channel, of Saltburn Pier; lights are
exhibited from the outermost mooring dolphin E
and W of the pierhead. And:
N of Newhall Light--buoy (port hand) (3 cables
SSE). Thence:
S of Admiralty Pier at a distance of 2 cables or as
required for berthing at Invergordon.

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4.211
Useful marks with positions from Nigg Oil Terminal
Jetty:
Church tower (2 miles NNW), prominent, at
Kilmuir.
Beacon No 2, No 3 and No 4 (each of wooden piles
and in ruins) (respectively 1 mile NW, 1 miles W
and 2 miles W) marking the S side of drying
parts of Nigg Sands.
Lights, the positions of which are best seen from the
chart, exhibited from Admiralty Pier and
Invergordon Service and Supply Base.

Berths and basins

Anchorage

4.215
There is anchorage anywhere in the fairway between
Cromarty and Invergordon in depths not exceeding 30 m. In
the vicinity of Invergordon the holding ground is only fair
and deep water space is restricted; large vessels anchored
in this vicinity may experience difficulty when getting
under way during the out--going tidal stream. Numbered
anchor berths for ships are indicated on the chart.

Moorings
Invergordon to head of navigation

4.212
From a position about 2 cables S of Admiralty Pier the
track continues W on the alignment (268) of Alness
storehouse and Novar House passing:
N of Newhall Point, thence:
S of Invergordon Service and Supply Base, giving a
wide berth to any rigs berthed in the vicinity
(4.203), thence:
S of a light--buoy (special) (11 mile WNW of
Newhall Point) moored at the outer extremity of a
sewer outfall extending from a position on the N
shore close S of Rosskeen Kirk, the dome of
which is prominent among trees; a beacon marks
the outfall where it crosses the edge of the drying
flats. A trot of mooring buoys lies on the S side of
the channel between Newhall Point and the outfall.
From the vicinity of the sewer outfall the channel begins
to change direction in a gentle curve to the SW passing:
N of Ferryton Point (57404N 4129W) on which a
former storehouse is conspicuous, thence:
SSE of a light--buoy (special) moored 1 cable SSE of
an earth and rubble embankment which extends
3 cables SSE across the drying flats from a
position on the shore 4 cables ENE of Alness
storehouse. A light (concrete and brick tower, 5 m
in height) stands on a ruined tower at the seaward
extremity of the embankment, thence:
SSE of Burbridge Light--buoy (starboard hand)
(57405N 4150W), thence:
NNW of Cullicudden Light--buoy (port hand)
(57401N 4158W), thence:
SE of Highland Deephaven Jetty (1 mile ENE of
Balconie Point) (4.223) from which a light (grey
metal mast, 7 m in height) is exhibited.
4.213
Above Balconie Point depths commence to decrease and
the firth becomes increasingly encumbered by drying
sandbanks which require local knowledge to navigate.
Directions are therefore not given. Small craft capable of
passing beneath Cromarty Bridge (4.190) can reach
Dingwall (5 miles SW of Balconie Point).
4.214
Useful marks with positions from Newhall Point:
Inverbreakie Ferry House (4 cables W).
Spire of Rosskeen Free Church (2 miles NW),
conspicuous.
Flag staff (6 cables N) at Invergordon Boating Club.
Monument (57417N 4203W), conspicuous and
resembling a colonnade, near the summit of Cnoc
Fyrish, a wooded hill.

4.216
There are a number of mooring buoys on the S side of
the fairway both E and W of Invergordon; the positions of
individual buoys are best seen from the chart.

Cromarty
1

4.217
General information. Cromarty Harbour lies between
two small piers which project from the W side of The
Ness. Most of the harbour dries but it is used by fishing
boats and by a ferry which plies to Nigg Ferry Pier.
Anchorage can be found for coasters about 2 cables W
of the harbour in a depth of about 6 m as indicated on the
chart.

Cromarty Harbour (4.217)

(Original dated 1998)
(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

Oil rig fabrication yard

1

4.218
A narrow inlet, depth 51 m, affords access to a berth at
a quay situated about 1 cable W of the entrance to a
graving dock.

Nigg Oil Terminal

1

2
3

132

4.219
General description. Nigg Oil Terminal Jetty lies at the
extremity of a pier which extends 500 m SW from near the
SW corner of the oil rig fabrication yard. It consists of a
central island with mooring dolphins situated up to 160 m
E and W of the centre.
Depth alongside. 21 m.
Maximum size of vessel handled. See 4.194.
Directions for berthing. Tankers may berth either port
or starboard side--to, although port side--to is the normal
arrangement, with the aid of at least two tugs. A submarine
outfall pipe extends S from close W of the root of the pier

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Oil rig Fabrication yard

Oil Terminal

Nigg Oil Terminal from SW (4.219)

(Original dated 1999)

(Photograph -- Air Images)

to a position E of the jetty; the alignment of this outfall is

marked on the shore by two beacons (each yellow with
triangular topmark).

Saltburn Pier
1

4.220
General information. Saltburn Pier is the L--shaped
head of a combined causeway and pier which extends
4 cables SSE from a position on the shore 8 cables ENE
of the conspicuous spire (4.208) in Invergordon. The head
is 24 m wide and 97 m long, and is prolonged by three
mooring dolphins, two lying off the E end and one off the
W end of the pier.

Invergordon Service and Supply Base

1

(Original dated 1999)

2
3

Depth alongside: S face dredged to 115 m; N face

50 m6.
Maximum size of vessel handled. See 4.194.

Invergordon: Admiralty Pier

4.221
General information. Admiralty Pier extends SSE from
a position on the shore about 2 cables ESE of the
conspicuous spire and terminates in a T--shaped head,

4.222
General information. Invergordon Service and Supply
Base extends from West Harbour (2 cables SSE of
conspicuous spire in Invergordon) to The Queens Dock,
4 cables farther W.
Berths. A quay (Nos 2, 3 and 4 Berths), 290 m in
length, extends W along the S side of the base from the
entrance of West Harbour. Minimum depth alongside Nos 2
and 3 Berths is 85 m; No 4 Berth has a maintained depth
of 145 m in a pocket, which lies 15 m off the line of the
quay, and which overlaps the W end. There are shoaler
depths alongside. The Queens Dock, at the W end of the
base, is an artificial basin open S and with a quay on its E
side. The E part of the basin and its approaches have a
maintained depth of 12 m.

Evanton: Highland Deephaven Jetty

Saltburn Pier from SE (4.220)

(Photograph -- Air Images)

which is 135 m long and augmented at each end by two

mooring dolphins; the N sides of the dolphins prolong the
line of the inner face of the pierhead. Spurs, which are
faced, project E and W from the pier about 40 m from its
head. The E spur is disused and the W spur condemned
(2005).
Depths alongside: S side of pierhead dredged to 105 m
(1998); considerably lesser depths on N side.
Maximum size of vessel handled. See 4.194.

133

4.223
General information. Highland Deephaven Jetty
(57399N 4167W) is situated at the seaward end of the
Highland Deephaven Causeway which extends 6 cables E
across drying flats from a position on the shore 5 cables
NNE of Balconie Point. The causeway is 15 m wide,
expanding to 35 m at the jetty.
Depth. Least depth 6 m alongside head of jetty.
Directions for berthing. Vessels loading pipelines berth
stern--to; smaller vessels up to about 80 m in length can
berth alongside.

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The Queens Dock

West Harbour

Admiralty Pier

Invergordon from ESE (4.221)

(Original dated 1999)

(Photograph -- Air Images)

Port services
Repairs

4.224
General repairs can be effected. Divers are available.
At the Nigg oil rig fabrication yard there is a graving
dock: extreme length 366 m, length on bottom 305 m;
width of entrance 122 m; depth over sill at MHWS 130 m.
The W side of the dock is sheet piled. When open, the
dock entrance caisson is berthed at two dolphins on the W
side of an area, maximum depth 90 m, which affords
approach to the entrance.
Fort George from WNW (4.227)

Other facilities
1

Supplies
1

(Original dated 1999)

4.225
Medical. Nearest hospital is at Inverness.
Oily waste. Facilities for reception of some oily wastes
and dirty ballast are available at Nigg Oil Terminal Jetty.
Deratting can be carried out and deratting exemption
certificates can be issued.

(Photograph -- Air Images)

4.226
Fuel oils. At Invergordon Service and Supply Base and,
by arrangement, at other berths.
Fresh water. At most berths.
Provisions are available.

APPROACHES TO INVERNESS FIRTH

General information
Charts 223, 1077

Description

4.227
The approaches to Inverness Firth, situated at the head
of Moray Firth, are enclosed on the NW side by the coast
between South Sutor (5741N 400W) and Chanonry
Point (7 miles SSW), and on the S side by the coast
between Nairn (5735N 352W) and Fort George (7 miles
W). The approaches are divided into North Channel and
South Channel by Riff Bank.

Topography
1

4.228
On the NW side of the approaches the coast between
South Sutor (4.182) and the village of Rosemarkie
134

(6 miles SW) consists of steep, dark red cliffs backed by

a ridge of well wooded hills which attain elevations in
excess of 200 m. Rosemarkie, where there is a prominent
turreted church, lies at the mouth of a steep ravine.
Chanonry Ness, a low tongue of sand and shingle,
extends 1 miles SE from Rosemarkie and terminates in
Chanonry Point (57344N 4055W), the W entrance
point of Inverness Firth, on which stands a light (4.234).
There are a number of prominent features on Chanonry
Ness including (positioned from Chanonry Point) several
substantial buildings close to the light--tower, a water tower
(2 cables W) and Ness House (8 cables NW) (4.235).
A radio mast (245 m in height; red obstruction lights)
(not charted) is conspicuous on a hill 6 miles WNW of
Chanonry Point.
4.229
On the S side of the approaches the coast between Nairn
and a point (5736N 400W) 4 miles W consists of a
low shingle ridge backed, in the E part by sand dunes and
rough grassland about 25 m high, and in the W part by a
long narrow lagoon with low wooded land beyond. The
former McDermott Base (closed 2004), consisting of
numerous large installations, stands very prominently on the
S shore of the lagoon.
Thence, between the point described above and Fort
George (2 miles WSW), the coast is low and bordered by
White Ness Sand, an extensive drying flat. Fort George,
built in 1746 and still in use as a military depot, stands on
the extremity of a gravel spit forming the E entrance point
of Inverness Firth.

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Former McDermott Base from NW (4.234)

(Original dated 1999)

(Photograph -- Air Images)

3

Fort George firing range covers the approaches to

Inverness Firth.
4.230
Riff Bank lies with its NE end 2 miles SSE of South
Sutor and extends 3 miles SW. A shallow ridge, parts of
which dry, occupies the centre of the SW half of the bank;
during NE winds the sea breaks over this ridge.

Principal marks:

Limiting conditions
1

streams are running at strength there are eddies and

considerable turbulence in the narrows between the fort and
Chanonry Point.
During SE winds the SW--going tidal stream is stronger
in South Channel than in North Channel, but there is less
sea.
See also information on the chart.

4.231
North Channel, the wider and more frequented of the
two approach channels, has a least depth of about 6 m on
the initial leading bearing (4.235); full details of depths are
best seen from the chart.
South Channel, although considerably deeper than
North Channel, is much narrower, the fairway between the
5 m depth contours on either hand at its SW end being
only 1 cables wide. The sides of the channel are steep--to
but they are sparsely marked and there are no suitable
leading marks to assist navigation.
Local knowledge is required for South Channel.

4.234
Landmarks:
Large building (37 m in height) (57357N
3597W), resembling a hangar, conspicuous, and
the principal feature of the former McDermott
Base (closed 2004).
TV mast (red obstruction lights) (57380N
4044W), 125 m in height on Eathie Hill.
Major light:
Chanonry Point Light (white tower, 13 m in height)
(57344N 4056W).

Directions

Fishing
1

4.232
Salmon nets extend from many places on both the NW
and S shores.

Tidal streams
1

(continued from 4.170)

4.233
In both North and South Channels tidal streams follow
the axis of the channels and run as follows:
Interval from HW
Aberdeen (HW Dover)

Remarks

+0605 (0400)

SW--going tidal stream begins.

0220 (HW)

Tidal stream slack.

0105 (+0115)

NE--going tidal stream begins.

+0440 (0525)

Tidal stream slack.

The tidal streams are strongest off Fort George where

the SW--going stream attains a spring rate of 2 kn and the
NE--going stream a spring rate of 3 kn. When the tidal

Charts 1077, 1078

North Channel
1

135

4.235
Leading bearing. Mariners are advised to make initially
for a position about 1 miles S of the E extremity of
South Sutor (57406N 3596W) from where Ness House
(8 cables NW of Chanonry Point Light), a high building,
bearing 223 ahead leads through the fairway of North
Channel passing:
NW of Riff Bank East Light -- buoy (special)
(2 miles SSE of South Sutor), thence:
Close SE of Navity Bank Light--buoy (starboard
hand) (2 miles SSW of South Sutor) moored
1 cables SE of the outer edge of Navity Bank
which extends nearly 1 mile off shore, thence:
SE of Craigolie (3 miles SW of South Sutor), the
largest of a group of drying rocks about 2 cables
offshore, thence:

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Chanonry Point from SW (4.237)

(Original dated 1998)
(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

Close NW of Riff Bank North Light--buoy (port

hand) (2 miles NNE of W extremity of Fort
George), noting that to do so it is necessary to
deviate slightly to the NW of the leading bearing,
thence:
NW of the shallowest part of Riff Bank (1 miles
NNE of W extremity of Fort George) (4.230),
thence:
NW of Riff Bank West Light--buoy (special) (9 cables
NNE of W extremity of Fort George).

4.236
Leading bearing. When abreast Riff Bank West
Light--buoy the track leads SSW with Chanonry Point Light
(4.234) bearing 194 ahead, passing (positioned from
Chanonry Point Light):
ESE of Buckle Rock (1 mile NNW), a dangerous
rock situated near the E edge of an extensive
shallow bank which fills Rosemarkie Bay, and:
WNW of Craigmee (9 cables ENE), a rocky ledge
extending nearly 4 cables NW from the shore in
the vicinity of Fort George; Craigmee Light--buoy
(port hand) is moored cable W of the outer edge
of Craigmee.
4.237
Leading bearing. Shortly after passing Craigmee the
track leads S with the conspicuous water tower (2 miles
SSE of Chanonry Point) (4.252) bearing 170 ahead,
passing (with positions from Chanonry Point):
W of Fort George (7 cables NW) (4.229), thence:
E of Chanonry Point (4.228) at a distance of about
2 cables; a light (4.234) stands on the point.

Caution. Careful steering is required when approaching

and transiting the narrows between Fort George and
Chanonry Point on account of the tidal streams (4.233).
4.238
Useful marks:
Spire of Free Church (1 miles WNW of Chanonry
Point) (4.252).
Flag poles on Fort George firing ranges as indicated
on the chart; when the ranges are active a red flag
is flown by day and a red light exhibited by night
from each flag pole.

South Channel
1

4.239
No directions are given (see 4.231).
(Directions continue for Inverness Firth at 4.254)

INVERNESS FIRTH
General information
Chart 1078

General description

136

4.240
Inverness Firth is entered between Chanonry Point
(57344N 4055W) and Fort George (7 cables NE) and
extends 7 miles SW to where it narrows to a form channel
about 1 cables wide between Craigton Point (57300N
4140W) (4.259) (to the N and the mouth of River Ness
to the S. About 5 cables W of Craigton Point the channel
widens into Beauly Firth which extends a further 5 miles
W and is shallow and much encumbered by drying
sandbanks; Beauly Firth is not described.

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CHAPTER 4

Kessock Road extends 3 to 11 cables W of Craigton

Point.
Inverness Harbour (4.262) lies close within the mouth of
River Ness.
The N entrance to the Caledonian Canal lies on the S
side of Kessock Road, 1 mile WSW of Craigton Point, and
is described commencing at 4.271.

Topography

4.241
North--western side. Between Chanonry Point (4.228)
and the mouth of Munlochy Bay (3 miles WSW) the firth
forms a bight the shores of which are fringed by a beach
of sand and gravel. The small town of Fortrose, where
there is a small harbour (4.269), stands on a terrace
1 miles WNW of Chanonry Point at the inner end of
Chanonry Ness (4.228); the village of Avoch, also with a
small harbour (4.270), lies at the mouth of a valley
1 miles further WSW.
Munlochy Bay is entered between Wood Hill to the N
and Craigiehowe to the S, two somewhat similar steep
points, and extends 2 miles W; the bay almost completely
dries and is a bird sanctuary.
Between Munlochy Bay and Craigton Point the coast is
fringed by a narrow drying bank of sand and stones with
occasional outcrops of rock and is backed by a wooded
ridge which culminates in Ord Hill (7 cables N of Craigton
Point) (4.252).
The village of North Kessock, where there are two
disused ferry slips, lines the shore W of Craigton Point.
4.242
South--eastern side. Between Fort George (4.229) and
Longman Point (57298N 4132W), a low alluvial point
about 7 miles SW, the entire coast is fringed by extensive
drying banks, the extent of which is best seen from the
chart. The coast is mainly of low grassland with isolated
farms and a few clumps of trees; several miles inland a
gentle slope rises to a hill ridge over 125 m high. The
village of Ardersier lines the shore 1 miles SE of Fort
George with Inverness (Dalcross) Airport about 1 miles
farther SSW.
Kessock Bridge (4.249) connects Craigton and Longman
Points. The town of Inverness, in which there are several
buildings with spires, is situated S of Longman Point and
astride the mouth of River Ness.
4.243
Principal shoals. Skate Bank occupies the whole of the
bight between Chanonry Point and the mouth of Munlochy
Bay except for a channel which skirts Chanonry Ness and
the NW shore.
Middle Bank virtually fills the SW half of Inverness
Firth to within 1 mile of Craigton Point, except for a
narrow channel along the NW shore.
Meikle Mee extends about 1 mile ENE from Craigton
Point to within about 2 cables of the SW end of Middle
Bank.

Pilotage
1

4.244
Routes. Although most of Inverness Firth is shallow
there are two routes to the head of the firth.
The most frequented route passes SE of Skate Bank
(4.243) in deep water and thence across Middle Bank
(4.243) to the SE extremity of Meikle Mee (4.243) in a
least depth of 21 m. Vessels drawing 73 m or more should

4.245
Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 50 m in length
W of the light--buoy marking the SE extremity of Meikle
Mee. The pilot boarding position is situated close E of the
buoy as indicated on the chart.
The pilot launch operates on VHF radio. Inverness
Harbour Office maintains a listening watch on VHF during
normal office hours. At other times and during week--ends
and public holidays the pilots keep a listening watch prior
to times of HW or when a vessel is expected.
Notice of ETA required. At least 24 hours

Harbour limits
1

4.246
As shown on the chart.

Gas pipeline
1

4.247
A submarine gas pipeline is laid across the head of the
firth close NE of Kessock Bridge as indicated on the chart.

Controlling depth
1

4.248
Controlling depth to destinations at the head of the firth
is 25 m, as determined by the least depth in the fairway
over the bar S of Meikle Mee since whichever route is
taken to the SE extremity of Meikle Mee this bar has then
to be crossed. Mariners should note, therefore, that in spite
of its greater depth there is little advantage in using the
longer and more intricate channel along the NW shore.

Vertical clearance
1

Routes and limiting conditions

1

not proceed beyond Munlochy Light--buoy (2 miles SW of

Chanonry Point).
The other route passes N and W of Skate Bank, skirting
the NW side of the firth by a channel which is narrow but
has a least depth of 61 m in the fairway from Chanonry
Point to within 1 miles of Craigton Point. Thence there is
a least depth of 43 m to the SE extremity of Meikle Mee
passing W of Middle Bank.

4.249
Kessock Bridge (4.255), suspended between two towers
each 75 m high, carries a road across the narrows between
Craigton Point (4.259) and Longman Point (5 cables SE).
The main navigable span of the bridge is 183 m wide with
a vertical clearance of 29 m.
Markings. Orange triangular daymarks, illuminated at
night, are sited on each side of the bridge to indicate the
centre of the main navigable span. Lights are exhibited,
from the bridge at deck level and on the piers at each side
of the main navigable span below deck level; these lights
are visible from both up--and down--stream directions. Red
obstruction lights exhibited from the tops of the two
suspension towers are visible from a considerable distance
on a clear night.

Rescue
1

137

4.250
Coastguard. Auxiliary Stations are maintained at
Fortrose (4.269) and Inverness; the latter is also a Sector
Base. For further details see 1.76.

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Lifeboat. An inshore lifeboat is stationed at North

Kessock. For further details see 1.87.
3

Suspension towers of Kessock Bridge (57300N

4138W) (4.249)
Major light:
Chanonry Point Light (57344N 4056W) (4.234).

Tidal streams

4.251
Entrance to Inverness Firth. The in--going tidal stream
begins at +0605 HW Aberdeen (0400 HW Dover) and the
out--going at 0120 HW Aberdeen (+0100 HW Dover). See
also 4.233 concerning turbulence.
Within Inverness Firth the tidal streams run mainly in
the channel SE of Skate Bank, where the spring rate of the
in--going tidal stream is about 1 kn and that of the
out--going tidal stream about 2 kn. Weaker tidal streams
with a spring rate in each direction of between and 1 kn
run in the channel N and NW of Skate Bank and along the
NW shore of the firth.
The tidal streams join and separate E of Meikle Mee,
where the general direction of the in--going tidal stream is
WSW towards Meikle Mee and that of the out--going tidal
stream is ENE towards the shoals on the E side.
In vicinity of Craigton Point and Kessock Road
streams run as follows:
Interval from
HW Aberdeen
(HW Dover)

Other aid to navigation

1

Directions

(continued from 4.239)

Direct route to Kessock Bridge passing south--east of

Skate Bank

Remarks

+0535 (0430) In--going tidal stream begins. It is

strongest about 5 cables W of Kessock
Bridge and attains a spring rate of about
4 kn.

0120 (+0100) Tidal stream slack. N--going set out of

River Ness may be present.
0050 (+0130) Out--going tidal stream begins. It is
strongest SE of Craigton Point and
attains a spring rate of 5 kn.
+0325 (+0545) Tidal stream slack.
5

When the snow is melting in spring and during and after

periods of heavy rain both the duration and rate of the
out--going tidal stream are increased, and those of the
in--going tidal stream are correspondingly reduced. Under
these conditions the spring rate of the out--going stream
may reach 6 kn off Craigton Point and there can be violent
turbulence throughout the channel between Kessock Road
and Longman Point Light--beacon (4 cables E of Craigton
Point); the supporting pillars of the bridge cause great
turbulence. See also information on the chart.

4.253
Racon:
Kessock Bridge centre span (5730N 414W)
(4.255).

4.254
Having rounded Chanonry Point at a distance of about
2 cables the track leads SW passing:
SE of Skate Bank (4.243), noting that a ridge, with
depths over it of less than 2 m and parts of which
are awash, lies close within, and along the whole
length of, the SE edge of the bank and that a
light--buoy (port hand) moored 3 cables SW of
Chanonry Point marks the NE extremity of the
bank, thence:
SE of Munlochy Light--buoy (safe water) (1 miles
SW of Chanonry Point), thence:
NW of Alturlie Point (4.252) at a distance of about
5 cables, noting that a light--buoy (port hand)
(5 cables N) marks a diffuser, with a depth of
21 m over it, at the outer end of an outfall
extending N from Alturlie Point. This buoy also
marks the outer edge of Petty Bank, which extends
seaward of the extensive drying bank filling
Alturlie Bay (close E of Alturlie Point).
When the SE tower of Kessock Bridge bears 251 and
is in line with, or just open N of, Longman Point
Light--beacon (red conical metal beacon, 5 m in height)
(4 cables E of Craigton Point) course should be adjusted to
keep on these marks until close S of Meikle Mee
Light--buoy (starboard hand) (11 miles E of Craigton Point)
marking the SE extremity of Meikle Mee.
4.255
When passed Meikle Mee Light--buoy, in order to cross
the bar S of Meikle Mee, course should be adjusted to
pass:

Principal marks
1

4.252
Landmarks:
Water tower (two black tanks on framework structure)
(2 miles SSE of Chanonry Point), near the shore
and conspicuous.
Spire of Free Church (1 miles WNW of Chanonry
Point) in N part of Fortrose and conspicuous from
within Inverness Firth.
Ord Hill (7 cables N of Craigton Point), conspicuous,
dark and completely wooded.
Alturlie Point (57311N 4088W), a low but salient
point on which there is a cairn and some
conspicuous white houses.
Cameron Tower (1 miles SE of Craigton Point),
pointed and conspicuous, on an eminence.

Inverness -- Longman Point Light--beacon (port) (4.255)

(Original dated 2003)
(Photograph -- G. Denslow)

138

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CHAPTER 4

Daymark for centre of span

Kessock Bridge and Outer Port Light--beacon from SW (4.255)

(Original dated 2003)
(Photograph -- G. Denslow)

N, at a distance of cable, of Longman Point

Light--beacon (port hand), which stands on the
edge of drying flats extending N from Longman
Point (4.242), and thence:
To pass under the main navigable span of Kessock
Bridge. Orange triangular daymarks, illuminated at
night, are sited on each side of the bridge to
indicate the centre of the main navigable span.
Lights are exhibited, from the bridge at deck level
and on the piers at each side of the main
navigable span below deck level; these lights are
visible from both up and down--stream directions.
Red obstruction lights exhibited from the tops of
the two suspension towers are visible from a
considerable distance on a clear night. A racon
transmits from the central span.

Useful marks:
Belfry of ruined cathedral (1 miles WNW of
Chanonry Point) visible above the houses in
Fortrose.
Ness House (8 cables NW of Chanonry Point)
(4.235).
Beacon (special, barrel topmark) (3 cables ESE of
Longman Point Light--beacon) marking outer end
of a submarine outfall.

Route to Kessock Bridge passing north and west of

Skate Bank
1

4.256
Leading marks:
Front mark: the spire of the school house (57348N
4076W) in S part of Fortrose.

Kessock Bridge from W (4.255)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph -- Air Images)

139

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Rear mark: Broomhill House (5 cables further WNW),

readily distinguished, being painted white and
standing in open fields on a hill slope between two
woods NW of Fortrose.
Having rounded Chanonry Point at a distance of about
2 cables the alignment (296), as indicated on the chart,
of these marks leads WNW along the fairway passing
(positioned from Chanonry Point):
Between Chanonry Point and a light--buoy (port hand)
(3 cables SW) marking the NE extremity of Skate
Bank, thence:
NE of a light--buoy (port hand) (6 cables W) marking
the N edge of Skate Bank.
In the vicinity of the second port hand light--buoy course
should be adjusted to make good a track of 261 along the
fairway, passing SSE of Fortrose Harbour, until the spire of
Fortrose Free Church (4.252) bears about 025 when course
should be adjusted slowly SW on to the next leading line.
4.257
Leading line. Spire of Fortrose Free Church bearing
038 astern and just open NW of the root of the pier at
Fortrose Harbour.
This alignment leads SW for about 1 mile along the
fairway passing:
NW of Skate Bank, and:
SE of Avoch Harbour (4.270) (1 miles SW of Free
Church Spire) where lights (concrete column)
(occasional) stand on the head of a curved
breakwater with a white beacon close SW. Care is
necessary to avoid marine farms, indicated on the
chart, which are established in Avoch Bay.
4.258
Leading bearing. Longman Point Light-- beacon
(4 cables E of Craigton Point) (4.254) bearing 207
ahead.

Shortly after Avoch Harbour this bearing leads for about

2 miles SSW along the fairway passing across the mouth
of Munlochy Bay (4.241).
Shortly before Kilmuir Point (1 miles NNE of Craigton
Point), a low but salient point, course should be adjusted S
to keep Cameron Tower (1 miles SE of Craigton Point)
(4.252) bearing 179 ahead, as indicated on the chart, in
order to pass E of Meikle Mee (4.243) until Old Toll
House (6 cables ENE of Cameron Tower) can be made to
bear 158 ahead which bearing leads to a position close E
of Meikle Mee Light--buoy (starboard hand) marking the
SE extremity of Meikle Mee. After rounding this buoy the
directions given at 4.255 can be followed.

Entry to Kessock Road and approach to Caledonian

Canal
1

4.259
From Kessock Bridge the track into Kessock Road leads
W passing (positioned from Craigton Point):
N of Outer Light--beacon (port hand) (2 cables SSE)
standing on the NW edge of drying flats on the E
side of the mouth of River Ness, thence:
S of Craigton Point. A light--beacon (6 m in height) is
shown from the balcony of a conspicuous RNLI
station, thence:
N of the head of an embankment (3 cables SSW)
forming the W side of the mouth of River Ness,
and from which a drying flat extends 1 cables
NNE; Carnarc Light (green framework tower, 4 m
in height) stands on the head of the embankment,
thence:
As required for anchorage (4.261) in Kessock Road
or for entry into the Caledonian Canal (1 mile
SW), description of which commences at 4.271,
noting that a white sector (064085) of Craigton

Inverness Firth -- Avoch Harbour from E (4.257)

(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

(Original dated 1998)

140

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CHAPTER 4

Limiting conditions

Craigton Point Light-beacon

Craigton Point RNLI Station and

Light-beacon from W (4.259)

Arrival information

(Original dated 2002)

(Photograph -- Northern Light House Board)

Point Light passes clear of drying banks extending

from the shore on either hand in Kessock Road.

4.260
Useful marks with positions from Craigton Point:
Inner Light--beacon (port hand) (3 cables S).
Lights (1 mile SW) (4.289) at entrance to the
Caledonian Canal.
Bunchrew House (2 miles WSW), conspicuous.
(Directions for Inverness Harbour are given at 4.266)

Inverness Harbour
Chart 1078, Plan of Inverness

General information
1

4.262
Position. At mouth of River Ness (57296N 4143W).
Function. Inverness, population about 63 000, extends
along both banks of River Ness near its mouth and is an
important commercial port for the N part of Scotland. It
handles a variety of imports, the principal of which are fuel
oils, spirits, timber, salt, coal, paper pulp and grain.
Principal exports are fibre board and grain.
Port limits see 4.246.
Traffic. In 2004, 289 vessels used the port totalling
824 296 dwt.
Port Authority. Inverness Harbour Trust (4.246); the
Harbour Masters office is situated near Longman Quay as
indicated on the chart.
Website: www.invernessharbour.co.uk,
Email: hm@invernessharbour.co.uk

4.264
Notice of ETA required: see 4.245.
Outer anchorages see 4.261.
Pilotage: see 4.245.
Tugs are not available.
Regulations. Bye--laws concerning vessels carrying,
unloading and loading petroleum and calcium carbide are
in force; copies may be obtained from the Harbour Master.

Harbour

Anchorage

4.261
Outer part of Inverness Firth. Anchorage can be found
in depths of about 10 to 35 m in mid--channel SE of Skate
Bank, between Chanonry Point and Munlochy Light--buoy.
Small coasters can find anchorage in a depth of about
13 m in mid--channel off Fortrose, as indicated on the chart,
with the spire of the Free Church bearing about 020.
Kessock Road affords anchorage in depths of about 10
to 32 m, good holding, but tidal streams are strong (4.251)
and may cause turbulent water. Mariners are advised to
moor with a swivel, and to avoid an abandoned submarine
cable and a spoil ground, both shown on the chart, situated,
respectively, 3 and 5 cables WSW of Craigton Point.

4.263
Controlling depth. Fairway of River Ness dredged to
30 m (2001), but note controlling depth over bar S of
Meikle Mee (4.248).
Vertical clearance see 4.249.
Deepest and longest berth. Longman Quay (4.267).
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
Mean spring range about 40 m; mean neap range about
19 m.
Time of entry is normally restricted to the 2 hour period
before the time of local HW.
Maximum size of vessels handled. Vessels of length
93 m, beam 170 m and draught 53 m are guaranteed entry
to the port. Larger vessels up to 125 m in length and
625 m in draught may be accepted subject to the ratio
between the various dimensions of the vessel and the
height of tide.

4.265
General layout. River Ness flows, between drying flats
of sand and mud, into the S side of the narrows opposite
Craigton Point (4.259) at the head of Inverness Firth. The
harbour extends about 7 cables up river from the head of
an embankment (57297N 4142W), which lines part of
the edge of the drying flat on the W side of the river
entrance, to where a railway viaduct spans the river. A
curved training wall extends about 1 cable downstream
from the bridge and about 33 m clear of the E bank.
The extent of the dredged fairway, which incorporates
two turning areas situated, respectively, 3 cables and
6 cables above the embankment head, is best seen from the
chart.
Port installations line both banks of the river for about
5 cables below the bridge.
Nature of bottom. The river bed is soft mud and gravel
and vessels can safely take the ground at all the quays.
Climate information for Kinloss see 1.155 and 1.160.
Landmarks with positions from SE end of railway
viaduct:
Spire of Parish Church (3 cables S), although not the
tallest of several spires in the town, is conspicuous
and surmounts a square clock tower.
Spire of Town Hall (4 cables SSE).
Spire of school (6 cables SE).

Directions for entering harbour

141

(continued from 4.260)

4.266
From a position about 2 cables NE of the embankment
head (57297N 4142W), the fairway leads SSW in
mid--channel, passing (positioned from embankment head):
WNW of Outer Light--beacon (port hand) (2 cables
NE) (4.259), thence:
ESE of a drying flat (extending 1 cables NNE),
thence:

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Thornbush Quay

Carnac Point Light

Inverness -- R. Ness entrance from N (4.265)

(Original dated 2003)

(Photograph -- G. Denslow)
Longman Quay

Inner Light-beacon

Thornbush Quay

Inverness Harbour from N (4.265)

(Original dated 1999)

(Photograph -- Air Images)

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Inverness -- R. Ness: Carnac Point Light and Inner Light--beacon (port) from SE (4.266)
(Photograph -- G. Denslow)

(Original dated 2003)

Inverness -- Carnac Point from SSE (4.266)

(Original dated 2003)
(Photograph -- G. Denslow)

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CHAPTER 4

R. Ness Inner Light--beacon (port) from SSW (4.266)

(Photograph -- G. Denslow)
2

(Original dated 2003)

WNW of Inner Light--beacon (port hand) ( cable E)

standing on the edge of the drying flat, thence:
ESE of the head of the embankment from which
Carnarc Light (4.259) is exhibited, thence:
W round Turning Light -- beacon (port hand)
(1 cables S) which stands on the edge of the
drying flat and close W of the head of an angled
breakwater extending NW and W from the shore.
Above Turning Light--beacon the chart is the best guide
for passage to the head of the harbour and for the position
of lights which are exhibited within the harbour.
Useful marks with positions from embankment head:
Beacon (special) (2 cables E) on outer end of
outfall.
Two beacons (each, special with diamond topmark,
illuminated at night) (respectively 1 cables SSW
and 2 cables ESE) marking the landward end of
submarine pipelines laid across the fairway as
indicated on the chart.
Sheerlegs (3 cables S) on SE end of Thornbush
Quay.

Port services

4.267
Longman Quay (2 cables SSE of the embankment
head), constructed on reclaimed land on the E side of the
river, is 340 m long and dredged to a depth of 50 m
(2001). S Citadel Quay is dredged to 50 m (2001) over a
length of 115 m. Also on the E side are N Citadel Quay,
Central Quay and Shore Street Quay, which is not in use,
all dredged to 30 m (2001); the maximum length of vessels
accommodated at these berths is restricted to 93 m. Coastal
tankers berth at Citadel Quay.

4.268
Repairs. Minor repairs only arranged via ships agent.
Other facilities: Raigmore Hospital (1 miles SE of
Embankment head), indicated on the chart, is the main
hospital for the region with full medical and ambulance
services including a helicopter landing site; oily waste
disposal; skips for reception of ships garbage at Longman
and Citadel Quays.
Supplies: fuel oils from road tanker; fresh water at all
quays; fresh provisions; ships stores.
Communications. Frequent scheduled internal air
services are operated out of Inverness (Dalcross) Airport
(10 km NE of Inverness).

Minor harbours
Fortrose

Berths

Thornbush Quay (3 cables S of the embankment head),

on the W side of the harbour, is a privately--owned quay
156 m in length with a dredged depth of 30 m alongside;
the sheerlegs at the SE end are old and not in regular use.
There is a marina at the NW end of Longman Quay.

4.269
Fortrose (1 miles WNW of Chanonry Point (4.228))
has a small harbour, enclosed by piers, which dries. The
remains of an iron jetty extend 1 cable SSE from the head
of the S pier. Moorings for small craft are laid SW of the
harbour; anchorage see 4.261.

Avoch
1

144

4.270
At the village of Avoch (2 miles W of Chanonry
Point) there is a small fishing harbour, protected on the S

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CHAPTER 4

Inverness -- R. Ness Longman Quay from WNW (4.267)

(Photograph -- G. Denslow)

(Original dated 2003)

side by a curved breakwater. The harbour dries, but can be

entered at HW spring tides by vessels drawing 30 m.
Lights and a beacon stand on the curved breakwater
(4.257).

Canal Authority
1

THE CALEDONIAN CANAL

General information

Limiting conditions

Chart 1791

Improvement
1

4.271
An improvement programme, including engineering
works and upgrading of locks, is planned to complete in
2006. Temporary winter closure of the canal and changes
in limiting conditions may occur. Latest details can be
obtained from the Canal Authority.

Position
1

4.272
The Caledonian Canal, which was constructed by
Thomas Telford and opened in 1822, traverses the N part
of Scotland, through The Great Glen, between Clachnaharry
(5729N 415W), near the head of Inverness Firth, and
Corpach, about 50 miles SW at the head of Loch Linnhe
(West Coast of Scotland Pilot).

Function
1

4.273
The canal provides a sheltered passage for vessels up to
coaster size between the E and W coasts of Scotland which
is some 350 miles shorter than the often weatherbound
N--about route through the Minches and Pentland Firth.

4.274
The canal is maintained, operated and controlled by
British Waterways (Caledonian Canal Office), Seaport
Marina, Muirtown Wharf, Inverness, IV3 5LE. There are
Canal Offices at Clachnaharry and at Corpach.
Website: www.scottishcanals.co.uk.
Email: enquiries.caledonian@britishwaterways.co.uk.
4.275
Maximum permissable dimensions of vessels
navigating the canal: length 4572 m; beam 1067 m,
draught (in fresh water) 411 m.
Times of operation. The canal is generally open
throughout the year, but the locks are operated between
times and on days of the week dependent on the time of
year; as a general indication, in summer they are operated
between 0800 and 1800 every day, and for shorter periods
through the rest of the year. Full details of times of
operation can be obtained from the Canal Authority.
Times of entry and exit. The sea locks, situated at each
end of the canal, can normally be operated at any time
within 4 hours either side of local HW (2 hours during
spring tides), but are subject to the operating times
mentioned above. The locks are closed 2 hours either side
of LW.

Transit time
1

145

4.276
A minimum of two full days is normally required. In
winter, or in adverse weather conditions, two full days
should always be allowed.

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CHAPTER 4

Pilotage
1

Name

4.277
Pilotage is not compulsory but is recommended and is
arranged through the Canal Authority at the Canal Office at
Seaport Marina, Inverness (4.274).

Regulations
1

4.278
Navigation of the canal is subject to the Bye--laws of
British Waterways, a copy of which may be inspected at
the Canal Offices. Extracts are given at Appendix III to
this book. A useful summary of the Bye--laws and transit
safety information is supplied to all vessels and craft
transiting the canal.

4.279
Coastguard. There are Auxiliary Stations maintained at
Loch Ness and Fort William. HM Coastguard base a rescue
boat at Loch Ness. For further details see 1.76.

4.280
Length. The fairway of the canal traverses four fresh
water lochs in the following sequence from NE to SW:
Loch Dochfour (5725N 419W), 1 miles long.
Loch Ness (NE end 5724N 420W), 19 miles
long.
Loch Oich (NE end 5705N 445W), 3 miles long.
Loch Lochy (NE end 5701N 450W), 10 miles
long.
Elsewhere the fairway is canalised for a total distance of
about 22 miles.
Width. The canalised portion of the fairway has an
average width of 335 m at surface level and 12 m on the
bottom.
Depths. There is a least depth of 40 m anywhere in the
fairway throughout the entire length of the canal; Loch
Ness and Loch Lochy both attain considerable depths.

Corpach Top Locks

Corpach Sea Lock

For operation see Bye--laws 12 and 32.

4.283
The canal is spanned by ten swing bridges of which two
carry the railway and the remainder roads. All are power
operated except Moy Bridge (4.308). For operation see
Bye--laws 13 and 34.
The channels between all bridge piers are narrow and
particular care is necessary when passing through them.
4.284
Near its NE end the canal is spanned in several places
by overhead power cables. All have a safe vertical
clearance of 33 m above the surface level of the canal. The
overhead power cables spanning the River Oich (4.296),
Fort Augustus Reach (4.298) and Laggan Avenue (4.301)
have a vertical clearance of 34 m.
4.285
There are a number of dangerous bends in the canal;
these are mentioned in the appropriate Directions. See also
Bye--law 11.

Navigational markings
1

4.286
All navigational marks throughout the canal conform to
IALA system A, the direction of buoyage running from
SW to NE.

Traffic signals
1

4.287
The signals (Diagram 4.287) are shown from flagstaffs
at both entrances of the canal. See Bye--law 31.

4.281
The approximate levels of the surface of the water
above MSL are as follows:
Loch Dochfour

15 m

Loch Ness

15 m

Loch Oich

32 m

Loch Lochy

28 m

Caledonian Canal -- traffic signals (4.287)

Locks
1

Dangerous bends

Water levels
1

Neptunes Staircase

Vertical clearances

Dimensions
1

Bridges

Rescue
1

Number of locks

Gairlochy Locks

North--eastern entrance

4.282
There are 29 locks, all power operated, located as
follows:
Name
Clachnaharry Sea Lock

Number of locks

Charts 1078, 1791

General information

Clachnaharry Works Lock

Muirtown Locks

Dochgarroch Lock

Fort Augustus

Kytra Lock

Cullochy Lock

Laggan Locks

146

4.288
General description. The NE entrance (57294N
4157W) of the Caledonian Canal, leads ESE between two
training walls which extend across drying flats for a
distance of about 2 cables WNW from the shore in front
of the village of Clachnaharry. About 85 m within the head
of the S training wall Clachnaharry Sea Lock leads into a
tidal basin, about 2 cables in length, which terminates at
the E end in Clachnaharry Works Lock; a railway swing
bridge spans the basin close W of this lock.
Limiting conditions. The sea lock has depths over the
sill of 73 m at MHWS and 37 m at MLWS; opening times
see 4.275.

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CHAPTER 4

between Darroch Islands (57248N 4194W) and Bona

Ferry (3 cables S):
Speed must be reduced to a minimum.
Large vessels must not pass one another.
A SW--bound large vessel must sound one long blast
when approaching Darroch Islands, and, if a
NE--bound large vessel is observed to be already
in the narrows, must wait well clear in Loch
Dochfour until the NE--going large vessel has
passed Darroch Islands.
A NE--bound large vessel must sound one long blast
when approaching the channel buoys (1 cable SSW
of Bona Ferry Light), and, if a SW--bound large
vessel is observed to be already in the narrows,
must wait well clear in Loch Ness until the
SW--going vessel has passed between those buoys.

Directions
1

Caledonian Canal -- NE entrance from WNW (4.288)

(Original dated 1999)

(Photograph -- Air Images)

Traffic signals (4.287) are exhibited from a flagstaff at

the head of the S training wall.

Directions
1

4.289
As tidal streams run strongly across the entrance
mariners are advised, when approaching the sea lock, to
bias their track towards the N training wall.
Caution. Care is necessary to avoid being set on to
either training wall as the depths alongside do not exceed
21 m and the configuration of the faces of the walls is
such that risk of damage to propellers and bilge keels
exists. If inadvertently forced alongside, engines should not
be used until the vessel has been warped clear.
Useful marks:
Light (white triangular daymark on silver mast) on
head of S training wall.
Light (silver mast) on rock adjacent to head of N
training wall.
Monument (1 cables SSE of head of S training
wall).
Bunchrew House (1 miles WSW of canal entrance)
(4.260).

Clachnaharry to Loch Ness

Charts 1078, 1791 plan of Fort Augustus to Inverness,
plan of Loch Dochfour

General information

4.290
Overhead power cables, vertical clearance see 4.284,
span the canal in four places, as indicated on the chart.
Regulations in Loch Dochfour. The following
regulations apply in the narrow part of Loch Dochfour
147

4.291
Clachnaharry Works Lock to Loch Dochfour.
Clachnaharry Works Lock (57293N 4153W) opens into
Muirtown Basin which leads 5 cables SE passing between
pontoon jetties which line both sides of the SE end of the
basin.
Thence the fairway, spanned by a swing bridge, enters
the first canalised portion of the channel and leads initially
SSW to Muirtown Locks (57288N 4149W), a flight of
4 locks, close SSW of which there are wharves on both
sides of the channel to which vessels can secure.
About 1 mile beyond Muirtown Locks the canal is
spanned by Tomnahurich Swing Bridge and immediately
commences a dangerous bend (4.285) towards the W
around the E end of Torvean, a ridge which flanks the W
bank of the canal.
From the bend at Torvean the canal follows close along
the W bank of River Ness to Dochgarroch Lock (57260N
4181W) and 6 cables farther SW leads into the NE end
of Loch Dochfour where it passes NW of a weir, over
which the over--spill from Loch Ness empties into River
Ness. There are berthing facilities on the upper and lower
sides of Dochgarroch Lock.
4.292
Loch Dochfour. From abreast the weir the fairway
through Loch Dochfour passes (positioned from Dochfour
House (57253N 4195W)):
Between ferry piers (4 cables ENE) situated on either
shore at the NE head Loch Dochfour, thence:
NW of a buoy (starboard hand) (3 cable ENE)
marking the edge of a shoal extending off the
bank close SSW of the E ferry pier, thence:
Close SE of Dochfour Lodge Pier (1 cables E),
thence:
In mid--channel between a buoy (starboard hand)
(2 cables SSE), moored off a salient point
forming the W side of the entrance of
Cambuslochy Bay, and the NW shore of the loch,
thence:
W, in mid--channel, of Darroch Islands (5 cables S), a
group of small islets.
Thence, between Darroch Islands and Bona Ferry Light
(3 cables SSW), the narrow S end of the loch is
constrained by shallow water extending from the E shore
and the fairway is marked by three buoys (all starboard
hand) and one beacon (port hand). The channel leading
from the S end of the narrows into Loch Ness is marked
by two buoys (port and starboard hand) (1 cable SSW of

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CHAPTER 4

Caledonian Canal -- Muirtown Locks from N (4.291)

(Original dated 1998)
(Photograph -- Martin Lawrence)

148

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CHAPTER 4

Fort Augustus to Laggan Locks

Bona Ferry Light) and a buoy (starboard hand) (4 cables

SSW of Bona Ferry Light).
Regulations see 4.290.

Chart 1791 plan of Corpach to Fort Augustus, plan of Loch Ness

Fort Augustus

General information

Loch Ness

Chart 1791 plan of Fort Augustus to Inverness, plan of Loch

Ness Urquhart Bay

General information

4.293
General description. Loch Ness extends from Bona
Ferry (57245N 4196W) to Fort Augustus, 19 miles
SW and is deep, unobstructed and steep--to on both shores.
Regulations. There are no speed restriction in Loch
Ness other than those imposed by normal maritime custom.

Directions
1

4.294
From a position between the two channel buoys moored
1 cable SSW of Bona Ferry Light, the track leads SSW to
pass close NW of a buoy (starboard hand) moored close
off the E shore 2 cables WSW of Aldourie Castle (3 cables
S of Bona Ferry Light). Thence, as indicated on the chart,
a recommended track of 212 leads for about 8 miles down
the loch passing:
WNW of Tor Point (1 miles SSW of Bona Ferry
Light), thence:
ESE of Strone Point (6 miles SW of Bona Ferry
Light), the S entrance point of Urquhart Bay and
on which stands Urquhart Castle.
When about 1 miles SSW of Strone Point the track
should be adjusted to 216 passing:
NW of the mouth of River Foyers (5715N 430W),
thence:
SW of Gobhar Sgiathach also known as Portclair
(5711N 437W) at a distance of 2 cables; a
rock, 1 cable NE of the point, is marked close NE
by a buoy (port hand).
From abreast Gobhar Sgiathach also known as Portclair,
Fort Augustus Lighthouse (4.297) bearing 222 ahead leads
to the vicinity of the canal entrance at Fort Augustus.

Anchorages and Harbours

4.295
The following anchorages, indicated on the chart, are
available in Loch Ness for vessels requiring shelter:
In Dores Bay (1 miles SSW of Bona Ferry).
In Urquhart Bay (6 miles SW of Bona Ferry), either
on the N side of the bay close S of Temple Pier,
or on the S side of the bay close N of Strone
Point; the village of Drumnadrochit lies 1 mile
within the head of the bay.
In Foyers Bay (5715N 430W).
Close E of Invermoriston Pier at the mouth of River
Moriston (4 miles NNE of Fort Augustus).
Because of the steepness of the shores and the depths in
Loch Ness these anchorages should be used with caution
and mariners are advised to sound continually when
approaching them.
Loch Ness Harbour, with accommodation for 24 craft,
is situated in NW part of Urquhart Bay, close W of Temple
Pier. A buoyed channel, width 100 ft and dredged to a
minimum of 3 m, leads into the harbour.
All berths, consisting of wooden--faced pilings to
concrete surround, are supplied with electricity and water.

4.296
General description. Between Fort Augustus (5709N
440W), at the S end of Loch Ness, and Aberchalder
(4 miles SW), where the canal leads into Loch Oich,
there are three canalised sections. Between these sections
the SE side of the channel opens out in places forming
small lagoons. The NW bank, however, is a solid
embankment over the whole distance, with River Oich
flowing close alongside.
Loch Oich, which is narrow, much encumbered with
islets and shoals, and which must be navigated with
caution, leads into Laggan Avenue, a canalised section
connecting Lochs Oich and Lochy and terminates in
Laggan Locks (57015N 4495W).

Directions

149

4.297
Fort Augustus. At the village of Fort Augustus
(57087N 4405W) the canal is entered between, to the
S, Lighthouse Point, on which stands Fort Augustus
Lighthouse (white tower, 6 m in height) with St Benedicts
Abbey, a large building with clock tower, close SSW, and,
to the N, Inveroich Point; both points are well--defined.
River Oich and River Tarff flow into Loch Ness,
respectively, close N of Inveroich Point and 1 cables S of
Lighthouse Point. The canal entrance is 61 m wide and E
facing and should be approached with caution.
About 2 cables within the entrance the canal is spanned
by a swing bridge, close W of which lie Fort Augustus
Locks, a flight of five locks; pontoons and jetties, for the
use of vessels delayed in entering the lock system, are
situated E of the lower lock and W of the upper lock.
4.298
Fort Augustus to Aberchalder. For 1 mile SW of Fort
Augustus Locks the channel is canalised. A dangerous bend
(2 cables W of Fort Augustus upper lock) (4.285) leads into
Fort Augustus Reach which is nearly straight and extends
1 mile to Coille Faileige, a low wooded point on the
irregular SE side of the canal. An overhead power cable
crosses Fort Augustus Reach; see 4.284.
Between Coille Faileige and Kytra Cairn (starboard
hand) (3 cables SW), which stands close off the irregular
SE side of the canal, the fairway lies towards the NW side
of the canal and passes well N of the cairn into another
canalised section, 3 cables in length, which leads to Kytra
Lock (57073N 4433W) with berthing facilities above
and below it. Care must be taken to avoid mistaking the
mouth of a backwater, which lies close SE of Kytra Cairn
and is visibly open to SW--bound vessels, for the main
channel.
For about 6 cables SW from Kytra Lock the canal is
straight with an irregular SE side which opens into a
considerable lagoon. The fairway here is marked by buoys
(starboard hand), and lies towards the NW bank, which is
embanked, passing (positioned from Kytra Lock):
NW of Cairn Islet (4 cables SW), narrow, very low
and with some trees on it.
Coiltry Reach, marked by eight small channel markers
(starboard hand), is entered 2 cables SW of Cairn Islet and
extends generally S for 1 mile where it terminates in
Cullochy Lock (5706N 444W) with berthing facilities
above and below it. The reach forms part of a canalised
section, about 1 miles long, which extends as far as a

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swing bridge at Aberchalder (4 cables SW of Cullochy

Lock).
5

Chart 1791 plan of Loch Oich

4.299
Loch Oich. Immediately S of Aberchalder swing bridge
both banks begin to open out and a channel, which favours
the SE bank, leads into the NE end of Loch Oich at
Aberchalder Point (57054N 4448W) passing (with
positions from Aberchalder Point):
ESE of four buoys (port hand) (uncharted) marking
the edge of a shoal which lies adjacent to a weir
(1 cables N), over which the over--spill from
Loch Oich empties into River Oich, thence:
ESE of Creag Dhubain Beacon (port hand) ( cable
NNW), standing on Creag Dhubain Cairn, thence:
WNW of a buoy (starboard hand) ( cable SSW),
noting that after passing this buoy it is necessary
to avoid a shallow bank extending from the NW
shore about 1 cables SW of Aberchalder Point.
4.300
Thence the fairway through the loch leads generally SW
passing (with positions from Eilean Dubh (57042N
4462W)):
Between Eilean Drynachan (5 cables NE), a small
islet, 03 m high, surmounted by a cairn (port
hand) and with a few small trees on it, and a buoy
(starboard hand) moored close SE, thence:
Through a narrow fairway extending from Leitirfearn
Cairn (starboard hand) (2 cables NE) to Eilean na
h--Ealaidh (2 cables SSW), a small islet 03 m
high with a few trees. The fairway passes between
Eilean Dubh, on the mainland, and An t--Eilean
Fada (close SE) and is marked by buoys (port and
starboard hand), the positions of which are best
seen from the chart; An t--Eilean Fada is a long
narrow island with tall trees and is embanked on
the W side. Care must be taken to avoid being set
on to Leitirfearn Cairn and the shoals in that
vicinity by water emanating from the mouth of
River Garry (close N of Eilean Dubh), particularly
when the river is in full spate. Speed in the
narrows abreast An t--Eilean Fada must be reduced
to dead slow. At the S end of the fairway close
NE of Eilean na h--Ealaidh, mariners are advised
to favour the SE side where depths are greater,
thence:
Through another narrow fairway extending from a
cairn (starboard hand) standing on the edge of a
coastal bank which extends from Rubha Ard nan
Uan (3 cables SSW), a point on the SE shore, to
Creag Liath Cairn (port hand), standing close off a
salient point, 2 cables farther SSW, on the NW
shore; this fairway is also marked by buoys (port
and starboard hand), the positions of which are
best seen from the chart. Mariners are advised to
round Creag Liath Cairn at a prudent distance to
clear the coastal bank SSW of it, thence:
Through the narrows at Ardrishaig (1 miles SSW)
where the fairway is marked by a cairn (starboard
hand) and two buoys (port hand), thence:
NW of a buoy (starboard hand) moored close off
Rth Fhinn (1 miles SSW), a low point, from
where the fairway leads into Laggan Avenue at
Laggan swing bridge, 1 cable farther S. Note
should be made of a small pier with pontoons for

small craft, extending about 30 m NNW from a

position cable ENE from Rth Fhinn Point.
Caution. Loch Oich is part of a hydro--electric scheme,
operation of which can cause the water level in the loch to
vary.
4.301
Laggan Avenue extends between Laggan swing bridge
and Laggan Locks (57015N 4495W), a flight of two
locks with berthing facilities above and below them, and is
canalised over its entire length of nearly 1 miles. Its
banks are high and tree--lined, and a good lookout is
necessary while in transit, particularly when approaching a
dangerous bend (4.285) about 2 cables SSW of Laggan
swing bridge. An overhead power cable crosses Laggan
Avenue; see 4.284.

Anchorages and berth

1

4.302
The following anchorages, indicated on the chart, are
available in Loch Oich for vessels requiring shelter:
Between Eilean Drynachan and Rubha Chaluim
(1 cable SW).
About 1 cable SSW of Rubha Chaluim, near
mid--channel but clear of the fairway.
Close off the NW shore about 1 cable NNE of the
mouth of River Garry.
There is a pontoon berth in Invergarry Castle Bay.

Laggan Locks to Gairlochy

Chart 1791 plan of Corpach to Fort Augustus, plan of Loch
Lochy Laggan Locks, plan of Loch Lochy Gairlochy Locks

General information
1

2
3

4.303
General description. At the S end of Laggan Locks,
Ceann Loch (57014N 4496W), a small natural basin,
leads into the NE end of Loch Lochy which extends a
further 8 miles SW to Gairlochy. A small pier about 110 m
in length, with pontoons for small craft extends SW from
the root of Laggan Pier (4.304). Loch Lochy is deep,
unobstructed and steep--to on both shores.
Marine farm. A marine farm is situated ENE of
Gairlochy Light (4.305) in position 56551N 4586W.
Regulations. Speed is to be reduced when passing the
marine farm at Gairlochy.

Directions
1

150

4.304
Ceann Loch. From Laggan Locks the fairway through
Ceann Loch leads SSW passing:
Between the head of Laggan Pier, on which there is a
beacon (port hand), and a buoy (starboard hand),
moored cable SE, thence:
ESE of Kilfinnan Point (57012N 4497W) on
which there is a post (port hand); thence:
Between two buoys (port and starboard hand) (1 cable
SW of Kilfinnan Point).
Thence the channel, marked by two buoys (starboard
hand), widens and leads SW into the NE end of Loch
Lochy at Ceann Loch Bank (3 cables SSW of Kilfinnan
Point).
4.305
Loch Lochy. From close W of Ceann Loch Bank a
recommended track of 219 leads through Loch Lochy,
passing (positioned from Kilfinnan Point):
NW of a beacon (position approximate) close offshore
from Invergloy Point (5 miles SW), thence:
SE of a buoy (port hand) moored close off Choille
rais Point (7 miles SW).

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At the SW end of Loch Lochy the canal entrance at

Gairlochy lies close NW of a point on which stands
Gairlochy Light (white tower, 6 m in height; light exhibited
only in winter) (56550N 4592W). The entrance should
be approached at slow speed and on a W heading, passing
S of a buoy (port hand) moored cable N of the light
from where the fairway leads in mid--channel and around
two sharp bends to Gairlochy Locks, situated 2 cables
within the entrance.
Care is necessary to avoid mistaking the entrance of a
small inlet (1 cable SE of Gairlochy Light) for the canal
entrance.

Locks, a flight of two locks ( cable W of Neptunes

Staircase) which lead into a small basin at Corpach at the
SW entrance to the canal.

South--western entrance
Charts 1791 plan of Corpach to Fort Augustus,
2372 plan of Fort William and Corpach

General information
1

Anchorage

4.306
Loch Lochy. Anchorage is available for vessels
requiring shelter in Achnacarry Bay (1 miles N of
Gairlochy Light) either close NE of a pier on the N side of
the bay, or close off the S side of the bay.
Because of the steepness of the shores and the depths in
the loch these anchorages should be used with caution and
mariners are advised to sound continually when
approaching them.

4.310
General description. The SW entrance to the
Caledonian Canal is situated at the E end of the village of
Corpach (5651N 507W) on the N side of the head of
Loch Linnhe and consists of a small basin, about 1 cable in
length, extending W from Corpach Top Locks (4.309) to
Corpach Sea Lock, from the N side of which a small jetty
and pontoon project WSW into Loch Linnhe; a light (see
West Coast of Scotland Pilot) stands on the N side of the
Sea Lock, close N of the outer gates.

Gairlochy to Corpach
Chart 1791 plan of Corpach to Fort Augustus,
plan of Loch Lochy Gairlochy Locks

General information

4.307
The whole length of the remainder of the channel from
Gairlochy Locks (56548N 4598W) to its SW
termination at Corpach (6 miles SW) is canalised, and
consists mainly of Western Reach, which extends between
Gairlochy Locks and Neptunes Staircase also known as
Banavie Locks (5 miles SW) and generally follows the NW
bank of River Lochy.

Caledonian Canal -- SW entrance from W (4.310)

Directions

4.308
Gairlochy Locks (56548N 4598W), a flight of two
locks with berthing facilities above and below it, are
separated by a small basin which is spanned by a swing
bridge. Gairlochy Bottom Lock is not operational. The
locks lead into Western Reach in which the fairway passes
(positioned from Gairlochy swing bridge):
SE of a buoy (port hand) (2 cables SW) marking a
spit extending from the NW bank, thence:
Through Moy Bridge (1 miles SW), a swing bridge
situated at the SW end of a dangerous bend;
(4.285)it is particularly important that speed is
reduced to dead slow and a sound signal made
frequently while negotiating this bend because
Moy Bridge is manually controlled and its
operation therefore relatively slow; there are
berthing facilities SE and SW of the bridge.
There are three other dangerous bends in Western Reach,
situated, respectively, 1 mile, 2 miles and 3 miles SW of
Moy Bridge.
Western Reach terminates in Neptunes Staircase also
known as Banavie Locks (5651N 505W), a flight of
eight locks. There are substantial berthing facilities above
Nepunes Staircase.
4.309
Close SW of the lowest lock at Neptunes Staircase the
canal is spanned by a road swing bridge and a railway
swing bridge. The canal proper terminates at Corpach Top

(Original dated 2000)

(Photograph -- Air Images)
2

Limiting conditions. Corpach Sea Lock has depths over

the sill of 67 m at MHWS and 37 m at MLWS. The small
basin and sea lock can accommodate vessels not exceeding
62 m in length, 107 m beam and 41 m draught; opening
times of the sea lock see 4.275.
Tidal streams off the SW entrance to the canal are
strong, both the in--going and out--going tidal streams
attaining a spring rate of 2 kn. During the in--going tidal
stream there is a strong set S from the canal entrance
towards shoal water.
Traffic signals (4.287) are exhibited from a flagstaff on
the S side of the entrance.

Directions
1

4.311
The seaward approach to the canal entrance is described
in West Coast of Scotland Pilot.

Services
Chart 1791

Repairs
1

151

4.312
There is a small slip at Caley Marina, Muirtown Top,
and a boatyard at Annat Point, Corpach (see West Coast of
Scotland Pilot).

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CHAPTER 4

Other facilities

4.313
Berths at which there are very limited cargo handling
facilities are located at Muirtown Basin, Fort Augustus,
Banavie and Corpach. Jetties and pontoons are situated
throughout the canal. There is a marina below Muirtown
Locks.
Muirtown Basin and the small basin at Corpach serve as
temporary refuge havens for coasting vessels.
Berthing facilities are available at most locks for vessels

waiting to enter, as mentioned in the text.

Hospitals are situated in Inverness and Fort William
(1 miles SSE of Corpach) (West Coast of Scotland Pilot).

Supplies
1

152

4.314
Water from quayside hydrants, limited quantities of fuel
delivered by road tanker and provisions are available at
Muirtown Basin, Fort Augustus, Neptunes Staircase and
Corpach. Marine diesel is available at Corpach Basin.

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NOTES

153

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Chapter 5 - The Orkney Islands

20

10

50

40

30

2250

30

20

10

5.172

15

NORTH
RONALDSAY

20

5.23
8

20

73

5.179

Pierowall
5.179

The North
Sound

5 .1 7 3

5.

5.179

2562

5 .1

WESTRAY

SANDAY

5.

nh
all

36

5.
ow 366
Sd

EDAY

5.

29

4
Sanday
Sound

ROUSAY

10

5.272

5.

2562

27

10

irth

14

5.2
18

5.1

57

Ey

5 .3

5.2 9 1

Wes
tray
F

STRONSAY
2584

5.149

1553
Wide
Firth

Stro
m

ne
5.1 ss
12

SHAPINSAY

5.33
4

9
25
5.

. 10

2568

on
out

e
De

Scapa

5.12

5.123 Flow
2581

5.12

HOY

30

-5

fH
yo
2568 Ba

Sd
.
2249

2162

97

50

5.1

35

2250

SOUTH
RONALDSAY

5.10

Flotta

Ho
lm

Flotta
5.135

2568

59

rn
es
s

Kirkwall
5.352

5.10
5

Auskerry

7
24
5.

59
5.85

62
5.2

76
5.3

MAINLAND

0
5.1
Swona

10
5.

Stroma

40

40

SCOTLAND
0106

30

20

10

Duncansby Head

Longitude 3 West from Greenwich

154

40

30

20

10

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CHAPTER 5
THE ORKNEY ISLANDS

GENERAL INFORMATION
Chart 1954

Practice Exercise Area (PEXA) charts. Such areas are also

shown on all new, and new edition navigation charts. For
further details see 1.20, and Annual Summary of Admiralty
Notices to Mariners Nos 5 and 8.

General description
1

5.1
The Orkney Islands, a group of more than 50 islands, lie
NNE of the NE extremity of mainland Scotland, from
which they are separated by Pentland Firth. South
Ronaldsay, the SE island of the group, lies 5 miles NNE of
Duncansby Head (5839N 301W) and North Ronaldsay,
the NE island, lies 45 miles farther NNE.
The islands are mainly lowlying except for Hoy
(5852N 326W) (3.64). Their coasts are much indented
and generally rocky but there are also extensive sandy
beaches, especially on the NE side of the group. On the
SW side the coasts consist mainly of lofty steep red cliffs
which in places attain heights of over 300 m.
About midway between South and North Ronaldsay, the
Orkney Islands are divided into two parts by Stronsay Firth
and Westray Firth which together form a continuous
passage running NW and SE and linking Atlantic Ocean E
and W of the Orkney Islands.
The islands lying NE of Stronsay and Westray Firths are
known locally as North Isles.
Scapa Flow, virtually a small inland sea, lies in the S
part of the group.

Marine farms
1

Area to be Avoided
1

Navigation in vicinity of the Orkney Islands

1

5.2
Navigation in the vicinity of the Orkney Islands presents
little difficulty in clear weather except in Pentland Firth
(3.96) where exceptional care is always necessary. In poor
visibility, however, caution is required as tidal streams in
the firths and sounds among the islands are generally
strong except within Scapa Flow where they are barely
perceptible; in Pentland Firth they are very strong.
Frequent sounding is recommended.

5.7
Prototype underwater current turbines are being tested in
the waters of this chapter (2006). For details see 1.26 and
5.304.

European Marine Energy Test Centre

1

5.8
A marine energy test area is centred on position
58584N 3234W and is marked by buoys (special and
cardinal) moored up to 1 miles W of the coast between
Breck Ness and Neban Point. Experimental devices and
marker buoys may be encountered within the area.

Rescue
1

Exercise areas
1

5.6
Except in Pentland Firth, an Area to be Avoided by
certain types of ships is established around all parts of the
Orkney Islands; the limits of the area are shown on the
charts. For further details see 1.47.

Current turbines

Port Authority
5.3
Orkney Islands Council administers a number of
Orkney Harbour Authority Areas for which it is the
Competent Harbour Authority. Details of these statutory
harbour areas, the principal of which relate to Scapa Flow
and Kirkwall, are given with the description of the
geographical location in which they lie.
The Council exercises its jurisdiction through a Director
of Harbours, address: Orkney Islands Council, Harbour
Authority Building, Scapa, Orkney. The position of the
Harbour Authority Building at the NE head of Scapa Bay
(5857N 259W) is indicated on Chart 35.
Website: www.orkneyharbours.com
Email: harbours@orkney.gov.uk

5.5
Authorised marine farms are numerous throughout the
waters of the Orkney Islands with farms being added and
removed on a continuous basis. Farms in proximity to
shipping routes are marked by buoys. Other farms are
marked by beacons (X topmark) and some are fitted with
radar reflectors. Lights, when fitted, show flashing yellow.
Orkney Islands Council prohibits anchoring and diving
close to marine farms within Orkney Harbour Areas and
mariners are required to give as wide a berth as possible to
the farms and to proceed with caution, consideration, and at
slow speed in their vicinity. Their positions, where known,
are shown on the charts.
See also 1.19.

5.4
Detailed information concerning these areas, which are
found in the waters of this chapter, may be found on

155

5.9
VHF Directionfinding facilities are sited on Wideford
Hill (5859N 301W); for further details see 1.84.
Coastguard. Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are
maintained on the larger islands. For further details see
1.76.
Lifeboats. There are three RNLI allweather lifeboats
stationed in the Orkney Islands. For further details see
1.87.
For the rescue facilities referred to above, see under
Rescue within this chapter.

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CHAPTER 5

SCAPA FLOW AND APPROACHES

GENERAL INFORMATION

Port operations and information service

1

Charts 35, 2162

General description
1

5.10
Scapa Flow (5854N 300W) is a small inland sea in
the S part of the Orkney Islands enclosed between:
Mainland, the largest of the Orkney Islands, to N and NE;
Burray and South Ronaldsay to E and SE; Hoy, Fara and
Flotta to W and SW.

5.16
Orkney Harbours Navigation Service is available to
all vessels navigating in Scapa Flow; for details see
Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6 (1).
Radar surveillance is maintained over Scapa Flow and
S approaches.

Notice of ETA required

1

5.17
For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 6 (1).

Function
1

5.11
Scapa Flow affords secure anchorage to all but the
largest vessels and whatever the force and direction of the
wind good shelter can always be found. There is an
important oil terminal on Flotta (5850N 307W) and
alongside berths and RoRo facilities exist at several
locations within the flow.

Port limits
1

5.12
The Orkney Harbour Authority Area of Scapa Flow lies
within the following limits which are indicated on the
charts:
S limit: a line drawn from Brims Ness (5846N
314W) ESE to the SW extremity of Swona
(5844N 304W), thence E to Brough Ness
(5844N 258W).
W limit: a line joining Braebuster Point (5856N
321W) on Hoy and Breck Ness (1 miles N) on
Mainland.
E limit: W sides of Churchill causeways across Water,
East Weddel, Skerry and Kirk Sounds.

Pilotage
1

General conditions for navigation

1

5.19
Navigation of the approaches and entry channels can be
difficult on account of the strength of tidal streams and
natural obstructions. Inside the flow, however, there are
relatively few unmarked dangers and navigation is
straightforward.

Seabed obstructions

Entry
5.13
The principal entrance to Scapa Flow is from S by
Sound of Hoxa which passes E of Flotta and is described
commencing at 5.23.
Entrance from S is also afforded by Cantick Sound and
Switha Sound, lesser channels which lead S and W of
Flotta and which are described commencing at 5.61.
Hoy Sound, which passes N and E of Graemsay
(5856N 317W), affords access from W and is described
commencing at 5.85.
There is no passage through the sounds situated N and S
of Burray which are blocked by causeways.

5.18
Pilotage is compulsory within the Orkney Harbour
Authority Area described at 5.12 for all passenger vessels
over 65 m LOA and for all other vessels over 75 m LOA.
Pilot boarding positions are indicated on the chart;
additional details are given in descriptions of individual
entry channels. The pilot launch is on station only when a
ship is expected.
In severe weather conditions boarding and landing of
pilots may be suspended. Vessels will be advised by
Orkney Harbour Radio when such restrictions are in force.
See also Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6 (1).

5.20
Wrecks. Scapa Flow is encumbered by a large number
of wrecks, the majority of which are submerged and
unmarked.
Submarine cables of various kinds, both abandoned and
operational, are laid in many areas of Scapa Flow and
approaches.
Submarine pipelines are laid in several areas.
Foul ground caused by abandoned wire hawsers, cables
and other debris on the sea bed, exists in numerous places,
some of which cover an extensive area.
Marine farms (5.5) exist at many locations.
The positions of all these obstructions are generally best
seen from the chart.

Traffic
1

5.14
In 2004, 253 vessels used the port totalling 20 495 796
dwt.

Tidal streams
1

Port Authority
1

5.15
Orkney Islands Council. For details see 5.3.

156

5.21
Tidal streams are strong at times in the approaches and
entrance channels and are described with those areas.
Within the flow tidal streams are generally weak and
irregular.
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables
for Widewall Bay and Stromness.

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CHAPTER 5

Fara attains its summit in Thomsons Hill (5851N

310W) and is uninhabited.

Port services
1

5.22
Deratting exemption certificates can be issued within
the statutory harbour area of Scapa Flow.

Limiting conditions
1

SOUND OF HOXA WITH APPROACHES

AND ADJACENT CHANNELS

General information
2

Charts 2162, 2581

General description
1

5.23
Sound of Hoxa, is the S and principal of all entrance
channels into Scapa Flow and lies between the NW end of
South Ronaldsay at Hoxa Head (5849N 302W) and the
E coast of the island of Flotta of which Stanger Head
(1 miles W of Hoxa Head) is the SE point. The main and
preferred channel through Sound of Hoxa passes W of
Nevi Skerry (5851N 303W).
Approach channels. Sound of Hoxa is approached from
S from the N side of Pentland Firth between South Walls
and South Ronaldsay, channels passing E and W of the
island of Swona (5844N 304W).
Recommended tracks for deepdraught vessels
proceeding to or from the Flotta Oil Terminal are shown on
the charts. Mariners should note that due to the effects of
tidal stream, it may be necessary to steer noticeably
different courses from those shown in order to maintain the
recommended track. Radar surveillance of these channels is
continuously maintained.
Adjacent channels. An alternative, but shallower and
more intricate entrance to Scapa Flow, is afforded by a
combination of Cantick, Switha, Gutter and West Weddel
Sounds, interconnected channels which, from the vicinity of
the island of Switha (5848N 306W), lead between the
islands lying in the SW part of the flow.

Port limits
1

5.27
Orkney Islands Council. For details see 5.3.

Orkney Harbours Navigation Service

1

5.28
For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 6 (1).

Notice of ETA required

1

5.29
ETA at Cantick Head is required at least 12 hours in
advance, with amendments at least 2 hours before arrival.
For further details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 6 (1).

Pilotage

Topography
5.24
South Walls (5848N 310W) is connected at its W
end to the S end of Hoy in the vicinity of Brims Ness
(3.129) by The Ayre (5847N 314W), a natural
causeway, which carries a road. The S coast of South Walls
is lined by cliffs which are much indented, but is clear of
dangers beyond a distance of 1 cable offshore. Cantick
Head, the SE extremity of South Walls, is a low rounded
point, with an abrupt cliff on the SE side which is
steepto; a light (5.42) is exhibited from the head. There is
an airstrip close NE of The Ayre.
South Ronaldsay. For general description see 5.198.
The W coast of the island is mainly rugged and indented,
with cliffs up to 40 m high.
Swona (5844N 304W) see 3.101.
Switha (5848N 306W) is a relatively small island
lying in the approaches to Cantick and Switha Sounds; its
coasts are described with the sounds which border them.
Flotta (5850N 307W), an island of considerable size,
is cultivated, particularly in its E part. Flotta Marine Oil
Terminal (5.135) stands on the N side of the island and
there is an airstrip at the W end of the island. The coasts
of Flotta are described with the sounds which border them.

5.26
For details see 5.12.

Port Authority

5.25
Controlling depth. There is a least depth of 305 m in
the fairway of Sound of Hoxa; movements can take place
by day or by night.
Depths in the channels of the alternative entrance are
less than 20 m and are best seen from the chart; mariners
are advised to note these channels have only limited
navigational aids.
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables
for Widewall Bay, where mean spring range is about 32 m
and mean neap range about 14 m.

5.30
See 5.18. The pilot boarding positions for the S
entrances to Scapa Flow are situated 1 miles S of Cantick
Head and 1 mile NNE of the N extremity of Swona as
indicated on the chart.

Tidal stream information

1

5.31
The following information complements the details of
tidal streams given on the charts and in Admiralty Tidal
Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands which should
invariably be consulted.

Tidal streams in southern approaches to Sound of

Hoxa
1

5.32
Between South Walls and Swona streams set as
follows (intervals from HW Aberdeen (HW Dover)):
Interval from
HW Aberdeen
(HW Dover)

Remarks

+0425 (0530) ENEgoing tidal stream begins; spring

rate 4 to 5 kn on the South Walls side
of the passage, less on the Swona side.

157

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CHAPTER 5

Interval from
HW Aberdeen
(HW Dover)

Remarks

0420 (0150) A WSWgoing eddy forms which

extends from to mile offshore,
along the S coast of South Walls.
0200 (+0030) True WSWgoing tidal stream begins
on the South Walls side of the passage;
spring rate does not exceed about 3 kn
until W of South Walls when it rapidly
increases.
0200 (+0030) On the Swona side of the passage an
ENEgoing eddy forms and extends
about 2 miles W and NW from Swona
as indicated on the chart. The transition
between the main streams and eddies is
very marked, and at spring tides a wall
of water may build up between them.
Races form NW of the N end and SW
of the S end of Swona; both become
very violent when wind is against tidal
stream.
1

Remarks

+0425 (0530) SEgoing tidal stream begins; spring

rate about 8 kn on the South Ronaldsay
side of the passage. On the Swona side
of the passage the Egoing tidal stream
off the N end of Swona, which begins
at the same time, forms an eddy which
eventually extends about 1 miles SE
from the island; a race of considerable
violence forms E of the N end of
Swona along the NE edge of the eddy.
Another race which may also become
violent when wind is against stream
forms SE of the S end of Swona along
the SW edge of the eddy. The SEgoing
tidal stream between South Ronaldsay
and Swona joins the main Egoing tidal
stream through Pentland Firth S of
Lother Rock.
0155 (+0035) NWgoing tidal stream begins,
branching from the main Wgoing tidal
stream through Pentland Firth S of
Lother Rock; spring rate about 6 kn.
During this tidal stream Lother Eddy
forms at the SE end of the passage
between South Ronaldsay and Swona,
and runs E into Bur Wick and S along
the W side of Lother Rock, causing a
violent race of great strength to form
SW of Lother Rock where the Sgoing
eddy meets the NWgoing tidal stream.
1

Tidal streams within Sound of Hoxa

5.33
Between South Ronaldsay and Swona tidal streams set
as follows:
Interval from
HW Aberdeen
(HW Dover)

5.34
Off northern end of Swona both E and Wgoing tidal
streams attain spring rates of about 6 kn.
Races form off the N end of Swona; for details see
5.32.

5.35
Off the southern entrance to Sound of Hoxa tidal
streams are greatly influenced by those branches of the
main tidal streams through Pentland Firth which pass N of
Swona. These branches meet the ingoing and outgoing
tidal streams from Scapa Flow flowing through Cantick,
Switha and Hoxa Sounds in the vicinity of a line joining
Cantick Head and The Nev (4 miles E); turbulence can
be expected at the confluence of the streams. The resultant
tidal streams within the area extending from this line, or a
little S of it, N to the S entrance to Sound of Hoxa vary
considerably between positions only a short distance apart.
Spring rates do not exceed 2 kn. Their timing, direction
and strength may all be considerably modified during and
after gales.
5.36
A significant feature is the pattern of complex eddies,
rotary both clockwise and anticlockwise, which exist in
the sound for almost the entire period of the ingoing tidal
stream; these eddies are also mobile in relation to the land.
In consequence the ingoing tidal stream never runs
uniformly, in either direction or strength, across the whole
width of the sound. The outgoing tidal stream is weaker
but more regular. Spring rates are up to 2 kn except on the
W side of the channel abreast Stanger Head where the
Ngoing tidal stream can reach a spring rate of 4 kn.

Tidal streams off northern entrance to Sound of Hoxa

1

5.37
Off the northern entrance to Sound of Hoxa tidal
streams are generally weak and variable. There is a nearly
continuous but weak Egoing tidal stream E of Nevi Skerry
and The Grinds (1 miles N of Hoxa Head).

Navigational advice in the approaches

1

5.38
Route. Although the island of Swona (5844N 304W)
may be passed on either side, pilots advise that mariners
making their first entrance should use the channel W of the
island; thereafter when approaching from SE during a
Wgoing tidal stream use of the channel E of the island is
recommended, thus avoiding the eddy to the W of the
island.
5.39
Pilot embarkation. Due allowance must be made for
tidal set while manoeuvring to embark the pilot. The
normal speed for pilot embarkation is 6 kn; Masters are
advised to reduce to this speed for as short a time as
possible.
5.40
Action in emergency. There have been many strandings
on Swona, particularly on the W side of the island during
the strength of the Egoing tidal stream. Temporary
anchorage in an emergency to reduce the risk of stranding
should not be delayed as the bottom well W of Swona is
shell and much better holding than the rocks close W of
the island.

Rescue
1

158

5.41
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained at
Longhope (5848N 312W), on South Walls, at Brough
Ness (5844N 258W) on South Ronaldsay, and on Flotta
(5850N 307W). For further details see 1.76.
Lifeboat. An RNLI allweather lifeboat is stationed in
Long Hope (5.70) between Hoy and South Walls. For
further details see 1.87.

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CHAPTER 5

Chart 2581

Principal marks
1

5.42
Landmarks:
Island of Stroma Lighthouse (5842N 307W)
(3.126) on Swilkie Point.
Church (1 mile S of Swilkie Point), conspicuous, near
centre of Island of Stroma.
Coastguard lookout (disused) (5844N 257W)
(3.126) on Brough Ness.
Nevi Skerry Lightbeacon (isolated danger, 9 m in
height) (5851N 303W).

NW of Swona (for general description and lights see

3.101) noting that the W side of the island is
fringed by reefs and rock ledges for a distance of
more than 1 cable offshore, thence:
SE of Cantick Head (5.24) on which there is a light
(5.42), noting Ruff of Cantick Lightbeacon
(2 cables N) (5.62), thence:
SE of Switha (1 mile NE), the SE side of which is
almost steepto.
5.45
Vessels approaching the channel W of Swona from SE,
in accordance with the advice given at 5.38, should pass
1 miles E of Duncansby Head, whence the track leads
NW, passing midway between Swona and Island of
Stroma; vessels approaching with the Egoing tidal stream
should maintain this track until at least 1 miles W of
Swona. Course may then be adjusted towards the pilot
boarding position.
(Directions for Sound of Hoxa continue at 5.49;
Directions are given for Cantick Sound at 5.62
and for Switha Sound at 5.68)

Nevi Skerry Light-beacon from W (5.42)

(Original dated 1996)

Approach by passage east of Swona

(Photograph Lt. Cdr. TC Tulloch CD, Candian Navy)

3

Major lights:
Cantick Head Light (white tower) (5847N 308W).

Cantick Head Light from SE (5.42)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph Air Images)

Island of Stroma Light (5842N 307W) (3.126).

Duncansby Head Light (5839N 301W) (3.126).

Other aid to navigation

1

5.43
Racon:
Lother Rock Lightbeacon (5844N 259W).
For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.

Directions
Approach by passage west of Swona
1

(continued from 3.78)

5.44
From a position about 1 mile N of Dunnet Head, the
track leads ENE to the pilot boarding position, passing
(with positions from Cantick Head Light):
SSE of Tor Ness (5 miles W), thence:
SSE of Brims Ness (3 miles WSW).
From the vicinity of the pilot boarding position
(1 miles S of Cantick Head) the recommended track to
the S end of Sound of Hoxa leads NE then N, passing:

159

5.46
From a position in midchannel between Brough Ness
(5844N 258W) (3.132) and Swona (3 miles W) the
recommended track to the S end of Sound of Hoxa leads N
then NNW, passing (with positions from North Head, the N
extremity of Swona):
W of Lother Rock (2 miles ESE) (3.132), marked
by a lightbeacon; thence:
W of The Wing (2 miles ESE) (5.53), the W side
of the entrance to Bur Wick; thence:
WSW of Barth Head (2 miles E), a precipitous cliff
of stratified slate; the coast between Barth Head
and The Wing is clear of dangers beyond a
distance of 1 cables offshore. And:
ENE of Swona (for general description and lights see
3.101), thence:
WSW of The Nev (2 miles NE), 33 m high, thence:
WSW of Harrabrough Head, a cliff point, thence:
WSW of Herston Head (3 miles NNE), about 18 m
high and the W point of the peninsula of Herston
which extends from the W side of South
Ronaldsay, and:
ENE of Switha (3 miles NNW) (5.24).
Caution. Vessels using this passage must take into
account the tidal streams (5.33) which set strongly towards
Lother Rock on the Egoing stream and towards Swona on
the Wgoing stream.
5.47
Passage east of Lother Rock. There is passage in
depths of less than 10 m between Lother Rock (5844N
259W) (3.132) and South Ronaldsay at Bur Wick (close
NE), thereby avoiding the worst of the race which exists
SW of the rock during the Wgoing tidal stream. Local
knowledge is required.
5.48
Clearing bearings for Lother Rock:
The alignment (310) of North Head, the N extremity
of Swona, and Cantick Head Light (3 miles NW)
passes SW of the rock, as indicated on the chart.
Old Head (5844N 255W) (3.132) bearing 074 and
well open S of Brough Ness passes S of the rock,
as indicated on the chart.
Wideford Hill (5859N 301W) (5.371) (Chart 1954)
bearing 357 and open W of Barth Head (5.46)

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CHAPTER 5

passes W of the rock, but mariners are cautioned

that Wideford Hill can only be seen from the
vicinity of Lother Rock on a clear day.
(Directions for Cantick Sound are given at 5.62
and for Switha Sound at 5.68)

Sound of Hoxa
1

(continued from 5.45)

5.49
Passage west of Nevi Skerry. From a position in
midchannel about 1 miles ESE of North Taing, the N
point of Switha, the recommended track then leads N
passing (with positions from Stanger Head (5849N
305W)):
W of Herston Head (2 miles ESE), thence:
E of Stanger Head, the SE extremity of Flotta, which
is steepto on its E and S sides; a light (white hut
and pillar, 2 m in height), is exhibited from the E
side of the headland and a tower, with a group of
chimneys close N, stands 2 cables NW of the
headland. It is necessary for deepdraught vessels
to avoid two isolated patches, with depths over
them of less than 25 m, situated, respectively,
5 cables and 6 cables NE of Stanger Head. And:
W of Hoxa Head (1 miles E), 44 m high and the
SW extremity of the peninsula of Hoxa which
extends W from the NW end of South Ronaldsay;
a light (white tower, 7 m in height) stands on the
NW side of the head which is easily recognisable
by its numerous gun emplacements, thence:
E of Quoy Ness (1 mile N), the S entrance point of
Pan Hope (5.56), thence:
E of Roan Head (2 miles N), the NE extremity of
Flotta on which stands a light (white hut and
pillar, 2 m in height), and:
W of Nevi Skerry (2 miles NNE), a drying reef
which should not be approached closer than
cable from any direction; the reef is marked by
a lightbeacon (5.42), thence:
W of The Grinds (2 mile NNE), a group of
dangerous rocks which lie near the centre of a
bank, the extent of which is best seen from the
chart, with depths over it of less than 20 m,
thence:
E of Calf of Flotta (2 miles N), an islet, the E end
of which is marked by a light (pillar, 2 m in
height).
5.50
Passage east of Nevi Skerry. From a position in
midchannel between Stanger Head (5.49) and Hoxa Head
(5.49) the recommended track leads NE, passing
(positioned from Nevi Skerry (5851N 303W)):
SE of Nevi Skerry (5.49), and:
NW of Croo Taing (1 miles SE), the N extremity of
Hoxa peninsula; the coast between Hoxa Head and
Croo Taing should be given a berth of at least
1 cable, thence:
SE of a lightbuoy (port hand) (1 mile ENE) marking
the E extremity of a bank, with depths of less than
20 m over it, situated close ESE of, but detached
from, The Grinds (7 cables NE) (5.49), thence:
NW of Bar Taing (1 miles ENE), the E extremity of
Hunda.
5.51
Light sectors. Nevi Skerry and The Grinds both lie
within the red sector (163201) of Hoxa Head Light.

Useful marks with positions from Stanger Head:

Ward Hill (4 miles ESE) (5.198).
Martello tower (2 miles WSW) near Point of
Hackness.
Roeberry (2 miles E), a conspicuous house on the E
shore of Widewall Bay.
Calf Sound Beacon (2 miles N).
Flare (1 miles NNW) (5.130).
(Directions continue for coastal passages within
Scapa Flow at 5.131)

Minor side channel in approaches

to Sound of Hoxa
Calf Sound
1

5.52
Calf Sound, the passage between the NE point of Flotta
(5851N 304W) and Calf of Flotta (2 cables N) (5.49),
has a depth of 15 m in the fairway.
Directions. At the E end of the sound a drying reef
extends 1 cables N from Flotta to within about cable of
Calf of Flotta; a beacon stands about cable within the
head of the reef. Isolated drying rocks lie about cable W
of the head of the reef. A mooring buoy lies 1 cables
WSW of the W end of Calf of Flotta in the W approach to
the sound in which there are abandoned submarine cables.
Landing. Saint Vincent Pier projects from the Flotta
shore at the W end of the sound. Landing here is not easy
at LW springs or during N winds.

Anchorages, harbours and landings in

Sound of Hoxa and approaches
Bur Wick
1

160

5.53
General information. Bur Wick is entered between
Brough Ness (5844N 258W) (3.132) and The Wing
(7 cables NNW), a clifflined point, about 15 m high. Both
sides of the wick are fringed by reefs but there is a sandy
beach at the head. For details of tidal streams in the
approaches see 3.117 and 5.33. A ferry terminal is situated
in the wick.
Directions. Care is necessary to avoid:
Lother Rock (5 cables W of Brough Ness) (3.132);
for passage E of Lother Rock see 5.47.
The Creel, a reef which extends, partly above water,
more than 1 cable S from The Wing, noting that
depths of less than 3 m exist on the coastal bank
nearly 1 cable SE of the outer end of The Creel.
Useful mark:
Lights (metal mast, 6 m in height) (6 cables NNW of
Brough Ness) on S end of breakwater.
Anchorage can be obtained by small coasters in depths
between 7 and 8 m, well clear of any tidal streams; the
bottom is rocky except for a small sandy patch near the
head of the bay. Local knowledge is required.
Alongside berths. An uncompleted RoRo berth, work
on which was abandoned in 1990, is situated at a pier,
constructed of two solid circular dolphins, extending ESE
from the E side of The Wing and protected by a
breakwater extending from the shore close S. A passenger
ferry (see below) berths at a barge moored alongside the
dolphins.
A pier, formerly used by the ferry, is situated in the NE
head of the bay.
Communications. From May to September a passenger
ferry plies to John oGroats (6 miles SSW) on the
Scottish mainland.

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CHAPTER 5

Burray Pier from SSW (5.57)

(Original dated 2003)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

5.54
Sand Wick, lying close SE of The Nev (5847N
259W) (5.46), is shallow with a sand and shingle beach
at its head.

pierhead. The bay, although exposed E, affords good

fairweather anchorage to coasters but great care must be
taken to avoid a submarine oil pipeline, the position of
which is shown on the chart. Marine farms exist in the W
part of the bay.

Widewall Bay

Water Sound: western part

Sand Wick
1

5.55
General information. Widewall Bay is entered between
Herston Head (5.46) and Hoxa Head (5.49) (5849N
302W) (8 cables NNW). The outer part of the bay can be
dangerous in W gales but swell in the inner part is never
troublesome. A marine farm is moored in the centre of the
inner part.
Directions. Roeberry (1 miles E of Hoxa Head) (5.51)
bearing about 065 ahead leads into the bay. The N
extremity of Herston should be given a berth of about
2 cables, and care is necessary to avoid marine farms which
exist in the bay.
Anchorage. The bay is not recommended as an
anchorage except for coasters. The bottom in the inner part
of the bay is sandy and shelves very gradually.

Pan Hope
1

5.56
General information. Pan Hope, an inlet in the E side
of Flotta, is entered between Quoy Ness (5850N 305W)
and Roan Head (9 cables NNE) (5.49).
Berths and anchorage. There is a small pier 2 cables
W of Quoy Ness; a stranded wreck lies close off the

161

5.57
General information. Water Sound separates South
Ronaldsay from the island of Burray and is divided into
two parts by a causeway (5.201) which connects Burray
with Ayre of Cara (5850N 254W), a low shingle point
on which there is a large building, at the N extremity of
South Ronaldsay. The W part of Water Sound is entered
between Croo Taing (5850N 301W) and Bar Taing
(1 miles NNE) and extends 3 miles E to the causeway;
the E part is described at 5.211. Saint Margarets Hope
(5.58) lies at the middle of the S side of the sound and
Burray Village, where there is a pier suitable for small
coasters, is situated on Burray, 4 cables W of the causeway.
Submarine oil pipelines from Claymore, Piper and
Tartan oil fields to Flotta are laid the length of the sound
as indicated on the chart.
Submarine cables. A submarine power cable is laid
across the sound close W of the causeway, and disused
submarine cables exist on the S side of the entrance.
Tidal streams within the sound are generally weak and
irregular.
Directions. From the centre of the entrance the route to
the head of the sound leads E passing (with positions from
Bar Taing):

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CHAPTER 5

N of Dam of Hoxa (1 miles S), a small shallow

bay, thence:
S of The Cairn Head (3 cables SE), the S extremity
of Hunda, on which stands a stone cairn, thence:
S of Wha Taing (8 cables ESE), a drying reef
bordering the SW shore of Burray, noting that a
spit, with a depth over it of 24 m near its
extremity, extends about 6 cables SW from the
reef; the extent of the spit is generally clearly
visible from the colour of the water, thence:
N of Needle Point (1 miles SE), close E of which
there is a lightbeacon (5.58), thence:
N of Taing of Knockhall (1 miles SE), an extensive
drying reef bordering the N shore of South
Ronaldsay E of Knockhall Point, thence;
S of Ayre of Westermill (2 miles ESE), close E of
Burray Village.
Useful marks with positions from Bar Taing:
Church belfry (2 miles SSE) in Saint Margarets
Hope.
Lights (5.58) in Saint Margarets Hope.
Beacon (1 miles E) on summit of Burray (5.199).
Berths. A stone pier, 77 m long with a depth of 35 m
at its head, extends SW from Burray Village. The pier
provides a good berth for vessels up to 30 m long and not
exceeding 25 m in draught, but it becomes untenable in
strong SW to W winds when Saint Margarets Hope is to
be preferred. There is good anchorage between the
causeway and submarine power cable in 2 to 6 m.
Supplies: fresh water at pier; fuel by road tanker from
Kirkwall.
Other facilities. Two slips at Burray village.

Useful mark:
Lights (metal post, 5 m in height) on pierhead
(1 cables S of Needle Point).
Berths. Good anchorage can be found for small craft
near the centre of the bay in depths of 6 to 7 m, as
indicated on the chart, but care is necessary to avoid
marine farms located in the vicinity.
A stone pier, 91 m long with a depth of about 3 m at its
outer end, extends from the W side of the bay, 1 cables S
of Needle Point. There is a RoRo berth on the S face of
the pier, and a slip on the N side of the root of the pier.

South Ronaldsay Saint margarets Hope Pier (5.58)

(Original dated 2005)
(Photograph Copyright Granted

There are a number of small craft moorings at the head

of the bay.
Repairs of a minor nature can be effected.
Supplies: fuel by previous arrangement; water.

Aith Hope
1

Saint Margarets Hope

1

5.58
General information. Saint Margarets Hope, a bay
opening off the S shore of Water Sound, is entered between
Needle Point (5850N 258W) and Knockhall Point
(4 cables ESE). A narrow channel, least depth 29 m, leads
into the bay which affords shelter to small coasters. The
village of Saint Margarets Hope, in which there is a
church with a belfry (7 cables SSE of Needle Point), skirts
the head of the bay. Tidal streams in the bay are negligible.
The harbour is administered by the Saint Margarets
Hope Pier Trustees.
Marine farm. There is a marine farm 3 cables SE of
Knockhall Point.
Directions. By day the alignment (180) of Saint
Margarets Hope church belfry with the chimney
(uncharted) of a house, S, leads from Water Sound through
the narrow channel into the bay, passing (with positions
from Needle Point):
Close W of a seabed obstruction (2 cables ENE),
thence:
W of Skua Flaes (2 cables W), a rocky
weedcovered spit, which dries near its centre,
extending NW from Knockhall Point, and:
E of a lightbeacon (post; diamond topmark) which
stands on the extremity of a drying stony spit
extending 1 cable E from Needle Point.
By night the alignment (196) of leading lights, each a
post situated 1 cable apart at the head of the bay, leads
through the narrow channel into the bay but passes very
close W of the seabed obstruction previously mentioned.

5.59
Aith Hope (Chart 2162) is entered between the E
extremity of Brims Ness (5846N 313W) (3.129) and
South Walls at Aith Head (6 cables E) and is separated
from the inner part of Long Hope by The Ayre (5.24).
Anchorage in the bay is not secure but in N winds shelter
can be found in depths from 6 to 11 m, avoiding as
necessary marine farm installations 5 cables WNW of Aith
Head.

Swona
1

5.60
The best landing place on Swona (5844N 303W) is
in The Haven, a small cove on the E coast about 2 cables
S of North Head. It is often quite impracticable to approach
the island closely from any direction.

Cantick Sound
General information
1

162

5.61
Cantick Sound lies between the E end of South Walls at
Cantick Head (5847N 308W) and Switha (8 cables NE)
and at its NW, or inner, end leads into Switha Sound
(5.64).
Tidal Streams. See Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
Orkney and Shetland Islands which should invariably be
consulted. The streams are much affected by the general
tidal inflows and outflows from Scapa Flow through Sound
of Hoxa, West Weddel Sound and Gutter Sound, and are
also the products of mutual interreaction with tidal streams

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CHAPTER 5

Flotta

Cantick Head

Light

Switha

Approaches to Cantick Sound from SSW (5.62)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph Air Images)

in Switha Sound. The following summarises the cycle of

principal events in Cantick Sound:
Approximate
interval from
HW Aberdeen
(HW Dover)

Remarks

Directions

0420 (0150) Outgoing (SSE) tidal stream begins

and builds up relatively slowly.

0020 (+0210) Outgoing tidal stream reaches

maximum strength, spring rate about
3 kn, which is maintained for about
2 hours.

+0145 (+0415) Outgoing tidal stream begins to

weaken rapidly.
+0220 (+0450) Ingoing (NNW) tidal stream begins
and strength increases rapidly.
+0315 (+0545) Ingoing tidal stream reaches maximum
strength, spring rate about 3 kn, which
is maintained for a short time only.

+0505 (0450) Ingoing tidal stream considerably

weaker, spring rate 1 to 2 kn
decreasing gradually until outgoing
tidal stream begins.
3

Caution. The tidal streams change from maximum

outgoing rate to maximum ingoing rate very rapidly in
the space of about 1 hours between about +0145 HW
Aberdeen (+0415 HW Dover) and +0315 HW Aberdeen
(+0545 HW Dover), but the corresponding change from
ingoing to outgoing stream is very slow.
Turbulence is caused in the SE entrance to Cantick
Sound when the SWgoing tidal stream from Sound of
Hoxa meets the outgoing tidal stream from Cantick
Sound; this turbulence persists from about 0050 HW
Aberdeen (+0140 HW Dover) until about +0220 HW
Aberdeen (+0450 HW Dover).

Landmark:
Martello tower (1 mile NNW of Cantick Head) near
Point of Hackness.
Major Light:
Cantick Head Light (5847N 308W) (5.42).

5.62
From a position about 5 cables E of Cantick Head the
route through the sound leads NNW passing (with positions
from Cantick Head):
ENE of Cantick Head (5.24); Ruff of Cantick, a reef,
extends 1 cable NE of the head and is marked on
its extremity by a lightbeacon (black, 10 m in
height); a bank with depths of less than 10 m over
it extends a further 1 cables ENE beyond the
lightbeacon. The outgoing tidal stream from the
sound flows past the extremity of the reef with
great violence and the lightbeacon should be
passed at a distance of at least 1 cables. And:
WSW of The Ool (8 cables ENE), the SW extremity
of Switha, thence:
WSW of Point of The Pool, the W extremity of
Switha (8 cables NE), thence:
ENE of the E extremity of Hackness promontory
(9 cables NNW), the NE part of South Walls, from
which a bank, with depths of less than 10 m over
it, extends 3 cables E; in this vicinity Cantick
Sound joins Switha Sound (5.64).
Leading and clearing line. The Martello tower
(2 miles NNW of Cantick Head), near Crock Ness,
bearing 318 and open NE of Hackness promontory leads
through the entrance to Cantick Sound and passes NE of
Ruff of Cantick, as indicated on the chart.

Anchorage
1

163

5.63
Kirk Hope, an inlet entered between Cantick Head and
Hackness promontory, affords anchorage as shown on the
chart; marine farms exist in the inlet.

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CHAPTER 5

Switha Sound
2

Charts 2581, 2568 plan of Lyness and Flotta Marine Oil

Terminal

General information
1

5.64
General description. Switha Sound separates Flotta
from Switha, South Walls and Hoy and is entered from E
between Stanger Head (5849N 305W) and Switha
(7 cables SSW). It follows the S and W shores of Flotta to
its NW entrance between Crock Ness (5849N 310W)
and the W extremity of Flotta (8 cables ENE) where it
connects with West Weddel Sound, the channel between
Flotta and Fara, and the channel between Fara and Hoy. It
is joined W of Switha, by Cantick Sound (5.61); Long
Hope, a substantial inlet, extends SW from the W side of
Switha Sound S of Crock Ness and is described at 5.70.
5.65
Tidal Streams. See Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
Orkney and Shetland Islands which should invariably be
consulted. Tidal streams within the sound are much affected
by the general tidal inflows and outflows from Scapa Flow
through Sound of Hoxa, West Weddel Sound and Gutter
Sound; the streams are, moreover, also the products of
mutual interreaction with tidal streams in Cantick Sound.
The complexity of the resulting tidal streams is particularly
apparent during the general tidal inflow into Scapa Flow
when two large eddies, one clockwise and the other
anticlockwise, are formed within the E end of the sound
between Switha and Flotta as shown in the tidal stream
atlas. The anticlockwise eddy, which is confined to the
waters E of a line joining Head of Banks (8 cables W of
Stanger Head) and Point of Pool (1 mile further S), is
particularly strong, the NEgoing element across the
entrance to the sound attaining a spring rate of 4 kn.
Large eddies, but of less strength, also form at certain
stages in the approaches to Long Hope.
There is never any Egoing tidal stream through the E
entrance of Switha Sound.
5.66
Submarine cables and pipelines. A submarine cable
area extends NE across Switha Sound between Harkness
promontory (1 miles SE of Crock Ness) and the S coast
of Flotta. Anchoring is prohibited in the area, the limits of
which are shown on the chart.
A submarine power cable and two submarine water
pipelines are laid across the channel from the vicinity of
Crock Ness to Flotta, near the NW end of the sound; their
positions and details of beacons marking their landing
places on the shore are best seen on the chart.
5.67
Landmarks with positions from Crock Ness:
Martello tower (1 miles SE) near Point of Hackness.
Martello tower (1 cables N).
Major Light:
Cantick Head Light (2 miles SSE of Crock Ness)
(5.42).

Anchorage
1

5.69
Kirk Bay is an inlet in the S coast of Flotta between
Head of Banks (5849N 306W), an 8 m high cliff, and
an unnamed point 5 cables E. The head of the bay, from
which a submarine outfall pipe extends 1 miles SSE, is
rocky and shallow. Strong S winds raise a heavy sea in the
bay.

Long Hope
Chart 35

General information
1

Directions
1

coast of Flotta is clear of dangers more than 1 cable off the

salient points.
Between the SW coast of Flotta in the vicinity of Innan
Neb (1 miles W of Stanger Head), on which there is a
tower, and Hackness promontory (7 cables further SW)
(5.62) the sound changes direction and the fairway leads
NNW for about 1 miles NNW along the W coast of
Flotta, which is clear of dangers more than 1 cable
offshore, passing:
ENE of the NE side of Hackness promontory which
is clear of dangers more than 1 cable offshore,
thence:
ENE of Crock Ness (5849N 310W), the most E
point of Hoy. The Ruff, an extensive drying reef,
lies on a bank, with depths of less than 5 m over
it, extending 2 cables E from Crock Ness; the
extremity of the bank is marked by a lightbuoy
(port hand).
Clearing line. Cantick Head Light bearing 155 and just
open E of the Martello tower on Hackness promontory
passes close E of the dangers extending E from Crock
Ness.
(Directions continue for West Weddel Sound at 5.76
and for passage W of Fara including
Gutter Sound at 5.79;
directions for Long Hope are given at 5.71)

5.68
From a position in midchannel between Stanger Head
(5.49) and North Taing (7 cables SSW), the N point of
Switha, the route through the fairway of Switha Sound
leads W for 1 miles along the S coast of Flotta. Depths
of less than 10 m extend 1 cable N from North Taing; the S

164

5.70
General description. Long Hope is entered from Switha
Sound between Crock Ness (5849N 310W) and Point of
Hackness (1 mile SSE), the N extremity of Hackness
promontory, and extends more than 3 miles WSW between
the N side of South Walls (5.24) and the SE side of Hoy.
The inlet is divided into an outer and inner part at narrows
between South Ness (1 miles SW of Crock Ness) and
North Ness (2 cables further NNE).
Topography. The village of Longhope skirts the shore
between South Ness, where there is a pier, and a prominent
church with belfry, 5 cables E.
The inner part of Long Hope is shallow and made into a
landlocked basin by The Ayre (1 miles SW of South
Ness) (5.24). Melsetter, a cluster of buildings with a
flagstaff, stands 1 cables W of the SW head of the basin
(Chart 2162).
Tidal streams. Eddies form in Switha Sound in the
approaches to Long Hope as shown in Admiralty Tidal
Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands. Within Long
Hope tidal streams are negligible except in the narrows
between North and South Ness where the ingoing tidal
stream commences at +0230 HW Aberdeen (+0500 HW
Dover) and the outgoing at 0430 HW Aberdeen
(0200 HW Dover), spring rate 1 to 2 kn in both
directions.

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Directions
1

Anchorage

Marine farms exist 1 miles ENE and 4 cables WSW

of South Ness.
5.71
Outer part of Long Hope. When entering Long Hope
care is necessary to avoid the dangers extending E from
Crock Ness (5.68) and the banks with depths of less than
5 m over them which extend from both shores of the outer
part of the inlet, as shown on the chart; by night the white
sector (242252) of a light (white building, 5 m in
height) on the head of South Ness pier leads between these
banks until abreast Longhope, but covers two isolated
shoals and a wreck, which have a least charted depth over
them of 79 m, lying between 6 and 7 cables SSE of Crock
Ness.
The narrows, between North and South Ness, have a
depth of 61 m in the fairway which is constricted to a
width of about cable between shallow banks, the inner
parts of which dry, extending from both sides of the
channel. Attention is called to a ruined dolphin (1 cables
ESE of the extremity of North Ness) which is not visible at
all stages of the tide.
Inner part of Long Hope. The greater part of the basin
forming the inner portion of Long Hope is shallow with
two areas of drying reefs lying 8 cables WSW and 1 mile
SW, respectively, of South Ness. The chart is the best guide
for navigating in this basin.
Useful marks with positions from South Ness:
Martello tower (1 miles NE) near Crock Ness.
Martello tower (1 miles E) near Point of Hackness.
Standing stone (7 cables S) near the summit of
South Walls.

5.72
Very heavy squalls can occur in Long Hope, particularly
during strong NW winds, but in settled weather there is
good anchorage in the outer part of the inlet within
5 cables of the entrance in depths of 7 to 15 m, mud and
sand covered with weed. It is necessary to avoid a small
foul patch and a wreck lying, respectively, 5 cables and
7 cables SSE of Crock Ness.
Coasters can find anchorage about 5 cables ENE of
South Ness in a depth of about 8 m, but clear of marine
farms.
With local knowledge anchorage can be found for small
craft close W of the narrows, clear of marine farms and a
submarine power cable area, the limits of which are shown
on the chart, situated at the W end of the narrows; the
landing positions of the cables on the S shore are marked
by yellow beacons.
Plenty of cable is necessary when anchoring in Long
Hope because of the accumulation of weed.

Alongside berths
1

5.73
South Ness. An Lshaped stone pier, 109 m in length,
extends NE from the E side of South Ness. A breakwater
extends NNE from South Ness to form a harbour on the
NE side of the pier. There are depths of about 5 m
alongside the outer face of the head of the pier which is
58 m in length, and about 4 m alongside the outer 44 m of
the SE side of the pier; nearer the shore the pier narrows
and depths alongside decrease rapidly. The SE side is used
by the interisland ferry; landing steps are sited on the NW
and SE sides.

Longhope South Ness Harbour from SE (5.73)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

165

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CHAPTER 5

Sutherland Pier

Gibraltar Pier

Gibraltar and Sutherland Piers, Flotta from N (5.76)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph Air Images)

Other small piers or jetties are situated in front of

Longhope and on the SE extremity of North Ness.

Directions
(continued from 5.68)
1

Supplies
1

5.74
Water at South Ness pier; provisions in limited quantity
at Longhope.

West Weddel Sound

Chart 2568 plan of Lyness and Flotta Marine Terminal

General information
1

5.75
West Weddel Sound lies between the SE side of Fara at
Ayre Point (5850N 309W) and the NW coast of Flotta
(3 cables SE) and leads from the NW end of Switha
Sound into Scapa Flow.
Controlling depth. There is a depth of 40 m in the
fairway over a bar at the NE end of the sound.
Tidal streams. See Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
Orkney and Shetland Islands; changes in direction from
ingoing to outgoing tidal streams, and vice versa, occur
frequently. In the narrower part of the sound spring rates
are about 1 kn for the ingoing and about 2 kn for the
outgoing tidal stream. The outgoing tidal stream is
generally more regular than the ingoing.
Submarine cables and pipelines. A submarine power
cable and two submarine water pipelines exist at the SW
entrance to the sound; for further details see 5.66. A
submarine cable is laid SE from Ayre Point to Flotta as
shown on the chart.
Landmarks with positions from Ayre Point:
Martello tower (9 cables SW) near Crock Ness.
Flare (1 miles E) (5.130).

5.76
Leading bearing. From a position at the NW end of
Switha Sound the SE extremity of Crock Ness (5849N
310W) (5.68) bearing about 219 astern leads NE through
the narrow fairway of the sound, which is less than 1 cable
wide between the 5 m depth contours on both sides, and
through the best water over the bar at the NE end of the
sound, passing (with positions from Ayre Point):
SE of the SE side of Fara (5.24), the whole of which
is fringed by a drying reef and shallow coastal
bank, and:
NW of the W extremity of Flotta, also fringed by a
drying reef and shallow coastal bank, thence:
NW of Sutherland Pier (5 cables E) (5.77), from
which a light (mast, 6 m in height) is exhibited,
thence:
NW of Gibraltar Pier (7 cables ENE) (5.77) from the
head of which lights (metal post) are exhibited,
thence:
NW of Heyspan (8 cables ENE), an area of dangerous
rocks extending beyond the drying reef, and:

Berths
1

166

5.77
Sutherland Pier (5850N 308W) is situated at the SW
side of a bay in the NW coast of Flotta. The pier is angled
with 3 arms; the inner arm extends about 100 m NNW
from the shore; from the E side of the head of this arm the
centre and outer arms extend, respectively, about 100 m NE
and then 16 m E. The two outer arms are constructed of a
number of solid circular cells; they are used by the Orkney
Harbour Authority for the berthing of pollution control
craft.

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CHAPTER 5

Flotta Sutherland Pier from NW (5.77)

(Original dated 2004)
(Photograph Copyright Granted)
2

Gibraltar Pier lies 3 cables NE of Sutherland Pier and

extends W from the E side of the bay, about 1 cable S of
Heyspan (5.76). A RoRo ferry terminal and a berth for oil
company vessels are situated on the S side of the pier
which has a depth of 33 m at its head.

Directions
(continued from 5.68)
1

Gibraltar Pier from NW (5.77)

(Original dated 2004)
(Photograph Copyright Granted)
3

Anchorage. In settled weather there is good anchorage

off Sutherland or Gibraltar Piers.

Channel west of Fara including Gutter Sound

Charts 2568 plan of Lyness and Flotta Marine Oil Terminal, 35

General information
1

5.78
General description. The island of Fara is separated
from the E side of Hoy, N of Crock Ness (5849N
310W), and the island of Rysa Little (5852N 312W)
by a passage about 5 cables wide. Gutter Sound is the part
of this passage which lies N of a line joining Point of
Cletts (5851N 312W) and the shore of Fara, 5 cables
E, and opens into the SW part of Scapa Flow abreast the N
extremity of Fara.
Topography. This part of the coast of Hoy is indented
by several bays of interest to the mariner. Behind the coast
the land rises in hills which a few miles W attain elevations
of nearly 400 m; a beacon stands at an elevation of 171 m
on the slope of a hill 2 miles WNW of Crock Ness.
Tidal streams. See Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
Orkney and Shetland Islands. The in(N)going tidal stream
runs for about 2 hours only while the out(S)going tidal

stream runs for about 10 hours. Both tidal streams are

strongest on the Fara side of the channel, spring rates being
1 kn for the outgoing and 1 kn for the ingoing
stream; elsewhere the rates are usually appreciably less and
can vary from place to place. Occasionally, and
unpredictably, the outgoing tidal stream does not run into
Switha Sound but rounds the S end of Fara and runs back
into Scapa Flow through West Weddel Sound.
Submarine cables and pipelines. A submarine power
cable and two submarine water pipelines are laid from the
vicinity of Crock Ness to Flotta (8 cables E); for further
details see 5.66.
Caution. The bottom throughout the channel from Crock
Ness to the N end of Gutter Sound is foul with old wire
hawsers and abandoned electric cables.
Landmarks:
Martello tower (1 cables N of Crock Ness).
Rysa Lodge (1 cables W of Point of Cletts), a
conspicuous house on side of a hill.

5.79
Channel between Fara and Hoy. From a position in
midchannel about 4 cables ENE of Crock Ness (5.68) at
the NW end of Switha Sound the axis of the fairway
follows the W shore of Fara, which is clear of dangers
more than about cable offshore, passing, in midchannel:
ENE of Ore Bay (8 cables NW of Crock Ness)
(5.81), thence:
ENE of the small peninsula of Lyness (1 mile NW of
Crock Ness), the E extremity of which consists of
Lyness and Golden Wharves (5.82) from which
lights (metal masts, each 5 m in height) are
exhibited, as shown on the chart, thence:
E of three submerged wrecks (about 2 cables SE of
Point of Cletts), close together and nearly in
midchannel off the entrance to Mill Bay (5.83); a
lightbuoy (port hand) is moored close E of these
wrecks a fourth wreck, exists in the passage W of
the three wrecks, thence:
E of Point of Cletts.
Gutter Sound then leads NNE in unobstructed water
passing (positioned from Point of Cletts):
ESE of Ruberry (2 cables N), the S entrance point
of Rysa Sound (5.80); Rysa House stands
1 cables NW of Ruberry, thence:
In midchannel between Peat Point (8 cables ENE)
and the SE extremity (7 cables NNE) of Rysa
Little, thence:
WNW of North Point (1 mile ENE), the N extremity
of Fara.
Caution. Attention is drawn to a shallow spit which
extends 3 cables S from Point of The Ward (9 cables N of
the N extremity of Fara), the S point of the island of Cava
(5.108) which lies in the N approach to Gutter Sound.

Rysa Sound
1

167

5.80
General information. Rysa Sound is the channel
between Rysa Little (5852N 312W) and the NE coast of
Hoy. It may be entered from SE or NE. The SE entrance
opens from Gutter Sound and leads by a narrow and
shallow channel between the S point of Rysa Little and
Ruberry (3 cables SSW) (5.79); the NE entrance opens
from the SE end of Bring Deeps (5.85) by a wider channel,

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CHAPTER 5

Hoy Lyness Wharf and Golden Wharf from SW (5.82)

(Original dated 2003)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

which is deep and clear, between the N point of Rysa Little

and Green Head (5 cables NW).
On the adjacent coast of Hoy a steepto and broad
promontory, of which Pegal Head (4 cables SW of the N
point of Rysa Little) is the SE extremity, separates Pegal
Bay from Lyrawa Bay. Both bays dry at their heads.
Marine farms. Marine farms lie on the W side of the
sound.
Tidal streams. There are no regular tidal streams in
Rysa Sound.
Directions. In the SE entrance the fairway leads
generally WNW and favours the Rysa Little side to avoid a
shallow bank extending nearly 1 cable NE from the coast
of Hoy and to obtain the best depth of 46 m over a bar
which extends across the narrowest part of the channel.
Anchorage can be found in midsound off Pegal Bay in
depths of about 14 m, good holding, but avoiding a marine
farm situated in the vicinity and shown on the chart.
During gales this berth can be subject to very sudden and
violent squalls from the hills of Hoy.
There is also good anchorage in W winds midway
between the entrance points of Lyrawa Bay in depths of 18
to 20 m, excellent holding but exposed E; care is necessary
to avoid a marine farm, shown on the chart, situated close
within the entrance of the bay.

Lyness
1

Ore Bay
1

5.81
General information. Ore Bay is entered between the
vicinities of Lyness Wharf (5850N 311W) and South
Pier (5 cables SE). The head of the bay dries and the sides
of the bay are fringed by drying reefs.
Marine farms exist in the bay as indicated on the
charts.
Anchorage. The bed of the bay is fouled by abandoned
wire hawsers.

Piers, of pile construction, extend from the shores of the

bay as follows (with positions from Lyness Wharf):
South Pier (5 cables SE), 180 m in length.
North Pier ( cable SW).
West Pier (1 cables SW).
Boat slips are located short distances NE and SW of
North Pier.

5.82
General information. Lyness Wharf and Golden Wharf
line the SE extremity (5850N 311W) of the small
peninsula of Lyness. During and after N and NW gales
there is a moderate scend at the berths. The seabed in the
S and E approaches to the berths is fouled by areas
indicated on the chart and by abandoned wire hawsers.
Lyness Wharf, which can accommodate vessels not
exceeding 76 m in draught at MLWS, consists of E and S
faces of stone construction:
E face, aligned N/S, is 123 m long and from its
coping slopes outwards at an angle of about 8
from the vertical. Care is therefore required when
berthing twin screw vessels to avoid damaging the
inner screw as the berth is not fendered.
S face extends W from the S end of the E face and
provides a RoRo berth, about 69 m in length.
Golden Wharf extends about 190 m N from the inner
side of the N end of Lyness Wharf; the S end dries but
there are depths of about 57 m towards the N end.
Supplies. Fuel and water from Lyness Wharf.

Mill Bay
1

168

5.83
General information. Mill Bay is entered between Point
of Cletts (5851N 312W) and The Point (6 cables SSW),

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CHAPTER 5

the NE extremity of Lyness peninsula. The head of the bay

dries for a considerable distance.
Directions. When approaching the bay from NE it is
necessary to avoid, as required by draught, three wrecks
(5.79) which lie within 2 cables between SE and SSE of
Point of Cletts. Marine farms are moored within 2 cables of
the NW shore, SE to SSW of Point of Cletts.
Anchorage for coasters can be found in the outer part
of the bay in a depth of 11 m, good holding, sand, on the
alignment (005) of Point of Cletts and Ruberry (2 cables
N); the sea bed is liable to be foul with abandoned wire
hawsers.

Historic and military wrecks

1

Controlling depth
1

Landing
1

5.87
Restricted areas, in accordance with 1.65, are established
with radii of 250 m NW, NE and E of Cava (58527N
3100W) (5.108), as shown on the chart, to protect
historic and military wrecks.

5.88
For passage into Scapa Flow the controlling depth is
58 m over a submerged obstruction (5856N 315W) in
Clestrain Sound.

Port limits

5.84
Fara. Boats can land on a stony beach at the head of
Peat Bay (5851N 311W), a small indentation on the NW
coast of Fara.

5.89
For details see 5.12.

Port Authority
1

HOY SOUND

Orkney Harbours Navigation Service

1

General information

5.85
Hoy Sound is entered from W at Hoy Mouth between
Kame of Hoy (5855N 324W) and Breck Ness (2 miles
NNE). It separates Hoy from Mainland, and affords entry
into Scapa Flow from W.
Western and northern parts of Hoy Sound. About
2 miles within Hoy Mouth the island of Graemsay (5856N
318W), of which Point of Oxan is the NW point, divides
the sound into two channels; the channel passing N of
Graemsay is the continuation of Hoy Sound which is at its
narrowest here, while Burra Sound is the channel passing
W and S of Graemsay. On the N side of the sound
between Ness (8 cables NE of Point of Oxan) and Skerries
of Clestrain (1 miles further E), the coast of Mainland
recedes and is indented by, in sequence from W to E,
Stromness Harbour, Cairston Road and Bay of Ireland.
Southeastern part of Hoy Sound. The SE part of Hoy
Sound consists of two sections: Clestrain Sound extends SE
from a line joining Sandside Point, the NE extremity of
Graemsay, and Skerries of Clestrain, and leads between the
E side of Graemsay and the SW shore of Mainland to the
vicinity of Houton Head (5855N 312W); Bring Deeps,
the continuation of Clestrain Sound, is entered between
Houton Head and Bring Head (2 miles WSW) and opens
into the NW part of Scapa Flow in the vicinity of the
island of Cava (2 miles SSE of Houton Head).
The SE end of Burra Sound opens into the SE part of
Hoy Sound at the junction of Clestrain Sound and Bring
Deeps.

5.91
For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 6 (1).

Pilotage

Charts 2249, 2568 plan of Stromness and Hoy Sound, 35

General description

5.90
Orkney Islands Council. For details see 5.3.

5.92
See 5.18. The pilot boarding position is situated
7 cables NNW of Braebuster Point (5856N 321W), as
indicated on the chart.

Local knowledge
1

5.93
Local knowledge is required for passage through Hoy
Sound from W at night.

Obstructions
1

5.94
High voltage submarine power cables are laid across
Clestrain Sound from Mainland, one landing on the E coast
of Graemsay, and three landing at Seageo on the NE coast
of Hoy, 5 cables NW of Bring Head. The landing positions
of the cable to Graemsay, and the limits of the area
covered by the cables to Hoy, are marked by beacons on
the shore, as indicated on the chart.
Submarine cable area. Anchoring is prohibited in an
area, indicated on the chart, at the junction of Clestrain
Sound and Bring Deeps in which submarine cables are laid
SSW across Hoy Sound.
Foul ground. Extensive but illdefined areas in which
the bottom is foul and anchorage not advised exist in the
channel passing W of Cava (5853N 310W).
Marine farms exist at several locations in Hoy Sound;
their positions are best seen from the chart.

Rescue
Topography
1

5.86
Hoy. For general description see 3.64.

169

5.95
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained at
Stromness (5858N 318W) and on Hoy; for further
details see 1.76.

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CHAPTER 5

Lifeboat. An RNLI allweather lifeboat is stationed at

Stromness; for further details see 1.87.

Tidal streams
1

5.96
General information. The details given in the following
paragraphs supplement the information shown on the charts
and in Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland
Islands.
5.97
Hoy Mouth and western entrance to Hoy Sound.
Tidal streams set as follows:
In (E)going tidal stream begins about +0310 HW
Aberdeen (+0530 HW Dover).
Out (W)going tidal stream begins about 0330 HW
Aberdeen (0110 HW Dover).
Ingoing tidal stream. There is little indraught W of a
line joining Braebuster Point and Breck Ness but E of this
line the ingoing tidal stream is felt over the whole width
of the sound. This tidal stream, which has a spring rate of
4 to 5 kn in midchannel, divides W of Point of Oxan and
runs very strongly through the narrowest part of Hoy
Sound N of Graemsay and through Burra Sound.
Outgoing tidal stream. The very strong outgoing
tidal streams from the narrows of Hoy Sound and Burra
Sound join W of Point of Oxan and set through Hoy
Mouth in a direction of about 280. Eddies form on both
sides of this stream so that the outgoing tidal stream
proper is confined to a narrow strip in midchannel which
gradually broadens to seaward and is about 7 cables wide
between Braebuster Point and Breck Ness; nearer the land
on both sides of Hoy Mouth there is a nearly continuous
Egoing eddy stream. The outgoing tidal stream has a
spring rate of about 4 kn between Braebuster Point and
Breck Ness, but decreases rapidly to seaward so that at a
position about 1 miles farther W any outgoing tidal
stream from Hoy Sound is imperceptible.
Tide race. An extensive tide race with heavy overfalls,
which can be dangerous with W gales, forms in the W
approach and entrance to the sound where the strength of
the outgoing tidal stream meets the Atlantic swell; the
average limits of the tide race are shown on the chart.
5.98
Hoy Sound abreast Graemsay. In the narrows abreast
Point of Oxan tidal streams in both directions attain a
spring rate of about 8 kn, but the ingoing tidal stream is
probably rather stronger than the outgoing; both may
attain even greater rates over, and in the vicinity of,
Showbelly (3 cables NNE of Point of Oxan) and adjacent
shoals.
Between Ness and Sandside Point the ingoing tidal
stream through the narrows continues E towards Skerries of
Clestrain at a gradually decreasing rate, the main stream
passing N of Ebbing Eddy (4 cables NW of Sandside
Point). The outgoing tidal stream runs NW past Sandside
Point at a spring rate of about 4 kn. It then turns W, the
main stream passing N of Ebbing Eddy, and steadily
increases in rate as it approaches the narrows.
5.99
Northern part of Hoy Sound. The ingoing tidal
stream from the narrows of Hoy Sound divides off Skerries
of Clestrain, the main stream running SE through Clestrain
Sound as described at 5.100, while a weaker branch turns
N through the channel between Skerries of Clestrain and
Mallow Bank (4 cables NW) and on into Bay of Ireland

where it turns W and forms a SWgoing eddy in Cairston

Road. Similarly a weak branch of the outgoing stream
from Clestrain Sound also runs N past Skerries of Clestrain
and on into Bay of Ireland where it turns W and runs out
SW through Cairston Road and across the entrance to
Stromness Harbour. There is thus an almost continuous
SWgoing tidal stream in Cairston Road.
5.100
Southeast part of Hoy Sound. Tidal streams set as
follows:
In (SE)going stream begins +0320 HW Aberdeen
(+0540 HW Dover).
Out (NW)going stream begins 0310 HW Aberdeen
(0050 HW Dover).
Ingoing tidal streams run with greatest strength on the
E side of Clestrain Sound and attain spring rates of about
4 kn near the shore of Mainland about 7 cables S of
Skerries of Clestrain. Off the E and SE sides of Graemsay
the ingoing tidal stream is weak and there may even be a
NWgoing eddy. About 1 mile SE of Graemsay the
ingoing tidal stream in Clestrain Sound is joined by that
from Burra Sound and the combined tidal streams run SE
through Bring Deeps, their strength rapidly diminishing as
they approach Scapa Flow.
Outgoing tidal streams from Scapa Flow gradually
gain strength as they run through Bring Deeps. They
divides SE of Graemsay, one branch continuing through
Burra Sound, the other running NW through Clestrain
Sound. The main strength of the latter stream lies on the W
side of Clestrain Sound.
5.101
Between Holm of Houton and Cava tidal streams set
as follows:
In (E)going stream begins +0335 HW Aberdeen
(+0555 HW Dover).
Out (W)going stream begins 0245 HW Aberdeen
(0025 HW Dover).
Spring rates are not more than kn in both directions.

Caution
1

5.102
During and after W gales lowpowered vessels are
advised against proceeding W out of Hoy Sound while the
outgoing stream is running on account of the tide race and
overfalls (5.97) caused by that tidal stream.

Principal marks
1

170

5.103
Landmarks:
Ward Hill (Hoy) (5854N 321W) (3.75).
Cuilags (1 miles NW of Ward Hill) (3.75).
Kame of Hoy (2 miles NW of Ward Hill) (3.75).
Hoy Sound (Low) Lighthouse (white tower, 12 m in
height) (5856N 318W) on Point of Oxan,
Graemsay Island.
Hoy Sound (High) Lighthouse (white tower, 33 m in
height) (5856N 316W) on Sandside Point,
Graemsay Island.
Building (5855N 312W), conspicuous, on Houton
Head.
Hill of Midland (5856N 311W), conspicuous.
Ward Hill (Mainland) (5857N 309W) (5.130).

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CHAPTER 5

Bay of Quoys

Moness

Ward Hill, Hoy, from NE (5.103)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph Air Images)
4

Major lights:
Hoy Sound (Low) Light as above.
Hoy Sound (High) Light as above.

Directions
Approach to Hoy Sound
1

5.104
Hoy Mouth can be readily identified from a considerable
distance to seaward by Kame of Hoy (5855N 324W)
(3.75) and the high redcoloured cliff of the coast of Hoy
S of it, and by Black Craig (5859N 322W) (5.150) N of
it.
Leading line. The alignment (104) of Hoy Sound
(Low) Lighthouse (5.103) and Hoy Sound (High)
Lighthouse (5.103), situated, respectively, on the NW and
NE extremities of Graemsay, leads into Hoy Mouth, as
indicated on the chart, until in a position about due N of
Kame Of Hoy.
By night it is important that these lights are maintained
in transit and that sole reliance is not placed on keeping
within the red sector (097112) of the rear light, which
covers the entrance to the sound, as the sectors of this light
are not well defined.

Western part of Hoy Sound: Hoy Mouth to

Mallow Bank
1

5.105
When about due N of Kame of Hoy the track diverges
from the 104 alignment and leads E passing (with
positions from Point of Oxan (5856N 319W)):
S of Breck Ness (2 miles NW), a small promontory,
10 m high, at the SW extremity of Mainland. The
ruins of Breckness House stand near the shore on
the SE side of the promontory. A shoal extends
3 cables offshore around the promontory and
Braga Skerry, a drying reef over which the sea
breaks heavily in gales, lies 2 cables SW of the
promontory and separated from it by Sound of
Braga. A Lightbuoy (S cardinal) marking the S
end of the European Marine Energy Test Centre
(5.8) which lies to NW of Breck Ness, is moored
1 mile WSW of Breck Ness. Mariners are advised

171

to give Breck Ness a berth of at least 5 cables.

And:
N of Braebuster Point (1 miles WSW), the N point
of Hoy; Out Taings, consisting of a drying reef
and dangerous rocks, extends 2 cables offshore
around the point, thence:
N of Bow of Hoy (1 mile W), a bank, with a depth
of 2 m near its outer end, which extends 3 cables
N from the extremity of Taing of Selwick (1 mile
WSW), a drying reef projecting 3 cables NW from
the coast of Hoy; the sea breaks heavily over Bow
of Hoy with any swell; a stranded wreck lies on
the NW edge of Taing of Selwick, thence:
S of Kirk Rocks (1 mile NW) which dry and over
which the sea breaks heavily with any swell. The
rocks are connected by a rocky ridge, parts of
which dry, to a point, 2 cables ENE on the coast
of Mainland, on which there is a ruined chapel,
thence:
N of Point of Oxan, the NW extremity of Graemsay;
the point is fringed by a drying reef up to 1 cable
wide from which Baas of Oxan, a shoal, extends a
further 1 cables WNW. Hoy Sound (Low) Light
(5.103) stands on the N side of the point. In this
vicinity the narrow fairway between the 10 m
depth contours favours the Mainland side of the
channel, thence:
In midchannel between Showbelly (3 cables NNE), a
rock lying in the middle of the narrowest part of
Hoy Sound, and the shore of Mainland, N; depths
in the passage S of Showbelly are reduced by
rocky shoals, details of which are best seen from
the charts. thence:
N of Skerry of Cletts (4 cables E), a drying reef
separated from Graemsay by a narrow boat
channel, and:
S of Ness (8 cables NE), a low flat point, on which
there is a beacon, forming the W side of the
entrance to Stromness Harbour. Skerry of Ness, a
drying ledge of rocks, extends 1 cables from the
shore along the SE side of Ness and is marked
near its S extremity by a lightbeacon (platform on
white concrete column, 10 m in height) which

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CHAPTER 5

10

11

12

should be passed at a distance of about 1 cables,

thence:
N of Ebbing Eddy or Barr Rocks (7 cables E) and
Lesser Sand Eel (2 cables further E), a shallow
sandy patch. These features lie near the N edge of
an extensive area of shoal water occupying the
approaches to Bay of Sandside (8 cables ESE). At
LW seaweed shows on Ebbing Eddy which is
marked 1 cable NNE by a lightbuoy (N cardinal),
thence:
N of Sandside Point (1 mile E), the NE extremity of
Graemsay, from which Hoy Sound (High) Light
(5.103) is exhibited. Taing of Sandside, a drying
reef, extends up to 1 cables offshore around the
point, thence:
S of Mallow Bank (1 miles ENE), an extensive and
shallow area of soft mud and sand, on which there
is a prolific growth of weed, and:
N of Sand Eel (1 miles E), a sandy shoal marked
by Sand Eel Lightbuoy (E cardinal) (58564N
3154W). The position of the shoal is generally
indicated by the lighter colour of the water in its
vicinity.
Clearing line. The S extremity of the Mainland shore
about 5 cables WSW of Ness bearing less than 293 and
shutting in the ruined chapel on the coast 2 cables ENE of
Kirk Rocks passes clear NNE of Ebbing Eddy and Lesser
Sand Eel.

Southeastern part of Hoy Sound: Clestrain Sound

5.106
From a position about 7 cables NE of Sandside Point
(5856N 316W) the channel through Clestrain Sound
leads SSE passing (with positions from Sandside Point):
In midchannel between Sand Eel (4 cables ENE)
(5.105) and Skerries of Clestrain (1 mile ENE), a
drying reef extending offshore from Mainland.
Mariners are advised to give the Mainland shore a
berth of at least 2 cables until past Peter Skerry
(1 miles farther S), thence:
Either side of Riddock Shoal (6 cables ESE), marked
on its E side by a lightbuoy (port hand). A
submerged obstruction, with a least depth over it
of 58 m, extends across the fairway passing E of
the shoal, as indicated on the charts, and an
isolated obstruction, with a depth over it of 24 m,
lies midway between the W end of the main
obstruction and the shoal, close S of the buoy,
thence:

ENE of The Nevi (7 cables SSE), the SE point of

Graemsay, from which a rocky bank extends
4 cables SE and 5 cables SSW into the SE
entrance to Burra Sound (5.109); a number of
dangers lie on this bank including Sow Skerry, a
drying reef extending 1 cable SE from The Nevi,
and Sour Skerry, a cluster of dangerous rocks on
which weed shows at LW, standing near the S
extremity of the bank. Details are best seen from
the chart, thence:
WSW of Peter Skerry (2 miles ESE), a detached reef,
on which there are dangerous rocks, lying between
1 and 2 cables off the Mainland shore; at LW
springs seaweed shows on Peter Skerry, the NW
edge of which is marked by a lightbuoy
(starboard hand), thence:
ENE of Bring Head (2 miles S), a prominent point
with abruptly rising cliffs on the NE coast of Hoy,
and:
WSW of Houton Head (2 miles ESE), a prominent
cliff headland, which is clear of dangers a short
distance off its S and SW sides; rising ground
close within the headland is surmounted by a
conspicuous building.

5.107
Clearing lines and light sector:
The alignment (245) of Hoy Sound (High) Light on
Sandside Point with West Hill (8 cables WSW),
the summit of Graemsay, passes clear SE of Sand
Eel.
The alignment (120) of the SW extremities of
Houton Head and Holm of Houton (3 cables
ESE) (5.108) passes clear SSW of Peter Skerry.
By night Peter Skerry is covered by the red sector
(143196) of Cava Light (1 miles SSE of
Houton Head).

Southeastern part of Hoy Sound: Bring Deeps and

channels into Scapa Flow
1

5.108
From a position in midchannel between Houton Head
(5855N 312W) and Bring Head (2 miles WSW) Bring
Deeps lead ESE, passing NNE of Scad Head (1 miles
SSW of Houton Head), and opens into the NW part of
Scapa Flow between Holm of Houton (3 cables ESE of
Houton Head), a flat islet connected NW by a drying reef
to Mainland, and Green Head (2 miles S of Houton
Head), 7 m high. Thence channels, described below, pass
on either side of Cava (5853N 310W), a small island
lying close within Scapa Flow. A light (white circular

Stromness

Graemsay

Bay of Ireland

Skerries of Clestrain

Hoy Sound (High) Light

Clestrain Sound from SE (5.106)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph Air Images)

172

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CHAPTER 5

tower, 8 m in height) stands on the NW extremity of Calf

of Cava, a small peninsula joined to the N end of Cava by
a narrow ridge of stones. The ruins of a white house are
conspicuous in the middle of the N part of Cava. Marine
farms are moored off the SW shore of Bring Deeps.
Channel north of Cava. The channel N of Cava leads
E between Holm of Houton and Calf of Cava. The sides of
the passage are clear of dangers more than a short distance
offshore but numerous wrecks and obstructions lie on the
seabed of the fairway; their positions are best seen from
the chart.
Channel west of Cava. From between Calf of Cava and
Green Point the channel W of Cava leads SSE, passing:
ENE of Rysa Little, and:
WSW of Point of the Ward (1 mile SSE of Cava
Light), the S extremity of Cava, from which a
shallow sand spit extends 3 cables S.
The sides of the channel are clear of dangers from a
short distance offshore but the seabed is foul throughout, as
indicated on the chart. Tidal streams in this channel are
weak and irregular. Rysa Sound (5.80) is entered from the
channel between Green Head and the N extremity of Rysa
Little, and at its S end the channel opens into Gutter Sound
(5.78).
Useful mark:
Barrel of Butter Lightbeacon (1 miles E of Cava
Light) (5.130).
(Directions are given for Burra Sound at 5.110,
and for Stromness Harbour at 5.116)

Burra Sound

Directions
1

Charts 35, 2568 plan of Stromness and Hoy Sound

General information
1

Point (1 miles WSW) and at its SE end opens into Hoy

Sound between Bring Head (5854N 316W) and The
Nevi (1 miles N).
Local knowledge. Because the fairway of the narrowest
part of the sound abreast Hoy Skerries (7 cables S of
Point of Oxan) is partially blocked by the wrecks of
blockships, sunk in 1939, passage through the sound should
not be attempted without very good local knowledge.
Submarine pipeline and power cables. A submarine
water pipeline is laid SSW across the sound from close W
of the S point of Graemsay; the landing places of the
pipeline are marked by beacons on the shore, as shown on
the chart.
Three submarine power cables from Mainland are landed
at Seageo (5 cables NW of Bring Head); see 5.94.
Tidal streams. The in(SE)going tidal stream begins
about +0315 HW Aberdeen (+0535 HW Dover) and runs
strongest on the Hoy side of the sound, spring rate 5 to
6 kn in the narrows abreast Hoy Skerries but decreasing
steadily SE to 1 to 1 kn off Bring Head; on the
Graemsay side of the sound the tidal stream is weak and
there may even be an outgoing eddy.
The out(NW)going stream begins about 0320 HW
Aberdeen (0100 HW Dover) and has a spring rate of
about 1 kn between Bring Head and The Nevi increasing to
5 to 6 kn in the narrows.
See also information on charts.

5.109
General description. Burra Sound, the channel between
Graemsay and the NE coast of Hoy, is entered from NW
between Point of Oxan (5856N 319W) and Braebuster

5.110
From a position in the NW entrance between Point of
Oxan (5.105) and Bow of Hoy (9 cables W) (5.105) the
fairway of the sound leads initially SSE passing:
WSW of the W coast of Graemsay which, between
the W side of Point of Oxan and the SW point of
Graemsay, 8 cables S, is fringed by a drying reef
extending up to cable offshore, and:
Hoy Skerries

Bay of Creekland

Graemsay

Burra Sound from SE (5.109)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph Air Images)

173

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CHAPTER 5

ENE of Hoy Skerries, consisting of Outer, Middle

and Inner Skerry, three separate drying reefs which
extend 3 cables E and NE from Bu Point (8 cables
SSW of Point of Oxan). Wrecks of blockships
obstruct the channel E and SE from Middle
Skerry; details are best seen from the charts.
Thence the channel leads ESE along the S coast of
Graemsay which, for a distance of nearly 1 mile ESE from
the SW point of the island, is clear of dangers more than a
short distance offshore, passing:
NNE of Moness (5855N 319W), thence:
Clear of The Fleshes (8 cables E of Moness), a
narrow ridge lying in midchannel. The main
fairway of Burra Sound passes SW of the ridge; a
detached shoal, least depth 43 m, lies in the centre
of the fairway which passes NE of the ridge,
thence
SSW of Sour Skerry (1 miles E of Moness) near
the S extremity of the rocky bank extending
5 cables SSW from The Nevi; for further details
see 5.106, thence:
NNE of Bring Head (5.106).
Useful mark:
Church (1 miles SSE of Point of Oxan) near S
shore of Graemsay.

Stromness Harbour
Chart 2568 plan of Stromness and Hoy Sound

General information
1

5.112
Position. The harbour, an inlet in Mainland, is entered at
Ness (5857N 318W) on the N side of Hoy Sound.
Function. The small town of Stromness, population
about 2200, is a fishing and ferry terminal port, important
to the local economy.
Topography. The town lies at the foot of hills along the
W shore of the harbour.
Approach. The harbour is approached from E or W by
Hoy Sound.
Port Authority. Orkney Islands Council (5.3);
responsibility for day to day operations at Stromness is
delegated to a Piermaster. The position of the Harbour
Office is shown on the chart.

Limiting conditions
1

Anchorage, landing
1

berth is clear of the strength of the tidal stream in Burra

Sound.
A small pier extends E from Moness.

5.111
Bay of Quoys, entered S of Moness (5855N 319W),
is shallow and dries near its head but affords temporary
anchorage in a depth of 3 m with Bu Point bearing about
327 and open NE of Moness and on the alignment (about
060) of the S extremity of Graemsay and The Nevi. This

5.113
Controlling depths. There are general depths in the
entrance channel and harbour of 5 to 9 m.
Deepest and longest berth. RoRo terminal at North
Pier (5.118).
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
Mean spring range about 29 m; mean neap range about
13 m.
Maximum size of vessel handled. 60 m draught.

Stomness Harbour from E (5.115)

(Original dated 2004)
(Photograph Copyright Granted)

174

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CHAPTER 5

Arrival information
1

5.114
Port operations and information service. Stromness is
covered by the Orkney Harbours Navigation Service. A
vessel reporting system is in force. For details see
Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6 (1).
Pilotage is compulsory and pilots are available at
Stromness. For further details see 5.18 and 5.92.
Tugs from Flotta Marine Oil Terminal (Flotta Marine oil
terminal) can be made available.

Harbour
1

5.115
General layout. Stromness Harbour extends 9 cables N
from Point of Ness (5857N 318W), the E extremity of
Ness (5.105). All berths are situated on the W side of the
harbour which is skirted by the town, where many of the
waterside houses have small quays or boat landings
embodied in their construction.
The S part of the E side of the harbour consists of a
drying ridge of sand and stone which extends nearly
5 cables S from a position on Mainland 6 cables NNE of
Ness; Outer Holm and Inner Holm, two low islets, lie
within this bank, respectively 2 cables and 4 cables NNE of
Ness.
The navigable area of the harbour is constricted by
shallow banks which extend from both sides. Hamnavoe, at
the head of the harbour, dries out. The extent of the banks
and drying reefs are best seen from the chart.
Caution. Tidal streams are imperceptible within the
harbour. However, when entering Stromness mariners are
advised that they may pass suddenly out of a very strong
tidal stream in Hoy Sound into virtually slack water in the
harbour entrance.

Berths
1

Directions
1

5.116
Approach from west. Mariners approaching from W
should follow the Directions given for Hoy Sound,
commencing at 5.104, until S of Skerry Ness Lightbeacon
whence course should be directed on to the alignment of
the leading lights for the harbour entrance channel
described below. The alignment (228) of Hoy Sound
(Low) Light (5.103) on Point of Oxan and Cuilags
(2 miles SW) (3.75) on Hoy (Chart 35), as indicated on
the chart, passes clear SE of the dangers (5.105) bordering
Ness.
Entering Harbour: leading lights:
Front light (metal post on white tower, 6 m in height)
(5 cables NNW of Ness) on rising ground in the
town.
Rear light (metal post on white tower, 4 m in height)
( cable NW of front beacon) on higher ground.
The alignment (317) of these lights, which are
exhibited throughout 24 hours, leads through the harbour
entrance channel, about cable wide, passing (with
positions from Point of Ness):
NE of Point of Ness; the outer edge of the shallow
bank bordering the W side of the harbour is
marked, 1 cable N of Point of Ness, by a
lightbuoy (port hand). And:
SW of Outer Holm (2 cables NE) which is fringed by
a drying reef and shallow bank; the outer edge of
the bank abreast the N end of the islet is marked
by a lightbuoy (starboard hand).

When about abreast the N end of Outer Holm course

may be adjusted N as necessary for anchorage or berthing,
taking care to avoid the shallow banks on either hand.
5.117
Useful marks (with positions from Point of Ness):
Light (metal framework tower, 12 m in height)
(4 cables NNW) on head of Pole Star Pier.
Church (6 cables NNW) with small grey spire with
white vertical lines, the central and most prominent
of 3 churches standing close together in Stromness.
Light (metal mast, 5 m in height) (6 cables N) on S
head of North Pier.
Light (metal mast, 6 m in height) (6 cables N) on S
head of South Pier.
House (4 cables NNE) single storey, with flagstaff
close SW, near N end of Inner Holm.

5.118
Anchorage. Whilst the harbour affords secure anchorage
in depths of about 7 m, vessels wishing to anchor within
the harbour area must seek the agreement of the Harbour
Master in advance, as space and swinging room are limited
and used by ferries manoeuvring to the S of North Pier.
Piers (with positions from front leading light):
Pole Star Pier (1 cable ESE); wood and concrete pile
construction; triangularshaped head with depth of
45 m alongside.
Breakwater Pier (1 cables NE); solid construction,
104 m in length with depth of 35 m alongside.
South Pier (2 cables NE); Lshaped, of solid
construction on which there is a large shed; depth
45 m alongside outer face of the head; vessels
capable of taking the ground can berth on the
inside face of the head.
The RNLI lifeboat berth is alongside the inner face of
South Pier.
Warehouse Pier (2 cables NE); close N of South
Pier; depth 30 m alongside outer end.
North Pier (3 cables NE), solid and pile construction;
E face of outer arm provides a RoRo berth 131 m
in length with alongside depth of 6 m.
A marina lies at the head of Stromness Harbour.

Port services
1

5.119
Repairs. Boat builder and repair facilities are available.
Other facilities. Deratting; see 5.22.
Supplies: diesel fuel by road tanker; fresh water from
hydrants on all piers; ice; limited provisions and ships
stores.
Communications: RoRo passenger and freight ferry
services to Scrabster (daily) on the Scottish mainland; daily
interisland ferries to other parts of the Orkney Islands.

Other anchorages and landings in Hoy Sound

Cairston Road
1

175

5.120
General information. Cairston Road is centred about
4 cables SW of Bu Point (5858N 316W) and is
surrounded by shallow water, being bounded N by Bay of
Navershaw, which extends between Bu Point and Quoyelsh
(5 cables W) and is shallow, SE by the W end of Mallow

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Stromness Berths from NE(5.118)

(Photograph Copyright Granted)

(Original dated 2004)

Bank (5.105) and W by a shallow bank extending E from

the drying ridge on which both Inner and Outer Holm
(5.115) lie.
Tidal streams. See 5.99.
Directions. Cairston Road is entered from SW by a
narrow channel through which the 228 alignment, astern,
described at 5.116, leads in depths of not less than 56 m,
as indicated on the chart, passing:
close SE of the edge of the shallow bank extending E
from Outer Holm, thence:
NW of the W end of Mallow Bank.
Anchorage is available in Cairston Road in fair settled
weather. The best berth, indicated on the chart, lies on the
228 alignment with the most prominent of the churches
(5.117) in Stromness bearing 285 in a depth of about
11 m, excellent holding.

Graemsay
1

Bay of Ireland
1

5.121
General information. Bay of Ireland is entered between
Bu Point (5858N 316W) and Nazegeo Point (9 cables
E). A shallow bar, with depths over it of less than 5 m,
stretches the whole way across the entrance and a shallow
bank extends as much as 3 cables to seaward from drying
reefs and sandbanks which border the entire shore of the
bay; the head of the bay in the vicinity of The Bush
(8 cables NNE of Bu Point) is sandy. Overhead power
cables, lowest safe vertical clearance 65 m, span The Bush,
with a submarine cable area close S.
Tidal streams. See 5.99.
Directions. The approach to the bay lies between
Skerries of Clestrain (1 miles SSE of Bu Point) (5.106),
from which a shallow bank extends 1 cables NW, and the
SE extremity of Mallow Bank (3 cables NW) (5.105), the
shoalest part of which lies near its E end. The coast of

Mainland to Nazegeo Point should be given a berth of

2 cables.
Useful marks:
Beacon (yellow X topmark) (1 cable NNE of Bu
Point).
The Howe (1 mile N of Bu Point), a conspicuous
mound.
Anchorage can be found in Bay of Ireland, the usual
berth being about 4 cables ENE of Bu Point in depths of
about 7 m as indicated on the chart.

5.122
Piers. There are two small piers situated 1 cables
WSW and 3 cables SE of Hoy Sound (High) Light
(58564N 3186W) respectively. The head of the latter is
marked by a light (metal mast, 6 m in height).

COASTAL PASSAGES, HARBOURS AND

ANCHORAGES WITHIN SCAPA FLOW
General information
Chart 35

General description
1

176

5.123
The following text describes the waters of Scapa Flow
within the entrance channels previously described, and
provides directions for coastal passages in the following
sequence:
Inner end of Sound of Hoxa to Flotta Marine Oil
Terminal and channels at W end of Scapa Flow.
Inner end of Sound of Hoxa to Hoy Sound.
Inner end of Sound of Hoxa to Scapa Bay.
Scapa Bay to inner end of Hoy Sound.

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Topography
1

5.124
The installations of Flotta Marine Oil Terminal, which
include a tank farm, pumping station, power station and
burnoff flare are easily identified on the N coast of Flotta.
Wideford Hill (5859N 301W) (5.371) (Chart 2249) is
prominent.

Nevi Skerry Lightbeacon (3 miles SE) (5.42).

Beacon (6 miles ESE) on summit of Burray (5.199).
Ward Hill (4 miles NNW), one of the highest hills on
Mainland with a conspicuous beacon on its
summit.
Hill of Midland (2 miles NW), conspicuous.
Building (2 miles WNW), conspicuous, on Houton
Head (5.106).

Obstructions
1

5.125
Submerged wrecks and areas of foul ground encumber
Scapa Flow W of a line joining Calf of Flotta (5851N
304W) and Toy Ness (4 miles NNW). The positions and
extents of these obstructions are best seen from the charts.
The majority of the concentration of wrecks in the area
between the island of Cava (5853N 310W) and the
coast of Mainland N comprise the remains of the German
High Seas Fleet, scuttled in 1919.
See 5.20 for summary of other seabed obstructions.

Directions
(continued from 5.51)
Charts 2581, 2568 plan of Lyness and
Flotta Marine Oil Terminal, 35

Sound of Hoxa to Flotta Marine Oil Terminal, West

Weddel Sound, Gutter Sound and Rysa Sound
1

Military wrecks
5.126
Restricted areas, in accordance with 1.65, are established
with a radius of 200 m, as shown on the chart, to protect
military wrecks in Scapa Bay (5.133) and NNE of Flotta
Marine Oil Terminal (5.135).

Rescue
1

5.127
Coastguard. An Auxiliary Station is maintained on
Flotta; for further details see 1.76.

Natural conditions
1

5.128
Sea state. There is a fetch of 6 to 8 miles across the
flow, enabling strong gales to raise a considerable sea, but
except during these conditions the sea within the flow is
negligible.
Tidal streams within the flow are generally weak and
irregular. There is, however, a nearly continuous but weak
tidal stream running SE off the E side of Fara, across the
entrance to West Weddel Sound and thence along the N
shore of Flotta.
See also information on the charts and in Admiralty
Tidal Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands.

Prohibited areas
1

5.129
Navigation is prohibited, except for authorised vessels,
in areas of radius 450 m surrounding Flotta Marine Oil
Terminal loading berths at Jetty No 1 (58507N 3070W)
and SPM towers No 1 and No 2 (respectively, 1 miles N
and 1 miles NNE); details are shown on the charts.

5.131
From a position NE of the light (5.49) on the E end of
Calf of Flotta (5851N 304W) the route leads generally
W along the N coast of Flotta passing (with positions from
Calf of Flotta Light):
S of SPM towers No 2 and No 1 (1 miles NW and
2 miles WNW, respectively), observing the
prohibited area surrounding each of them; the
towers, from which lights are exhibited, are
connected to the terminal S by submarine oil
pipelines, as indicated on the charts. And:
N of Flotta Marine Oil Terminal Jetty No 1
(58507N 3070W), observing the prohibited
area around it; lights are exhibited from the jetty.
The wreck of HMS Vanguard, sunk by internal
explosion in 1917, with a depth over it of 142 m,
lies 7 cables NNE of the jetty and is marked
close E by a lightbuoy (E cardinal).
Thence mariners bound for Gutter Sound (5.78), Rysa
Sound (5.80) or Hoy Sound by the channel W of Cava
(5.108), continue W and pass between Fara and Cava,
noting the dangers extending S from Point of the Ward
(5.108), the S extremity of Cava.
Mariners bound for West Weddel Sound should adjust
course SW and pass clear of a lightbuoy (E cardinal)
moored close E of a wreck (5 cables WNW of Jetty No 1)
over which there is a depth of 131 m.
A shallow bank extends up to 4 cables off the E coast of
Fara, and a mooring buoy lies 9 cables WNW of Jetty No1.
Clearing marks. The N extremity of Rysa Little
(5852N 312W) bearing less than 300 and well open
NE of Whiting Point (1 miles WNW of Jetty No 1), the
NE extremity of Fara, passes clear NE of the shallow bank
extending E from Fara.
Useful marks with positions from Jetty No 1:
Chimney (1 miles E).
Church with belfry (1 miles W) near to the E shore
of Fara.
Chart 35

Sound of Hoxa to Hoy Sound

Landmarks
1

5.130
With positions from Barrel of Butter (5853N 308W):
Barrel of Butter Lightbeacon (grey metal platform
on round masonry tower, 6 m in height),
conspicuous, on Barrel of Butter (5.132).
Flare (3 miles SSE) from burnoff stack in Flotta
Marine Oil Terminal.

177

5.132
From a position NE of the light (5.49) on the E end of
Calf of Flotta (5851N 304W) the route across the flow
to the inner end of Hoy Sound leads WNW passing (with
positions from Barrel of Butter Lightbeacon (5853N
308W):
NNE of SPM tower No 2 and No 1 (1 miles SE and
1 miles S respectively) (5.131), thence:

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Barrel of Butter from NE (5.132)

(Photograph Air Images)
2

(Original dated 1999)

Clear, as required, of Barrel of Butter, a small

abovewater rock which almost covers at HW
springs and on which stands a lightbeacon
(5.130); the rock is covered by a red sector
(251271) of the light on Calf of Cava
(1 miles W). Thence:
NNE of Cava (1 miles SW) (5.108), thence:
SW of Holm of Houton (2 miles WNW) (5.108), on
the NE side of the inner end of Hoy Sound.
Useful marks:
Ruins of white house (1 miles WSW of Barrel of
Butter), conspicuous, in the middle of the N part
of Cava.
Hoy Sound (High) Light (5856N 316W) (5.103)
on NE extremity of Graemsay.

Swanbister Bay (5.146) and which is bordered by

The Lash (5.146), thence:
SSE of Toy Ness (1 miles WSW of Ve Ness)
(5.146), thence:
Between Barrel of Butter (5853N 308W) (5.132)
and the coast of Mainland N where, in the vicinity
of Hangaback, the cliffs are about 18 m high.
Thence:
Between Calf of Cava (5853N 310W) (5.108) and
Holm of Houton (1 miles NNW) (5.108) on the
NE side of the inner end of Hoy Sound.
Useful marks with positions from Calf of Cava:
Ruins of white house (4 cables SSE) (5.108).
Grindelay House (2 miles N).

Flotta Marine Oil Terminal

Sound of Hoxa to Scapa Bay
1

5.133
From a position at the inner end of Sound of Hoxa clear
of The Grinds (5851N 302W) (5.49) the passage leads
5 miles NNE to the entrance to Scapa Bay (5.145) in
unobstructed water, passing W of the SE part of Mainland
where the coast is bold and clear of dangers beyond
1 cables offshore.
In the S approach to Scapa Bay, a lightbuoy (starboard
hand) is moored close SW of the wreck (5856N 259W)
of HMS Royal Oak, a battleship sunk by German
submarine in October 1939; the wreck, over which there is
a depth of 18 m, is a War Grave, and diving in the vicinity
is prohibited.
Useful marks:
Scapa Pierhead Light (N end of E side of Scapa Bay)
(5.145).
Kirkwall Cathedral (1 miles NNE of the head of
Scapa Bay) (5.355) (Chart 2249), prominent from
S.
Upper Scapa (near shore at head of Scapa Bay), a
white house with radio tower close SE.

Charts 2568 plan of Lyness and

Flotta Marine Oil Terminal, 2581

General information
1

5.135
Position. Jetty No 1 (58507N 3070W) on N coast of
Flotta in S part of Scapa Flow.
Function. Flotta Marine Oil Terminal receives crude oil
by pipeline from Piper, Tartan and Claymore oil fields in
the North Sea, and discharges it into tankers for onward
shipment; liquid gases are also shipped by tanker from the
terminal.
Approach and entry are made through Sound of Hoxa
(5.23).
Terminal operator. Talisman (UK) Ltd, from a control
building with radio mast situated 2 cables WSW of the root
of Jetty No 1.

Limiting conditions
1
2

5.136
Deepest berth. SPM No 1 (5.139).
Density of water. 1025 g/cm3.
Maximum size of vessel handled:
Berth

Conventional
ballasted tankers

Segregated ballasted
tankers

SPMs

200 000 dwt

170 000 dwt

Scapa Bay to Hoy Sound

1

5.134
From the vicinity of 5856N 300W in the S approach
to Scapa Bay the coastal passage leads WSW passing:
SSE of Ve Ness (5856N 305W), the extremity of a
promontory which separates Waulkmill Bay from

178

Jetty No 1
150 000 dwt
130 000 dwt
There is no length limitation at any berth. Tankers of
less than 35 000 dwt are not accepted at SPMs.

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CHAPTER 5

Flotta Marine Oil Terminal and Sutherland and Gibraltar Piers from SW (5.135)
(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

No. 1 Jetty

Flare

Flotta Marine Oil Terminal from N (5.139)

(Photograph Air Images)

(Original dated 1999)

Arrival information
1

5.137
Port operations. See 5.16.
Notice of ETA required. See Admiralty List of Radio
Signals Volume 6 (1).
Waiting anchorage. Tankers waiting for a berth anchor
in the E part of Scapa Flow as directed by the Port
Authority.
Pilotage. See 5.18. Additionally a Mooring Master is
embarked before berthing at the SPMs.
Tugs. Three tugs are available; their attendance on a
tanker under way within the harbour limits is compulsory.

Directions for approaching the terminal

1

5.138
For details see 5.131. Attention is called to the
numerous wrecks and foul areas in the general vicinity of
the terminal for which the chart is the best guide.

Berths
1

179

5.139
Jetty No 1, which is Tshaped with mooring dolphins
extending each side of the head, projects NNW from the N
side of Flotta. Crude oil or liquid gases can be loaded at

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CHAPTER 5

the jetty which has a depth of 20 m alongside. Size of

vessel accommodated see 5.136.
SPM Towers No 1 and No 2. There is a least depth of
308 m at SPM No 1 and 285 m at SPM No 2. Sizes of
vessels accommodated see 5.136. SPM No 2 is currently
(2006) not in use.
Lighted Mooring Buoys: Nos 2 and 4 are laid between
the mooring dolphins and the shore S.
Small pier and slip: situated about 1 cable W of root of
Jetty No 1; a lightbuoy (special) ( cable farther W)
marks the outer end of a submarine pipeline.

care is necessary to avoid wrecks, foul patches and oil

terminal installations, the positions of which are best seen
from the chart. There is also anchorage in the E part of
Scapa Flow.
Smaller vessels can anchor NW of Burray.
Coasters can find anchorage at a number of locations
within Scapa Flow and its approaches, including almost
landlocked anchorage in Rysa Sound (5.80), Hunda Sound
(5.142) and Bay of Houton (5.147).
Chart 35

Hunda Sound
Port services
1

5.140
Repairs. Only very minor repairs can be effected.
Other facilities: discharge of oily waste and ballast;
medical assistance in Kirkwall (8 miles NE) on Mainland.
Supplies: fresh water supplied by 200 tonnes capacity
lighter; bunker fuels not available.
Harbour regulations. Prevention and control of
pollution is strictly enforced.
Communications: national airport at Kirkwall; airstrip
on W end of Flotta.

Anchorages, harbours and bays

Charts 2581, 35, 2568 plan of Lyness and
Flotta Marine Oil Terminal

Echnaloch Bay

Anchorage
1

5.142
General information. Hunda Sound, entered between
Swannies Point (5852N 256W) and East Ayre (6 cables
W), the NE extremity of Hunda, extends SW between
Hunda and the W end of Burray. About 6 cables within its
entrance the sound is blocked by Hunda Reef, a drying spit
connecting the two islands, on which there is a road. Tidal
streams are weak and irregular.
Directions. When entering, care is necessary to avoid a
shallow spit extending 1 cable E from East Ayre.
Anchorage. Hunda Sound is an excellent anchorage for
small craft in any weather. The best berth is in midsound
about 1 cables SSE of East Ayre in depths of 7 to 11 m
where the bottom is sand over clay, very good holding. It
is necessary to avoid a number of marine farms situated
near the head of the sound.

5.141
There is good anchorage for the larger size of vessels in
weather from the S and W off the N coast of Flotta in
depths of about 25 to 30 m, mud, excellent holding, but

5.143
General information. Echnaloch Bay, an inlet on the
NW side of Burray, is entered between Swannies Point
(5852N 256W) and Ward Point (1 mile NE). There is a
sandy beach at the head of the bay. East Weddel Sound,

Scapa Flow Lamb Holm and Glimps Holm from NE (5.144)

(Photograph Copyright Granted)

(Original dated 2005)

180

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CHAPTER 5

which formerly opened from Holm Sound into Scapa Flow

at the entrance to the bay between Ward Point and Glimps
Holm (2 cables NNW), is blocked by a causeway (5.201);
the remains of sunken blockships extend about 1 cable from
the W side of this causeway, as indicated on the chart.
Anchorage. Strong N winds raise a considerable sea in
the bay but good shelter is afforded in offshore winds.
However, the presence of a marine farm and abandoned
submarine cables severely restricts the space available for
anchorage in the bay.

Scapa Bay
1

Saint Marys Bay

1

Charts 35, 2249

5.144
General information. Saint Marys Bay is entered
between Glimps Holm (5853N 255W) and Howequoy
Head (7 cables NNW) and comprises the W parts of Kirk
Sound and Skerry Sound. These sounds, which formerly
opened into Scapa Flow from Holm Sound are separated by
Lamb Holm (1 mile ESE of Howequoy Head), and both are
blocked by causeways (5.201) which extend, respectively,
N and SW from Lamb Holm; the remains of sunken
blockships foul the W sides of both causeways, as
indicated on the chart. The village of Saint Marys skirts
the shore of Bay of Ayre, the N part of Saint Marys Bay
E of Skaildaquoy Point (4 cables E of Howequoy Head), a
low and narrow promontory projecting SSE. Tidal streams
are weak and irregular.
Marine farms exist in the S part of the bay as shown
on the chart.
Submarine power cables are laid between Skaildaquoy
Point and the E end of Glimps Holm, as shown on the
chart. Disused submarine cables extend between S and W
from Howequoy Head.
Directions. Attention is drawn to an isolated rocky patch
and a wreck lying, respectively, 6 cables E and 7 cables
ESE of Howequoy Head.
Anchorage for coasters can be found, in settled summer
weather, in the entrance to Bay of Ayre about 2 cables
NE of Skaildaquoy Point in depths of 3 to 5 m; the bottom
of rock with sandy patches is not good holding.
Piers. Holm Pier extends about 150 m into shallow
water from a position on the shore at the E end of Saint
Marys village about 4 cables NNE of Skaildaquoy Point; a
small stone pier that dries is situated on the E side of
Skaildaquoy Point.

5.145
General information. Scapa Bay, an inlet in Mainland
at the NE head of Scapa Flow, is entered between Hellia
(5857N 300W) and Hemp Stack (1 miles ESE) and
forms a S harbour for Kirkwall (5.352) which lies about
1 mile NNE of the head of the bay. Both E and W sides of
the bay are bordered by shallow banks, the bank on the W
side occupying nearly half of the bay, and the head of the
bay dries.
Port Authority. See 5.3.
Directions. Kirkwall Cathedral (5.355) bearing 020
ahead and open its own length E of Upper Scapa (white
house) (1 miles NE of Hellia) (5.133) leads, as indicated
on the chart, into the bay passing between the shallow
banks bordering the sides of the bay; Scapa Skerry
(5 cables E of Hellia), a group of dangerous rocks steepto
on their S and E sides, lies at the SE extremity of the bank
bordering the W side and is marked 1 cable SE by a
lightbuoy (port hand).
Useful mark:
Light (white metal mast, 5 m in height) on head of
Scapa Pier (6 cables SE of Upper Scapa).
Anchorage. Winds from SW raise a considerable sea
and gales from that quarter render the bay untenable.
However, during weather from any other quarter the bay is
well sheltered and provides good anchorage.
Vessels have ridden out W and NE gales without
dragging their anchors in the anchorage SE of Scapa Skerry
shown on the chart.

Scapa Pier from WNW (5.145)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)
5

Saint Marys Holm Pier from SW (5.144)

(Original dated 2004)
(Photograph Copyright Granted)

181

Scapa Pier, of solid construction, extends about 220 m

WNW from near the head of the E side of the bay. The
outer 80 m is widened on the N side, in an area dredged to
60 m. A 46 m patch lies cable WNW of the pierhead.
Facilities and supplies. As for Kirkwall (5.361).

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CHAPTER 5

Chart 35

Swanbister Bay
1

5.146
General information. Swanbister Bay is entered
between Ve Ness (5856N 305W), a promontory with a
broad face, and Toy Ness (1 miles WSW). The entire bay
is bordered by a shallow coastal bank, and Sands of Piggar
at the W head of the bay dry.
Directions. When entering the bay care is necessary to
avoid the following dangers (with positions from Ve Ness):
The Lash, a drying reef extending 1 cable S of Ve
Ness and from which a bank extends 1 cable
farther SSW; the S extremity of Holm of Houton
(5.108) bearing about 256 and open S of the cliffs
at Hangaback passes clear S of these dangers.
Drying reef extending 1 cables E from Toy Ness on
a bank which extends 2 cables farther E.
Smoogro Skerry (6 cables W of the W extremity of
Ve Ness), a drying reef from which a spit of the
coastal bank, with depths over it of 2 m and less,
extends 2 cables SE. A marine farm is moored in
the centre of the bay 2 cables WSW of Smoogro
Skerry.
Useful marks with positions from Ve Ness:
Smoogro House (1 mile WNW).
Swanbister House (1 miles W).
Anchorage. In summer during offshore winds the bay
affords good anchorage for coasters but it is necessary to

avoid marine farms which exist in the W part of the bay,

as shown on the chart.
Jetty. A stone jetty projects into shallow water from the
NE side of Toy Ness.
Charts 35, 2568 plan of Bay of Houton

Bay of Houton
1

5.147
General information. Bay of Houton is entered between
Point of Crotaing, the E extremity of Holm of Houton
(5855N 311W) (5.108) and Midland Ness (1 cables
NE) on Mainland. The bay affords anchorage to coasters,
and access to two piers on one of which there is a RoRo
berth.
Directions. The alignment (316) of leading lights (each
a white pole with black bands and red triangular daymark,
about 5 m in height), standing about 200 m apart on the
NW side of the bay, leads along the centre of the narrow
entrance channel, dredged to 35 m (1983), between drying
reefs which extend from both shores; the extent of this
dredged channel is best seen from the chart. A lightbuoy
(starboard hand) is moored 2 cables WNW of Midland
Ness and on the NE side of the dredged channel.
Useful marks:
Lights (each a mast) (4 cables N of Point of Crotaing)
on heads of both piers.
Anchorage, almost landlocked and well sheltered, can
be found near the centre of the bay in a depth of 5 m, as

Houton Pier and Ferry Terminal from NNE (5.147)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

182

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CHAPTER 5

indicated on the chart. Swinging room is limited but the

bottom in the vicinity of the berth is sand, good holding.
Piers. Two piers each about 130 m in length extend
from the NNE side of the bay. The SE pier has a RoRo
terminal at its head around which there is an area dredged

to 31 m; the NW pier, of pile construction, is

outer arm terminating in a ramp in shallow
Communications. RoRo service to Lyness
Small craft. Slipways are situated SE and
piers.

angled, the
water.
and Flotta.
NW of the

PASSAGE WEST AND NORTH OF THE ORKNEY ISLANDS

Rescue

GENERAL INFORMATION
Chart 1954

Topography
1

5.148
On a clear day nearly the whole of the W side of the
Orkney Islands from Rora Head (5852N 326W) on Hoy
to Noup Head (5920N 304W) on Westray can be seen
from the vicinity of North Shoal (5914N 335W).

Tidal streams
1

HOY SOUND TO WESTRAY FIRTH

General information

Chart 2249

5.149
From abreast the W entrance to Hoy Sound (5857N
322W) to a position about 22 miles NNE in the outer
approach to the NW entrance to Westray Firth, the coastal
passage passes W and NW of Mainland and NW of
Rousay (5910N 305W), crossing the entrance to
Eynhallow Sound (5.366), the channel between Mainland
and Rousey.
Mariners should note that there are no satisfactory
anchorages on this coast. Bay of Skaill (5.156) is shallow
and constricted. Birsay Bay, entered between Brough of
Birsay (5.156) and Marwick Head (5.156) affords no
shelter.

Topography
1

5.150
Hoy. See 3.64.
West coast of Mainland. Between Breck Ness, the N
entrance point to Hoy Sound, and Brough Head (10 miles
N) (5.156), the W coast of Mainland is indented and lined
by cliffs in which Bay of Skaill (5.156), entered NE of
Row Head (5903N 321W) (5.156), is the only
significant break. Black Craig (4 miles S of Row Head), a
bold headland, is the highest point on this stretch of
coastline; between Row Head and Neban Point (3 miles S)
the cliffs are mostly about 30 m in height; from Point of
Howana Geo (1 mile NNE of Row Head) the cliffs are
about 15 m high and gradually increase in height N
towards Outshore Point (2 miles N of Row Head) from
where the coast to Marwick Head (3 miles N of Row
Head) is rocky and backed by cliffs about 30 m high.
Northwest coast of Mainland. Between Brough Head
and Haafs Hellia (4 miles ENE) (5.157), on the SW side
of the entrance to Eynhallow Sound, the coast is lined by
cliffs which rise abruptly to form Costa Head (close W of
Haafs Hellia) (5.157).
Rousay. For general description of Rousay see 5.302.

+0340 (+0600)

Both Ngoing and Sgoing

coastal tidal streams begin. Both
tidal streams run with fair
regularity at a spring rate of 1 kn
during the Egoing tidal stream
further offshore.

0220 (HW Dover)

Both coastal tidal streams weaken

and their directions become
somewhat irregular and subject to
eddies during the Wgoing tidal
streams further offshore.

In vicinity of North Shoal (5914N 335W) the tidal

streams have not been precisely determined but it is
reported that with a rising tide at Dover the tidal stream
sets ENE and with a falling tide at Dover the tidal stream
sets WSW at rates of up to 2 kn at springs.
Northwest coast of Mainland. Between Brough Head
and Haafs Hellia (4 miles ENE) tidal streams set as
follows:
Interval from
HW Aberdeen
(HW Dover)

Remarks

+0355 (0610) Egoing tidal stream begins, spring rate

about 2 kn off Brough Head, probably
rather more off Haafs Hellia.
About 0220
(HW Dover)

Military wreck
5.151
A restricted area, in accordance with 1.65, is established
with a radius of 300 m, as shown on the chart, to protect a
military wreck SW of Brough Head (5.156).

5.153
West coast of Mainland. The tidal streams offshore are
best seen from information on the charts and in Admiralty
Tidal Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands.
The Egoing tidal stream divides W of Row Head
(5903N 321W) and run N and S as follows:
Interval from HW Remarks
Aberdeen (HW Dover)

Route
1

5.152
Coastguard. An Auxiliary Station is maintained on
Rousay; for further details see 1.76.
Lifeboat. An RNLI allweather lifeboat is stationed at
Stromness on Mainland; for further details see 1.87.

Tidal stream weakens and becomes

irregular in direction, though probably
remaining predominantly Egoing under
the influence of an eddy formed W of
Haafs Hellia during the NWgoing tidal
stream out of Eynhallow Sound.

With NW gales, there may be considerable turbulence

when the NWgoing stream meets the Atlantic swell.
Northwest coast of Rousay. See 5.310.

Caution
1

183

5.154
Surveys of the area described are incomplete; see Source
Diagram on the chart.

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CHAPTER 5

Principal marks
1

5.155
Landmarks with positions from Ward Hill (5854N
321W):
Ward Hill (3.75).
Cuilags (1 miles NW) (3.75).
Kame of Hoy (2 miles NW) (3.75).
Major lights:
Brough of Birsay Light (white castellated tower and
building, 11 m in height) (5908N 320W) on
Brough Head (5.156).
Noup Head Light (5920N 304W) (5.169).

Directions

weather, especially during and after W gales with

the wind against the tidal stream, the sea breaks
heavily and there is violent turbulence over the
shoal. In calm weather the position of the shoal is
usually defined by tiderips and overfalls, thence:
NW of Costa Head (5909N 312W) where the
coastal cliff rises abruptly to a height of 122 m
and then fall steeply to Haafs Hellia, a rocky point
about 15 m high, close E at the N extremity of
Mainland; Costa Head is readily identified by its
high cliffs and by the summit of Costa Hill close
S, thence:
NW of Rousay, the NW side of which, between
Quoynalonga Ness (5910N 307W), a low
shelving point, and Sacquoy Head (2 miles NE),
consists of low cliffs and is clear of dangers.
(Directions continue for passage NE at 5.171;
Directions are given for Eynhallow Sound at 5.372)

Hoy Sound to Brough Head

1

1
2

5.156
From a position W of the entrance to Hoy Sound
(5857N 322W) the coastal passage leads N along the W
coast of Mainland passing (with positions from Row Head
(5903N 321W)):
W of Breck Ness (5 miles S) (5.105), thence:
W of Black Craig (4 miles S) (5.150), noting a
marine energy test area (5.8) centred on position
58584N 3234W, thence:
W of Neban Point (2 miles S), 1 mile inland from
which the land rises to Hill of Miffia, thence:
W of Inga Ness (2 miles S), thence:
W of Row Head, a bold point which in thick weather
can be mistaken for Kame of Hoy (7 miles S)
(3.75), but the cliffs of the latter are very much
higher than those of Row Head, thence:
W of Bay of Skaill, which lies, with a sandy beach at
its head, between Hole oRow (4 cables NE) and
Point of Howana Geo (1 mile NNE), thence:
W of Marwick Head (3 miles N) close N of which
stands the Kitchener Memorial, a rectangular stone
tower, 13 m in height, thence:
W of Brough Head (5908N 320W), the W
extremity of Brough of Birsay, an islet lying close
off Point of Buckquoy, the NW extremity of
Mainland, to which it is connected by a drying
reef. A light stands on Brough Head and there is a
ruined chapel on the E end of the islet. Detached
skerries, one of which is remarkably triangular in
shape, lie close off the NW side and Bow Skerries
extend about 1 cable from the NE extremity of the
islet.
Useful marks:
Old Man of Hoy (5953N 326W) (3.65).
Hoy Sound Leading Lights (5.103) on Graemsay
(5856N 318W).

WESTRAY FIRTH TO NORTH RONALDSAY

General information
Charts 2249, 2250

Passage
1

5.158
From abreast Rousay (5910N 305W) the coastal
passage to North Ronaldsay leads NE across the NW
entrance to Westray Firth, NW of Westray (5918N
300W) and NW and N of Papa Westray (5922N
253W) from where it leads E across the entrance to The
North Sound to a position N of North Ronaldsay (5923N
226W).

Topography
1

Brough Head to northwest of Rousay

5.157
From a position WNW of Brough Head the coastal
passage leads NE passing:
SE of North Shoal (5914N 335W), 9 miles NW of
Brough Head, on which there is a small pinnacle
rock with a depth over it of 1.6 m (charted as a
dangerous rock). Mariners are advised to give the
shoal a wide berth, particularly in winter. In bad

184

5.159
Westray, of which Noup Head (5920N 304W)
(5.169) is the W extremity, is the most NW of the Orkney
Islands. The island is relatively high in places and attains
its summit in Fitty Hill (3 miles SE of Noup Point)
(5.169); the following (with positions from Noup Head) are
also prominent from seaward:
North Hill (1 mile SE);
Knucker Hill (2 miles SE);
Gallo Hill (3 miles SE) with a cairn.
Between Noup Head and Inga Ness (3 miles SSE), the
N entrance point to Westray Firth, the coast consists of
perpendicular cliffs which gradually increase in height SE.
The N end of the island terminates in the peninsula of
Aikerness on which there is a small airfield. The island has
considerable habitation, the principal village and harbour
being Pierowall (2 miles E of Noup Head) (5.179).
5.160
Papa Westray (5922N 253W) lies close E of the N
end of Westray and attains its summit in North Hill which
rises 5 cables S of Mull Head (5.171), the N extremity of
the island. The NE and SE sides of the island are lined
with cliffs but elsewhere the coastline is low. A
conspicuous building stands on Hyndgreenie, a small hill
1 mile S of Mull Head. There is an airstrip on the W side
of the island.
North Ronaldsay. See 5.221.

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Rescue
1

5.161
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are situated on Westray,
Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay; for further details see
1.76.
1

Tidal streams
1

5.162
Vicinity of Noup Head. The Egoing tidal stream off
the entrance to Westray Firth divides off Noup Head, one
branch running SE towards Inga Ness (3 miles SSE of
Noup Head) and the other running ENE where between
Noup Head and Bow Head (4 miles ENE) the tidal streams
run as follows:
Interval from
HW Aberdeen
(HW Dover)

Remarks

+0355 (0610)

ENEgoing tidal stream begins.

This stream is weak W of The Nev
(3 miles ENE of Noup Head) but
gains in strength E of that point
and runs strongly off Bow Head.

0220 (HW Dover) WSWgoing tidal stream begins.

This stream is weak off Bow Head
but gains strength farther W. Off
Noup Head the spring rate is
probably not more than 2 kn.
2

For details of tidal streams SE of Noup Head in the NW

approaches to Westray Firth see 5.310.
5.163
Vicinity of Bow Head. The ENEgoing tidal stream
runs strongly over The Bow (5.171), close off Bow Head,
and across the N entrance to Papa Sound, dividing as it
approaches the NW coast of Papa Westray into two
branches one of which continues NE and E around Mull
Head, while the other runs S through Papa Sound (5.183).
5.164
North of Papa Westray tidal streams run broadly E and
W. About 3 miles N of Mull Head the Egoing tidal stream
begins at +0435 HW Aberdeen (0530 HW Dover) and the
Wgoing at 0145 HW Aberdeen (+0035 HW Dover). The
spring rate in both directions is probably not more than 1
to 2 kn.
Close off Mull Head the tidal streams have much greater
strength than those farther offshore, and run as follows:
Interval from
HW Aberdeen
(HW Dover)

Remarks

+0155 (+0415)

Egoing tidal stream begins. When

the wind is against the stream a
heavy race forms E and N of Mull
Head.

0405 (0145)

Exercise area
1

Wgoing tidal stream begins. A

race, known locally as The Bore
Rst, forms N of Mull Head during
this stream, as indicated on the
chart, and is very violent during W
and NW gales, However, when at
its worst there is usually a narrow
strip of comparatively smooth water
close inshore between the head and
the race.

The spring rate in both directions is about 6 kn. These

conditions are caused by a combination of local eddies
which exist, as described below, on either side of the N
part of Papa Westray.
5.165
Part of the Wgoing tidal stream across the N part of
The North Sound is deflected N along the NE side of Papa
Westray before continuing W around Mull Head and, since
the Egoing tidal stream close past Mull Head forms an
eddy E of the head which also runs N along the NE side
of Papa Westray, the tidal stream along the E side of the N
part of Papa Westray is almost continuously Ngoing; it
begins at +0520 HW Aberdeen (0445 HW Dover) and
runs with a spring rate of about 1 kn for about 9 hours,
and there is little or no Sgoing tidal stream.
Similarly, part of the NEgoing stream SW of Mull
Head merges off the NW side of Papa Westray with part of
the Ngoing tidal stream through Papa Sound and also with
a Ngoing eddy formed W of Mull Head by the Wgoing
stream close past that point, causing an almost continuously
Ngoing stream along the W side of the N part of Papa
Westray.
5.166
Vicinity of North Ronaldsay. Off the N side of North
Ronaldsay tidal streams run generally E and W. About
3 miles N of the island the Egoing tidal stream begins at
+0520 HW Aberdeen (0445 HW Dover) and the Wgoing
at 0105 HW Aberdeen (+0115 HW Dover).
West of North Ronaldsay, the Egoing tidal stream
divides W of Twinyess; one branch runs NE and N along
the W side of North Ronaldsay, thence E around Tor Ness,
across Altars of Linnay (5.172), and along the N side of
the island, and the other branch runs SE across Twinyess
Rocks and thence ESE through North Ronaldsay Firth.
Close off the N side of North Ronaldsay the times at which
the tidal streams turn have not been accurately determined,
but the streams are very strong, especially off Seal Skerry
(5924N 223W) (5.172) where the spring rate is about
6 kn in both directions.
The Wgoing tidal stream through North Ronaldsay
Firth (5.239) forms a Ngoing eddy off Twinyess Rocks
and along the W side of North Ronaldsay.
As a result of these conditions tidal streams off the W
side of North Ronaldsay are almost continuously Ngoing.
5.167
See also information on the chart and in Admiralty Tidal
Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands.

5.168
A firing practice area, shown on the chart, exists E of
Mainland, Stronsay and Sanday. See 1.21.

Principal marks
1

185

5.169
Landmarks:
Fitty Hill (5917N 300W), the summit of Westray,
on which there are two conspicuous cairns.
Noup Head (5920N 304W), a bold promontory;
the NE side is low, the land sloping upward to
bold cliffs on the SW side which increase in
height towards the extremity of the head. Noup
Head Lighthouse (white tower, 24 m in height)
stands high on these cliffs about 1 cables S of
the NW extremity of the headland.

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CHAPTER 5

Light

Noup Head from N (5.169)

(Original dated 1999)

(Photograph Air Images)

3

Major lights:
Noup Head Light as above.
North Ronaldsay Light (5923N 222W) (5.224).
Girdle Ness (57083N 2028W) (North Sea (West)
Pilot).

Mull Head to North Ronaldsay

1

Other aid to navigation

1

5.170
Racon:
North Ronaldsay Light as above.
For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.

Directions
(continued from 5.157)

Westray Firth to Mull Head

1

5.171
From a position about 8 miles NW of Rousay (5910N
305W) the coastal passage leads NE passing:
NW of Noup Head (5920N 304W) (5.169); The
Less, a detached group of abovewater rocks
extends 1 cables NW from the head with a
narrow passage between, thence:
NW of Bow Head (5922N 257W), the N extremity
of Westray; The Bow, a drying rock over which
the sea breaks with any swell, lies 2 cables NNE
near the outer end of a reef extending NNE from
the head. Mariners are advised to avoid the bight
between Bow Head and Noup Head as the sea
often breaks in depths of about 20 m off this
stretch of coast, and to give Bow Head a wide
berth, thence:
NW and N of Mull Head (2 miles NE of Bow
Head), the N extremity of Papa Westray (5.160),
about 12 m high and fringed by a shallow reef.
Tidal streams run very strongly around the
headland; for details see 5.164. Heavy tiderips
have been reported over the bank, 3 miles WNW
of Mull Head, which has depths over it of 21 m.

5.172
The passage then leads E for 15 miles across the
entrance to The North Sound passing:
N of Runabrake (5922N 238W) (5.241), thence:
N of North Ronaldsay (5.221), the NW extremity of
which is Tor Ness (5923N 226W). The N side
of North Ronaldsay from Tor Ness to Point of
Sinsoss (1 miles ENE) is fringed by a drying reef
and rocky bank; Altars of Linnay, a group of
drying rocks, lie 2 cables N of Tor Ness. Seal
Skerry, an abovewater rock, stands near the NE
extremity of a reef which dries 30 m in places and
extends more than 5 cables NNW from Point of
Sinsoss; the reef should be given a berth of at
least 5 cables. North Ronaldsay Light (5.224)
stands close S of Point of Sinsoss. Tidal streams
run strongly; for details see 5.166.
Useful mark:
Red Head (5915N 245W) (5.293).

The North Sound

Chart 2250, 2562 Pierowall Road and Approaches

General information
1

186

5.173
General description. The North Sound is entered from
N between Mull Head (5923N 253W) and The Riv
(10 miles ESE). It is bounded to the W by Papa Westray
and Westray, between which lies the entrance to Pierowall
Road, and to the E by Sanday. At its S end The North
Sound is connected to Westray Firth by Rapness Sound and
Sound of Faray which pass W of the island of Eday, and to
the N end of Stronsay Firth by Eday Sound, Lashy Sound
and Calf Sound which pass E of Eday.
Topography. For general description of Sanday see
5.219. Between the N extremity of the peninsula of
Burness (5918N 233W) and Grunavi Head (5 miles
SW), at the N entrance to Lashy Sound, the NW coast of
Sanday is bordered by dangers, which in The Riv (5.241)
and Holms of Ire (1 miles SW) (5.176), extend as much

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CHAPTER 5

as 1 mile offshore. The coast between The Riv and Holms

of Ire is low and rocky.
5.174
Tidal streams. In the N part of the sound between Papa
Westray and North Ronaldsay the Egoing tidal stream
begins at +0405 HW Aberdeen (0600 HW Dover) and the
Wgoing at 0205 HW Aberdeen (+0015 HW Dover).
These streams are probably weak near Papa Westray but
they increase in strength E, attaining a spring rate in both
directions of about 3 kn near Runabrake (5922N 238W),
where they run broadly E and W, and even more towards
the W entrance to North Ronaldsay Firth; in the bight
between The Riv and Holms of Ire (2 miles WSW) the
strength of the tidal streams renders navigation dangerous.
For tidal streams adjacent to the E side of Papa Westray
see 5.165.
In the S part of the sound tidal streams are probably
weak and rotary and result from conditions such that, for
the greater part of the tidal cycle, tidal streams in the
channels E of Eday are running in the opposite direction
and at greater strength to those in the channels W of Eday.
Details are best seen from Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
Orkney and Shetland Islands.
Principal mark;
Red Head (5915N 245W) (5.293).

Chart 2562 Pierowall Road and Approaches

Anchorages and harbours: east side of Papa Westray

1

Directions
1

5.175
Passage east of Papa Westray and Westray. From a
position E of Mull Head (5.171) the coastal passage leads
S passing (with positions from Mull Head):
E of Fowl Craig (8 cables SSE), a bold
whitecoloured cliff about 15 m high, thence:
E of Holm of Papa (2 miles S), a green islet which
slopes downward from its NE side; a cairn stands
at its N end and another near its E extremity,
thence:
E of Skelwick Skerry (5 miles S) (5.186), the S
entrance point to the E entrance to Pierowall Road,
thence:
E of Stanger Head (7 miles S), the only bluff point
on the E side of Westray. An area of coastal
waters, indicated on the chart, has not been
surveyed. Between Stanger Head and Weather Ness
(1 miles SSE) the SE coast of Westray is
distinctive, with cliffs about 45 m high.
Clearing line. The alignment (355) of the E extremity
of Holm of Papa and Fowl Craig passes 7 cables E of
Skelwick Skerry.
5.176
Passage west of Sanday. From a position NW of the N
extremity of The Riv (5919N 234W) (5.241) and clear
of Runabrake (3 miles NW) (5.241) the coastal passage
leads SW passing (with positions from Whale Point
(5818N 237W)):
NW of Holms of Ire, a chain of rocky islets which
stand on a drying reef extending nearly 1 mile N
of Whale Point; depths of less than 5 m extend a
further 3 cables NW of the outer end of the reef,
thence:
NW of Bow of Hermaness (1 miles S), a reef with
dangerous rocks on its outer end, which extends
6 cables NW from Ness of Brough (1 miles S), a
small peninsula joined to Sanday by a narrow
isthmus. Cuthe Bank (2 miles SW of Whale
Point) sometimes has dangerous breaking seas over
it.

Clearing lines for passing N and NE of Runabrake see

5.242.
Useful marks with positions from Red Head:
Church (7 miles WNW) (5.185).
Church (6 miles WNW) (5.185).
Warsetter House (3 miles ESE) (5.219) on The Wart
(5.219).
Grey Head (5 cables ESE) (5.292).

5.177
North Wick is entered between Weelies Taing (5922N
252W), a drying rocky reef extending S from a low point
on Papa Westray, and Surhoose Taing (2 cables SSW), a
drying reef which extends 4 cables E from the coast. The
wick is shallow but can provide anchorage for small craft
in fine weather.
5.178
South Wick is enclosed between Holm of Papa
(5921N 252W) (5.175) and the E coast of Papa Westray.
The wick is shallow but can be used by small craft not
exceeding 12 m in draught that are capable of taking the
ground at LW alongside a stone pier on the W side of the
wick.
South Wick is entered from SE between Teistie Taing,
0.6 m high, which lies on a drying reef extending S from
the S end of Holm of Papa, and Mill Point (4 cables
WSW), fringed by a drying reef, on Papa Westray.
A narrow boat channel between the S side of Surhoose
Taing (5.177) and a drying reef extending from the NW
end of Holm of Papa leads into the N end of South Wick.

Pierowall Road and approaches

with Pierowall Harbour
Chart 2562 plan of Pierowall and Approaches

General information
1

5.179
Position. Pierowall Road lies between Westray and Vest
Ness (59194N 2543W), the SW end of Papa Westray.
Pierowall Harbour lies 2 miles W of Vest Ness at the W
end of Pierowall Road.
Function. Pierowall Road is an excellent harbour for
medium sized vessels. Pierowall Harbour affords anchorage
and berthing facilities for coasters.
Approach. Pierowall Road and Harbour may be
approached either from E, from The North Sound, by the
passage between Westray and the S end of Papa Westray,
or from N through Papa Sound, the channel, entered from
N between Bow Head (5922N 257W) and Mull Head
(2 miles NW), which leads between Westray and Papa
Westray; Papa Sound should be used only in real necessity.
Port Authority. Pierowall Harbour is administered by
the Orkney Islands Council (5.3), responsibility for day to
day operations being delegated to a Piermaster, address:
Gill Pier, Westray, Orkney Islands.

Limiting conditions
1

5.180
Papa Sound. There is a depth of about 43 m over a bar
across the fairway 1 miles NNW of Vest Ness.

Arrival information
1

187

5.181
Port Radio. Manned at Pierowall Harbour when a
vessel is expected; for details see Admiralty List of Radio
Signals Volume 6 (1).
Pilotage. Not compulsory but can be provided on
request.

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CHAPTER 5

Westray Pierowall Harbour from NNE (5.182)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

Local knowledge is required for the approach through

Papa Sound.

Harbour
1

5.182
General layout. Pierowall Road is bounded on the N
and E by lines joining Vest Ness with Ouse Ness and
Sneuk (1 miles W and 1 mile SSW, respectively).
Pierowall Harbour extends W from Pierowall Road, the
outer part of the harbour being entered between Ouse Ness
and Ness of Brough (8 cables SSW). A basin, enclosed by
a pier on which there are buildings, and an angled
breakwater, is situated on Gill Point (59194N 2584W).
The inner part of the harbour which lies W of a line
joining Gill Point and Scarfhall Point (3 cables S) is
shallow. Pierowall, the largest village on Westray, is spread
along the W shore of the inner harbour.
Marine farms exist in Papa Sound and Pierowall Road
as shown on the chart.
5.183
Tidal streams. As described at 5.162, the ENEgoing
tidal stream runs strongly over The Bow (5922N 257W)
(5.171) and across the N entrance to Papa Sound, dividing
as it approaches the NW coast of Papa Westray into two
branches one of which continues NE and E around Mull
Head, while the other runs S through Papa Sound.
The SWgoing tidal stream across the N entrance to
Papa Sound and passed The Bow has little strength near
the land.
Part of the Wgoing tidal stream in The North Sound
runs through Pierowall Road and N through Papa Sound.

188

Except abreast Holm of Aikerness (2 miles NNW of

Vest Ness), where the spring rate in both directions is 2 to
3 kn, tidal streams within Papa Sound are weak. The
Sgoing tidal stream begins at about +0405 HW Aberdeen
(0600 HW Dover) and the Ngoing at about 0220 HW
Aberdeen (HW Dover).
There is an almost continuous Ngoing stream along the
W side of the N part of Papa Westray caused by a
combination of tidal and eddy streams; for further
information see 5.165.
Within Pierowall Road tidal streams are weak and there
is no perceptible tidal stream in Pierowall Harbour
Tide race. In the N part of Papa Sound abreast Holm of
Aikerness a violent and often dangerous tide race, known
locally as The Rst, forms as indicated on the chart; during
gales the sea may break right across the sound in this
vicinity.
Swell. There is never a heavy swell in Pierowall Road.
5.184
Submarine cables. As shown on the chart a submarine
power cable is laid between Bay of Moclett, at the S end
of Papa Westray, and Bay of Swartmill (2 miles SSW) on
Westray; the landing positions of the cable are marked by
beacons on the shore. An area containing disused
submarine cables, the limits of which are shown on the
chart, exists in Papa Sound between Bay of Skaill (1 mile
S of Bow Head) and Backiskaill (1 miles E).
5.185
Principal landmarks with positions from Gill Point:
Coastguard lookout building (3 miles NE) (5.160).
Noup Head Lighthouse (3 miles W) (5.169) (Chart
2249).

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Pierowall Harbour from SSW (5.182)

(Photograph Air Images)
2

(Original dated 1999)

Noltland Castle (9 cables W), a red granite ruin with

grey buildings around it, standing conspicuously on
a slight eminence behind Pierowall.
Knucker Hill (1 miles SW).
Fitty Hill (2 miles SSW) (5.169).
Church (9 cables S), white in colour and conspicuous,
on Braehead, a small hill 43 m in height; Brough
House stands 2 cables NE of the church.
Church (elevation 40 m) (1 miles SSE),
conspicuous; a water tower stands 4 cables ESE.

Directions for entering harbour

1

5.186
Entry from The North Sound. From The North Sound
the alignment (280) of Gill Point Pierhead Light (metal
mast, 6 m in height) (1 cable SSW of Gill Point) with
Noup Head Light (3 miles W) (5.169) (Chart 2249) leads
W to a position in the centre of Pierowall Road passing
(with positions from Vest Ness):
N of Skelwick Skerry (2 miles SSE), 05 m high,
which stands about 2 cables SSE of the outer
end of a reef, parts of which dry, extending 1 mile
NNE from the coast of Westray, thence:
S of Head of Moclett (5 cables E), the SE extremity
of Papa Westray, thence:
N of Spo Ness (1 miles S), a low point on Westray,
and:
S of Vest Ness, the low rocky S extremity of Papa
Westray on which there is a beacon, and which is
foul for a distance of 1 cables S, thence:

189

N of Sneuk (1 mile SSW), a drying rocky spit

projecting 3 cables NNE from the coast of Westray,
thence:
N of Point of Cott (1 miles SW).
At night the white sector (276291) of the light on
the head of Gill Pier also leads to the centre of Pierowall
Road, the dangers extending S from Vest Ness being
covered by a green sector, and those extending N from
Skelwick Skerry, Spo Ness and Sneuk by the red sector of
the same light.
Clearing lines:
Noup Head Light (Chart 2249), visible, and bearing
not more than 282, and the alignment (283) of
Noltland Castle with two store houses on the shore
2 cables SE of Scarfhall Point both pass clear N of
the dangers bordering Skelwick Skerry, Spo Ness
and Sneuk.
5.187
Entry by Papa Sound. Approaching from W or SW,
Bow Head (5922N 257W) (5.171) should be given a
wide berth.
From a position midway between Bow Head and Mull
Head (5.171) the track through the fairway leads S along
the W side of the N part of Papa Westray, which is fringed
by a rocky bank, passing (with positions from Bow Head):
E of Holm of Aikerness (centred 6 cables SE), an
extensive area of drying rocks and islets which lies
on a shoal extending about 7 cables N and E from
Aiker Ness (7 cables SSE); three islets connected
by drying rocks stand on Holm of Aikerness; the
most N islet (6 cables ESE) is grasscovered, with

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CHAPTER 5

a cairn; the centre islet, also grasscovered, stands

close S; Shell Holm (8 cables SE), the S islet, is
bare and sandy. Holm of Aikerness is connected to
Aiker Ness by a drying ridge, thence:
W of Skerry of Backiskaill (1 miles SE), a drying
stone spit situated abreast the village of
Backiskaill. The skerry lies on a sandy bank which
extends S along the S part of the W coast of Papa
Westray and which, abreast of the skerry, is
connected to the S end of Holm of Aikerness NW
by a bar over which there are depths of less than
5 m. The bank SSW of the skerry is composed of
white sand and its edge can usually be clearly
seen, thence:
Clear, as required by draught, of a sandy spit, with
depths over it of less than 5 m, which extends
more than 1 mile S from Shell Holm on the W
side of the sound; details are best seen from the
chart, thence:
Between Ouse Ness (2 miles S) and Vest Ness
(2 miles SE) (5.186).

5.188
Entering Pierowall Harbour. From a position near the
centre of Pierowall Road the alignment (278) of a
prominent warehouse near the root of Gill Pier and Noup
Head Lighthouse (3 miles W) (5.169) (Chart 2249) leads
into the outer part of the harbour, passing (positioned from
Gill Point):
S of Ouse Ness (6 cables ENE), a low point, thence:
Close S of a shoal (5 cables E), with a depth over it
of 43 m, which extends 1 cables S from the N
side of the harbour, and:
Close N of the outer edge of a sandy flat, with
depths over it of less than 5 m, which extends
3 cables N and NE from around the outer end of a
drying reef projecting 2 cables NE from Ness of
Brough (6 cables SE).

When Ouse Ness bears about 032 course can be

adjusted as necessary for anchorage or for berthing at Gill
Point.
5.189
Useful marks:
Light (grey building, 5 m in height) (5 cables ENE of
Vest Ness) on Moclett Pierhead in Bay of Moclett.
Cleat (1 miles SE of Gill Point), a large house on
the shore at the SW head of Bay of Cleat.

Anchorage
1

5.190
Pierowall Road embraces an extensive area of clear
water with good holding on a bottom chiefly of sand and
weed.
There is excellent anchorage in 8 to 18 m W of Vest
Ness. A recommended berth is in a depth of 16 m with
Vest Ness bearing 113 and distant 6 cables, as indicated
on the chart. The shoal, NE of this berth, extending W
from the SW side of Papa Westray is of white sand and its
edge can usually be clearly seen.
Pierowall Harbour. Coasters can obtain anchorage in
the outer part of Pierowall Harbour. The best berth is in a
depth of about 7 m, good holding in sand and weed, on the
alignment (188) of the storehouses on the shore SE of
Scarfhall Point with Brough House and with Gill Pier head
bearing 295, as indicated on the chart; a marine farm
exists SSE of this berth.

Berths at Pierowall
1

5.191
Gill Pier with a depth of 45 m alongside its outer end
extends about 1 cable SSW from Gill Point. An Lshaped
breakwater extends from the shore parallel with and about
cable W of the pier, forming a basin with an entrance
30 m wide between the respective heads. There is a marina
at Pierowall.

Papa Westray Moclett Bay Moclett Pier from W (5.194)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

190

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Port services at Pierowall

1

5.192
Supplies: limited quantities of fuel oils and provisions;
fresh water.
Medical: resident doctor but nearest hospital is at
Kirkwall (20 miles S); air ambulance service available in
emergency.
Communications. Regular sea and air services to
Kirkwall.

offshore winds, but holding is indifferent on a hard bottom.

Care is necessary to avoid a submarine power cable
(5.184).
Bay of Cleat, entered between Sneuk (5.186) and Point
of Cott, is obstructed by abandoned submarine cables and
marine farms.
Bay of Brough, entered between Point of Cott and Ness
of Brough (5.188), is shallow but anchorage may be found
in the outer part of the bay, depth about 3 m.

Anchorage and landings on Papa Westray

Minor bays on Westray
1

5.193
Skel Wick, entered between Skelwick Skerry (5.186)
and Ramsay Ness (6 cables W), has a rocky bottom and
anchorage is not recommended.
Local knowledge is required for navigation of the
passage between Little Skerry (3 cables SSW of Skelwick
Skerry) and the drying rocks extending SSW from
Skelwick Skerry, in which there is a depth of 34 m.
Bay of Swartmill, entered between Spo Ness (5.186)
and Sneuk (5.186), can provide temporary anchorage during

5.194
Bay of Moclett, entered at the S end of Papa Westray
between Head of Moclett and Vest Ness (5.186), affords
safe anchorage in settled summer weather over a sandy
bottom, good holding. Care is necessary to avoid a
submarine power cable (5.184). Moclett Pier, used by the
interisland ferry, projects about 110 m SW from the E side
of the bay; a light (5.189) stands on the pierhead.
Backiskaill. There is a jetty at the village of Backiskaill
(1 mile N of Vest Ness), close S of Skerry of Backiskaill
(5.187).

PASSAGE EAST OF THE ORKNEY ISLANDS

GENERAL INFORMATION
1

Chart 1942

Passage
1

5.195
This section describes the coastal passage from the E
end of Pentland Firth N along the E side of the Orkney
Islands.

Tidal streams
1

5.196
Information, additional to that contained in this section,
concerning tidal streams is given on the chart and in
Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands
which should always be consulted.

EASTERN END OF PENTLAND FIRTH

TO STRONSAY FIRTH
General information
Charts 1942, 2581, 2162, 2250

Route
1

Topography
1

5.197
From a position E of Muckle Skerry (5841N 255W)
the coastal passage to abreast the SE entrance to Stronsay
Firth leads about 17 miles NNE along the E sides of South
Ronaldsay and Burray and the SE side of Mainland,
passing across the entrances to Water Sound and Holm
Sound and to seaward of Copinsay (5854N 240W) and
adjacent islets, rocks and shoals.
5.198
South Ronaldsay, of which Old Head (5844N 255W)
is the SE extremity, is the most SE of the Orkney Islands
and is also the most fertile, its N part, in particular, being
highly cultivated. Although much of its coastline is bold,
the island is relatively lowlying, attaining its summit in
Ward Hill (4 miles NNW of Old Head) near the centre of
the island, on which there is a radio mast.

5.199
Burray, an irregularlyshaped island, attains its summit
in Little Wart (5851N 256W), in the W part of the
island, on which there is a conspicuous beacon.
5.200
Southeast side of Mainland. The SE side of Mainland
extends between Rose Ness (5852N 250W) and Point of
Ayre (4 miles NE), the SE extremity of Deerness, a
peninsula of Mainland. The coast is indented by several
shallow bays which are of no interest to the mariner.
Between Rose Ness and Sandisbrae (3 miles NE), the S
extremity of Deerness, the coast is lined by cliffs except at
the head of Dingyshowe Bay (3 miles NNE), where a
narrow and low isthmus connects the SW end of Deerness
with the main part of Mainland. In bad weather the sea
breaks over this isthmus which is then not readily seen; in
these conditions care is required to avoid mistaking the
apparent opening between cliffs on either side of the
isthmus for the entrance to Holm Sound, SW of Rose Ness.
For details of Copinsay and adjacent features see 5.205 and
5.208, respectively.
5.201
Artificial causeways, known locally as Churchill
causeways, extend across Water Sound (S of Burray), and
East Weddel Sound, Skerry Sound and Kirk Sound (N of
Burray, at the head of Holm Sound) preventing access into
Scapa Flow. Each of the causeways carries a road, and the
remains of sunken blockships lie close on either side of the
causeways, as indicated on the charts.

Submarine oil pipeline

1

5.202
A submarine oil pipeline from Piper, Claymore and
Tartan Oil Fields is landed at Rumley Point (5850N
253W) in Water Sound, as indicated on the chart.

Rescue
1

191

5.203
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are situated at Brough
Ness on South Ronaldsay and on Deerness; for further
details see 1.76.

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Tidal streams
1

Directions

5.204
East side of South Ronaldsay. Along the E side of
South Ronaldsay, the Sgoing tidal stream, which begins at
about 0610 HW Aberdeen (0350 HW Dover), runs for
about 9 hours, gaining strength as it runs S but at a spring
rate not much exceeding about 1 kn until in the vicinity of
Old Head where, close off, a spring rate of up to 6 kn may
be attained. There is no corresponding Ngoing tidal stream
along this stretch of coast.
As described at 3.117 a race forms E and SE of Old
Head between about 0610 and 0220 HW Aberdeen
(0350 and HW Dover).
Abreast Burray. Off the entrances to Water Sound and
Holm Sound the coastal tidal streams are generally weak
and variable.
Southeast side of Mainland. Tidal streams along the
coast between Rose Ness and Copinsay Pass (4 miles
ENE) are generally weak and variable. For details of tidal
streams in Copinsay Pass see 5.208.

(continued from 3.144)

Principal marks
1

5.205
Landmarks:
Duncansby Head (5839N 301W) (3.126).
Pentland Skerries Lighthouse (4 miles NE of
Duncansby Head) (3.126).
Beacon (5851N 256W) on summit of Burray
(5.199).
Monument (10 m in height) (5852N 250W) on
cliff top at Rose Ness (5.206).
Copinsay (5854N 240W), the largest and
outermost of a group of islets and rocks (5.208)
lying about 1 miles SE of Point of Ayre, and an
excellent landmark. The summit of the island,
64 m high, is situated close within cliffs which line
the SE side whence the land slopes downward W;
a light (white tower, 16 m in height) stands on the
summit.
Major lights:
Duncansby Head Light (5839N 301W) (3.126).
Pentland Skerries Light (5841N 255W) (3.126).
Copinsay Light as above.
Auskerry Light (5902N 234W) (5.224).
Girdle Ness (57083N 2028W) (North Sea (West)
Pilot).

Light

Charts 2581, 2162, 2250

5.206
From a position E of Muckle Skerry (5841N 255W)
(3.102) at the E end of Pentland Firth the coastal passage
leads NNE passing:
ESE of Old Head (5844N 255W) (3.132) from
which Old Skerries, a reef, parts of which are
always above water, extends E with its outer end
2 cables NE of the SE extremity of the headland,
thence:
ESE of Halcro Head (1 miles N of Old Head)
which rises 5 cables inland to Gairy Hill; the coast
S to North Taing, 8 cables S, is clear of dangers
more than 1 cable offshore and consists of cliffs
about 30 m high, thence:
ESE of Bigore Head (3 miles N of Old Head), the
coast S to Hesta Head (6 cables S) being indented
and consisting of cliffs 60 to 75 m high rising
inland to Ward Hill (5.198); several detached
abovewater rocks lie close off this stretch of
coast, thence:
ESE of Stews Taing (3 miles N of Old Head) where
the cliffs decrease in height to about 15 m, thence:
ESE of Kirkhouse Point (5848N 255W) on which
there is a prominent church and from which drying
rocks extend more than 2 cables SE, thence:
ESE of Kirk Ness (4 cables NNE of Kirkhouse
Point), a low point from which Manse Taing, a
drying reef, extends 2 cables NE, thence:
ESE of Grim Ness (5849N 253W), a distinctive
promontory lined by cliffs near the NE extremity
of South Ronaldsay; the promontory, which forms
the S entrance point to the E part of Water Sound
(5.211), somewhat resembles the S extremity of
Rose Ness (3 miles NNE) (see below) but has no
navigational marks on it, thence:
ESE of Burray Ness (5851N 251W), the low E
extremity of Burray (5.199) which separates Water
Sound from Holm Sound (5.212) and from which
foul ground extends about 2 cables ENE, thence:
ESE of Rose Ness (5852N 250W), 23 m high and
on which stands a monument (5.205) and a light
(white tower, 7 m in height) about 1 cable SW.

Monument

Rose Ness from SE (5.206)

(Photograph Air Images)

(Original dated 1999)

192

Birs Labis

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CHAPTER 5

The headland is the S extremity of the SE coast of

Mainland and is lined by cliffs which extend NNE
to Dingyshowe Bay (3 miles NNE) (5.200), rising
in places to heights of 30 m, thence:
ESE of Copinsay (5854N 240W) (5.205), the SE
side of which is steepto. For details of adjacent
rocks, shoals and channels see 5.208, thence:
ESE of Horse of Copinsay (5 cables NNE of North
Nevi, the NE extremity of Copinsay), a bare
rectangular mass of rock and an excellent mark
which is steepto except on the SW side.
5.207
Clearing line. The church on Kirkhouse Point bearing
355 and open E of Halcro Head passes E of Old Skerries.
Useful mark:
Church (1 miles NNW of Rose Ness Light),
conspicuous, on the NE side of Holm Sound.
(Directions continue for passage NE at 5.226
and for Stronsay Firth approaches at 5.255)

Anchorages and bays

Chart 2581

Wind Wick
1

Chart 2162

Water Sound: eastern part

1

Copinsay Pass
2

Chart 2250

General information
1

5.208
Copinsay Pass separates Point of Ayre (5855N
243W), the SE extremity of the peninsula of Deerness,
from Copinsay (1 miles SE) and its adjacent islets, rocks
and shoals.
Controlling depth. 55 m.
Local knowledge is essential on account of the tidal
streams and narrowness and intricacy of the fairway.
Topography. For details of Copinsay see 5.205. Corn
Holm lies 3 cables W of Copinsay to which it is
connected by Isle Rough, a drying ledge of rock and sand.
Ward Holm lies close SSW of Corn Holm, and Black
Holm stands on the outer part of a drying ledge of rock
and sand extending 3 cables NW from Corn Holm; Horse
of Copinsay (5.206) lies 5 cables NNE of Copinsay.
Tidal streams. In the general vicinity of the pass the
main Sgoing tidal stream off the E side of Deerness
divides off Point of Ayre, one branch running SW through
Copinsay Pass and the other SE between Copinsay and
Horse of Copinsay; the corresponding Ngoing tidal stream
runs NE through Copinsay Pass and N along the outer
sides of Copinsay and Horse of Copinsay. In the pass itself
tidal streams set as follows:
Interval from
HW Aberdeen
(HW Dover)

Remarks

+0420 (0545)

SWgoing tidal stream begins and

sets towards and across the shoals
on the SE side of the passage.

0205 (+0015)

Charts 2162, 2250

NEgoing tidal stream begins and

sets towards and across the shoals
on the NW side of the passage.

Spring rate in both directions is about 3 kn.

6

5.209
Copinsay Pass lies between a dangerous rock on the
outer end of a shoal extending 5 cables S from Point of
Ayre and the extremity of a shoal extending 2 cables NW
from Black Holm, leaving a passage about 3 cables wide
in which the fairway is constricted by a detached shoal
with a depth over it of 38 m.

5.211
General information. Water Sound separates South
Ronaldsay from the island of Burray and is divided into E
and W parts by a causeway (5.201) which connects South
Ronaldsay at Ayre of Cara (5850N 254W) (5.57) with
Burray; the W part of the sound is described at 5.57. The
E part of Water Sound is entered between Grim Ness
(5849N 253W) (5.206) and Burray Ness (2 miles NNW)
(5.206) from where a very narrow channel leads between
shoals on either hand to the causeway.
Local knowledge is essential.
Submarine Oil Pipeline see 5.202.

Holm Sound

Directions
1

5.210
Wind Wick, entered between Halcro Head (5845N
254W) and Hesta Head (1 miles NNW) affords
anchorage in W winds but strong E winds raise a heavy
sea.

193

5.212
General information. Holm Sound is entered between
Burray Ness (5851N 251W) (5.206) and Rose Ness
(1 miles NE) (5.206) and separates Burray from the SE
end of Mainland. Anchorage can be found in the sound.
The islets of Glimps Holm and Lamb Holm lie,
respectively, 2 miles W and 2 miles WNW of Rose Ness
at the head of the sound. East Weddel Sound (the passage
between Burray and Glimps Holm), Skerry Sound (the
passage between Glimps Holm and Lamb Holm) and Kirk
Sound (the passage between Lamb Holm and Mainland), all
of which formerly afforded access into Scapa Flow, are
blocked by causeways (5.201). A conspicuous church
stands near the shore 1 miles NNW of Rose Ness Light.
Local knowledge is required for East Weddel Sound and
Skerry Sound which are shallow and foul and not
described.
Tidal streams in Holm Sound are negligible and
irregular.
Directions. Entry into Holm Sound should not be
attempted during strong S winds. When approaching from
E care is required, particularly in bad weather, to avoid
mistaking the apparent opening in the coast (3 miles
NNW), at the head of Dingyshowe Bay (5.200), for the
entrance to Holm Sound; the lighttower and beacon on
Rose Ness assist in correct identification.
If bound for anchorage in Kirk Sound, at the N head of
the sound, the route from about 4 cables SW of Rose Ness
leads NNW along the NE shore of the sound, from which a
coastal bank with depths of less than 5 m over it extends
up to 4 cables offshore, passing (with positions from Rose
Ness Light):
ENE of an isolated shoal (1 mile W) over which there
is a depth of 61 m, and:
WSW of Cubsey Rocks (6 cables NW), a group of
dangerous rocks on the coastal bank, thence:
WSW of Canniesile (1 miles NW), a reef extending
across the coastal bank from a position on the
shore in front of the conspicuous church, thence:
WSW of a wreck (1 miles NW) visible at LW,
thence:

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CHAPTER 5

Sanday Sound contains several useful anchorages for

small vessels and affords some shelter in its outer reaches
to larger vessel.

ENE of The Knoll (1 miles NW), a detached shoal

of rock and sand over which there is a depth of
24 m lying close off Couse Point, the NE
extremity of Lamb Holm.
1

5.213
Anchorage. The bay between Burray Ness and Burray
Haas (1 miles NNW), is clear of dangers more than
2 cables offshore and has an extensive sandy beach at its
head. It affords good anchorage, except during winds
between NE and SE, about 5 cables offshore in a depth of
about 11 m, good holding, sand; this anchorage should be
vacated at once, however, if the wind freshens from
between NE and SE.
Coasters can obtain temporary anchorage off the
entrance to Bay of Cornquoy (close NW of Rose Ness) in
7 to 9 m, taking care to avoid Cubsey Rocks; the bay itself,
which has a small sandy beach at the head, is shallow and
foul.
Anchorage for small craft can be found during N winds
in the bay (2 miles NW of Rose Ness), with a sandy
beach at its head, on the N side of Kirk Sound in depths of
4 to 5 m; care is necessary to avoid a marine farm
(2 cables E of the causeway) shown on the chart.
Chart 2250

5.214
Horse Sound, close N of Copinsay (5854N 240W)
(5.205), affords temporary anchorage to small vessels in a
depth of 15 m, with Copinsay Lighthouse bearing 169 and
on the alignment (263) of the NW extremity of Black
Holm (1 mile WNW of Copinsay Lighthouse) with Warthill
(3 miles W). This anchorage is, however, liable to be
affected by swell which sometimes rolls around both sides
of Copinsay, by tidal eddies and by sudden squalls.
Directions. Mariners are advised to note that the passage
between the N side of Copinsay, from which dangers
extend about 2 cables, and Horse of Copinsay (5 cables
NNE) (5.206) is obstructed by a dangerous rock, nearly in
midchannel, which is occasionally visible with a moderate
swell.

5.217
An area of unsurveyed water lies to the E of Papa
Stronsay, centred on position 5909N 233W.

Topography
1

Horse Sound
1

Unsurveyed area

STRONSAY FIRTH
TO NORTH RONALDSAY

5.218
Stronsay, of which Lamb Head (5905N 232W) is the
SE extremity, is the most SE of North Isles (5.1) and is
very irregular in shape with many indentations. The island
is generally lowlying, Burgh Hill (1 mile N of Lamb
Head) being the summit of the island; other eminences
include Ward Hill and Saint Johns Hill situated,
respectively, 3 miles and 5 miles NW of Lamb Head; a
conspicuous water tower stands 1 mile SE of Saint Johns
Hill. Whitehall (5.228), in Papa Sound at the N end of the
island, is an important fishing centre. There is an airstrip
NW of Saint Johns Hill.
5.219
Sanday consists of three peninsulas extending N, NE
and SW from a common position centred in the vicinity of
5915N 235W. Most of the island is lowlying except for
the SW peninsula which rises to The Wart (5913N
239W), the islands summit, and Fea Hill (1 miles
NNE); a cluster of radio masts and a structure with a dish
aerial stand on the S slope of The Wart and Warsetter
House stands prominently on the W slope about 2 cables W
of the summit. There is a small airfield near the centre of
the island.
5.220
The SE coast of Sanday between Tres Ness and Start
Point (5 miles NE) is nowhere more than 18 m high and
much of it is very lowlying and can be difficult to
distinguish in hazy conditions; apart from scattered
buildings this stretch of coast is featureless.
5.221
North Ronaldsay (5923N 226W) is lowlying,
extensively cultivated and studded with cottages. There is a
pier and small airfield in the SW part of the island.

Rescue
General information

5.222
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are situated on Stronsay,
Sanday and North Ronaldsay; for further details see 1.76.

Chart 2250

Route
1

5.215
From abreast the SE entrance to Stronsay Firth, the
coastal passage to North Ronaldsay (5923N 226W) leads
about 27 miles NNE along the E sides of Stronsay and
Sanday, passing across the entrances to Sanday Sound and
North Ronaldsay Firth.

Tidal streams
1

Sanday Sound
1

5.216
Sanday Sound separates Stronsay from Sanday and is
entered from E between Odness (5907N 232W) and
Tres Ness (6 miles N). At the W end it is entered from
Eday Sound by Spurness Sound (5.294).

194

5.223
East side of Stronsay. Between Lamb Head and Odness
(2 miles N) the Sgoing tidal stream begins at +0405 HW
Aberdeen (0600 HW Dover) and the Ngoing at
0220 HW Aberdeen (HW Dover). Both streams run fairly
regularly along the coast but a Ngoing eddy may form
within Odin Bay during the Sgoing tidal stream. See
Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands
for details of tidal streams farther offshore.
Sanday Sound. Tidal streams are negligible in Sanday
Sound but run strongly through Spurness Sound.
East side of Sanday. The main Sgoing tidal stream
forms an eddy S of Start Point and in the bight between

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CHAPTER 5

North Ronaldsay Pier from SSE (5.221)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

Tres Ness and Start Point the tidal stream runs nearly
continuously NE.
East side of North Ronaldsay tidal streams run broadly
N and S. The Sgoing tidal stream begins at +0520 HW
Aberdeen (0445 HW Dover) and runs for about 3 hours
only; the Ngoing tidal stream begins at 0405 HW
Aberdeen (0145 HW Dover) and runs for about 9 hours.
The main Ngoing tidal stream divides off Reefdyke
(5921N 222W), one branch running WNW through
North Ronaldsay Firth (5.239), the other continuing N
along the E side of North Ronaldsay, but usually at some
considerable distance offshore, and then trends NW and W
to merge with the general Wgoing tidal stream N of the
North Isles.
The Egoing tidal stream N of North Ronaldsay turns
SE and S around the NE end of the island, and when well
established forms a clockwise eddy in Linklet Bay. The NE
edge of this eddy is defined by Dennis Rst, a line of
breakers which may extend several miles in an arc curving
between E and S from close NE of Point of Sinsoss, the N
extremity of North Ronaldsay; Dennis Rst is particularly
violent during SE gales.

Other aid to navigation

1

Principal marks
1

5.224
Landmarks:
Auskerry Lighthouse (white tower, 34 m in height)
(5902N 234W) on Auskerry (5.226); when
approaching from E the lighthouse must not be
confused with Pentland Skerries Lighthouse
(23 miles SSE) (3.126) which has a second tower
close adjacent.

Water tower (5908N 237W), conspicuous, on

Stronsay.
Start Point Lighthouse (white tower with black
stripes, 23 m high) (5917N 222W) on Start
Point (5.226); the lighthouse must not be confused
with North Ronaldsay Lighthouse see below.
North Ronaldsay Lighthouse (red brick tower with
two white bands, 43 m in height) (5923N
223W) on NE extremity of North Ronaldsay
(5.221); the presence of Dennis Head Beacon
(5.226), 4 cables SSE of the lighthouse, serves to
discriminate, from a distance, between the NE end
of North Ronaldsay and Start Point (6 miles S)
on which the lighthouse stands alone.
Major lights:
Copinsay Light (5854N 240W) (5.205).
Auskerry Light as above.
Start Point Light as above.
North Ronaldsay Light as above.

5.225
Racon:
North Ronaldsay Light as above.
For details see Admiralty list of Radio Signals Volume 2.

Directions
(continued from 5.207)
1

195

5.226
From the vicinity of 5855N 230W, the coastal
passage leads NNE passing (with positions from Auskerry
(5902N 234W)):

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ESE of Auskerry, a flattish grassy island with a rocky

shore; a light (5.224) stands on South Taing, the S
extremity of the island, thence:

ESE of Dennis Head (5923N 222W), the E

extremity of North Ronaldsay, a low rocky point
on which there is a disused lighthouse; North
Ronaldsay Light is situated 4 cables NW of the
disused lighthouse.
Useful mark:
Papa Stronsay Light (white clad metal framework
tower, 5 m in height) (7 miles N of Auskerry) on
The Ness.

Sanday Sound
Mill Bay
1

Light

Auskerry from S (5.226)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph Air Images)
2

ESE of Lamb Head (3 miles NNE), the SE extremity

of Lamb Ness, a small peninsula, 23 m high on the
W side and sloping downward E, which projects
from the SE end of Stronsay, thence:
ESE of Burgh Head (4 miles NNE), readily
identified by vertical cliffs 35 m high; the coast
between Burgh Head and Lamb Head is lined by
broken cliffs which increase in height N, thence:
ESE of Odness (5 miles N), the S entrance point to
Sanday Sound; the shore of Odin Bay, which lies
between Odness and Burgh Head, is lined by
broken cliffs of moderate height, with Kirbister
House (1 mile WNW of Burgh Head) prominent
about 3 cables inland, thence:
ESE of Start Point (5917N 222W), a flat islet
surrounded by drying reefs which connect it to the
E extremity of Sanday; a light (5.224) stands on
the SE extremity of the islet, thence:
ESE of Reefdyke (5921N 222W) (5.241), off the
SE side of North Ronaldsay, thence:

5.227
General information. Mill Bay, on the S side of Sanday
Sound, is entered between Odness (5907N 232W) and
Grice Ness (1 miles NW) (5.229). Tidal streams in the
bay are negligible.
Directions. When entering the bay the deepest water is
found between The Bow, a drying rock 4 cables NNW of
Odness, and a drying rock 3 cables ESE of Grice Ness.
There is a depth of 34 m in the passage between Holm of
Odness, close N of Odness, and The Bow.
Clearing marks. Burgh Head (5.226) bearing 178 and
open E of Odness passes E of The Bow.
Anchorage is not good in Mill Bay. The bottom,
although sandy in places, is mostly foul, but in emergency
a vessel could anchor about 3 cables S of the S extremity
of Grice Ness in a depth of 16 m.
Chart 2562 Sounds of Rapness, Faray, Eday and Sanday

Papa Sound and Whitehall Harbour

1

5.228
General description. Papa Sound (5909N 236W)
separates Papa Stronsay from Stronsay. Whitehall Harbour
is that part of Papa Sound which lies S of Papa Stronsay.
The N and principal entrance to the sound and Whitehall
Harbour is between the W side of Papa Stronsay and Huip
Ness (4 cables W); an E entrance lies between the S
extremity of Papa Stronsay and Grice Ness, close S.

North Ronaldsay Light

Linklet Bay

Disused Lighthouse

Dennis Head from SE (5.226)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph Air Images)

196

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CHAPTER 5

Stronsay Whitehall Harbour from ENE (5.230)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

5.229
Topography. Papa Stronsay (5909N 235W) is a small
low island with a stone cairn near its N and S ends and a
light (5.226) on The Ness, the NE extremity of the island.
A narrow stony tongue of land extends, across a drying
bank, 3 cables W and thence 3 cables S from the W side of
the island and terminates in Point of the Graand (5909N
236W); a small islet lies about 1 cable S of Point of the
Graand on the S extremity of the drying bank.
Huip Ness is a low flat peninsula extending 8 cables SE
from Point of Comely (5910N 238W), the N point of
Stronsay.
Grice Ness, a low flat peninsula with its E extremity
4 cables SSE of the S point of Papa Stronsay, forms the S
side of Papa Sound. The village of Whitehall, where there
are piers, skirts the S shore of the sound about 8 cables W
of the E extremity of Grice Ness.
5.230
Local knowledge is essential for the E entrance to Papa
Sound as the channel between reefs which fringe the shores
of both Papa Stronsay and Grice Ness is less than 1 cable
wide, has a depth of only 1 to 2 m and is obstructed by
drying reefs and dangerous underwater rocks in the fairway.
Whitehall Harbour should not be used without local
knowledge as depths are generally less than 2 m and the
bottom uneven.
Caution. Navigational buoys are liable to break adrift
and should not be relied upon.
Natural conditions. Tidal streams are negligible in Papa
Sound. The sea breaks heavily during S gales over a
number of shallow rocky patches which lie in depths of
less than 10 m within an area extending 1 miles between

197

NNW and NE from Point of Comely; the shallowest of

these patches, with a depth over it of 43 m, lies 1 mile NE
of Point of Comely
5.231
Directions for north entrance. From a position about
1 mile ENE of Point of Comely the approach into Papa
Sound leads SSW passing (with positions from Point of
Comely):
ESE of Quiabow (6 cables E), a rock which lies
about 1 cable within the outer end of a rocky spit,
with depths over it of less than 5 m, extending
5 cables NNE from Huip Ness; a lightbuoy
(starboard hand) is moored 2 cables NE of
Quiabow, thence:
ESE of Jacks Reef (7 cables SE) which extends
2 cables E from the SE extremity of Huip Ness
and is marked close off its outer end by No 1
Lightbuoy (starboard hand), and:
WNW of the drying bank and tongue of land
extending from the W side of Papa Stronsay,
thence:
Close W of No 2 Lightbuoy (port hand) (1 mile SE)
which marks the outer end of the channel leading
to Whitehall Pier, noting that there is a depth of
21 m midway between No 1 and No 2
Lightbuoys.
Thence the fairway of the channel to Whitehall is
marked by lightbuoys (port and starboard hand) and has a
dredged depth of 34 m (2001); further details are best seen
from the chart.
Useful marks with positions from Point of the Graand:
Cairn on Holm of Huip (2 miles NW).

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Lights (metal mast, 5 m in height) (3 cables S) on

head of Whitehall Pier.
Whitehall (farmhouse) (8 cables SW).
1

5.232
Anchorage can be found in Jacks Hole (4 cables W of
Point of the Graand), an area of comparatively deep water,
as indicated on the chart; SE of Jacks Hole the bottom is
uneven and weedy.
Piers and jetties. Two piers, of which Whitehall Pier is
the E, extend from the shore in front of the village of
Whitehall; a RoRo ferry terminal, administered by Orkney
Islands Council (5.3), is situated on the W side of the outer
end of Whitehall Pier. Several small jetties are situated on
the S side of Papa Stronsay.

Bay of Tresness and Sty Wick

1

Chart 2250

Bay of Lopness
1

5.233
Bay of Lopness extends between Long Taing of Newark
(5.234) and Lop Ness (2 miles ENE). The shore of the bay
is sandy; see also 5.220. The NE part of the bay is foul
and anchorage in Bay of Lopness is not recommended.

5.235
General information. Between Els Ness and Tres Ness
(5914N 230W), 2 miles E, the coast of Sanday forms a
bay which is divided by Lang Taing (1 miles WNW of
the S extremity of Tres Ness), a drying reef, into Bay of
Tresness to the E and Sty Wick to the W. The village of
Tresness lies at the root of Tres Ness, a low flattish
peninsula which is somewhat similar in appearance to Els
Ness (5.236); however, several small dark bluffs 4 to 6 m
high on the S extremity of Tres Ness and some stone walls
in the same vicinity assist in identification.
Bay of Tresness has a rocky shore, through which The
Clogg, a narrow boat passage close W of the village, leads
into Cata Sand, an extensive landlocked drying flat; the
Clogg is spanned by overhead power cables, safe vertical
clearance 3.5 m. Boat landing is possible on the NE side of
the bay with offshore winds.
Sty Wick is bordered by a sandy shore except along the
E side of Els Ness which is rocky; the bottom in the bay is
also rocky.
Chart 2562 Sounds of Rapness, Faray, Eday and Sanday

Bay of Newark
1

Kettletoft Bay

5.234
General information. Bay of Newark extends between
Tres Ness (5914N 230W) (5.235) and Long Taing of
Newark (2 miles NNE), a drying ridge of rocks extending
from the coast. The shore of the bay is sandy and backed
by low sandhills, over which the sea breaks in heavy gales;
see also 5.220. Baa Gruna, a detached rocky shoal over
which the seaweed shows at LW, is centred about 1 mile
NNE of the S extremity of Tres Ness.
Anchorage can be obtained in fine summer weather in
the N part of the bay not less than 5 cables SE of Long
Taing of Newark over a bottom of rock with isolated
patches of sand.

5.236
General information. Kettletoft Bay is situated on the
N side of Sanday Sound between Els Ness (5914N
234W), a low flattish peninsula with some buildings at its
N end, and Bea Ness (1 mile WNW from the S extremity
of Els Ness). The village of Kettletoft, where there is a
pier, skirts the E side of Bea Ness. A ruined church stands
in an old cemetery 5 cables NW of the pier. At the head of
the bay overhead power cables, safe vertical clearance
49 m, span the narrow entrance into Little Sea, which
dries, at Ouse Point. Gales from S cause a swell in the bay.
Local knowledge is required as the entrance is
obstructed by shoals and the bay shallow.

Sanday Kettletoft Pier and Harbour from WNW (5.236)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

198

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Directions. The white sector (351011) of a light

(white tower, 6 m in height) on the pierhead at Kettletoft
leads into the bay, passing:
W of Fosky Reef lying near the outer end of a shoal
extending 3 cables S from Els Ness, thence:
W of Holm of Elsness (6 cables W of the S extremity
of Els Ness), rocky and surrounded by reefs, and:
E of a shoal, on which there is a depth of 15 m,
extending 6 cables S from Bea Ness.
Thence course may be adjusted into the bay passing
between a drying reef extending 2 cables from the W
extremity of Els Ness and Bea Ness, but avoiding as
necessary a shoal (4 cables W of the W extremity of Els
Ness), in midchannel, over which there is a depth of
15 m; the W edge of this shoal lies within the white sector
of Kettletoft Pierhead Light.
Holm Sound leads between Els Ness and Holm of
Elsness but is constricted at the N end by the drying reef
extending from the W extremity of Els Ness.
Anchorage, in fine weather, can be found within the
bay for small coasters, as indicated on the chart.
Pier. Kettletoft Pier, stone, about 100 m in length,
projects from the E side of Bea Ness at the S end of the
village. A second smaller pier, enclosing a narrow basin for
small craft, runs parallel with the first pier for about half
its length.; a boat slip lies immediately adjacent N of the
smaller pier.
Supplies: provisions in small quantities; water not
available.

Directions
1

Backaskail Bay
1

5.237
Backaskail Bay is enclosed between Bea Ness (5914N
236W) and the S coast of Sanday about 1 mile W. A
ruined church (5.236) and Backaskail farmhouse stand a
short distance inland near the E and W ends of the bay,
respectively.
Strong E or S winds cause heavy seas in the bay.

North Ronaldsay Firth

General information
1

5.238
North Ronaldsay Firth which separates Sanday from
North Ronaldsay is entered from E between Start Point
(5917N 222W) and Brides Ness (4 miles N) and leads
into The North Sound (5.173) between the outer end of
The Riv (5919N 234W) and Twinyess (4 miles NE).
5.239
Tidal streams. In North Ronaldsay Firth the Egoing
tidal stream begins at +0405 HW Aberdeen (0600 HW
Dover) and the Wgoing tidal stream begins at 0220 HW
Aberdeen (HW Dover); spring rate about 4 kn in both
directions.
The main Ngoing tidal stream E of North Isles runs
directly across the E entrance to the firth and divides off
Reefdyke (4 miles N of Start Point), one branch running W
through the firth.
Although tidal streams in The North Sound (5.174) are
generally weak the Egoing tidal stream gains strength as it
approaches the W entrance to North Ronaldsay Firth. After
running strongly over Baa of Trevan (4 cables NNE of The
Riv) it merges with the SEgoing tidal stream from
Twinyess Rocks (3 cables W of Twinyess), which
together then run ESE through the firth to join the main
Sgoing tidal stream E of North Isles.

Overfalls. Both the Egoing and Wgoing tidal streams

run strongly over Twinyess Rocks, Masewell Rock
(7 cables SSW) and Baa of Trevan, on all of which there
are overfalls, especially when wind is against tidal stream.
During gales when wind is against tidal stream, especially
during W and NW gales when the Wgoing tidal stream is
running at strength, the sea may break violently right
across the firth.
5.240
Tide races. A race forms off Start Point during the
Sgoing tidal stream and may extend up to 1 miles to
seaward; this race is very violent during S and SE gales,
particularly close in to the point.
During the Egoing tidal stream a race forms off Tofts
Ness (2 miles NW of Start Point). It may extend more
than 1 mile E from the ness and also N across the firth
almost reaching North Ronaldsay; this race is particularly
violent during E and SE gales.
During the Wgoing tidal stream another race forms S
of Twinyess Rocks whence it may extend more than 1 mile
S.
Eddies. When the tidal streams are running strongly in
the firth eddies probably form behind the salient points on
both sides of the firth.

199

5.241
From a position 2 miles NE of Start Point the passage
through the firth leads WNW passing (with positions from
Tofts Ness (5919N 225W)):
NNE of Start Point (2 miles SE) (5.226), thence:
SSW of Reefdyke (2 miles NE), a dangerous rocky
shoal on which the remains of a wreck are visible;
further details are best seen from the chart, but
noting that depths of less than 5 m exist nearly
5 cables S of the S end of the shoal. In bad
weather the sea breaks over Reefdyke and in calm
conditions the extent of the shoal is usually
defined by tiderips, thence:
NNE of Tofts Ness, a low point. In bad weather the
sea breaks heavily over a rocky ledge, with depths
of less than 20 m over it, which extends 1 mile E
from the point, and:
SSW of Brides Ness (2 miles NNE), a low
shelving point, fringed by a shallow bank, at the
SE extremity of North Ronaldsay, thence:
SSW of Strom Ness (2 miles N), the S extremity of
North Ronaldsay, thence:
SSW of Twinyess Rocks (2 miles NNW), a
detached reef which lies 3 cables W of Twinyess,
the SW extremity of North Ronaldsay; a light is
exhibited from a post on a pierhead at Nouster
(3 cables ESE of Twinyess), thence:
Clear, as necessary, of Masewell Rock (2 miles
NW) which lies on the N side of the fairway; with
W winds the sea breaks heavily over this rock,
particularly during the Wgoing tidal stream,
thence:
NNE of Whitemill Point (3 miles WSW),
identification of which is aided by a small knoll
rising near the point; Whitemill Skerry, a
dangerous reef, extends 5 cables NNE from the
point, thence:
NNE of The Riv (4 miles W), a drying reef
extending 1 mile N from the N extremity of the
peninsula of Burness on Sanday and bordered on
all sides by shallow banks; a beacon (pyramid,

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CHAPTER 5

port hand) stands on the NW extremity of the reef;

attention is drawn to Baa of Trevan, a detached
shoal lying 4 cables NNE of the outer end of The
Riv. Details are best seen from the chart. Thence:
Clear of Runabrake (5922N 238W), a rocky patch
which is steepto on the W and S sides but
shelves more gradually on the N and E sides. Even
in fine weather there are distinct tiderips over the
patch; in bad weather there are very heavy
overfalls and the sea breaks heavily within a radius
of about 5 cables around it.
5.242
Clearing lines:
Twinyess bearing 303 and open S of Strom Ness
passes SW of Reefdyke.
The alignment (148) of the NE extremity of Tofts
Ness and Start Point Lighthouse passes SW of
Twinyess Rocks.
Start Point Lighthouse bearing 125 and just open NE
of Tofts (2 miles NW), a group of cottages,
passes NE of Baa of Trevan and of Runabrake.
Red Head (5915N 245W) (5.293) bearing 230
and well open NW of Holms of Ire (5 miles NE)
(5.176) passes NW of Baa of Trevan.
Holland farmhouse (5821N 254W) on Papa
Westray bearing 260 and just open N of the cairn
on the E extremity of Holm of Papa (1 mile E)
passes N of Runabrake.
All these clearing lines are indicated on the chart.

South Bay and vicinity

Otterswick and approaches

1

leads with Cleat (2 miles S of Whitemill Point), a house

near the SE shore of Otterswick, bearing 204 passing
(with positions from the NE extremity of Whitemill Point):
WNW of Crow Taing (2 miles E), a drying reef
extending 3 cables from the shore abreast Tofts
(5.242), thence:
ESE, at a distance of about 2 cables, of Outer
Skerry (7 cables E), a rocky patch on which there
are dangerous rocks; a lightbuoy (starboard hand)
is moored close E of the patch, thence:
WNW, at a distance of about 3 cables, of Long Taing
(1 miles ESE), a drying reef extending 4 cables
NNW from the SE shore, thence:
ESE, at a distance of about 2 cables, of The Skerry
(6 cables SE), a large patch of dangerous rocks,
some of which dry, thence:
Clear, at a distance of about 5 cables, along the SE
shore of the bay.
Useful marks:
Torsker House (2 miles ESE of Whitemill Point) at
the W end of the sandy beach in Bay of
Sandquoy.
Saville House ( mile N of Lama Ness).
Anchorage may be obtained in a depth of 7 m about
4 cables off the SE shore with Whitemill Point bearing
330, as indicated on the chart. With local knowledge
anchorage can be found for smaller vessels farther into the
bay. Those vessels capable of taking the ground can safely
dry out at the head of the bay W of Lama Ness.

5.243
General information. Otterswick, an extensive inlet in
the N side of Sanday, is approached between Tofts Ness
(5919N 225W) (5.241) and The Riv (4 miles WNW)
(5.241) and entered between Long Taing (2 miles SW of
Tofts Ness) and Whitemill Point (1 miles further WNW)
(5.241). It is an indifferent harbour in which considerable
seas are raised by N and E winds but affords the only
comparatively safe anchorage on the N side of Sanday.
Lamaness Firth, a shallow channel between Lama Ness
(1 miles SSW of Whitemill Point), and Colli Ness,
4 cables S, leads into the head of Otterswick which dries.
Bay of Sandquoy, with a sandy beach nearly 1 mile long
at its head, lies in the E approaches to Otterswick between
Crow Taing (1 mile SW of Tofts Ness) and Taing of Tor
Sker (1 miles SW)
Tidal streams in Otterswick are negligible.
Submarine power cable. A submarine power cable
from North Ronaldsay is landed in Bay of Sandquoy, as
indicated on the chart.
Directions. From a position near the centre of North
Ronaldsay Firth the approach and entry into Otterswick

5.244
South Bay, on the S side of North Ronaldsay, is entered
between Strom Ness (5921N 225W) and Twinyess
(1 mile WNW). The village of Nouster, where there is a
small pier marked by a light (5.241), lies at the NW end of
the bay. A submarine power cable is laid S from the bay,
as indicated on the chart, rendering sheltered anchorage
impracticable.
Temporary anchorage, however, can be found off the
coast between Strom Ness and Brides Ness in depths of 9
to 15 m, clear of the full strength of tidal streams; the
holding is indifferent in patches of sand over rock.

Anchorage on east side of North Ronaldsay

Linklet Bay
1

5.245
Linklet Bay,, entered on the E side of the island between
Dennis Head (5923N 222W) (5.226) and Brides Ness
(1 miles SSW), is not recommended as an anchorage but
can serve as a temporary refuge from NW gales; the
bottom is rocky. There is a small jetty at the N end of the
bay.

STRONSAY FIRTH AND WESTRAY FIRTH

the vicinity of 5900N 235W to its NW entrance in the
vicinity of 5915N 305W. Stronsay and Westray Firths
merge in the vicinity of Muckle Green Holm (5908N
250W). The passage contains several dangers and is
subject to strong tidal streams and tide races. A number of
navigable channels, including Shapinsay Sound which is the
principal approach to Kirkwall, branch from both sides of
the passage and lead between the islands which border both
firths.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Charts 2249, 2250

General description
1

5.246
Stronsay Firth is the SE portion and Westray Firth the
NW portion, of the widest passage through the Orkney
Islands. The passage, about 20 miles long and 2 miles wide
at its narrowest point, extends NW from its SE entrance in

200

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CHAPTER 5

SOUTHEASTERN APPROACH AND

ENTRANCE TO STRONSAY FIRTH

General information
Chart 2250

Description
1

5.247
From the North Sea Stronsay Firth is approached from
between Copinsay (5854N 240W) and Lamb Head
(5905N 232W). The principal and preferred entrance to
the firth lies between Mull Head (5858N 242W) and
Auskerry (5 miles NE), but Auskerry Sound, the channel
N of Auskerry, also affords access.
From close within the entrance of the firth at Rerwick
Head (5900N 248W) Shapinsay Sound leads W between
Mainland and the S side of Shapinsay, and is the principal
channel to Kirkwall.

5.252
Eastern approaches to Shapinsay Sound. Off the E
entrance to Shapinsay Sound it is probable that while the
Egoing tidal stream out of Shapinsay Sound runs,
particularly when at strength, for some distance into the S
part of Stronsay Firth before merging with the main
NW/SEgoing tidal streams in the firth, the Wgoing tidal
stream into Shapinsay Sound is not apparent at any
appreciable distance E of the entrance to Shapinsay Sound.

Caution
1

5.253
See 5.268.

Principal marks
1

5.254
Landmarks:
Copinsay (5854N 240W) (5.205).
Auskerry Lighthouse (5902N 234W) (5.224).
Monument (5858N 245W), conspicuous, on
Denwick Head.

Topography
1

5.248
Mainland. From Point of Ayre (5855N 243W) to the
village of Skaill (1 miles N), where there is a church, on
the shore of Sandside Bay the E coast of Deerness is lined
by cliffs which decrease in height from S to N and is
fringed by rocky reefs which, at Skaill Skerries, a drying
reef abreast Skaill, extend 5 cables offshore. Thence
between Bis Taing, at the N end of Sandside Bay, to
Brough of Deerness (2 miles N of Point of Ayre) (5.255)
there are cliffs about 15 m high.
Stronsay. For general details see 5.218. The S coast is
much indented. The E part, between Lamb Head and Tor
Ness (2 miles W), is relatively low.

Rescue
1

5.249
Coastguard. An Auxiliary Station is maintained on
Deerness: for details see 1.76.

Denwick Head monument (5.254)

(Original dated 1999)

Tidal streams and races

1

5.250
The following information complements the details of
tidal streams which are given on the chart for a number of
positions both in the approaches and within the entrance to
Stronsay Firth.
5.251
Southeastern approach and entrance. In a position
about 3 miles SSE of Auskerry the tidal streams are a
combination of the coastal stream and the tidal streams into
and out of Stronsay Firth and are more or less rotary
clockwise as shown on the chart; a mile or two farther to
seaward, where the effect of tidal streams in Stronsay Firth
are not felt, the coastal streams E of the Orkney Islands
run uninterruptedly.
In midchannel between Mull Head and Auskerry the
SEgoing tidal stream begins at +0450 HW Aberdeen
(0515 HW Dover) and the NWgoing tidal stream at
0135 Aberdeen (+0045 HW Dover) with a spring rate of
about 4 kn in both directions.
During the SEgoing tidal stream a tide race, which is
particularly violent with S and SE gales, forms E and SE
of Mull Head, and a Ngoing eddy forms S of the head,
resulting in a nearly continuous Ngoing stream close
offshore along the coast between Point of Ayre and Mull
Head. Farther to seaward the tidal streams run N and S as
indicated on the chart.

(Photograph Air Images)

Water tower (5908N 237W), conspicuous, on

Stronsay.
Major lights:
Copinsay Light (5854N 240W) (5.205).
Auskerry Light (5902N 234W) (5.224).

Directions
(continued from 5.207)

Channel south of Auskerry

1

201

5.255
From the vicinity of 5855N 230W the approach to
the entrance channel S of Auskerry, leads NW passing
(with positions from Mull Head (5858N 242W)):
NE of Copinsay (4 miles SSE) (5.205) and adjacent
islets, thence:
NE of Castle of the Brough (5 cables SSE), a
detached stack which stands close E of Brough of
Deerness, a small peninsula which is almost
separated from the coast by a deep ravine and on
which there is a ruined chapel, thence:
NE of Mull Head, the NE extremity of Deerness
(5.200), which is steepto, avoiding, as necessary,
a tide race (5.251), and:
SW of Auskerry (5 miles NE) (5.226) on which
there is a light (5.224); an obstruction (position

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CHAPTER 5

approximate) (reported 1917) lies 5 cables S,

thence:
NE of Rerwick Head (3 miles WNW), noting the
wreck lying 3 miles NE of Rerwick Head.
Clearing line. The alignment (342) of Castle of the
Brough with Chip of the Mull, the NE extremity of Mull
Head, passes NE of Skaill Skerries (5.248).
Useful marks:
Helliar Holm Light (5901N 254W) (5.341).
Mor Stein (5902N 250W), a standing stone on
Shapinsay.
(Directions continue for Stronsay Firth at 5.270
and for Shapinsay Sound at 5.342)

Deer Sound and approaches

General information
1

Auskerry Sound
General information
1

5.256
Auskerry Sound lies between Auskerry (5902N
234W) and the S coast of Stronsay, about 2 miles N. The
navigable channel abreast Auskerry is about 1 mile wide
and is less preferred as an E entrance to Stronsay Firth
than the channel S of Auskerry on account of the strong
tidal streams and the heavy seas which are raised when
winds are opposed to the tidal streams.
Tidal streams. In midchannel the Egoing tidal stream
begins between +0100 and +0200 HW Aberdeen and the
Wgoing between 0500 and 0400 HW Aberdeen, spring
rate about 4 kn in both directions. There may be eddies on
both sides of the sound and off its W end. See also
information on the chart.

Directions
1

5.257
From a position in the North Sea about 1 miles NE of
Auskerry the route through the sound leads W passing
(with positions from the N extremity of Auskerry):
S of Lamb Head (2 miles NNE) (5.226), thence:
S of Ingale Skerry (1 miles N), the outer and drying
part of a reef extending nearly 1 mile SSE from
Ward of Housebay (2 miles N), a rocky point
about 10 m high on which there is a mound;
seaweed shows over the whole reef at LW, and:
N of Auskerry (5.226) noting that a dangerous rock,
over which the sea often breaks and on which
seaweed shows at LW spring tides, lies about
5 cables NE of North Taing, the N point of the
island; several detached drying rocks including
Lunga Skerries and Ossen Skerry lie on a shallow
bank extending about 3 cables W of North Taing,
thence:
S of Tor Ness (2 miles NNW), the E entrance point
of Bay of Holland (5.276), which is low and
fringed by a rocky reef extending 3 cables E,
thence:
Clear, as necessary, of Dowie Sand (3 miles NW)
(5.270).
Useful marks:
Housebay farmhouse (2 miles N) near the shore in
Bay of Houseby.
Holland House (2 miles N), prominent.

5.258
Bay of Houseby (5905N 234W), which extends
between Lamb Head and Ward of Housebay, is rocky and
foul.

5.259
General description. Deer Sound, separating Deerness
peninsula from the remainder of Mainland, is approached
between Mull Head (5858N 242W) and Rerwick Head
(3 miles WNW) and entered between The Ness (5858N
248W), a rocky point, and Northquoy Point (8 cables SE).
It provides landlocked, but somewhat restricted, anchorage.
Topography. The sound is irregular in shape, being
divided into an outer and inner part by Mirkady Point
(1 miles SSW of The Ness); Saint Peters Pool (2 miles
S of The Ness), which is shallow, rocky and dries out in its
S part, is a S extension to the inner part of the sound.
Between Mull Head (5.255) and Northquoy Point the
coast is steep and consists mainly of cliffs between 15 and
30 m high; a conspicuous monument stands on Denwick
Head (1 miles E of Mull Head). Thence the coast is low
to Mirkady Point which terminates in a narrow tongue of
projecting land.
On the W side of the approach the coast of Mainland
between Rerwick Head (5.342) and The Ness consists of
cliffs 15 to 20 m high behind which the land rises to Fea
Hill (7 cables NW of The Ness), with a cairn near its
summit.
At the head of Saint Peters Pool the shore consists of a
low isthmus which connects Deerness with Mainland; for
further details see 5.200.
A cluster of dwellings is situated at the head of Mill
Sand (1 miles WSW of The Ness) with a church about
4 cables farther SW; the village of Sebay stands 8 cables
SW of Mirkady Point.
Marine farms exist in all parts of the sound, as shown
on the chart.
Local knowledge is required for navigation beyond the
outer part of the sound.
Tidal streams in Deer Sound are negligible.

Directions
1

Bays
1

Ingale Sound, close W of Ward of Housebay, is shallow

and sandy.

5.260
When entering Deer Sound care is necessary to avoid
Gumpick, a reef the greater part of which dries, extending
nearly 2 cables S from The Ness, and Taing of Barn, a
rocky shoal extending 5 cables SW from The Ness; the
extremity of these dangers can usually be readily
distinguished as the bottom S is of white sand.
The inner part of the sound is entered by a channel
which leads S between banks extending from Mirkady
Point and from the shore of Mainland 5 cables W. Within
the inner part care is necessary to avoid Oyster Skerries
(4 cables SE of Mirkady Point).
Saint Peters Pool is entered by a narrow channel
between Point of Od (2 miles S of The Ness) and
Braebuster Ness (3 cables E).
Useful marks with positions from The Ness:
The Castle (1 mile ESE), a detached abovewater
rock close offshore.
Hall of Tankerness (1 miles W) near the shore with
flagstaff close N.

Anchorages and harbours

1

202

5.261
In the approaches to the sound there is anchorage in
depths of 13 to 14 m in midchannel 5 cables E of The

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Ness. During offshore winds temporary anchorage can be

found off Den Wick, an indentation of the coast 1 mile SW
of Mull Head, in a depth of about 15 m, sand, about
6 cables NE of the conspicuous monument on Denwick
Head. These berths are shown on the chart.
Within the sound virtual landlocked anchorage, with
good holding ground and free from the squalls associated
with high surrounding ground, may be found although
depth and swinging room are both limited. A good berth,
in a depth of about 9 m, sand, but with rather less than
2 cables swinging room, lies S of Taing of Barn with Fea
Hill bearing 349 and distant 9 cables.
Smaller vessels can anchor farther in, a suitable berth
being in a depth of about 7 m with the head of a small pier
at Hall of Tankerness (1 miles W of The Ness) bearing
301 and distant 3 cables. Anchorage for small craft may
also be found in Saint Peters Pool in depths of 2 to 4 m.
With local knowledge anchorage can be found for
vessels of less than 27 m draught in a depth of 4 to 5 m in
the channel WSW of Mirkady Point.

Tidal streams
1

STRONSAY FIRTH
General information
Chart 2250

Description
1

5.262
From within its SE entrance Stronsay Firth extends
about 7 miles NW between Shapinsay on the SW side
and Stronsay on the NE side. The NW end of the firth is
irregular in shape and is the confluence of a number of
channels: it merges with the SE end of Westray Firth
between War Ness (5908N 247W) and Point of the
Graand (4 miles W), the S ends of the islands of Eday
and Egilsay, respectively; Eday Sound branches N into The
North Sound from the NE part of Stronsay Firth; the W
part, which lies N of Shapinsay, leads to several minor but
navigable channels, including one giving access to the NE
part of Wide Firth.

5.263
Shapinsay attains its summit in Ward Hill (5902N
251W) and has few remarkable features. The island is
extensively cultivated but is entirely treeless. The E side of
Shapinsay is rocky with cliffs which gradually decrease in
height from S to N.
Stronsay. For general details see 5.218. The S coast is
much indented. The W part, for about 1 mile E from
Rothiesholm Head (5905N 241W), the broad SW
extremity of Stronsay, is lined by cliffs about 30 m high,
with some detached rocks a short distance offshore at their
base; the SW face of Rothiesholm Head consists of piled
up boulders and is steepto.

Rescue

5.269
Landmarks:
Auskerry Lighthouse (5902N 234W) (5.224).
Monument (5858N 245W), conspicuous, on
Denwick Head.
Water tower (5908N 237W), conspicuous, on
Stronsay.
Major lights:
Copinsay Light (5854N 240W) (5.205).
Auskerry Light (5902N 234W) (5.224).

Directions
(continued from 5.255)

5.264
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained on
Shapinsay, Stronsay and Eday: for details see 1.76.
5.265
Submarine power cables are laid across Stronsay Firth,
as indicated on the chart:

5.268
Navigational conditions in Stronsay Firth present great
contrasts. For prolonged periods boats can ply in the firth
with safety, but during gales, especially when wind is
against tidal stream, Stronsay Firth can quickly become
dangerous.

Principal marks

Submarine power cables

1

5.266
Within Stronsay Firth. In midchannel tidal streams
run broadly NW and SE, but in the SE part they are
somewhat variable in direction, being affected by the tidal
streams (5.252) into and out of Shapinsay Sound. In several
areas on both sides of the firth tidal streams are affected by
the streams running in and out of sounds which open into
the firth and also by coastal eddies formed by the main
tidal stream through the firth; along the E side of
Shapinsay, due to the formation of a Ngoing eddy during
the Sgoing tidal stream, there is a nearly continuous
Ngoing stream close offshore.
5.267
Northwestern entrance. Tidal streams in the channels
on either side of Muckle Green Holm (5908N 250W)
are very strong. They run with great strength over the reef
extending S from War Ness, the SEgoing tidal stream
setting, for the first 1 hour and 10 minutes, E around War
Ness towards Eday Sound; after this time it runs SE
through Stronsay Firth. During the SEgoing stream a race,
which is dangerous during S gales, extends SSW from War
Ness. During both SEgoing and NWgoing tidal streams
violent turbulence extends across the entire channel E of
Muckle Green Holm when the wind is against the tidal
stream.

Caution

Topography
1

Between a position on Stronsay about 5 cables N of

Greenli Ness (5905N 239W) in Bay of Holland,
and the E side of Shapinsay (5 miles WSW):
Between a position on Stronsay 1 miles NNW of
Greenli Ness and the W side of Ness of Ork
(5 miles W).
The landing positions of both cable are marked by
beacons on the shore.

203

Charts 2250, 2584

5.270
From a position in midchannel between Rerwick Head
(5900N 248W) and Tor Ness (7 miles NE) (5.257) the
route through Stronsay Firth leads NNW, passing:
ENE of The Foot (5902N 248W), where the cliffs
are about 25 m high, thence:
ENE of Baas of Linton (5903N 247W) a bank
with a least charted depth of 98 m, thence:
WSW of Rothiesholm Head (5905N 241W)
(5.263), noting the wreck lying 1 miles W of

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Rothiesholm Head. Tidal streams run very strongly

around the headland. Dowie Sand, a shoal 1 mile
SE of Rothiesholm Head, is generally marked by
tiderips even in fine weather but with S winds
and an opposing tidal stream a dangerous sea can
occur in the vicinity; this disturbed area can be
avoided by keeping the NE extremity of Veness
(5 miles NNW of Rothiesholm Head) bearing
about 343 and open W of Rothiesholm Head,
thence:
ENE of Ness of Ork (5905N 248W), a low rocky
point at the NE extremity of Shapinsay which
should be given a berth of at least 2 cables; depths
of 7 m over rocks exist within 5 cables NW from
the N extremity of the ness.
Useful marks:
Mor Stein (5902N 250W), a standing stone on
Shapinsay.
Ward Hill (5909N 247W) (5.280) on Eday.
5.271
If bound NW into Westray Firth the route leads NW
through Fall of Warness, the passage between War Ness
(5908N 247W), the S extremity of Eday from which
The Kirk, a drying reef, extends 1 cables S, and Muckle
Green Holm (1 miles WSW), a grasscovered islet with
Little Green Holm, also grasscovered, close S. Despite the
dangerous sea and tidal conditions, described at 5.267,
which may prevail in certain conditions in the vicinity of
War Ness, and which should always be anticipated, this
channel is preferred to the passage W of Muckle Green
Holm.
(Directions continue for
Eday Sound and approaches at 5.289
and for Westray Sound at 5.312)

Passage north of Shapinsay

Clearing lines
1

5.272
General description. The sea area which lies N of
Shapinsay at the NW end of Stronsay Firth connects with
Rousay Sound (5.315), Gairsay Sound (5.388) and the NE
entrance to Wide Firth (5.390).
Submarine power cable. See 5.265.
Tidal streams SW of a line joining Ness of Ork
(5905N 248W) and Point of the Graand (4 miles NW)
are relatively weak and somewhat irregular but become
stronger and more regular farther W; they are very strong
in the passage between Muckle Green Holm (2 miles N
of Ness of Ork) and the Point of the Graand. See
information on the chart for further details.
Tiderips are usually present over Benlin Rock
(2 miles WNW of Ness of Ork) and two isolated patches,
one with a depth over it of 102 m and the other 94 m,
situated, respectively, 6 cables S and 3 cables NNE of the
rock.

5.273
From a position in midchannel between Ness of Ork
(5.270) and Little Green Holm (2 miles NNW) (5.271) the
passage leads W passing across the mouth of Veantrow Bay
(5.277), avoiding Benlin Rock as necessary, and thence:
N of Galt Ness (5905N 254W), the low extremity
of a narrow peninsula which projects N from the
NW end of Shapinsay; the peninsular gently
increases in height S and a stone beacon stands

5.275
Sound of the Green Holms, an intricate boat channel,
leads between Muckle Green Holm (5908N 250W)
(5.271) and Little Green Holm.

Anchorages
Bay of Holland
1

Directions
1

5.274
For dangers off Galt Ness:
The alignment (101) of the N extremity of Ness of
Ork with the S extremity of Rothiesholm Head
(4 miles E) (5.263) passes well N of the dangers.
The alignment (194) of the W extremity of
Shapinsay at Strombery (5902N 256W) with the
spire of Kirkwall Cathedral (3 miles SSW)
(5.355) passes W of the dangers.
For dangers off Point of the Graand:
The alignment (298) of the NE extremity of Wyre
(1 miles W of Point of the Graand) with the
summit of Blotchnie Fiold (2 miles further
WNW), the summit of Rousay, passes close SW of
the dangers in depths greater than 10 m.
The 194 alignment, described above, of the W
extremity of Shapinsay at Strombery with the
tower of Kirkwall Cathedral passes E of the
dangers.
All these clearing lines are shown on the charts.

Minor side channel

General information
1

5 cables S of Galt Ness. Galt Skerry, 2 cables NE

of Galt Ness, stands on a detached drying reef;
passage between The Galt and the drying reef is
foul. A lightbuoy (N cardinal) is moored near the
10 m depth contour 6 cables N of The Galt, and:
S of Point of the Graand (3 miles N of Galt Ness),
the S extremity of Egilsay; a shoal, the greater part
of which dries, extends 4 cables SSE from the
point, and a lightbuoy (S cardinal) is moored near
the 10 m depth contour, 8 cables SSE of the point.

5.276
General information. Bay of Holland, an inlet in the S
side of Stronsay, is entered between Tor Ness (5904N
236W) (5.257) and Greenli Ness (1 miles W). The shore
of the bay is rocky except at the NW head where there is a
sandy beach nearly 1 mile long. Although exposed S the
bay can be a useful anchorage in fine weather.
Submarine power cable. See 5.265.
Tidal streams are negligible within the bay but eddies
may be encountered off the entrance.
Useful marks with positions from Tor Ness:
Holland House (9 cables NNE), prominent.
Rothiesholm Farm (2 miles NW).
Anchorage. In suitable conditions anchorage can be
found off the sandy beach at the NW head of the bay, as
indicated on the chart.

Veantrow Bay
1

204

5.277
General information. Veantrow Bay is entered between
Galt Ness (5905N 254W) (5.273) and Holm Taing
(2 miles E), an abovewater rock close offshore and fringed
by a drying reef. The shore of the bay is low, with Ling
Holm (1 miles SE of Galt Ness), fringed by drying rocks,
the only notable feature. There are no tidal streams in the
bay.

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Marine farms exist in the entrance to the bay, as shown

on the chart.
Anchorage. The W part of the bay is shallow but
anchorage can be obtained, as shown on the chart, at a
distance of about 8 cables NE of Ling Holm in a depth of
6 m, sand, with the summit of Gairsay (5.367) bearing 282
and visible over Galt Ness.

Tidal streams
1

EDAY SOUND AND APPROACHES

General information
Chart 2250, 2562 Sounds of Rapness, Faray, Eday and Sanday

Description
1

5.278
Eday Sound (5910N 243W) and approaches lead
between Eday to the W and Stronsay and Sanday to the E
and connect Stronsay Firth with The North Sound. Eday
Sound is approached from S through the NE part of
Stronsay Sound between Rothiesholm Head (5905N
241W) and War Ness (4 miles NW) and is entered
between the islet of Little Linga (5909N 241W) and
Veness (2 miles WSW) whence it extends to its N entrance
abreast Strangquoy Taing (4 miles N of Little Linga). The
N approaches to Eday Sound consist of Lashy Sound and
Calf Sound which lead, respectively, E and W of Calf of
Eday (5914N 244W) into The North Sound. From the
vicinity of Little Linga, Spurness Sound opens NE into
Sanday Sound.
Marine farms are located off the E coast of Eday
between Bay of Backaland and Bay of London (5.281); see
also 5.5.

Route
1

5.279
Although narrower, Calf Sound is recommended in
preference to Lashy Sound when making the passage
between Stronsay Firth and The North Sound.

Topography
1

5.280
Stronsay. For general details see 5.218. The W coast
between Rothiesholm Head (5905N 241W) and Links
Ness (4 miles N), the extremity of a low peninsula at the
NW end of Stronsay, is indented, principally by Saint
Catherines Bay (5.298).
Sanday. For general description see 5.219. Abreast
Lashy Sound the coast is low and shelving with the land
sloping gently upward to The Wart (5913N 239W)
(5.219).
Eday attains its summit in Ward Hill (5909N 247W),
the most S high point of the island, on which there is a
cairn. There is a small airfield near the centre of the island.

Submarine cables
1

Landmarks
1

5.281
A submarine power cable is laid across Eday Sound
from Bay of London (3 miles NW of Little Linga) ENE to
Sanday as indicated on the chart; the landing positions on
the shores are marked by beacons. Disused submarine
cables lie at the centre of the sound between Bay of
London and Loth Bay, Sanday in an area indicated on the
chart.

5.288
With positions from Little Linga (5909N 241W):
Water tower (2 miles SE), conspicuous, on Stronsay.
Building (3 miles WNW) on Eday, conspicuous from
Eday Sound.
Church (3 miles NW) on Eday, conspicuous from
Eday Sound.

Directions
(continued from 5.271)

Rescue
5.282
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained on
Stronsay, Eday and Sanday: for details see 1.76.

5.283
The following information should be read in conjunction
with the details contained on the chart and in Admiralty
Tidal Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands.
5.284
Southern approaches to Eday Sound. Tidal streams
run strongly around Rothiesholm Head. Off the S coast of
Eday The Egoing tidal stream begins at +0435 HW
Aberdeen (0530 HW Dover) and runs for 1 hour and
10 minutes. There is then a prolonged period of slack water
until the Wgoing tidal stream commences at 0210 HW
Aberdeen (+0010 HW Dover).
For details of strong tidal streams and turbulent sea state
in vicinity of War Ness see 5.267. Tidal streams into and
out of Eday Sound merge with the SEgoing and branch
from the NWgoing tidal streams in Stronsay Firth about
on a line joining Rothiesholm Head and War Ness.
5.285
Eday Sound. Both the Ngoing and Sgoing tidal
streams increase in strength from S to N in Eday Sound
and throughout the sound the Sgoing tidal stream is
appreciably the stronger.
Abreast the entrance to Spurness Sound tidal streams in
Eday Sound are affected by those running into and out of
Spurness Sound in such a way that the Sgoing tidal
stream in Eday Sound may vary between 145 and 160 in
direction, and the Ngoing stream between 280 and 360.
During the strength of the Ngoing tidal stream, a
Sgoing eddy forms along the side of Eday in and N of
Bay of Backland (2 miles W of Little Linga).
5.286
Lashy Sound. The Sgoing tidal stream begins at
+0325 HW Aberdeen (+0545 HW Dover) and the Ngoing
at 0250 HW Aberdeen (0030 HW Dover). In the N
entrance to the sound tidal streams are weak but in the
narrows E of Calf of Eday they run very strongly with a
spring rate of 6 kn in both directions. The Ngoing tidal
stream runs particularly strongly over the reef extending
5 cables E from the SE extremity of Calf of Eday and
causes a race in the narrows which is particularly violent
during N gales.
5.287
Calf Sound. Tidal streams follow the timing of those in
Lashy Sound with which they merge and divide S of Calf
of Eday. The tidal streams in Calf Sound are very strong
with a spring rate of 6 kn in both directions. They set in
the general direction of the fairway except that at the bend
in the sound both tidal streams set into Bay of Carrick.
The Ngoing tidal stream gives rise to a heavy race in
the N part of Calf Sound, especially during N gales.

Southern approaches
1

205

5.289
Mariners approaching Eday Sound from S are advised to
give Rothiesholm Head (5.263) a berth of at least 5 cables,

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CHAPTER 5

noting that tidal streams run strongly around the headland,

and then proceed N with the steep W extremity of Sanday
bearing 000 ahead and just open W of Holms of Spurness
(6 miles N of Rothiesholm Head) (5.291), as shown on the
chart; this leading bearing passes (with positions from Little
Linga):
W of a reef (4 miles S) which extends 4 cables W
from the coast of Stronsay with a depth of 3 m
over its outer end; Lyren, a dangerous rock, lies
detached near the inner end of the reef; another
detached and dangerous rock lies about 6 cables
NNE of Lyren, thence:
W of Swarf (2 miles S), a drying reef, thence:
E of South Skerry (2 miles SSW), a detached shoal
of significant danger, thence:
W of Linga Holm (1 miles SSE), an islet in the
entrance to Saint Catherines Bay (5.298), thence:
E of Eday Gruna (1 miles SW), a detached shoal
also of significant danger and marked on its N
extremity by a lightbuoy (N cardinal).
Thence course can be adjusted as necessary to enter
Eday Sound passing in midchannel between Little Linga
and Veness (1 miles WSW), the SE extremity of Eday.
5.290
If approaching Eday Sound from the vicinity of War
Ness (5908N 247W) (5.271) the cairn on Holm of Huip
(1 miles ENE of Little Linga) bearing 060 and just open
SE of Little Linga leads S of the dangers extending S from
the S coast of Eday and through the channel between Eday
Gruna (1 miles E of War Ness) (5.289) and Veness where
there are depths of about 15 m in the fairway. For details
of tidal streams and sea state in vicinity of War Ness see
5.267.
Clearing line. Faraclett Head (5911N 258W) bearing
300 and open SW of War Ness passes SW of South
Skerry (2 miles ESE of War Ness).

Calf Sound
1
2

Eday Sound
1

5.291
From a position in midchannel W of Little Linga
passage through Eday Sounds leads generally N in
midchannel passing:
E of Bay of Backaland (1 miles W of Little Linga)
where a light (metal post, 3 m in height) is
exhibited from a ferry terminal pier (5.299), noting
a detached shoal with a depth of 98 m over it,
6 cables NE of the pier, thence:
W of Holms of Spurness (1 mile N of Little Linga),
three green islets connected by a drying reef,
which should be given a berth of at least 2 cables;
a small dwelling stands on the centre islet. Thence:
W of Spur Ness (5911N 241W), the S extremity
of Sanday; a light (metal mast, 6 m in height) is
exhibited from a ferry terminal pier at Loth (5.300)
about 5 cables N of the ness, thence:
W of a detached shoal (9 cables NW of Spurn Ness),
reported 1964, with a least depth of 52 m over its
N end, thence:
ESE of Greeny Brae (2 miles NNW of Spur Ness),
the NE extremity of Eday and the S entrance point
to Calf Sound.

Lashy Sound
1

5.292
From abreast Greeny Brae the route through Lashy
Sound, in which the fairway has a least width of about

5 cables, leads NNE passing (with positions from Greeny

Brae):
WNW of Strangquoy Taing (1 miles ENE) at a
distance of 3 cables, thence:
ESE of a reef (1 miles NE) which extends 5 cables
E from the SE extremity of Calf of Eday; parts of
the reef, including Lashy Skerries and The Bow, a
rock at the outer end, dry; tidal streams run
strongly through several channels which intersect
the reef, and:
WNW of Lamba Ness (1 miles ENE), a small green
peninsula.
Having cleared The Bow course may be adjusted as
necessary to pass into The North Sound between Grey
Head (5915N 244W), the N extremity of Calf of Eday,
readily identified by being considerably higher than the
adjacent coast of the island, and Grunavi Head (2 miles
E).
Clearing bearing. Ward Hill (5909N 247W) (5.280)
bearing 209 astern and open SE of the ruins of a church
(1 miles NNE) near the E shore of Eday passes SE of the
reef extending E from the SE extremity of Calf of Eday.
This line of bearing, which is shown on the chart, may also
be found useful as a lead for transit of the sound in either
direction provided care is taken to favour the Sanday side
of the channel abreast the reef.

206

5.293
Calf Sound should be navigated by diligently keeping in
midchannel throughout.
Southeastern part. From a position at the N end of
Eday Sound 5 cables NE of Greeny Brae (5913N 244W)
Calf Sound Light (white tower, 9 m in height) (1 miles
NW of Greeny Brae) bearing 305, ahead, leads into the
SE entrance and through the fairway of the SE part of the
sound to within about 5 cables of the light. The fairway is
less than 1 cable wide and leads between shores on either
hand which are bold and clear of dangers, except where
rocks, both drying and awash, extend cable NE from a
position on the coast of Eday about 2 cables N of Greeny
Brae.
At night a white sector (302307) of Calf Sound
Light, ahead, leads through the SE entrance and to within
5 cables of the light.
Northern part. About 5 cables SE of Calf Sound Light,
and abreast the SE end of Bay of Carrick, the fairway of
the sound alters direction to the NNE, following the axis of
the channel, and leads into The North Sound passing:
Between banks extending from both shores details of
which are best seen from the chart. An isolated
patch (position approximate), over which there is a
depth of 6 m, is reported to lie in the fairway
6 cables NNE of Calf Sound Light, thence:
ESE of Red Head (5915N 245W), the bold N
extremity of Eday, which is readily identified from
seaward being considerably higher than the low
adjacent coastline of Eday; the E side of the
headland is steepto but East and West Lesses, two
small groups of detached abovewater rocks, lie
close N of the headland, and:
WNW of Grey Head (5 cables ESE of Red Head).
At night a white sector (216223) of Calf Sound
Light, astern, leads through the N entrance of the sound.
Useful mark:
Carrick House (4 cables SSE of Calf Sound Light).

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Spurness Sound

Anchorages and harbours

Stronsay: Saint Catherines Bay and Linga Sound

Chart 2562 Sounds of Rapness, Faray, Eday and Sanday

General information
1

5.294
Spurness Sound, which connects Eday Sound with
Sanday Sound, is entered from SW between Links Ness
(5909N 240W) (5.280) and Spur Ness (2 miles NNW),
with Little Linga and Holms of Spurness between.
Submarine cables. A submarine power cable is laid
across Spurness Sound between a position 6 cables E of
Links Ness on Stronsay to a position 3 cables W of Quoy
Ness (2 miles NNE of Spur Ness), a low salient point, on
Sanday, passing W of Holm of Huip, as shown on the
chart; the landing positions of the cable on the shores are
marked by beacons. Disused submarine cables lie across
the sound in an area, shown on the chart, extending from
close E of Links Ness WNW to Bay of Stove.
Tidal streams run strongly through Spurness Sound; for
details see information on the chart.

Directions

5.295
From Eday Sound the main channel through Spurness
Sound leads NE passing (with positions from Links Ness):
NW of Little Linga (5 cables WNW), thence:
SE of Holms of Spurness (1 miles NW) (5.291)
which should be given a berth of 2 cables, thence:
NW of Holm of Huip (8 cables NE), an islet with a
cairn on its summit, and:
SE of Hacks Ness (2 miles N), the S extremity of a
narrow peninsula forming the E side of Bay of
Stove, thence:
SE of Dennis Skerry (2 miles N), over which there
is a depth of 06 m (charted as dangerous rocks).
Clearing line. Ward Hill (3 miles W of Links Ness)
(5.280) bearing 240 and open SE of Spur Ness passes SE
of Dennis Skerry.
5.296
Channel between Links Ness and Little Linga. The
narrow passage between Links Ness and Little Linga has a
depth of less than 6 m in the fairway which leads between
reefs extending from both sides.
The Keld, the narrow passage between Spur Ness and
the NE extremity of Holms of Spurness (5.291) has a rocky
uneven bottom with a depth of 24 m in the fairway. Tidal
streams run very strongly through The Keld and cause a
race at the end of the passage opposite to that from which
the tidal stream is running.
Huip Sound, the channel between the N end of
Stronsay and Holm of Huip (5.295), has a depth of only
18 m in the narrow fairway between banks extending from
both sides and underwater rocks, over which the sea
breaks, lie in the middle of the fairway. Depths of less than
50 m cover the W approach to the sound between Links
Ness and the SW extremity of Holm of Huip across which
submarine cables (5.294) are laid.
5.297
Useful marks with positions from Links Ness:
The Ness Light (2 miles E) (5.229).
Warsetter House (4 miles N) (5.219) on The Wart
(5.219).
Backaskail farmhouse (5 miles NNE) (5.237).
Kettletoft Pierhead Light (5 miles NNE) (5.236).

5.298
General information. Saint Catherines Bay occupies
the head of the bight, in the W coast of Stronsay, entered
between Links Ness (5909N 240W) and a rocky point
(2 miles S) fringed by North Taing. The entrance to this
bight is obstructed by Linga Holm and Swarf, a drying
reef, lying, respectively, 1 mile and 2 miles S of Links
Ness. Linga Sound is the narrow channel which leads into
Saint Catherines Bay from NW between Linga Holm and
the coast of Stronsay close NE.
Local knowledge. Linga Sound should not be entered
without local knowledge.
Tidal streams within both the bay and the sound are
negligible.
Directions for Saint Catherines Bay. Saint Catherines
Bay is entered from W by the channel S of Swarf in which
the fairway is narrow between banks extending from both
sides and has a depth of 7 m; the narrower channel N of
Swarf is suitable only for boats and safe only in calm
conditions. Within the bay a patch, with a depth over it of
46 m, lies near the centre, 9 cables E of Swarf.
Anchorage for vessels not exceeding 55 m in draught
can be found in depths of 9 to 13 m S of South Taing, the
SE extremity of Linga Holm noting the marine farm close
NE. Smaller vessels can anchor close E and 6 cables SE
of South Taing. In E winds vessels can anchor W of Linga
Holm in depths of 9 to 15 m. Small boats can land at
Peatworth, a small cove close N of Rothiesholm Head.
Marine farms are located in Saint Catherines Bay.
See 5.5

Eday
1

5.299
Anchorage, in fine weather, can be found for coasters in
8 to 11 m off the coast of Eday between the S extremity of
Veness (5909N 244W) and The Graand (8 cables
WSW), a drying reef which extends 3 cables from the
coast. There is anchorage for boats in Mill Bay (8 cables
SSW of Greeny Brae).
Bay of Backaland. A RoRo ferry terminal, about 69 m
in length, is situated on the W side of a pier, administered
by Orkney Islands Council (5.3), extending N from the S
side of Bay of Backaland (5909N 245W). A light
(5.291) stands on the pierhead. In fine weather the bay
affords temporary anchorage over a stone bottom.
Calf Sound. Anchorage can be found in Bay of Carrick
(5914N 245W) about 2 cables SE of Calf Sound Light
in a depth of 6 m, sand, as shown on the chart; in greater
depths the bottom is rocky. This berth is clear of the
strength of the tidal streams but mariners are reminded that
the tidal streams in both directions through Calf Sound set
into Bay of Carrick.

Sanday
1

207

5.300
Bay of Stove (5912N 241W), entered between Spur
Ness and Hacks Ness is shallow and dries out in its N part.
Disused submarine cables (5.294) are landed in the bay.
Loth. On the W side of the SW extremity of Sanday,
about 5 cables N of Spur Ness (5911N 241W), an
angled pier, administered by Orkney Islands Council (5.3),
extends about 200 m WNW and then 130 m N from a
small inlet at Loth. A RoRo ferry terminal, about 69 m in
length and with a depth of about 5 m alongside is situated

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Eday Backaland Bay Pier from SW (5.299)

(Original dated 2003)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

Sanday Loth Pier from W (5.300)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

208

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CHAPTER 5

on the E side of the outer arm; a light (5.291) stands on

the end of the pier.

Rescue
1

WESTRAY FIRTH

Tidal streams
1

General information
Charts 2249, 2250, 2562 Sound of Rapness, Faray, Eday and
Sanday

Description
1

5.301
Westray Firth is entered from SE from the NW end of
Stronsay Firth between War Ness (5908N 247W) and
Point of the Graand (4 miles W), the S extremities of Eday
and Egilsay, respectively. Thence it trends NW between, on
the SW side, Egilsay and Rousay and on the NE side Eday,
Faray and Westray. It enters the Atlantic Ocean between
Inga Ness (5917N 301W) and Sacquoy Head (5 miles
SSW).
Rousay Sound (5.315), between Egilsay and Rousay,
leads into Westray Firth from the NW end of Stronsay
Sound.
Sound of Faray (5.319) and Rapness Sound (5.323) lie,
respectively, E and W of Faray (5913N 249W) and
connect Westray Firth with The North Sound.

Topography
1

5.302
Rousay, which attains its summit in Blotchnie Fiold
(5909N 301W), is a relatively hilly island, a feature of
its hills being their terracing which is particularly marked
on the N and SW sides of the island.
1

Submarine power cable

1

5.303
A submarine power cable is laid across the firth from a
point 3 cables S of The Clett (5911N 257W) on Rousay
to Rapness Sound (4 miles NE), as shown on the charts.
The landing positions of the cable on the shore are marked
by beacons.

Tidal test centre

1

5.304
A centre for the testing of underwater current driven
turbines is situated to the S and W of Eday with shore
facilities at Cauldale (59100N 2486W). The seaward
limits of the test centre, are:
59087N 2462W on the S coast of Eday
59078N 2462W
59071N 2498W close S of Little Green Holm
59080N 2500W close N of Muckle Green Holm
59103N 2494W on the W coast of Eday
Within the defined area mooring anchors, ground work,
submarine cables, prototype underwater turbines and marker
buoys are established. Changes to any of the above will be
a feature of this centre as trials continue. For further details
see 1.26 and 5.7.

5.305
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained on Eday,
Westray and Rousay: for details see 1.76.

209

5.306
The following information should be read in conjunction
with the details contained on the chart and in Admiralty
Tidal Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands.
5.307
Southeastern entrance. For details of strong tidal
streams and turbulent sea state in vicinity of War Ness see
5.267.
During the strength of the Sgoing tidal stream in the
channel W of Muckle Green Holm a Ngoing eddy forms
along the E coast of Egilsay.
5.308
Central part. Abreast Kili Holm (5911N 255W) both
tidal streams begin rather earlier on the SW side and rather
later on the NE side of the firth than in midchannel.
During the NWgoing tidal stream there are eddies, or only
a very weak stream, around Kili Holm.
Between Faraclett Head (5911N 258W) and Wart
Holm (3 miles NE), during both tidal streams, Rull Rst,
the most dangerous race in Westray Firth, forms in
midchannel, as shown on the chart. When the tidal
streams are at strength the race extends about 2 miles SE
from the line joining those points.
During the NWgoing tidal stream and with a NW gale,
violent turbulence extends right across the firth between
Faraclett Head and Wart Holm. During the NWgoing tidal
stream an Egoing eddy forms close W of Faraclett Head.
During the SEgoing tidal stream, between about +0445
and +0545 HW Aberdeen (0520 and 0420 HW Dover)
eddies and tiderips may extend 2 or 3 miles WNW from
Wart Holm.
5.309
Northwestern entrance. Between Sacquoy Head and
Inga Ness the NWgoing stream is weak on the NE side of
the firth and in the vicinity of Skea Skerries (2 miles SE
of Inga Ness), but during this tidal stream Rullard Rst, a
race, forms off Sacquoy Head and is very violent during W
gales. The SEgoing tidal stream, however, runs strongly
on the NE side and in the vicinity of Skea Skerries.
5.310
Northwestern approaches. In the close approaches to
the NW entrance to the firth there is no appreciable set
into the firth while the SEgoing tidal stream is running in
the entrance. The NWgoing tidal stream out of the firth,
however, has a noticeable effect some distance to seaward
and there is turbulence where this stream meets the Atlantic
swell. Furthermore, this tidal stream forms eddies between
Inga Ness and Noup Head (3 miles NNW) and between
Sacquoy Head and Quoynalonga Ness (2 miles SW) which,
in combination with the normal ingoing tidal streams,
result in an almost continuous SEgoing tidal stream along
this part of the W coast of Westray and a predominantly
NEgoing stream along the NW side of Rousay.
The eddy effect off Rousay is less than that off Westray
because the former is further modified by a SWgoing
eddy which forms off Quoynalonga Ness during the
NWgoing tidal stream out of Eynhallow Sound. The
NEgoing tidal stream NW of Rousay, therefore, runs
effectively from +0355 HW Aberdeen (0610 HW Dover)
until 0220 HW Aberdeen (HW Dover), spring rate 2 to

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CHAPTER 5

3 kn; at other times tidal streams are probably weak and

irregular.

Point of Huro

Landmarks
5.311
Fitty Hill (5917N 300W) (5.169).
Church (1 miles ENE of Fitty Hill) (5.185).

Directions
(continued from 5.271)

Southeastern part
1

5.312
Passage east of Muckle Green Holm. From a position
in midchannel in Fall of Warness (5908N 248W),
which, as described at 5.271, is preferred to the channel W
of Muckle Green Holm, the route through the SE part of
Westray Firth leads initially NW passing (with positions
from Muckle Green Holm (5908N 250W)):
SW of Seal Skerry (2 miles N), a drying reef, thence:
NE of a bank, with depths of less than 10 m over it,
extending 7 cables NNE from Point of Crook
(3 miles NW), the E extremity of Egilsay, thence:
NE of Kili Holm (4 miles NW), upon which is a
cairn. The island is connected to the N end of
Egilsay, about 3 cables SSW, by a drying reef, and:
SW of Rusk Holm (4 miles N), a flat islet from
which a drying reef extends 5 cables S; a
conspicuous stone building stands on the islet.
5.313
Passage west of Muckle Green Holm. Mariners
entering Westray Firth from S by the channel between
Muckle Green Holm and Point of the Graand (4 miles W)
are advised to note Benlin Rock (1 miles SW of Muckle
Green Holm) (5.272) and the dangers (5.273) extending S
from Point of the Graand. The rocky E coast of Egilsay,
between Point of the Graand and Point of Crook (2 miles
N) (5.312), should be given a berth of at least 3 cables.
Clearing line. The 194 alignment described at 5.274
passes clear E of dangers adjacent S and E of Egilsay in
depths of not less than 10 m, as shown on the charts.

Wart Holm from NW (5.314)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph Air Images)

Rousay Sound
Charts, 2249, 2250

General information
1

Northwestern part
1
2

5.314
From a position midway between Kili Holm and Rusk
Holm, the route leads WNW in midchannel passing:
SSW of an extensive shoal extending 8 cables SW
from the W side of Point of Huro (5914N
253W), the extremity of a narrow peninsula at
the S end of Westray. Wart Holm, a green islet,
lies 6 cables WSW of Point of Huro near the outer
end of the shoal and should not be approached
nearer than 1 cables. Several other abovewater,
dangerous and drying rocks, including The Clumps
and Broad Shoal (respectively 4 cables WNW and
5 cables NNW of Point of Huro), lie on this shoal
further details of which are best seen from the
chart. Thence:
NNE of Faraclett Head (5911N 258W), the NE
extremity of Rousay, thence:
SSW of Berst Ness (5916N 259W), a low point
which when seen at a distance from either E or W
looks like an islet. Depth of less than 5 m exist
within 1 miles of the ness between SSE and
SSW. Skea Skerries, consisting of several
abovewater rocks, the highest about 3 m in
height, lie on an extensive drying reef about
8 cables SSE of the ness; further details of depths

in this area are best seen from the chart. Tidal

streams set over Skea Skerries and the sea breaks
heavily over them in any swell. Thence:
NNE of Saviskaill Head (5912N 303W), thence:
NNE of Sacquoy Head (8 cables W of Saviskaill
Head), the NW extremity of Rousay, which is
fringed by reefs. The headland should be given a
berth of at least 2 cables, noting that Rullard
Rst (5.309) can be very violent. Thence:
SSW of Inga Ness (5917N 301W).
Clearing line. North Hill (5919N 303W) on Westray
bearing not less than 346 and open W of Inga Ness passes
W of all dangers extending SSW from Berst Ness, as
indicated on the chart.

210

5.315
General description. Rousay Sound leads between
Egilsay and Rousay and is entered from S from the NW
end of Stronsay Firth between Point of the Graand
(5907N 255W), the S extremity of Egilsay, and Point of
Hellia (1 mile WSW), the SE extremity of Wyre. At its N
end it opens into Westray Firth between Scock Ness, of
which The Clett (5911N 257W) is the NE extremity,
and Kili Holm (1 mile E) but the N entrance is obstructed
by Holm of Scockness (7 cables S of The Clett), a green
islet lying in midchannel.
Limiting conditions. The use of Rousay Sound as a
through passage is limited by narrow channels which pass
on either side of Holm of Scockness details of which are
as follows:
Howie Sound (E of Holm of Scockness), about
2 cables wide, but the fairway, in which there is a
depth of 37 m, is very narrow.
Sound of Longataing (NW of Holm of Scockness),
about 3 cables wide, but the fairway, in which
there is a depth of 40 m, is less than 1 cable wide
between banks extending from both sides of the
channel.
Tidal streams in these channels are strong, see below.
Local knowledge is required for Howie Sound and
Sound of Longataing.
Submarine cables, including a power cable and disused
cables, are laid across the sound as indicated on the charts;
the landing positions of the cables are marked by beacons
on the shore.
Marine farms exist in the sound.
Tidal streams. The Sgoing tidal stream commences at
about +0415 HW Aberdeen (0550 HW Dover) and the
Ngoing at about 0210 HW Aberdeen (+0010 HW Dover).

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CHAPTER 5

The streams are weak except in the narrow and obstructed

N part of the sound where a spring rate of 5 to 6 kn in
both directions is attained.

Directions
1

5.316
Leading line. Ward Hill (5902N 249W), the summit
of Shapinsay, bearing 155 astern and just open E of Galt
Skerry (2 miles NNW) (5.273).
From a position about 1 mile S of Point of the Graand,
this line, but noting that Galt Skerry is small and may be
difficult to distinguish, leads into the S entrance passing
(with positions from Point of the Graand):
WSW of a lightbuoy (S cardinal) (8 cables SSE)
marking the outer end of dangers (5.273)
extending SSE from Point of the Graand; clearing
line see 5.274, thence:
ENE of a detached 55 m patch (6 cables WSW),
which lies near the W side of the channel abreast
the E side of Wyre.
When abreast Point of the Graand the route leads NNW
in midchannel passing:
ENE of Point of the Wart (1 mile W), the NE
extremity of Wyre, thence:
ENE of Point of Avelshay (1 miles WNW), the SE
extremity of Rousay, which is clear of dangers,
and:
WSW of a rock (1 mile NNW), about 1 cable
offshore of Egilsay, with a depth over it of 49 m,
thence:
WSW of a pier (2 miles NNW) on the head of which
stands a light (white structure on concrete base,
3 m in height); a rock with a depth over it of
03 m lies about 2 cables S of the pierhead and a
drying rock lies 2 cables NW of the pierhead on a
shallow spit extending S from Holm of Scockness.
Useful mark:
Church (1 miles WNW of Point of the Graand) near
the shore on Rousay.
5.317
Directions for the N entrance channels are not given.

Directions
1

Berths
1

5.318
Anchorage. Rousay Sound is the best harbour in the
immediate vicinity of Westray Firth. There is good
anchorage in the S part of the sound but care is necessary
to avoid the submarine cables. Smaller vessels can anchor
W and SW of Holm of Scockness.
Egilsay Pier, used by the interisland ferry, extends
about 1 cable SW across Skaill Taing (2 miles NNW of
Point of the Graand), a drying rock ledge on the W side of
Egilsay; a RoRo berth, with alongside depth of 25 m,
projects S from near the head of the outer arm of the pier.
A light (5.316) stands on the pierhead.

Sound of Faray

5.321
Lavey Sound, the passage between Faray and Holm of
Faray, almost dries, but from about half tide there is a boat
channel cable wide through it.

Anchorage

Chart 2250, 2562 Sounds of Rapness, Faray, Eday and Sanday

General information
1

5.320
When approaching the S entrance of Sound of Faray
from Westray Firth it is necessary to pass clear of the
dangers extending S from Rusk Holm (1 mile NW of Fers
Ness) (5.312).
The channel through the entrance to the sound leads E
passing:
N of Fers Ness (5912N 249W), on which stands a
beacon and which should be given a berth of
1 cables, and:
S of Point of Scaraber (5 cables N of Fers Ness), the
S extremity of Faray, noting a rock, which covers
and uncovers, 2 cables WSW of Point of
Scaraber on a sandbank, the extent of which is
usually defined by the lighter colour of the water
over it.
Within the entrance care is required to avoid, as
necessary, a sandy shoal (1 mile NE of Fers Ness), with a
depth over it of 37 m, which lies in midchannel. Thence
the route leads generally N, favouring Faray and Holm of
Faray, which are clear of dangers beyond 1 cable offshore,
and passing (with positions from Fers Ness):
Between The Nev (1 miles N), and Greenan Nev
(1 miles NE) from which a bank extends W,
thence:
E of Holm of Faray (2 miles N) and:
W of Red Holm (3 miles N) which lies nearly in the
middle of the N entrance. Red Holm is fringed by
dangers, particularly on the E and S sides, and
local knowledge is required for the passage E of
the holm, thence:
E of Weather Ness (3 miles N), the SE extremity of
Westray, and:
W of Red Head (4 miles NNE) (5.293).
Useful marks with positions from Fers Ness:
Building (1 miles ESE), conspicuous, on Eday.
Church (1 miles ENE), conspicuous, on Eday.

Minor side channel

1

5.319
General description. Sound of Faray leads between, on
the E side, the coast of Eday between Fers Ness (5912N
251W) and Red Head (4 miles NNE), and on the W side
the island of Faray (1 mile N of Fers Ness) and Holm of

Faray (close N of Faray); the sound connects Westray Firth

with The North Sound.
Submarine cables. are laid in an area, shown on the
chart, across the N end of the sound; a power cable, also
shown on the chart, is laid through the S entrance of the
sound.
Tidal streams. The Ngoing tidal stream commences to
run at +0155 HW Aberdeen (+0415 HW Dover) and the
Sgoing at 0405 HW Aberdeen (0145 HW Dover). The
streams run strongly in both directions attaining a spring
rate of about 4 kn in the S part of the sound but
considerably less in the N part.

211

5.322
Anchorages lie 2 cables E, depth 10 m and 9 cables
ESE, depth 8 m, of Fers Ness. Fersness Bay is entered
between Fers Ness and Greenan Nev (1 miles NE). A
beacon on the shore (1 mile SE of Fers Ness) marks the
landing position of a submarine power cable (5.319).

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CHAPTER 5

Rapness Sound with Weatherness Sound

Charts 2249, 2250, 2562 Sounds of Rapness, Faray, Eday and

Sanday

General information
1

5.323
General description. Rapness Sound is bordered on the
W side by the S end of Westray between Point of Huro
(5914N 253W) and Weather Ness (1 miles NE), and
on E side by the island of Faray (2 miles SE of Point of
Huro) and Holm of Faray (close N of Faray); Rusk Holm
lies in the S approach to the sound, 1 miles SE of Point
of Huro. Weatherness Sound, the channel at the NE end of
Rapness Sound between Weather Ness, the SE extremity of
Westray, and the N extremity of Holm of Faray, opens into
The North Sound. A ferry terminal is situated on Westray
at the head of Rapness Sound.
Submarine power cables are laid into Rapness Sound
passing one on either side of Rusk Holm, as indicated on
the chart; their common landing position on the shore is
marked by a beacon (7 cables NNE of Point of Huro).
Tidal streams in Weatherness Sound run generally as
for those described at 5.319 for Sound of Faray, with a
spring rate of about 4 kn in both directions.

Within the sound depths are somewhat irregular and

attention is called to a shoal (1 miles N of Rusk Holm)
over which there is a depth of 31 m; a lightbuoy (port
hand) is moored close NE of the shoal.
Weatherness Sound has a depth of 91 m in its fairway
which is only about 1 cable wide.
Useful mark:
Light (metal mast, 6 m in height) (1 miles NNE of
Point of Huro) on ferry terminal.

Berths
1

5.325
Anchorage. Rapness Sound is exposed S and in bad
weather a heavy swell is often present, but the holding
ground is good and the sound can be a useful temporary
anchorage for small vessels. The best berth is with Red
Head (5915N 245W) (5.293) bearing about 081 and
seen through Weatherness Sound.
Ferry terminal. A RoRo berth used by ferries is
situated on the N side of the outer arm of an angled pier
extending ESE and ENE from a position on Westray,
1 miles NNE of Point of Huro; the terminal berth is
about 70 m in length with an alongside depth of about 4 m.
A light (5.324) stands on the pierhead. The terminal is
administered by Orkney Islands Council (5.3).

Bays

Directions
1

5.324
Rapness Sound. From Westray Firth Rapness Sound is
normally entered between Point of Huro (5.314) and Rusk
Holm (5.312), both of which should be given a wide berth
on account of the dangers, previously described, extending
from both features.
Local knowledge is required for the channel, about
3 cables wide and with a least depth of 98 m in the
fairway, between Faray and Rusk Holm; a rock awash
2 cables NE of Rusk Holm is marked close E by a
lightbuoy (port hand).

Charts 2249, 2250

Westray: Bay of Tafts and Bay of Tuquoy

1

5.326
General information. Bay of Tafts and Bay of Tuquoy
lie within a large indentation in the SW coast of Westray
between Point of Huro (5914N 253W) and Berst Ness
(3 miles NW.). Bay of Tafts is a small shallow inlet close
E of Twiness, a narrow peninsula 1 miles N of Point of
Huro, and Bay of Tuquoy extends between Twiness, and
Ness of Tuquoy (1 miles NE of Berst Ness); depths in
Bay of Tuquoy are best seen from the chart.

Westray Rapness Ferry Terminal (5.325)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

212

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CHAPTER 5

Tidal streams in the bays are negligible.

Directions. Approaching the bays care is necessary to
avoid the formidable dangers which extend SW from Point
of Huro (5.314) and S from Berst Ness (5.314).
If proceeding into Bay of Tuquoy the route passes (with
positions from Ness of Tuquoy):
SE of a shoal (8 cables SSW), with a depth of 46 m
over its outer end, which extends 7 cables E from
Berst Ness, thence:
Clear as necessary of a sand spit, with a depth of
43 m over its outer end, which extends 7 cables
SE from Ness of Tuquoy, and:
NW of Skerry of Wastbist (1 miles SE), a drying
reef covered with seaweed and on which there are
abovewater rocks, noting a marine farm
4 cables W. The channel between the skerry and
Twiness is shallow and obstructed by two

dangerous rocks which lie, respectively, 3 cables

W and 6 cables NW of the S extremity of Twiness.
If proceeding into Bay of Tafts care is necessary to
avoid Swine Skerry (1 mile N of Point of Huro), a rock
awash, which lies at the outer end of a shallow spit
extending 5 cables S from Twiness peninsula.
Chart 2249

Rousay: Saviskaill Bay

1

5.327
Saviskaill Bay is entered between Faraclett Head
(5911N 258W) and Saviskaill Head (2 miles W) on
the N coast of Rousay. Kierfea Hill (1 miles SW of
Faraclett Head) slopes steeply down to the head of the bay.
Tidal streams in the bay are negligible, but the bottom is
rocky and anchorage is not secure.

WIDE FIRTH AND APPROACHES

Pilotage

GENERAL INFORMATION
Charts 2249, 2584

General description
1

5.328
Wide Firth (5902N 258W) is an extensive and
irregularlyshaped area of water enclosed N by Gairsay, E
by Shapinsay and S and W by Mainland. Bay of Kirkwall,
with the town and port of Kirkwall at its head, forms the
SE part of the firth.
Entrances. There are three entrances to Wide Firth:
From E between Strombery (5902N 256W), the
SW extremity of Shapinsay, and Mainland (1 mile
S), and approached by Shapinsay Sound and The
String, as described at 5.334.
From NE between Gairsay and the W side of
Shapinsay (1 miles E), and entered from the NW
end of Stronsay Firth, as described at 5.390.
From NW between the island of Gairsay (5905N
258W) and the coast of Mainland, SW, and
approached by Eynhallow Sound, as described at
5.366.
The entrance from E by Shapinsay Sound and The
String is the principal entrance, the other two being suitable
only for vessels drawing less than 5 m and requiring local
knowledge.

5.331
Pilotage is compulsory, within the limits of the Orkney
Harbour Authority Area described above, for all passenger
vessels over 65 m LOA and for all other vessels over 80 m
LOA.
The pilot boarding position is situated mile NNW of
Rerwick Point.
For further details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 6 (1).

Port operations and information service

1

5.332
Orkney Harbours Navigation Service is available to
all vessels navigating in Wide Firth and Shapinsay Sound.
A vessel reporting system is in force. For details see
Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6 (1).

Notice of ETA required

1

5.333
Twelve hours notice of arrival at Rerwick Point is
required with amendment at least 2 hours in advance of
arrival.

SHAPINSAY SOUND AND

SOUTHERN PART OF
WIDE FIRTH INCLUDING KIRKWALL
GENERAL INFORMATION

Caution
1

5.329
Caution is necessary when navigating in the firth as
there are a number of dangers and visibility is often poor.

Chart 2584

General description
1

Harbour Authority
1

5.330
The area bounded by the following limits, which are
indicated on the chart, is an Orkney Harbour Authority
Area administered by Orkney Islands Council as described
at 5.3:
E limit: a line joining Hacos Ness (5901N 250W)
on Shapinsay with Rerwick Head (1 miles SSE)
on Mainland.
N limit: a line joining Strombery (5902N 256W)
on Shapinsay with Harpy Taing (2 miles WNW)
on Mainland.

213

5.334
Shapinsay Sound is entered from E between Hacos
Ness (5901N 250W) and Rerwick Head (1 miles SSE)
and extends W between the S side of Shapinsay and
Mainland. At the W end of the sound The String, a
channel entered between Helliar Holm (5901N 254W)
and Head of Work (5 cables S), opens into the S part of
Wide Firth, S of Strombery (5902N 256W).
The S part of Wide Firth comprises an
irregularlyshaped and landlocked basin in Mainland S and
W of a line joining Strombery and Crookness (3 miles
WNW). The shores of the basin are indented by several
bays, the principal of which is Bay of Kirkwall, entered W
of Car Ness (1 mile S of Strombery), with the town and
port of Kirkwall at its head.

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CHAPTER 5

Balfour Castle

Helliar Holm Lighthouse

Beacon

Helliar Holm from SSE (5.341)

(Original dated 1996)
(Photograph Lt. Cdr. T.C. Tulloch CD, Canadian Navy)

Route
1

5.335
Shapinsay Sound and The String comprise the principal
route into Wide Firth and thus to Kirkwall.

Landmarks
5.341
1

Harbour Authority
1

5.336
Shapinsay Sound and the S part of Wide Firth is an
Orkney Harbour Authority Area as described at 5.330.

Helliar Holm (5901N 254W), a green islet

surmounted by a stone beacon and with a light
(white tower, 13 m in height) near its S extremity;
the S half of the E side of the islet is lined by
cliffs.
Spire (9 cables NW of Helliar Holm Light) of Balfour
Castle which is prominent.

Arrival information
1

Rescue
1

Directions

5.337
Port operations and information service. See 5.332.
Notice of ETA required. See 5.333.
Pilotage. See 5.331.
5.338
Coastguard. An Auxiliary Station is maintained at
Kirkwall, which is also Orkney Sector Base. For further
details see 1.76.
Lifeboat. An allweather RNLI lifeboat is stationed at
Kirkwall. For further details see 1.87.

(continued from 5.255)

Shapinsay Sound
1

Submarine power cable

1

5.339
A submarine power cable is laid across The String from
a position on Shapinsay close W of the entrance to Elwick
(5902N 255W) to the SE side Bay of Carness (1 miles
S), as indicated on the chart; the landing positions of the
cable are marked by beacons on the shore.
3

Tidal streams
1

5.340
The following information supplements the details of
tidal streams in Shapinsay Sound and The String which are
given on the charts.
Shapinsay Sound. The Wgoing stream covers virtually
the whole width of the E end of Shapinsay Sound, but
gradually converges and gains strength as it approaches The
String. The Egoing tidal stream, however, emerges from
The String in a narrow strip and runs, apparently without
widening or losing strength, in midchannel through the
sound.
During the strength of the Egoing tidal stream in
midchannel eddies form on the N side, and to a lesser
extent on the S side, of the sound.
The String. In the narrows of The String abreast Helliar
Holm the Wgoing tidal stream begins at 0135 HW
Aberdeen (+0045 HW Dover), and the Egoing at
+0450 HW Aberdeen (0515 HW Dover). There may be
turbulence on the N side of the narrows during the strength
of both tidal streams.

5.342
From a position about 7 cables N of Rerwick Head
(5900N 248W) which is fringed by a drying reef
extending 1 cable N and 1 cables WNW, the track
through Shapinsay Sound leads generally W in
midchannel passing (with positions from Rerwick Head):
S of Hacos Ness (1 miles NNW), a low point at
the SE end of Shapinsay, which is fringed on all
sides by drying reefs; a detached rocky patch, over
which there is a depth of 49 m, lies 3 cables E,
thence:
N of Yinstay Head (1 miles WSW) from which
Yinstay Spit, a drying reef, extends 4 cables E;
several dangerous rocks exist close off the NE and
SE extremities of the spit, details of which are best
seen from the chart, thence:
N of Head of Holland (2 miles W), easily identified
by its perpendicular cliffs, thence:
In midchannel between the E extremity of Head of
Work (3 miles WNW) and Helliar Holm (5.341) at
the E end of The String.
5.343
By night a white sector (276292) of Helliar Holm
Light leads from Stronsay Firth into Shapinsay until clear
of Hacos Ness.

The String
1

214

5.344
On entering The String from E the track leads WNW in
midchannel passing (positioned from Helliar Holm Light):
NNE of the N side of Head of Work (5 cables S)
which is fringed by dangers for a distance of
1 cable offshore, and a sea outfall extending 1
cables offshore terminating in a diffuser, thence:
NNE of Car Ness (9 cables WSW), fringed by a
drying reef, thence:
NNE of Thieves Holm (1 miles W) from which
dangers extend about 1 cable N. A light (grey

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CHAPTER 5

Head of Work

Car Ness

Thieves Holm

Light

Helliar Holm

The String from E (5.344)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph Air Images)

metal framework tower, 3 m in height) is exhibited

from Thieves Holm, thence:
SSW of Strombery (1 miles NW), the SW extremity
of Shapinsay from where course may be adjusted
as necessary for Kirkwall and other destinations in
the S part of Wide Firth.
There are depths of less than 5 m in the passage
between Thieves Holm and Car Ness.
Clearing lines:
The S extremity of Thieves Holm bearing about 283
and open N of Car ness passes clear N of the
dangers bordering the N side of Head of Work.
The alignment (117) of the S extremity of Helliar
Holm and Rerwick Head passes SW of dangers off
Strombery.
5.345
By night, having passed Helliar Holm Light, a white
sector (098116) of that light, astern, leads clear through
The String and into Wide Firth.
(Directions for Kirkwall continue at 5.356)

Marine farm (1 miles WSW) in the entrance to Bay

of Berstane.

Bay of Meil
1

Anchorages and harbours in

Shapinsay Sound and The String

Bay of Carness
1

Yinstay Bay
1

5.348
General information. Bay of Meil is the S part of a
bight entered between the extremities of Head of Holland
(5000N 253W) (5.342) and Head of Work (7 cables
NNW); Bay of Work, which is shallow, lies at the NW
head of the bight, close within Head of Work, with the
village of Work at its head. There is negligible tidal stream
in Bay of Meil.
Directions. When entering Bay of Meil care is necessary
to avoid North Taing, a reef with numerous dangerous
rocks, which extends 1 cable NNE from Head of Holland,
and Skerry of Work, a drying reef, which partially obstructs
the entrance to Bay of Work; the extent of this skerry is
plainly discernable except at HW.
Anchorage. Bay of Meil affords good anchorage, clear
of a marine farm in the centre of the bay, and of a shallow
bank which borders the greater part of the shore of the bay.

5.346
Yinstay Bay, entered between Rerwick Head (5900N
248W) and Yinstay Spit (1 miles WSW), is fouled by
operational and abandoned submarine cables.

5.349
Bay of Carness, entered E of Car Ness (5901N
256W) affords good anchorage but space available is
severely restricted by a submarine power cable (5.339) and
marine farms, indicated on the chart. Tidal streams in the
bay are negligible.

Coastal anchorage
Inganess Bay
1

5.347
General information. Inganess Bay is entered between
Yinstay Head (5859N 251W) (5.342) and Head of
Holland (1 miles WNW) (5.342) and provides good
shelter from S and W gales.
Anchorage can be obtained in good holding, sand and
shells, avoiding as necessary (with positions from Yinstay
Head):
Small foul patch (1 mile WSW).
Marine farm (1 miles SW).
Dangerous wreck (1 miles SW).

5.350
Temporary anchorage while awaiting a tide can be
obtained E of Helliar Holm (5.341) but care must be taken
to avoid abandoned submarine cables in the vicinity, as
shown on the chart.

Elwick
1

215

5.351
General information. Elwick (5902N 254W), an
inlet in the S side of Shapinsay, is entered between the NW
extremity of Helliar Holm (5.341) and Point of Dishan
(2 cables NNW), on which there is a tower. The village

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Shapinsay Elwick Balfour Ferry Terminal and Pier (5.351)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

of Balfour lies on the W side of the inlet, in front of

Balfour Castle (5.341) and is connected by ferry to
Kirkwall.
Limiting conditions. There is a least depth of 56 m in
the fairway of the entrance; the harbour is accessible at any
state of the tide by vessels not exceeding 46 m in draught.
Local knowledge is required.
Directions. From The String a narrow fairway leads
NNE through the harbour entrance, favouring the W side to
avoid banks which extend 1 cables NNW from Helliar
Holm and 1 cables SSW from Point of Dishan.
Approaching from W the rocky coast of Shapinsay W of
Point of Dishan should be given a berth of at least 1 cable.
At night the white sector (010020) of Balfour
Pierhead Light (grey building, 3 m in height) (1 cable NNE
of Point of Dishan) leads through the entrance.
Useful marks with positions from Point of Dishan:
Beacon (special) ( cable SW) marking outer end of
outfall.
Tower (3 cables N).
Spire (2 cables NW) of Balfour Castle.
Berths. Anchorage can be found for small coasters in
depths of 10 to 11 m, sand, near the centre of the inlet as
indicated on the chart but space is restricted by marine
farms in the E part of the inlet.
At Balfour there is a pier and, close N, a RoRo berth,
used by vehicle ferry to Kirkwall.
There is a small slip between the pier and RoRo berth
at Balfour.

Kirkwall with Bay of Kirkwall

Chart 1553

General information
1

5.352
Position. Kirkwall (5859N 257W) is situated on
Mainland, at the head of Bay of Kirkwall which is entered
between Car Ness (5901N 256W) and Ramberry
(2 miles WSW) in the SE part of Wide Firth.
Function. Kirkwall, population about 6500, is the capital
of the Orkney Islands and an important local commercial
centre and port. Ferrys, Ro Ro and container vessels, bulk
carriers and cruise ships use the port.
Port limits. Kirkwall lies within the Orkney Harbour
Authority Area described at 5.330.
Approach. The principal approach is from E by
Shapinsay Sound; lesser approaches exist through the N
part of Wide Firth from NW by Eynhallow Sound and
from NE at the NW end of Stronsay Firth.
Traffic. In 2004, 329 vessels used the port totalling
685 170 dwt.
Port Authority. Orkney Islands Council; for further
details see 5.3. Kirkwall Harbour Office is situated in the
ferry terminal building at the RoRo berth.

Limiting conditions
1

216

5.353
Deepest berth. Hatston Ferry Terminal (5.360).

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CHAPTER 5

Kirkwall Bay from N (5.352)

(Original dated 2005)
(Photograph Copyright Granted)

Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.

Mean spring range about 24 m; mean neap range about
11 m.
Maximum size of vessel handled. 135 m LOA, 50 m
draught.
4

Arrival information
1
2

5.354
Port operations and information service. See 5.332.
Notice of ETA required. See 5.333.
Outer anchorage. Although Bay of Kirkwall is exposed
to N winds these do not raise a heavy sea within the bay
and the holding ground is good. The usual anchor berth is
about 1 mile N of Kirkwall Pier in a depth of about 14 m.
Smaller vessels of appropriate size can anchor (positioned
from the light on the NW corner of Kirkwall Pier (5.355)):
2 cables N in a depth of about 6 m.
1 cables NW in a depth of 32 m.
These berths are shown on the chart.
Pilotage. See 5.331.
Tugs. One tug, which is also used as the pilot launch, is
available.

Directions for entering harbour

1

Harbour
1

5.355
General layout. Kirkwall Pier, angled with pronounced
Lshaped head and breakwater extension, extends about
2 cables NNW from the waterfront at Kirkwall and
provides the principal berthing facility. A small camber lies
on the W side of the root of the pier. Lights are exhibited
from the head of the breakwater extension.
The E breakwater, of L shaped solid construction,
extends W for 145 m from the point (58593N 2573W)
close W of Pentland Coastguard station, to the harbour
entrance. Lights are exhibited from the head of the
breakwater.
There is a RoRo terminal NW of Crow Ness (5.356).

Yacht racing buoys. Seasonal unlighted yachtrace

yellow marker buoys may be found in the approaches to
the port.
Tidal streams in Bay of Kirkwall are weak.
Climate information for Kirkwall see 1.155 and 1.162.
Landmarks:
Saint Magnus Cathedral (red sandstone with spire)
(5859N 257W), the most prominent building in
Kirkwall.
Kirkwall Pier Light (concrete tower) (4 cables N of
cathedral) on NW corner of pier.
Ice plant, conspicuous, (4 cables N of Cathedral) at
the head of Kirkwall Pier.
Wideford Hill (2 miles W of cathedral) (5.371)
(Chart 2584).

217

(continued from 5.345, 5.380 and 5.392)

5.356
From a position in the S part of Wide Firth about
5 cables SW of Strombery the approach to Kirkwall leads S
passing (with positions from Thieves Holm (5901N
256W)):
E of Five Fathom Patch (9 cables WNW), thence:
W of Thieves Holm, thence:
E of Scargun Shoal (1 miles WSW), situated near
the E side of a detached bank of sand, stone and
coral with depths of less than 10 m over it;
Scargun Shoal Lightbuoy (E cardinal) is moored
on the bank cable E of the shoalest part, thence:
W of Iceland Skerry (6 cables SSW), which dries,
near the outer end of a reef extending 1 cable from
the coast; a beacon (steel pole 4 m in height)
stands on the W end of the skerry. Thence:
A direct approach can be made to Hatston Ferry
Terminal; lights disposed vertically (metal post) are
shown from the SE end of the Terminal pier. An
outfall extends 1 cables NNE from Crow Ness

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CHAPTER 5

Kirkwall Kirkwall Pier Extension and Eastern Breakwater from ENE (5.355)
(Original dated prior to 2005)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

Kirkwall Bay from NW (5.355)

(Original dated 2005)
(Photograph Copyright Granted)

218

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CHAPTER 5

Kirkwall Hatston Ferry Terminal from SW (5.360)

(Original dated 2003)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

(1 miles SW), terminating in diffusers, less than

cable SSE of the SE end of the pier.
Alternatively, the approach to Kirkwall Pier continues S
passing:
E of Crow Ness where Bay of Kirkwall narrows
appreciably and is further constrained by a bank,
with depths over it of less than 5 m, which extends
up to 2 cables offshore from the coast S of Crow
Ness.
5.357
By night the white sector (183192) of Kirkwall Pier
Light leads S in clear water through Bay of Kirkwall to
Kirkwall, Five Fathom Patch and Scargun Shoal and
associated bank are covered by the green sector
(153183) of Kirkwall Pier Light.
5.358
Mariners approaching Kirkwall from the W part of Wide
Firth can use the passage between Ramberry (5901N
300W), the E extremity of Quanter Ness, from which a
drying reef and dangerous rocks extend 1 cable NE, and
Scargun Shoal (7 cables ENE). A marine farm is situated
3 cables E of Ramberry, as shown on the chart.
Leading and clearing marks for this passage, as shown
on the chart:
Kirkwall Cathedral spire bearing 154 and seen over
Crow Ness passes NE of the marine farm off
Ramberry and SW of Scargun Shoal and its
surrounding bank, and leads clear through the
passage.
Helliar Holm Beacon (5.341) bearing 071 and open
SE of Thieves Holm passes SE of Scargun Shoal
and associated bank.

5.359
Useful marks with positions from Kirkwall Cathedral:
Lights (metal mast) (4 cables N) on E head of
Kirkwall Pier.
Three chimneys (1 cables WNW) standing close
together.
Lights (metal posts) on either side of the entrance
(2 cables N) of the camber.

Berths
1

2
3

5.360
Kirkwall Pier has about 750 m of berthing quay,
excluding the camber. There are dredged depths of up to
50 m (1991) alongside the outer parts of the pier, including
at a RoRo berth on the W side. The N face of the pier is
exposed to N gales but other berths on the pier are
sheltered.
East Breakwater, S side has about 120 m of berthing
space in depths of 37 m.
Hatston Ferry Terminal has four berths: RoRo terminal,
162 m in length, alongside depth 80 m; NE face 225 m in
length, alongside depth 10 m; and two inner berths 153 and
116 m in length, alongside depth 5 m.
A ramp, used by the ferry to Elwick (5.351) on
Shapinsay, is situated on the W side of the W arm of the
camber.
A marina is situated close S of the E breakwater.

Port services
1

219

5.361
Repairs: minor repairs only; no dry dock or slipping
facilities.

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CHAPTER 5

Other facilities: hospital in Kirkwall; reception facilities

available for some oily wastes; deratting certificates and
deratting exemption certificates can be issued within the
statutory harbour areas (5.330) of Wide Firth and Shapinsay
Sound.
Supplies: fuel supplied by road tanker; water from
hydrants at all berths on pier with possible restrictions in
dry periods; limited provisions and stores.
Communications. Kirkwall has regular sea
communications, including RoRo services, with the
mainland of Scotland, with other Orkney Islands, and with
the Shetland Islands. Scheduled national air services operate
from Kirkwall Airport situated about 2 km SE of the town.

Southwestern part of Wide Firth

SW extremity of Crookness bearing 110 and distant

5 cables, as indicated on the chart.

Bay of Firth

Chart 2584

5.365
General information. Bay of Firth is entered between
Ferry Point, the W extremity of Quanter Ness, and Point of
Backaquoy (1 mile NW). The bay is shallow and much
encumbered by reefs and islets. The village of Finstown,
with a conspicuous church, lies at the W head of the bay.
Local knowledge is essential and no directions are
given.
Marine farms exist at a number of locations in the bay,
as shown on the chart.
Tidal streams are negligible.
Anchorage. With local knowledge good anchorage can
be found for small coasters.
Landings. Vessels drawing not more than 18 m can
reach Finstown where there is a small pier.

General information
1

5.362
The SW part of Wide Firth describes the landlocked
waters W of a line joining the E extremity of Crookness
(5902N 301W) with Ramberry (1 miles SSE) (5.358).
Principal landmarks with positions from Crookness:
Wideford Hill (3 miles S) (5.371).
Church (3 miles SW), conspicuous, in Finstown
village.

EYNHALLOW SOUND
WITH THE NORTHERN PART OF
WIDE FIRTH AND APPROACHES
General information
Charts 2249, 2584

General description

Directions for approach

1

5.363
From the vicinity of Five Fathom Patch (1 miles SE of
Crookness) the approach to the W part of Wide Firth leads
W passing (with positions from Crookness):
S of an extensive area of shoals, including West
Skerries (1 miles E), a cluster of dangerous
rocks, in the central part of Wide Firth between
Crookness and Strombery (2 miles ESE); the SW
extremity of the shoal area lies 6 cables SW of
West Skerries where there is a charted depth of
66 m; details are best seen from the chart. And:
N of Scargun Shoal (2 miles SE) (5.356), thence:
N of Quanterness Skerry (1 miles S), a drying reef
surrounded by a shallow bank, and:
S of Crookness, a broadfaced promontory fringed by
drying reefs.
Clearing lines (as shown on the chart) for Quanterness
Skerry and associated bank:
Kirkwall Cathedral spire bearing 154 and seen over
Crow Ness passes NE.
Old Manse of Firth (5900N 305W) bearing 231
and well open NW of Ferry Point (1 miles NE)
passes NW.

Topography
1

Bay of Isbister
1

5.364
General information. Bay of Isbister is entered between
the SW extremity of Crookness (5902N 301W) and
Mou Ness (1 mile W). The W half of the bay is shallow
and fouled by Wald Taing, a drying reef which extends
from the W shore and terminates at its outer end in Couba
Clett (3 cables NNE of Mou Ness).
Anchorage. Very good anchorage can be obtained in the
E part of Bay of Isbister in a depth of 11 m, mud, with the

5.366
Eynhallow Sound is entered from NW between Haafs
Hellia (5909N 312W), at the N extremity of Mainland,
and Quoynalonga Ness (2 miles ENE), the W extremity
of Rousay, whence it extends about 8 miles SE between the
NE coast of Mainland and the islands of Rousay, Wyre and
Gairsay. The island of Eynhallow lies in midsound about
1 miles within the entrance. The sound forms the
approach to the NW entrance to Wide Firth which lies
between Gairsay (5905N 258W) and the coast of
Mainland, SW. Wyre Sound (5.383) and Gairsay Sound
(5.388) open on the NE side of Eynhallow Sound about
5 miles and 6 miles, respectively, within the entrance.
The N part of Wide Firth, which comprises the waters
of the firth lying N of a line joining Strombery (5902N
256W) and Crookness (2 miles W), can also be entered
from NE by the channel (5.390) separating Gairsay from
the W side of Shapinsay, which connects with the NW end
of Stronsay Firth.

5.367
Mainland. The entrance to Eynhallow Sound is readily
identified by Costa Head (5 cables W of Haafs Hellia)
(5.157). Three power windmills and three radio masts stand
on Burgar Hill (2 miles SE of Haafs Hellia).
Rousay. See 5.302.
Gairsay (5905N 258W) rises to a welldefined
summit in the middle of the island.

Limiting conditions
1

220

5.368
Eynhallow Sound. Without local knowledge no stranger
should attempt passage of Eynhallow Sound; with local

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CHAPTER 5

Holm of Rendall

Gairsay

The Taing

Eynhallow Sound from NNW (5.372)

(Photograph Air Images)

(Original dated 1999)

knowledge it is possible to transit the sound in a depth of

not less than about 7 m but in vessels with draughts
exceeding 50 m, mariners bound for Kirkwall are
recommended to use Shapinsay Sound (5.334).
Limiting conditions for other channels are given with the
description of the channels concerned.

Submarine cables
1

5.369
Submarine cables, one of which is a power cable, the
others disused, are laid SW across Eynhallow Sound from
Taing of Tratland (5908N 303W) to Mainland as
indicated on the chart. The landing positions of the cables
are marked by beacons on the shore.

Tidal streams
1

5.370
The following details should be read in conjunction with
the information contained on the charts and in Admiralty
Tidal Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands.
Northwest entrance to Eynhallow Sound. The
SEgoing tidal stream begins at +0420 HW Aberdeen
(0545 HW Dover) and the NWgoing at 0205 Aberdeen
(+0015 HW Dover), with a spring rate in both directions of
2 to 3 kn which increases as the island of Eynhallow
(5909N 307W) is approached.
Vicinity of Eynhallow. In the channels NE and SW of
Eynhallow the streams are very strong, attaining a spring
rate of about 7 kn in both directions. Races form in both
channels during the strength of the streams in both
directions; the race in the NE channel is known locally as
Weal Race, that in the SW channel as Burger Rst. During
the SEgoing tidal stream an eddy, about 1 mile in extent
in midchannel, forms SE of Eynhallow. A corresponding
eddy probably forms NW of the island, and an eddy does
form in the bay close W of Point of Hellia (1 miles SE
of Eynhallow), during the NWgoing tidal stream.
Southeast part of Eynhallow Sound. After passing
Aiker Ness (1 miles SE of Eynhallow) the SEgoing tidal
stream divides, the main branch continuing SE to pass
through the channel between Gairsay and Mainland, while

weaker branches run generally E through Wyre and Gairsay

Sounds. Similarly the NWgoing tidal stream between
Gairsay and Mainland is joined as it approaches Aiker Ness
by generally Wgoing tidal streams from Gairsay and Wyre
Sounds. During the SEgoing tidal stream eddies form in
the indentations of the NE coast of Mainland SE of Aiker
Ness. In the channel between Gairsay and Mainland the
SEgoing tidal stream begins at about +0435 HW Aberdeen
(0530 HW Dover) and the NWgoing at about 0150 HW
Aberdeen (+0030 HW Dover) at rates indicated on Chart
2584; there is turbulence in this channel during the strength
of both tidal streams.
North part of Wide Firth. The SEgoing tidal stream
from the channel between Gairsay and Mainland, and the
SSWgoing stream from the passage between Gairsay and
Shapinsay combine and run S in the N part of Wide Firth
and then SE towards The String (S of Shapinsay). Similarly
the NWgoing tidal stream in The String turns N in Wide
Firth and then divides to pass either side of Gairsay.
The tidal streams close off the coast of Mainland run N
and S as indicated on Chart 2584.

Landmark
5.371
1

Wideford Hill (5859N 301W) on which there is a

beacon and three radio masts.

Directions
(continued from 5.157)

Eynhallow Sound
1

221

5.372
Passage south of Eynhallow. From a position NE of
Haafs Hellia (5909N 312W) (5.157) the approach to the
channel S of Eynhallow leads SE along the NE side of
Mainland passing NE of Braga Reef (1 mile WSW), with
depths over it of less than 2 m, which extends about
2 cables offshore from the vicinity of Fisk Hellia, a low
point on Mainland; the sea breaks violently over the reef
with any W swell. This stretch of the coast of Mainland is
rocky and should be given a berth of at least 5 cables.

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Thence the fairway through the narrows, in which tidal

streams (5.370) are strong, leads SE passing:
SW of a shallow bank, much of which dries,
extending from the S side of Eynhallow which is
rocky; an abovewater rock stands on the bank
close off the S extremity of the island, thence:
NE of Reef of Burgar (5 cables SSW of the S
extremity of Eynhallow) which extends nearly
3 cables offshore from Mainland in the vicinity of
Point of Hisber on which there are the ruins of an
ancient tower; a bar with a depth over it of 82 m,
on which the sea breaks during and after W gales,
extends across the channel between these points.
Southeast of the bar depths are irregular, and the
channel merges with the passage passing N of Eynhallow
between Aiker Ness, a small cultivated promontory, of
which Point of Hellia (5908N 305W) is the NW
extremity, projecting N from Mainland, and Point of Skae
(5.374) (9 cables N) where the channel is partially
obstructed by the following dangers (with positions from
Point of Hellia):
Detached drying reef (9 cables NW) which stands
near the outer end of a bank on which there are
depths of less than 2 m extending 8 cables SE
from the SE side of Eynhallow.
Isolated patch (4 cables NNW) with a depth over it of
43 m.
Quoy (about 2 cables NNW), a rock.
5.373
Clearing line. The summit of Gairsay (5905N 259W)
(5.367) bearing 124 and open NE of Aikerness House
(5 cables SE of Point of Hellia) passes NE of Braga Reef
and of Reef of Burgar.
Useful mark:
Westness House (1 miles N of Point of Hellia),
about 1 cable inland on Rousay.
5.374
Passage north of Eynhallow. From a position SSW of
Quoynalonga Ness (5.157) the channel passing N of
Eynhallow is entered between Scabra Head (5910N
307W), a bold and steepto point, and Bow Cheek
(9 cables SSW), the NW extremity of Eynhallow, from
where the fairway through the narrows leads generally SSE
passing:
Close along the SW coast of Rousay, between Scabra
Head and Point of Skae (1 miles SE), which is
rocky and fringed by a shallow bank, and:
ENE of dangers, including detached drying reefs,
which extend between 5 cables N and 8 cables SE
from the NE extremity of Eynhallow; this channel,
in which tidal streams (5.370) run strongly, is
about 2 cables wide at its narrowest point between
the 5 m depth contours on either hand and details
are best seen from the chart.
At its SE end the channel merges with that passing S of
Eynhallow between Point of Skae and Point of Hellia
(9 cables S), passing NE of the isolated 43 m patch (5.372)
4 cables NNW of the latter.
Useful mark:
Westness House (1 miles N of Point of Hellia)
(5.373).
5.375
Aiker Ness to Gairsay. From abreast Aiker Ness
Eynhallow Sound trends SE into the NW end of Wide
Firth, passing (positioned from Taing of Tratland (5908N
302W)):

SW of Taing of Tratland, a low rocky point on which

Tratland House stands a short distance inland,
thence:
NE of Point of Vastray (1 mile SSW), thence:
SW of a lightbuoy (W cardinal) (8 cables SSE)
marking the W extremity of Wyre Skerries, five
separate drying reefs which lie near the extremity
of a shallow spit extending nearly 7 cables W from
The Taing (1 miles SE), a narrow tongue of land
at the W end of the island of Wyre; seaweed
shows over the skerries at HW, thence:
NE of detached shoals, with depths of less than 5 m
over them, which lie within 7 cables SE of Scara
Taing (1 miles S), and:
SW of an isolated 18 m patch (1 miles SE), the
shallowest and most NW of dangers on an
extensive bank (5.389) extending N and NW from
the island of Gairsay; details are best seen from
the charts.
Chart 2584
5.376
Passage between Gairsay and Mainland. The channel
between Mainland and the island of Gairsay has a least
width of about 3 cables between the 5 m depth contours
on either hand abreast The Taing (5905N 259W), on
which there is tower, and leads SE passing (with positions
from The Taing):
Clear on either side of Little Seal Skerry (4 cables S),
with a depth over it of 06 m (charted as
dangerous rocks), thence:
NE of Holm of Rendall (7 cables SSW) surrounded
by a drying reef, thence:
SW of Ness of Boray (7 cables SE), the S extremity
of Gairsay avoiding, as necessary, three detached
shoals, each with a depth of 47 m over it, which
lie, respectively, 1 cables W, 2 cables WSW
and 1 cables SW of the ness, thence:
NE of Seal Skerry (8 cables S), which dries 15 m
and is marked by a beacon (iron framework, red
barrelshaped cage topmark, 6 m in height); a
dangerous rock lies 1 cable NNW of the beacon,
on a shallow bank that extends N from the skerry.
There is a depth of 61 m in the fairway of the narrower
channel passing between Holm of Rendall and Seal Skerry.
Useful marks with positions from Seal Skerry:
White House (8 cables NNE), conspicuous, on the
shore of Gairsay.
Hall of Rendall (6 cables WNW).
Rendall Manse (4 cables WSW), a conspicuous white
building on a rocky point.

Northern part of Wide Firth

1

222

5.377
From a position between Seal Skerry (5904N 259W)
(5.376) and Ness of Boray (5 cables NE) at the SE end of
Eynhallow Sound, the principal route to Kirkwall through
the N part of Wide Firth leads SSE passing (with positions
from Seal Skerry):
WSW of a detached shoal (5 cables ENE) least depth
24 m, thence:
ENE of the N end (2 cables S) of a detached shoal,
with depths of less than 5 m over it, which extends
8 cables further S, and:

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WSW of Boray Skerries (6 to 9 cables E), two

distinct groups of rocks some of which in both
groups are awash; both groups stand on banks,
depths of less than 5 m existing within 2 cables
NW and N, and 1 cable S, of the W and larger
group. A lightbuoy (S cardinal) is moored
2 cables SE of the larger group, thence:
WSW of Taing Skerry (1 miles ESE) which stands
near the SE end of a drying reef; the W side of
this reef is bordered by a bank with depths of less
than 5 m over it, extending between 3 cables NNW
and 2 cables WSW from Taing Skerry, and:
ENE of Puldrite Skerry (1 miles S) which dries and
is surrounded by dangerous rocks, noting that an
isolated depth of 66 m is situated 5 cables ENE of
the skerry, thence:
ENE of Linga Skerry (1 miles SSE), a cluster of
dangerous rocks and the most NE of an extensive
area of shoals in the central part of Wide Firth; a
lightbuoy (E cardinal) is moored close E of Linga
Skerry. Further details are best seen from the chart.
From abreast the lightbuoy the track leads S passing W
of Strombery (5902N 256W), the SW extremity of
Shapinsay, from where course may be adjusted as necessary
for Kirkwall and other destinations in the S part of Wide
Firth.
5.378
By night Linga Skerries and adjacent dangers lie in the
green sector (153183) of Kirkwall Pier Light (4 miles
S) (5.355), the white sector (183192) of which leads
clear S between Linga Skerry and Stromberry.
5.379
Directions are not given for the narrow channel which,
from W of Seal Skerry, leads S passing close along the E
side of Mainland and W of Puldrite Skerry, as local
knowledge is required.
5.380
Useful marks with positions from Seal Skerry:
Tor Ness (8 cables SSW), a low bluff on the coast of
Mainland, separating Bay of Hinderayre from
Puldrite Bay.
Puldrite farmhouse (1 miles SSW) on the shore of
Puldrite Bay.
Stone beacon (2 miles E) on Shapinsay
Grass Holm (1 miles ESE) (5.391).
Tower (2 miles E) on Salt Ness.
Skerry of Vasa Beacon (2 miles ESE) (5.391).
Spire (3 miles SE) of Balfour Castle (5.341).
Saint Magnus Cathedral (5 miles S) (5.355).
(Directions for Kirkwall continue at 5.356)

(5907N 305W), in a depth of less than 10 m;

the holding is poor on a rocky bottom.
Close off the head of the bay between the NE
extremity of Aiker Ness and Point of Vastray
(9 cables SE) in a depth of about 5 m, as shown
on the chart.
Off the entrance to Wood Wick, entered between
Scara Taing (5906N 303W) and Taing of
Midgarth (4 cables S); much of the inlet dries or
is obstructed by two rocks awash, but anchorage
can be found, as indicated on the chart, about
2 cables SSE of Scara Taing in depths of 5 to
10 m, sand and mud; this berth lies close W of a
detached shoal (2 cables SE of Scara Taing) with
a charted depth over it of 4 m and a marine farm
1 cables NW.

Ferry terminal
1

5.382
Tingwall ferry terminal (5905N 303W) consists of a
ramp alongside the N side of a J shaped pier extending
NNE, thence ESE, thence S from the shore of Mainland
and is protected close N by a rubble breakwater.

Wyre Sound
Chart 2249

General information
1

5.383
Wyre Sound separates the island of Wyre (5907N
259W) from the S side of Rousay and connects Eynhallow
Sound with the S part of Rousay Sound. It is entered from
W between Taing of Tratland (5908N 302W) and Wyre
Skerries (9 cables SE) (5.375) and from E between Point of
Avelshay (5908N 258W), the SE extremity of Rousay,
and the NE extremity of Wyre (about 8 cables SSE).
Limiting conditions. There is a least depth of 55 m in
the fairway of the sound.
Local knowledge is required.
Submarine cables. including a power cable and disused
cables are laid across the sound as shown on the chart; the
landing positions of the cables are marked by beacons on
the shore.
Tidal streams are weak and probably somewhat
irregular but run broadly E and W. As a general statement
the Egoing tidal stream begins at about +0410 HW
Aberdeen (0555 HW Dover) and is coincidental with the
Sgoing tidal streams in Eynhallow and Rousay Sounds;
the Wgoing tidal stream begins at about 0215 HW
Aberdeen (+0005 HW Dover) and is coincidental with the
Ngoing tidal streams in Eynhallow and Rousay Sounds.

Anchorages and ferry terminal

Directions
Charts 2249, 2584

Anchorages
1

5.381
In fine weather and with local knowledge anchorage can
be found at the following locations:
Off Bay of Westness, which extends between Point of
Skae (5908N 305W) and Moa Ness (6 cables
NW); the holding ground is poor and depths
shelve steeply from 15 to less than 5 m.
Off Sands of Evie, a sandy beach at the head of the
bay situated close W of the Aiker Ness peninsula

223

5.384
The channel through the sound is narrow and tortuous
and great caution is required. The chart is the best guide,
the following directions indicating the dangers in the
narrowest parts of the sound only.
5.385
On entering the sound from W the fairway leads (with
positions from The Taing (5907N 300W)):
Close along the coast of Rousay E of Taing of
Traitland (1 miles NW) (5.375) passing N of a
shallow bank with uneven depths which extends
8 cables NW from The Taing (5.375) to within

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Tingwall Harbour from NNW (5.382)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

about 2 cables of Rousay; a shoal with a depth

over it of 15 m lies at the outer end of this bank.
Thence:
Between Point of Hallbreck (8 cables NE) and the
extremity of a sandy spit, with depths of less than
34 m, extending 3 cables S from the Rousay shore
opposite, thence:
Between the coast of Rousay in the vicinity of Point
of Avelshay, which is clear of dangers, and a bank,
with depths of less than 5 m over it, which extends
3 cables NNE between Ayre of Skersi (1 miles
NE), the N extremity of Wyre, and Point of the
Wart (3 cables ESE).
Useful mark:
Church (1 miles NE of The Taing) near the shore
on Rousay.

Gairsay Sound
General information
1

Minor side channel

1

5.386
There is a narrow boat passage between The Taing and
Wyre Skerries. The channel is unmarked and local
knowledge is required.

Berths
1

5.387
Anchorage with shelter from winds from all directions
can be found anywhere in Wyre Sound where there is

sufficient water. The usual berth is in the E part, taking

care to avoid the submarine cables.
Brinian ferry terminal (7 cables WSW of Point of
Avelshay) consists of a ramp alongside a pier extending
SSE from the coast of Rousay, with a small pier close W.
Wyre ferry terminal consists of a ramp alongside a pier
extending NNW from the N side of the island at Rusness
(1 miles NE of The Taing).

5.388
Gairsay Sound separates the island of Gairsay (5905N
258W) (5.367) from Wyre and connects Eynhallow Sound
with the NW part of Stronsay Firth. It is entered from W
between Odin Ness, the NW point of Gairsay, and The
Taing (1 miles NW) (5.375), the W extremity of Wyre
and from E between Sweyn Holm (5905N 257W), an
islet close off the NE corner of Gairsay, and Point of Hellia
(1 miles N), the SE extremity of Wyre.
Local knowledge is required.
Tidal streams. See information on the chart.

Directions
1

224

5.389
Gairsay Sound should be navigated with caution.

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CHAPTER 5

Rousay Brinian Piers and Ferry Terminal (5.387)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

but particular attention is called to the NW

extremity of the bank (1 miles NNW of Odin
Ness) which has a least depth over it of 18 m.
Particular care is required in the narrow W entrance of
this channel where the fairway between the 10 m depth
contours is restricted to a width of about 1 cables
between the outer end of a bank extending 5 cables S from
Wyre Skerries and the NW extremity of the bank,
previously described, extending NW from Gairsay.
Useful mark:
North Head (4 cables W of Sweyn Holm), a rocky
point at the extremity of a narrow neck of land
projecting 2 cables from the N side of Gairsay.

Northeastern entrance to Wide Firth

Chart 2584

General information

Wyre Ferry Terminal from NW (5.387)

(Original dated 2001)
(Photograph Orkney Islands Council, Department of Harbours)

The deepest water is found in a channel, least depth

134 m, leading through the N part of the sound. Entered
from W from a position about 5 cables S of Wyre Skerries
(5.375), at the W end of Wyre, the fairway of this channel
leads E passing:
S of the S side of Wyre, which is fringed by a
coastal bank, at a distance of about 3 cables; and:
N of an extensive bank with depths of less than 10 m
over it, including a number of isolated patches
with depths of less than 5 m over them, which
extends NW and N from the N side of Gairsay;
details of this bank are best seen from the chart,

225

5.390
General description. The NE entrance (5905N
256W) to Wide Firth leads between Gairsay and the NW
extremity of Shapinsay. Shoals, reefs and islets encumber
the entire passage between Vasa Point (5903N 255W)
and the SE side of Gairsay (1 miles NW).
Route. The only channels through the area that can be
recommended are Vasa Sound and Broad Sound which
pass, respectively, E and W of Skerry of Vasa (2 cables W
of Vasa Point); directions are given for the former only.
Limiting conditions. Vasa Sound can be used by vessels
possessing plenty of power, and not exceeding 5 m in
draught on account of the bank which extends 4 cables off
the coast of Shapinsay for a distance of 6 cables S of Vasa
Point.
Local knowledge is required for all channels.

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CHAPTER 5

Grass Holm

Salt Ness

Skerry of Vasa

Vasa Point

Vasa Sound from S (5.391)

(Photograph Air Images)

(Original dated 1999)

Tidal streams. In the channels through the dangers

extending NW from Vasa Point the SSWgoing tidal stream
begins at about +0405 HW Aberdeen (0600 HW Dover)
and the NNEgoing at about 0230 HW Aberdeen
(0010 HW Dover), spring rate about 3 to 4 kn in both
directions except in Vasa Sound where it attains a rate of
5 kn. See also information on the chart.
There is turbulence in all channels when tidal streams
are running at strength.

Directions for Vasa Sound

1

5.391
From a position between Galt Ness (5905N 254W)
(5.273), the NW extremity of Shapinsay, and Sweyn Holm,
an islet 1 miles WNW, the route leads S passing (with
positions from Galt Ness):
E of Hen of Gairsay, a peninsula of which Ness of
Gairsay is the S point, thence:
E of Skertours (1 miles SW), a group of dangerous
and drying rocks on a shallow bank which is
marked close N by a lightbuoy (N cardinal),
thence:
W, at a distance of not less than 2 cables, of Salt
Ness (1 mile SSW) on which there is a tower,
thence:
E of Grass Holm (1 miles SW), an islet, from
which Broad Shoal extends 5 cables S; parts of
Broad Shoal dry.
Thence the alignment (194) of the W side of Strombery
(5902N 256W) with the spire of Saint Magnus Cathedral
(5.355) leads, as shown on the chart, through the narrow
fairway of Vasa Sound between Vasa Point and Skerry of

Vasa, about 1 cable W, a drying reef marked near its S end

by a beacon (black framework, barrel topmark).
When on the alignment (314) of Skerry of Vasa Beacon
with the SW extremity of Gairsay (2 miles NW), on
which there is a tower, course may be adjusted to pass in
midchannel between Back of the Ness, the coast of
Shapinsay close N of Strombery, and Linga Skerry (1 mile
W) (5.377).
5.392
Useful marks with positions from Ness of Gairsay
(5904N 257W):
Stone beacon (1 miles ESE) on Shapinsay.
Seal Skerry Beacon (1 miles WSW) (5.376).
Hall of Rendall (1 miles W) (5.376).
Rendall Manse (1 miles WSW) (5.376).
Tor Ness (2 miles SW) (5.380).
Puldrite farmhouse (2 miles SW) (5.380).
(Directions for Kirkwall continue at 5.356)

Anchorages and harbours

1

226

5.393
Millburn Bay is a narrow inlet in the S side of Gairsay
entered W of Ness of Gairsay (5904N 257W), in which,
with local knowledge, anchorage can be found for small
craft. A ruined pier lies in the NW part of the bay.
The bay is approached between Ness of Gairsay and
Holm of Boray (3 cables SSW), where the fairway is
constricted by a shoal which extend NNE from the holm
and by a rock (1 cables W of Ness of Gairsay), with a
depth over it of 20 m; the channel between Holm of Boray
and the coast of Gairsay (3 cables NNW) is obstructed by a
ridge, on which there are depths of less than 2 m.

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NOTES

227

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Chapter 6 - The Shetland Islands

50

40

30

20

10

50

40

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3282

12
6.

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Longitude 1 West from Greenwich 40

30

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CHAPTER 6
THE SHETLAND ISLANDS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Chart 1239

General description
1

6.1
The Shetland Islands, a group of more than 100 islands,
holms and rocks, lie with Sumburgh Head (5951N
116W), their S extremity, about 90 miles NNE of
Duncansby Head and thence extend about 60 miles N to
Muckle Flugga (6051N 053W). Fair Isle (5932N
138W) (2.24) forms part of the Shetland Islands. The
principal islands are, in sequence from S to N, Mainland
which is by far the largest, Yell and Unst.
The Shetland Islands are, for the most part, relatively
high, undulating, fringed by bold cliffs and separated by
narrow sounds. Toward the N end of the group Yell Sound
and Bluemull Sound, both navigable passages, run N and S
through the islands between Mainland and Yell and Yell
and Unst, respectively.

6.4
There are few outlying charted dangers and only in a
few areas does the charted 50 m depth contour lie more
than 2 miles or so offshore. However consideration must
always be given to the limitations of source data used in
the compilation of charts; for further details see 1.27.

6.8
Detailed information concerning these areas, which are
found in the waters of this chapter, may be found on
Practice Exercise Area (PEXA) charts. Such areas are also
shown on all new, and new edition navigation charts. For
further details see 1.20, and Annual Summary of Admiralty
Notices to Mariners Nos 5 and 8.

6.9
1

There are at least 200 authorised marine farms located

in Shetland Island waters at any particular time; farms
being added and removed on a continuous basis. Farms in
proximity to shipping routes are marked by buoys. Other
farms are marked by beacons (X topmark) and some are
fitted with radar reflectors. Lights, when fitted, show
flashing yellow. See also 1.19.

Tidal streams
1

6.10
Tidal streams run strongly around the Shetland Islands
and very strongly in the interisland sounds. Details are
given on the largest scale charts and in Admiralty Tidal
Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands which should
always be consulted.

Local magnetic anomalies

Depths
1

SE
to
the

Marine farms

Approach
6.3
The approach to the Shetland Islands in clear weather
presents no difficulties but in poor visibility great caution is
necessary on account of the strong tidal streams and also
because the coastline, as a whole, lacks distinctive features
and when only a small portion of it can be seen positive
identification is not easy.

the

Exercise areas

Port Authority
6.2
A number of harbours are administered by Shetland
Islands Council, address: Shetland Islands Council, Port and
Harbour Operations Department, Port Administration
Building, Sella Ness, Sullom Voe, Shetland ZE2 9QR.
Website: shetland.gov.uk/ports.
Email: marine.reception@sic.sheltand.gov.uk

Islands; the boundaries of these areas are shown on

charts. For further details see 1.47.
6.7
Precautionary Areas are established in the N and
approaches to Yell Sound and in the approaches
Lerwick; the boundaries of these areas are shown on
charts. For further details see 1.48.

6.11
The Shetland Islands is an area where the magnetic field
of the crustal rocks is very disturbed and significant local
anomalies can be expected almost anywhere in the vicinity
of the islands. Details of local anomalies which have been
observed are given with the description of the locality in
which they occurred.

Routeing measures
1

6.5
Local. Because of the ever present hazard of rapid
changes in the weather in the vicinity of the Shetland
Islands, and because the coastal regions have not been
surveyed to modern standards, the Shetland Islands Council
request that, in the interests of preventing pollution of their
shores, all ships keep at least 10 miles from the coast of
the Shetland Islands.
The Council also strongly recommends that whenever
possible passage between Mainland and Foula (6008N
205W) or Ve Skerries (6022N 149W) is avoided as
there may be additional hazard from the presence of fishing
vessels.
6.6
Areas to be Avoided by certain types of ships are
established around the S, W and N parts of the Shetland

Rescue
1

229

6.12
VHF Directionfinding facilities are sited on Compass
Head (5952N 116W); for further details see 1.84.
Coastguard. The Maritime Rescue SubCentre (MRSC)
for Shetland Coastguard District is located at Lerwick
(6010N 110W); Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are
maintained at a number of locations. For further details see
1.76.
Lifeboats. RNLI allweather lifeboats are stationed at
Lerwick on the E side and Aith (6017N 122W) on the
W side of the Shetland Islands. For further details see 1.87.
Search and Rescue Helicopter. Based at Sumburgh
Airport; for further details see 1.85.
For the rescue facilities referred to above, see under
Rescue within this chapter.

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CHAPTER 6

WEST COAST: SUMBURGH HEAD TO SAINT MAGNUS BAY

Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained near
Sumburgh Head and at Hamnavoe (6006N 120W) on
West Burra. For further details see 1.76.
Search and Rescue Helicopter. See 1.85.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Charts 1119, 1233

Hazard
1

6.13
Passage between Mainland and Foula. See 6.5 for
local routeing measures.

Tidal streams
1

Area to be Avoided
1

6.14
All the coastal waters described in this section lie within
an Area to be Avoided by certain types of vessels. See
1.47 for further details.

SUMBURGH HEAD TO
SCALLOWAY APPROACHES
General information
Chart 3283

Description
1

6.15
From a position S of Sumburgh Head (5951N 116W)
the coastal route to the approaches to Scalloway leads
initially NW to Fitful Head (5954N 123W) and thence
N along the W side of the S part of Mainland to the
vicinity of Oxna (6007N 122W). Navigable channels
lead between some of the islands which border the W side
of Mainland.

Race
1

Topography
1

6.16
Mainland. For details of Sumburgh Head see 6.143.
Between Sumburgh Head and Fitful Head (6.23) the
coast of the S end of Mainland is generally rocky and
deeply indented. From Fitful Head to Cloki Stack
(2 miles NNE) the coast decreases in height and is bold,
indented and fringed by high detached rocks. Thence to
Ness of Ireland (5 miles NNE of Fitful Head) the coast is
much indented and comparatively lowlying but with a
range of hills rising to considerable elevations about 1 mile
inland. North from Ness of Ireland the coast of Mainland
rises to Clift Hills (6.27) and is bordered by a number of
islands between which there are navigable channels.
6.17
Offlying islands. South Havra (6001N 121W), with
Little Havra close SW, is much indented and is surmounted
by the conspicuous ruin of a windmill (6.23).
West Burra, a long narrow island, extends 5 miles NNE
from Kettla Ness (6003N 122W), its S end. The island
lies parallel with and about 1 miles off the W coast of
Mainland.
East Burra (6005N 119W) lies between Mainland and
the greater part of West Burra. The S part of East Burra
consists of Houss Ness, a narrow peninsula joined to the N
part by Ayre Dyke, a very narrow isthmus.
Trondra (6007N 117W) lies between Mainland and
the N part of West Burra and its N end forms the S side of
Scalloway harbour. Bridges connect West Burra to East
Burra and Trondra, and Trondra to Mainland.

6.21
Sumburgh Rst, a race of great violence, forms S of
Sumburgh Head and Horse Island (1 miles W) during
both the SEgoing and NWgoing tidal streams. At springs
the race can be fully 3 miles wide if the wind, or the
residual swell after a gale, is against the tidal stream.
Within the race tidal streams set broadly E and W and a
relatively recent, although incomplete, analysis indicates
that the Egoing race begins at 0405 HW Lerwick
(0410 HW Dover) and ends at +0025 HW Lerwick
(+0020 HW Dover). A period of no race, known locally as
The Still, then prevails until the Wgoing race begins at
+0055 HW Lerwick (+0050 HW Dover) and ends at
0405 HW Lerwick (0410 HW Dover).
Although it has not been definitely established, there
appears to be no period of no race between the end of the
Wgoing and commencement of the Egoing race. Locally
the Wgoing race is said to prevail for about 9 hours and
the Egoing for about 3 hours which is then followed by
The Still of about 30 minutes duration.
In rough weather Sumburgh Rst is said to be dangerous
at all times for vessels up to the size of small coasters. It is
most dangerous during the Wgoing stream with a W or
NW gale, and during the Wgoing stream it is violent with
any strong wind between WSW and NNW. During the
Egoing stream winds N of ENE have little effect but the
race is violent with winds between SSW and ENE.

Caution
1

6.22
In strong NE weather mariners in lowpowered vessels
approaching Sumburgh Head from W and bound up the E
side of Mainland are advised to consider anchoring in Bay
of Quendale (5953N 120W) (6.32), noting the
limitations of this bay, until the weather moderates.

Principal marks
1

Rescue
1

6.19
See information on the chart and in Admiralty Tidal
Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands.
6.20
Vicinity of Sumburgh Head. Off Sumburgh Head tidal
streams run with great strength, forming eddies close
inshore and, farther out, Sumburgh Rst (see below), a
heavy race. In this vicinity the times at which the tidal
streams turn, the directions in which they run and their
rates can all differ significantly at positions not far apart;
for example at a position 5 miles W of Sumburgh Head
both the SEgoing and the NWgoing tidal streams begin
about 2 hours earlier than at a position 4 miles WNW of
the head. It is, therefore, an area to be avoided if possible,
especially in poor visibility.

6.18
VHF Directionfinding facilities are sited on Compass
Head (1 mile N of Sumburgh Head); for further details see
1.84.

230

6.23
Landmarks:
Radar dome (59521N 1164W) close SW of
Compass Head.
Fitful Head (5954N 123W), a remarkable
promontory with a broad face extending about
1 miles between Siggar Ness in the S and The

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Nev in the N; a radio mast (red obstruction lights)

stands near the middle of the head. Fitful Head is
the first land to be sighted when approaching the
Shetland Islands from SW.
Radio masts and aerials (5957N 118W) (6.143) on
Ward of Scousburgh (6.138).
Radio mast and aerials (7 cables NE of Ward of
Scousburgh) (6.143).
Windmill (ruin) (6001N 121W), about 7 m in
height, conspicuous, on summit of South Havra.
Foula (6008N 205W) (6.71).
Major light:
Sumburgh Head Light (5951N 116W) (6.143).

Useful mark:
Ernes Ward (2 miles NNW of Sumburgh Head)
(6.145).

Fitful Head to Ness of Ireland

1

6.25
From a position W of Siggar Ness the coastal passage
leads N for about 7 miles passing (with positions from The
Nev (5955N 123W)):
W of The Nev the N extremity of Fitful Head (6.23),
thence:
W of Swarta Skerry (7 cables NNE) with a drying
rock close S, which lie 1 cable W of a shallow
rocky ledge on which there are abovewater rocks
extending 2 cables W from a narrow point on the
coast. Thence:
W of Stack oda Noup (1 miles NNE), a small
rocky peninsula rising to a sharp cone, thence:
W of Cloki Stack (2 miles NNE), the N extremity of
Fora Ness, thence:
W of Colsay (2 miles NNE), an islet with a broken
and rugged shore and separated S from Fora Ness
by Muckle Sound, thence:
W of Saint Ninians Isle (3 miles NNE) which is
joined to the coast by an isthmus of white sand
over which the sea sometimes washes during NW
gales. The shores of the island are rocky and
creviced, and the S and W sides are fringed by a
number of rocky islets, of which Hich Holm is the
most W and remarkable. Thence:
W of Ness of Ireland (5 miles NNE).
Charts 3283, 3294 plan of Clift Sound and approaches to
Scalloway

Ness of Ireland to Scalloway approaches

1

Sumburgh Head from SW (6.23)

(Original dated 200002)
(Photograph Jean Guichard)

Foula Light (6007N 204W) (6.67).

Directions

Sumburgh Head to Fitful Head

1

6.24
From a position S of Sumburgh Head (5951N 116W)
(6.143) the coastal passage leads NW for about 7 miles
passing (with positions from Sumburgh Head):
SW of Horse Island (1 miles W), mainly clifflined
and almost inaccessible, thence:
SW of Ladys Holm (2 miles WNW), a small island,
thence:
SW of Garths Ness (3 miles NW) on which there is a
radio mast, thence:
SW of Siggar Ness (4 miles NW), the S extremity of
Fitful Head (6.23).

6.26
From abreast Ness of Ireland the coastal passage
continues N passing (with positions from the summit of
Kettla Ness (6003N 122W)):
W of South Havra (1 miles SSE) (6.17) with Little
Havra close SW, thence:
W of Kettla Ness, the S extremity of West Burra
(6.17), thence:
W of West Skerry (2 miles N), a detached
abovewater rock which is steepto on all sides
and is covered by the green sector (014032) of
Fugla Ness Light (3 miles N) (6.41); Inner
Skerry, also detached, is prominent 4 cables ENE
of West Skerry. Passage inshore of Inner Skerry
should not be attempted. Thence:
W of Oxna (4 miles N); Steggies and Cheynies, two
groups of islets, lie respectively S and N of the
island on banks which extend 3 cables S and
8 cables N from the island.
Useful mark:
Fugla Ness Light (6006N 121W) (6.41).
(Directions continue for Scalloway approaches at 6.41
and for coastal passage NW at 6.69)

Clift Sound
Chart 3294 plan of Clift Sound and approaches to Scalloway,
and plan of Scalloway

General information
1

231

6.27
Clift Sound is entered E of Point of Stakka (60025N
1202W), and leads 5 miles NNE between the coast of
Mainland on the E side and the islands of East Burra and
Trondra on the W side. The S approach to the sound,

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CHAPTER 6

which is shared with West Voe (6.34), lies between Ness of

Ireland (6000N 120W) and Kettla Ness (2 miles
NNW) and is divided into two channels by South and
Little Havra (6.17). The narrows at the N entrance of the
sound between the N end of Trondra and Mainland, open
into the S side of Scalloway Harbour and are spanned by
Clift Sound Bridge. Clift Sound affords anchorage for
coasters and limited access to Scalloway Harbour.
Topography. Clift Hills, with elevations of up to nearly
300 m, form a steep escarpment on the W side of Mainland
abreast the whole length of East Burra.
Limiting conditions: 50 m vertical clearance under Clift
Sound Bridge; least charted depth of 30 m in the channel,
cable wide, leading through the narrows of the N
entrance and into Scalloway Harbour.
Local knowledge is essential for transit of the narrow
channel at the N end of the sound.
Submarine cables. A submarine power cable is laid
across the sound close N of the bridge. Several other
cables are laid in the vicinity of the bridge and elsewhere
in the sound; their positions are best seen from the chart.
Marine farms. A number of marine farms exist
throughout the sound; their positions are best seen from the
chart.
Natural conditions. The high ground on both sides of
the sound afford shelter. Clift Hills, in particular, provide
shelter not only from the E, but in W gales sometimes
serve both to reduce the force of the wind and to produce
an eddy effect within the sound.

6.29
Clift Sound. From a position between Point of Stakka
(6.28) and the coast of Mainland the passage through Clift
Sound leads NNE in midchannel for about 3 miles,
passing clear, as necessary, of marine farms and:
ESE of Scarf Skerry (60038N 1191W), an
abovewater rock in the entrance to Voe of North
House, a shallow inlet in East Burra, thence:
ESE of the E entrance of Stream Sound (60059N
10180W) (6.34), thence:
WNW of Scarfa Taing (60059N 1168W), the S
entrance point to West Voe of Quarff, an inlet in
Mainland; a beacon marking the landing position
of submarine cables stands on the taing.
Thence the channel leads N for about 1 miles to the S
end of the narrows, favouring the coast of Mainland to
avoid shoals which extend from the E side of Trondra. The
E and W piers of Clift Sound Bridge are marked by lights
(port and starboard hand), and the centre of the span by a
white light (white square daymark, red stripes); these marks
are visible from N and S of the bridge.

Anchorage
1

6.30
Although open S Clift Sound can be a good refuge
anchorage. The space available for anchorage, however, is
restricted by the presence of submarine cables and marine
farms, the positions of which are best seen from the chart.
In strong S weather a good berth for small craft lies off the
entrance to Stream Sound, clear of submarine cables.

Bays and anchorages

Directions
1

6.28
There is little to choose between an approach N or S of
South Havra.
Approach south of South Havra. From a position
about 5 cables WNW of Taing of Maywick (60005N
1199W), the N extremity of Ness of Ireland, the channel
leads NNE passing (with positions from Taing of
Maywick):
ESE of Little Havra (1 miles WNW), thence:
In midchannel ESE of South Havra (6.17), of which
The Ness (8 cables NW) is the S point; the E side
of the island is steepto except for a rock awash
close NE of the N end. And:
WNW of Holm of Maywick (7 cables N) which
should not be approached within a distance of
1 cable; a small drying rock lies 1 cables S, and
isolated shoals with depths over them of less than
10 m lie within 3 cables S, of the holm. Thence:
WNW of a small rock (1 mile NNE) that dries 03 m
and lies on a shallow spit extending W from the
shore of Mainland.
Approach north of South Havra. Care is necessary to
avoid foul ground, including several abovewater and
drying rocks extending 2 cables W and N from Little
Havra. From a position between Groot Ness (60024N
1221W), the S extremity of Kettla Ness, and Croo Taing
(6 cables S), the NW extremity of South Havra, the passage
leads E passing:
N, at a distance of not less than 1 cable, of the N
coast of South Havra which is greatly indented,
thence:
S of Stacks of Houssness (1 mile E of Groot Ness),
the most S of dangers which extend about 1 cable
offshore around Point of Stakka, the S extremity of
East Burra.

Chart 3283

West Voe of Sumburgh

1

6.31
General information. West Voe of Sumburgh is entered
between Sumburgh Head (5951N 116W) (6.143) and
Horse Island (1 miles W) and is separated W from Bay
of Quendale by the peninsula of Scat Ness, of which Hog
of the Ness is the S extremity. The voe is exposed to S
winds and Sumburgh Rst (6.21) lies across its entrance.
The voe is sometimes used by local fishing craft.
Local knowledge is essential.
Directions. The passage into the voe from E passing
between Sumburgh Head and the N edge of Sumburgh
Rst is navigable by vessels up to the size of medium
sized trawlers. The channel into the voe from W between
Horse Island and Hog of the Ness is foul but is sometimes
used by local craft to avoid Sumburgh Rst.
Chart 3295 plan of Bay of Quendale

Bay of Quendale
1

232

6.32
General information. Bay of Quendale is entered
between Garths Ness (5953N 121W) (6.24) and Ladys
Holm (9 cables SE). The bay is readily identified from a
distance as lying between the bold promontories of Fitful
Head and Sumburgh Head and on nearer approach by the
contrast between the sandy beach at its head and the
generally rocky coastline in the vicinity. The SE part of the
bay is foul. Sumburgh Airport is situated on low ground on
the E side of the bay.
Directions. When entering the bay it is advisable to
favour Garths Ness, which is steepto on the SE side, to
ensure avoiding The Loder, a reef, parts of which dry,
extending NNW from the N end of Ladys Holm. The
channel between Ladys Holm and the Scat Ness peninsula

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CHAPTER 6

(3 cables E) is fouled by Little Holm and abovewater

and belowwater rocks.
Clearing bearing. The summit of Ladys Holm bearing
less than 204 passes clear W of the foul ground in the SE
part of the bay.
Useful marks with positions from S extremity of Garths
Ness:
Control tower (1 miles ESE) of Sumburgh Airport.
Beacon (yellow, X topmark) (7 cables N) marking
outer end of outfall.
Ernes Ward (1 miles ENE) (6.145).
Anchorage. Except in settled weather Quendale Bay is
not a safe anchorage and is untenable in strong winds S of
E; gales from S send in a heavy sea. Mariners are therefore
advised to vacate the bay at the first sign of bad weather.
The best berth is situated in the NW part of the bay in a
depth of about 9 m with Ernes Ward bearing 083 and the
SE edge of Garths Ness bearing 214.
Landing. There is a slip, used for launching an inshore
rescue boat, on the shore close NW of the airport.

SCALLOWAY AND APPROACHES,

AND VOES NORTHWARD
General information
Charts 3283, 3294

Area described
1

Chart 3283

Saint Ninians Isle

1

6.33
Anchorage. Useful temporary anchorage, sheltered from
all but W and SW winds, but not recommended when a W
swell is running, can be found about midway between Saint
Ninians Isle (5958N 121W) (6.25) and Colsay
(8 cables S).
Additional anchorage for small craft is available in
Saint Ninians Bay, situated S of the isthmus, with good
shelter in all but S and SW winds, and in Bigton Wick,
situated N of the isthmus, which is a good refuge in all
weathers except NW gales; a 50 m patch lies in the outer
approach to Bigton Wick, 3 cables NNE of Loose Head,
the N point of Saint Ninians Isle. Both these anchorages
are preferable to Bay of Scousburgh (5 cables E of Colsay).

Side channels

6.36
Coastguard. An Auxiliary Station is maintained at
Hamnavoe (6006N 120W). For further details see 1.76.

Marine farms
1

6.37
Extensive areas in which marine farming is carried out
exist in many parts of the area described. The chart is the
best guide to their position and extent. See 6.9 for further
details.

Approach channels to Scalloway

1

Channels between West Burra, East Burra and

Trondra
6.34
Local knowledge is essential for these areas.
West Voe is entered between Groot Ness (60025N
1221W) and Point of Stakka (1 mile E) (6.28) and leads
NNE between West and East Burra to the vicinity of Holm
of Papil (2 miles NNE of Groot Ness). The voe is shallow
and rocky but a tortuous channel, least charted depth
37 and suitable only for small craft, leads nearly to Holm
of Papil.
South Voe is the continuation of West Voe and extends
from Holm of Papil to The Holms (8 cables further N). The
voe is navigable only by boats and is spanned by a road
bridge, vertical clearance 09 m and depth in the channel
beneath 09 m, which connects East and West Burra, at The
Holms where it enters Lang Sound. A boat marina is
situated at Bridge End (60049N 1198W) at the head of
South Voe.
Lang Sound, about 1 miles long, is the continuation of
South Voe and extends from The Holms to Lang Sound
Bridge (60063N 1185W) (6.46) where it opens into the
S end of West Burra Firth (6.46); Stream Sound (see
below), enters Lang Sound about 5 cables S of this bridge.
Between The Holms and Stream Sound, Lang Sound is
navigable only by small craft. A dangerous rock lies

6.35
The following paragraphs describe the waters NE of a
line joining Fugla Ness (60064N 1208W) at the NW
end of West Burra and Skelda Ness (4 miles NW) on
Mainland. The S and E portion of this area provides the
principal channels to Scalloway (60080N 1165W); the
N and W portions are known collectively as The Deeps
(6.56).

Rescue

Chart 3294 plan of Clift Sound and approaches to Scalloway

7 cables NNE of The Holms. A slipway and small pier are

situated on Trondra on the S side of the W root of the
bridge.
Stream Sound (60059N 1180W), the passage
between East Burra and Trondra, connects Lang Sound and
Clift Sound (6.27). It is foul except for a narrow boat
channel through it.
Marine farms exist in all these areas, as indicated on
the chart.

6.38
There are three approach channels to Scalloway
(6008N 117W) from W:
South Channel which leads between the N end of
West Burra and the islands of Oxna and Papa
(respectively 7 cables NW and 7 cables N of Fugla
Ness); this approach is frequently used in good
weather and during strong N winds.
Middle Channel which passes between the islands of
Papa and Hildasay (2 miles N of Fugla Ness). This
channel is much encumbered by dangers, and as
its use cannot be recommended without local
knowledge and extreme caution, directions for it
are not given.
North Channel which passes N around Hildasay; this
is the preferred approach to Scalloway.
Limited access is also provided from S by Clift Sound;
see 6.27.

Pilotage
1

233

6.39
Pilotage is not compulsory for the approach channels but
can be provided on request to Scalloway Port Authority.
Details of pilotage for Scalloway Harbour are given at
6.51.
6.40
Caution. Static fishing gear is often improperly laid in
the approaches to Scalloway Harbour and there have been
instances of wire ropes being illegally dumped. There is
considerable traffic in support of marine farms, and

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CHAPTER 6

Ness of Westshore

Green Holm

Merry Holm

Scalloway

Trondra Ness

Bruna Ness

Approaches to Scalloway from S. Channel from SSW (6.41)

(Original dated 1996)
(Photograph Shetland Islands Council)

waterrelated leisure activities are increasing. Mariners are

therefore advised to keep a good lookout and avoid
anchoring in the channels.

Directions
(continued from 6.26)

Chart 3294 plan of Clift Sound and approaches to Scalloway,

and plan of Scalloway

South Channel
1

6.41
From a position about 1 mile WSW of Fugla Ness
(60064N 1208W), Scalloway Castle (2 mile NE)
(6.52), which is readily distinguished from seaward, bearing
057, visible between Green Holm (1 miles NE of Fugla
Ness) and Merry Holm, 1 cable ESE, and open NW of
Trondra Ness (2 miles NE of Fugla Ness), leads through
the outer part of South Channel passing (with positions
from Fugla Ness):
SE of Steggies (8 cables W), a group of rocky islets
steepto on their SE side and extending 3 cables S
from the S end of Oxna; the group is covered by
the red sector (082134) of Fugla Ness Light,
and:
NW of a bank, with a depth of 61 m near its outer
end which extends 5 cables SW from Fugla Ness,
thence:
Between Fugla Ness, the NW extremity of West
Burra, on which stands a light (white tower, 8 m in
height), and Bullia Skerry (4 cables NW), an
abovewater rock on which stands a light (metal
pillar with platform), noting that Hellia Baa, an
isolated shoal, lies midway between; Bullia Skerry
and Hellia Baa are covered by the red sector
(082134) of Fugla Ness Light. The sea
invariably breaks over Hellia Baa and in SW gales

sometimes over the whole width of the passage

between Fugla Ness and Bullia Skerry. In these
conditions small craft may pass NW of Bullia
Skerry; larger vessels should use North Channel.
Thence:
NW of Alta Holm (3 cables NE), close off Alta Ness,
thence:
SE of the SE side of East Head of Papa (8 cables
NNE), thence:
NW of Bruna Ness, the N extremity of West Burra,
from which a bank with depths of less than 10 m
over it extends 1 cable N.
Thence the track deviates from the 057 leading bearing
in order to pass between Green Holm, fringed by a narrow
bank on its S and SE sides, and Merry Holm which is
surrounded by a shoal extending cable SW and rather
less in other directions; this channel, although narrow, is
marked by lightbuoys (one port and one starboard hand)
and has a least depth of 11 m in the fairway.
(Directions for entering Scalloway Harbour
continue at 6.53)
Charts 3283, 3294 plan of Clift Sound and approaches to
Scalloway, and plan of Scalloway

North Channel and approach

1

234

6.42
Approach. From a position about 1 mile SE of Skelda
Ness (6009N 127W), a rugged point to which the land
slopes downward from higher ground inland, North Havra
Light (white GRP tower, 3 m in height) (6010N 120W),
bearing about 057 (at night a white sector (053060)
of the light) leads NE passing (with positions from North
Havra Light):
SE of Braga (3 miles WSW), an abovewater rock
with a drying rock 1 cable SSE; these rocks stand

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CHAPTER 6

on an isolated patch which is steepto on all sides.

Thence:
NW of Cheynies (2 miles SSW) (6.26), thence:
SE of Sanda Stour (1 miles WSW), the most S of a
group of islets and abovewater and belowwater
rocks (6.57), thence:
NW of Hildasay (1 mile SW), near the summit of
which there are a few ruined buildings; a small
drying rock lies close off the N extremity of the
island.
6.43
North Channel. When about 5 cables SW of North
Havra (6010N 120W), the coast of which is lined by
cliffs, Point of the Pund Light (white GRP tower, 3 m in
height) (60080N 1182W) bearing about 137 (at night
a white sector (135140) of the light) leads SE passing
(with positions from Point of the Pund):
NE of Hildasay (1 miles WNW) (6.42), thence:
SW of Hildasay Lightbuoy (S cardinal) (1 miles
NW) marking an isolated shoal with a depth over
it of 69 m (reported 1984), thence:
NE of Langa (7 cables WNW), a narrow islet which
is almost divided into two parts by a beach only a
few metres across; a ruined house stands on the N
part. Thence:
SW of Burwick Holm (6 cables N).
From about abreast Burwick Holm the track leads SSE
with North Havra Light bearing about 336 astern (at night
in a white sector (334337) of the light, astern)
passing:
ENE of Whaleback Skerry (3 cables W of Point of
the Pund), a small drying rock which covers at
HW and which is marked cable N by a
lightbuoy (N cardinal) thence:
In midchannel between Point of the Pund (60080N
1183W), the N entrance point of Scalloway
Harbour, and Skervie Skerry (3 cables WSW),
grasscovered and surrounded by a narrow shallow
bank.

Useful marks
1

6.44
With positions from Point of the Pund:
Hogg of Papa (1 miles WSW), an islet close off the
NE extremity of Papa.
Papa Skerry (8 cables WSW), an abovewater rock,
surrounded by a rocky bank.
Black Skerry (4 cables SW), a small abovewater
rock foul on its N and S sides.
(Directions for entering Scalloway Harbour
continue at 6.53)

Berth. Pier, 75 m long with a depth of 34 m alongside

in front of the village. Works in progress (2005).

West Burra Firth

1

Chart 3294 plan of Clift Sound and approaches to Scalloway,

and plan of Seli, Sandsound and Weisdale Voes

Whiteness Voe
1

Anchorages, harbours and bays

in approaches to Scalloway
2

Chart 3294 plan of Clift Sound and approaches to Scalloway

Hamna Voe
1

6.45
General information. Hamna Voe is entered between
Fugla Ness (60064N 1208W) and Alta Ness (2 cables
NE). The village of Hamnavoe lies at the SE head of the
harbour.
Port Authority. Shetland Islands Council (6.2); the
harbour limit is shown on the chart.

6.46
General information. The entrance to West Burra Firth
lies between Trondra Ness (60076N 1178W) and Bruna
Ness (8 cables SW) and is obstructed by the islets of Green
Holm and Merry Holm, 6 cables WSW and 4 cables SW of
Tondra Ness respectively. The firth extends S between the
islands of West Burra and Trondra and joins the N end of
Lang Sound (6.34) in the vicinity of Holm of Brough
(1 miles SSW of Trondra Ness) where the channel is
spanned by Lang Sound Bridge connecting the two islands.
Limiting conditions. Vertical clearance 50 m beneath
Lang Sound Bridge. The channel is suitable only for small
craft.
Local knowledge is required for passage into Lang
Sound.
Submarine power cable. A submarine power cable is
laid across the channel close S of the bridge.
Marine farms are situated on both sides of the firth as
indicated on the chart.
Directions. Approaching from W the track leads
between Green Holm and Bruna Ness, noting that there is a
depth of 73 m at the outer end of a bank extending about
1 cable N from the latter. Having rounded Bruna Ness at a
safe distance, the W shore should be closed in order to
pass W of a rock, over which there is a depth of 55 m,
situated 1 cables ESE of the E extremity of Bruna Ness.
Passage E of the rock is constricted by a bank extending
more than 1 cable from the E shore on which there are two
abovewater rocks and by a marine farm which encloses
Burland Skerry (9 cables S of Tondra Ness), the S of these
two rocks.
The channel into Lang Sound under Lang Sound Bridge
passes W of Holm of Brough and is narrow. The E and W
piers of the bridge are marked by lights (port and starboard
hand), and the centre of the span by a white light (white
square daymark, red stripes); these marks are visible from
N and S of the bridge.
Anchorage, with holding reported good, can be obtained
in the centre of the firth in a depth of about 24 m, as
indicated on the chart.

235

6.47
General information. Whiteness Voe is entered between
Usta Ness (60096N 1188W), the S extremity of the
narrow peninsula of White Ness, and Ness of Burwick
(8 cables SE), and extends about 2 miles NNE to its head.
The voe narrows to a width of about 1 cables abreast
Taing of Hogan (1 miles NNE of Usta Ness), above
which it is foul.
Directions. Having passed clear of Foul Baas, dangerous
rocks which lie near the outer end of a rocky spit
extending 1 cables SSW from Usta Ness, the track to the
narrows leads NNE passing (with positions from Usta
Ness):
Clear, if required by draught, of an isolated 85 m
shoal (2 cables SE), thence:
ESE of Harpa Skerry (3 cables NNE), close off the W
shore, noting a drying rock cable S and a 73 m
patch 1 cables SE of the skerry; these dangers

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CHAPTER 6

can be safely avoided by favouring the E side of

the voe where, in this vicinity, the deepest water is
to be found and the coast is clear beyond a
distance of 1 cable offshore. Thence:
In midchannel to the vicinity of a detached bank
(1 miles NNE) which lies in midchannel; Kirk
Skerry lies near the N end of this bank, with a
depth of 40 m 1 cables further SSW. These
dangers may be passed on either side but there is
a 73 m patch in the fairway of the channel leading
W of the bank.
Clearing line. The N side of Easter Score Holm
(2 miles WNW of Usta Ness) bearing not less than 305
and open SW of Havra Skerry (5 cables W of Usta Ness)
passes S of Foul Baas as shown on the chart.
Anchorage. The usual berth which, however, provides
only temporary refuge, is in midchannel above Harpa
Skerry in a depth of about 12 m, sand and shells.
6.48
Stromness Voe is entered between Binna Ness
(60099N 1196W), the S extremity of the narrow
peninsula of Strom Ness and Usta Ness (5 cables SE).
Local knowledge is required.
About 5 cables NNE of Binna Ness the passage into the
upper reaches of the voe is only about 50 m wide with a
depth of 30 m in the fairway but the passage is much
encumbered with abovewater and belowwater rocks.
Above these narrows the voe extends a further 2 miles
NNE but is narrow and contains several marine farms.
When entering care is necessary to avoid Silver Skerry
(1 cables NW of Usta Ness), two abovewater rocks
close offshore.

Limiting conditions
1

Arrival information
1

Scalloway Harbour
3

Chart 3294 plan of Scalloway

General information
1

6.49
Position. Scalloway Harbour lies in a bight of Mainland
lying E of Point of the Pund (60080N 1183W).
Function. Scalloway, formerly the capital of the
Shetland Islands, is a large village, population about 1100
and is an important centre for marine farming activities. Its
harbour is well sheltered and was developed and
modernised in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The
principal industries relate to fishing, fish products and oil.
General cargo is handled as well as frozen fish products.
Topography. The village is spread around the shore of a
bay on the N side of the inner part of the bight between
Port Arthur (6 cables E of Point of the Pund), the site of
The North Atlantic Fisheries College, and Scalloway Castle
(4 cables further ENE) (6.52) near Blacks Ness. The
harbour is protected S by the N side of the island of
Trondra.
Port limits.The W limit is shown on the chart. The S
limit is Clift Sound Bridge (7 cables W of Trondra Ness).
Approach. For details see 6.38.
Traffic. In 2004, 24 vessels, excluding fishing vessels,
used the port totalling 17 572 dwt.
Port Authority. Shetland Islands Council (6.2); there is
a Harbour Office at Scalloway:
Website: www.shetland.gov.uk.
Email: scalloway.harbour@sic.shetland.gov.uk

6.50
Controlling depth. Minimum depth in the approach
channel between the buoys in the vicinity of Port Arthur is
75 m.
Deepest berth. West Pier, SW side (6.54).
Longest berths. SE face, Commercial Quay (6.54).
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
Mean spring range about 11 m; mean neap range about
07 m.
Maximum size of vessel berthed alongside: normally,
length 90 m LOA, or 3500 tonnes loaded displacement;
larger vessels may be accepted by prior arrangement with
Port Authority. Vessels more than 70 m LOA or
2000 tonnes loaded displacement must be equipped with at
least one operational bowthruster.
Underkeel clearance. Vessels should maintain a
minimum underkeel clearance of 05 m when manoeuvring
in the harbour.
Local weather. Scalloway is nominally open in all
weathers, but movements into and out of the harbour are at
the discretion of the Harbour Master and may be delayed if
weather conditions are unsuitable.

6.51
Port operations. Port control is operated through
Scalloway Harbour Radio during normal working hours;
details of weather and tidal conditions in the harbour can
be obtained.
Notice of ETA required: 24 hours in advance
irrespective of whether pilotage services are requested or
not needed. The Harbour Master must on all occasions be
advised of the details of the configuration and operational
parameters of the vessel, and if possible the actual berthing
displacement, before acceptance into the port.
Outer anchorage. Advice on areas encumbered with
marine farms and static fishing gear can be given by
Scalloway Pier Master to Masters of vessels wishing to
anchor in the approaches to Scalloway.
Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels navigating within
the port limits which have onboard dangerous and polluting
goods to which the European Community regulations apply.
Requests for pilots, who are available at all times, should
be made 12 hours in advance and confirmed 1 hour in
advance. The pilot boarding position for vessels using
South Channel is W of Fugla Ness and for those using
North Channel is NW of Hildasay, as shown on the chart;
the latter is preferred in bad weather or heavy swell
conditions. Pilot vessel Fugla is equipped with radio. For
further details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 6 (1) and 1.50 and 1.58.

Harbour
1

236

6.52
General layout. The port area with the principal berths
is irregular in shape and situated on Blacks Ness
(60081N 1164W) close S of Scalloway Castle. General
commercial berths occupy the W part of this area; the E
part, which extends into East Voe of Scalloway, is used by
fishing vessels. Smaller quays and piers exist around the
shore of the bay between Blacks Ness and Port Arthur but
are generally only suitable for small craft. Anchorage can
be obtained in the bay W of Blacks Ness.

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CHAPTER 6

Castle

Scalloway Harbour from S (6.52)

(Photograph Shetland Islands Council)

(Original dated 2002)

Landmark:
Scalloway Castle (60082N 1164W), a prominent
ruin consisting of the outer walls, three storeys
high, of a square structure.

Directions for entering harbour

Berths
1

(continued from 6.41 and 6.44)

1

6.53
From a position about 2 cables S of Point of the Pund
Light (6.43) the track leads E passing in midchannel (with
positions from Point of the Pund):
S, in midchannel, of Maa Ness (2 cables ESE), the
S extremity of Ness of Westshore, noting Willy
White Rock, with a depth over it of 18 m, which
lies cable S of the ness, and:
N of a lightbuoy (starboard hand) (3 cables SE)
marking the 5 m depth contour cable N of
Trondra Ness.
When close S of a lightbuoy (port hand) (5 cables ESE
of Point of the Pund), moored on the S edge of a shallow
bank extending nearly 1 cable from the SE part of Ness of
Westshore, the white sector (063065) of Scalloway
Harbour Direction Light (grey metal post, 8 m in height)
(1 cables SSW of Scalloway Castle), which is exhibited
by day and at night, leads ENE to the anchorage and
Blacks Ness. The track passes between a lightbuoy
(starboard hand) (4 cables SW of the castle) marking the
5 m depth contour bordering the S shore and a lightbuoy
(port hand) marking the S edge of a 46 m shoal cable
SE of Port Arthur.
Two lightbuoys (both starboard hand) (2 cables SSW
and 1 cables SSE of the castle, respectively) mark the
6 m depth contour on the S side of the harbour abreast the
quays on Blacks Ness.
Useful marks:
Lights exhibited from the heads of several berths, the
positions of which are best seen from the chart.

6.54
Anchorage. Good but restricted anchorage can be
obtained in the harbour. The best berth is with the castle
bearing 054 distant about 2 cables in a depth of about
105 m, sand and shell, as indicated on the chart, but this
berth is only about 1 cables off the quays.
Alongside berths. Commercial Quay is situated
1 cables SW of the castle. The W face is 120 m long,
with an alongside depth of 68 m; the S face is 110 m long
with alongside depths of between 59 m and 66 m; the SE
face is 133 m long, with an alongside depth of 62 m.
West Pier, extending NW from Commercial Quay, has
an outer (SW) berth 678 m long, with an alongside depth
of about 8 m; the inner (NE) berth is 60 m long, with a
depth of about 5 m at the outer end and 42 m at the inner
end.
West Blacksness Quay is situated close W of the Castle.
The W face is 86 m long with an alongside depth of 3 m;
further berthing is provided on the N and S faces for
shallower draught vessels.
East Jetty extends E from Commercial Quay. The S face
is 130 m long, with an alongside depth of 53 m; the N
face is 100 m long and has a depth of about 6 to 7 m.
The fish quays have depths of 4 to 6 m.
There are marinas at Port Arthur and East Voe of
Scalloway.

Port services
1

237

6.55
Repairs of a minor nature to hull and machinery carried
out; two patent slips, the larger with accommodation for
vessels up to 33 m LOA, 425 m draught, 88 m beam and
350 dwt; divers.
Other facilities: medical and ambulance services,
nearest hospital at Lerwick (8 km by road).
Supplies: limited diesel fuel at berths, other fuels
supplied by road tanker; fresh water from quayside
hydrants; provisions; ice.

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Communications: Tingwall airstrip (5 km N); Sumburgh

airport (40 km S); ferries to Lerwick and Aberdeen.

Weisdale Voe
1

The Deeps
Charts 3283, 3294 plan of Seli, Sandsound and Weisdale Voes

General information

6.56
The Deeps is the collective name for the N and W
portions of the sea area lying NE of a line joining Fugla
Ness (60064N 1208W) and Skelda Ness (4 miles NW).
They include a number of voes, which are mainly long,
narrow and aligned broadly N and S, and several groups of
rocky islets.

Approach to Weisdale Voe and Sandsound Voe

1

6.57
General information. Weisdale Voe (6.58) and
Sandsound Voe (6.59), which are separated by Russa Ness
(6012N 121W), share a common approach from the
vicinity of the N approach to Scalloway Harbour.
Marine farms are established in the approaches. See
1.19.
Directions. From a position 5 cables E of Sanda Stour
(60095N 1225W) at the NE end of the approach to
North Channel (6.43), the route leads N on the S extremity
of Russa Ness, passing (with positions from Sanda Stour):
W of North Havra (1 miles ENE) (6.43) noting that
a drying rock lies on a shallow spit extending
1 cable W from the NW corner of the island,
thence:
Clear of a 16.6 m patch ( mile NE), thence:
E of a chain of groups of islets and abovewater and
belowwater rocks which lie between Sanda Stour
and North Score Holm (1 mile N); passage
between the rocks and islets is unsafe, even for
boats. This foul area can be cleared on all sides by
passing at a distance of at least 1 cables outside
all visible peripheral rocks. Thence:
E of Fore Holm (1 miles N), a rocky islet, the E
side of which is foul, lying 1 cables S of the S
extremity of Fora Ness, noting Billy Baa
(2 cables further NE), and:
W of Hoggs of Hoy (2 miles NE), a group of rocks
and rocky islets which extend nearly 3 cables W
from the NW side of the island of Hoy.
Useful mark:
Radio mast (2 miles NNE of S extremity of Russa
Ness) on Hill of Sound.
Sound of Havra, the passage between North Havra and
Binna Ness (close E), has a depth of 101 m but is too
narrow to serve as a navigable channel.
Sound of Hoy, which separates the small island of Hoy
from the Mainland peninsula of Strom Ness is 1 cables
wide, deep but encumbered by marine farms.
Passage between Hoy and Flotta. Depths in the
channel between Hoy, and adjacent islets, and Flotta (6.58)
are very irregular. This passage should not be used without
local knowledge.
Hogg Sound the channel between Hoy and Hoggs of
Hoy, is navigable by boats only, and boat passages also
exist between the islets and rocks of Hoggs of Hoy. Local
knowledge is required.

6.58
General information. Weisdale Voe is entered between
the S extremity of Russa Ness (6012N 121W) and the
SW extremity (5 cables ESE) of Flotta (6012N 119W).
Above Hellister Ness (2 miles NNE of the S extremity of
Russa Ness) where the voe narrows and shoals rapidly
towards its head, it is suitable only for small craft. There is
anchorage below Hellister Ness.
Tidal streams are negligible in the voe.
Marine farms are established in the voe. See 1.19.
Directions to anchorage area. Approach see 6.57.
From a position in the entrance, passage up the voe
leads NNE, favouring the W side which is clear of dangers,
and passing (with positions from S extremity of Russa
Ness):
WNW of Flotta (6 cables E), a small island foul on
all sides, thence:
WNW of Flotta Baa (5 cables ENE); passage E of
this dangerous rock should not be attempted.
Thence:
WNW of Greena, the W side of which is clear
beyond a distance of cable, but foul ground with
depths of less than 24 m extends nearly 3 cables
N from the island.
Clearing marks. The alignment (225) of the NW side
of Fore Holm with Snap (2 miles SW) (6.61) passes clear
W of Flotta Baa.
Minor side channel. There is a boat passage between
Flotta and Greena and through Sound of Flotta, the channel
between Flotta and the peninsula of Strom Ness, close E,
in which there is a depth of 18 m in the fairway; local
knowledge is required.
Anchorages and landings. The best anchorage is in
midchannel abreast Haggersta (1 miles NE of S
extremity of Russa Ness) in a depth of 24 m, sand and
mud; vessels of suitable size may find better shelter from S
winds by anchoring nearer to the E shore. Several small
jetties are situated on both sides of the N part of the voe.
Boats can land in the bay at Haggersta.

Sandsound Voe and The Firth

1

238

6.59
General information. Sandsound Voe is entered
between the S extremity of Russa Ness (6012N 121W)
and the E side of the peninsula of Fora Ness (5 cables
SW). At Rams Ness, 1 mile within the entrance, the voe
narrows to a width of 1 cables with a depth of 158 m in
the fairway which is about cable wide. At the inner end
of the voe, a deep channel about 1 cable wide between Salt
Ness (60142N 1225W) and Lung Ness (2 cables E),
leads into The Firth, a sheltered basin consisting of a
comparatively wide central portion which is extended at the
E end by Tresta Voe and at the W end by Bixter Voe; the
latter, the head of which is separately named Effirth Voe, is
narrow, shallow and suitable only for small craft.
Tidal streams are negligible within Sandsound Voe.
Marine farms exist at a number of locations in
Sandsound Voe and The Firth, extending along all the E
coast of Fora Ness, as shown on the chart. See 1.19.
Directions. Approach see 6.57.
Having passed clear of Billy Baa (7 cables S of the S
extremity of Russa Ness) (6.57), the track through
Sandsound Voe generally favours the E side, to avoid
marine farms. On entering The Firth care is necessary to

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CHAPTER 6

avoid Salt Ness Spit, a narrow ridge of sand which extends

more than 1 cable NE from Salt Ness.
Clearing marks. The alignment (167), astern, of Rams
Ness with the W summit of North Havra (3 miles SSE)
passes E of Salt Ness Spit, but across the edge of the shore
bank fringing the W side of Lung Ness.
Useful mark;
Quarsdale House (7 cables N of Salt Ness).
Anchorage can be found in Sandsound Voe, clear of the
marine farms. In The Firth the best berth is in the centre
with Salt Ness bearing about 180 in a depth of about
14 m. Smaller vessels can anchor in the centre of Tresta
Voe in a depth of about 8 m with the NW extreme of Lung
Ness bearing 216; the holding ground of sand and mud in
The Firth is good.
Landing. There is a small pier at Omunsgarth (5 cables
N of Rams Ness), usable by boats at all states of the tide,
and a small rubble pier on the N side of Tresta Voe.

Chart 3283

Skelda Voe
1

Sand Voe and Seli Voe

1

6.60
General information. Sand Voe and Seli Voe are
separated by Kirka Ness (60120N 1235W) in a bight
of the coast of Mainland entered between The Taing and
the S extremity of Fora Ness (9 cables S and 9 cables SE
of Kirka Ness, respectively). They share a common
approach from S. Both voes are exposed S and anchorage
in them or in their approach is not advised.
Marine farms restrict navigation in Seli Voe which is
narrow and suitable only for small craft.
Directions for common approach. From a position
between Sanda Stour (60095N 1225W) (6.57) and the
dangers (6.61), of which Snap is the most S, extending S
from Roe Ness (1 miles WNW) the approach leads NNE
passing:
ESE of the coast of Mainland which, between Roe
Ness and The Taing (1 miles NNE) is lined by
cliffs with several abovewater rocks and stacks
close offshore, and:
WNW of a foul area extending between Sanda Stour
and North Score Holm (1 mile N); for further
details of this area see 6.57. Thence:
WNW of Fore Holm (1 mile SE of Kirka Ness) and:
Clear as required by draught of Sunken Ship Rock
(7 cables S of Kirka Ness), so named because a
Spanish galleon is reputed to have sunk in the
vicinity.
Direction for Sand Voe. Sand Voe is entered between
Kirka Ness and the SW extremity of Fora Ness (9 cables
SE). Care is necessary to avoid a group of rocky islets, of
which Kirk Holm is the largest, and above and
belowwater rocks which extend 4 cables SSE from Kirka
Ness; the E side of this group should be given a berth of at
least 1 cable. Piers are situated at the NW head of Sand
Voe.
Clearing marks: Snap bearing 212 and open E of
Kame (1 miles S of Kirka Ness) passes clear E of the
dangers extending SSE from Kirka Ness.
Directions for Seli Voe. Seli Voe is entered between
Kirka Ness and Trouts Ness (2 cables W). Care is
necessary to avoid the dangers (see above) extending SSE
from Kirka Ness. Piers are situated at Leeans on the E
shore of Seli Voe; lights are exhibited from the latter.
Minor side channels. There is a narrow boat channel,
with a depth of 46 m in the fairway, between the S end of

Fora Ness and Fore Holm. Passage between Kirka Ness

and the dangers S is foul.
Landing. Sheltered landing for boats is available at Rea
Wick, a small sandy bay close W of The Taing.

6.61
General information. Skelda Voe is entered between
Roe Ness (6010N 125W) and Skelda Ness (1 miles
SW). 1 mile NNW of Roe Ness the voe narrows to a width
of about cable, where there is a depth of 24 m in the
fairway. Above the narrows the voe widens into a small
basin in the centre of which there is a depth of 43 m.
Because of the seas and swell which enter in S gales
Skelda Voe is not much frequented, but it does afford good
shelter in N weather.
Local knowledge is required for the narrows and above.
Directions. From a position clear of Braga (9 cables
SSW of Roe Ness) (6.42) the route into the voe leads
NNW passing:
WSW of Snap, an abovewater rock which lies
2 cables SSE of Roe Ness at the outer end of a
ledge extending S from a position on the shore
about 1 cable NNE of Roe Ness. Snap is clear S
but passage over the ledge N of Snap is foul.
Thence:
WSW of a rocky ledge, on which there are several
abovewater rocks, extending 2 cables SSW from
a position on the E shore 5 cables NW of Roe
Ness.
Anchorages and pier. A useful temporary anchorage in
N weather is in midvoe S of the narrows in depths
between 11 and 18 m. The basin above the narrows affords
secure anchorage for smaller vessels in depths of up to
4 m. There is a small pier, from which lights are exhibited,
at the NW head of the basin.

SCALLOWAY TO VE SKERRIES
General information
Charts 3283, 3281

General description
1

6.62
From a position S of Skelda Ness (6009N 127W) in
the outer approaches to Scalloway, the coastal passage
follows the coast of Mainland, which trends initially NW
and then N to the vicinity of Ve Skerries (6022N 149W)
close off the S entrance point of Saint Magnus Bay.

Topography
1

239

6.63
Mainland. Between Skelda Ness and Culswick Ness
(3 miles NE) (6.76) the coast is bold, with highly
coloured granite cliffs of moderate height, and is indented
by several small bays. Many remarkablyshaped stacks lie
along it within 3 cables of the shore.
Vaila (6012N 135W), an island in the entrance to
Gruting Voe (6.77) and Vaila Sound (6.78), appears from
seaward to merge with Mainland as the channels on either
side of it can only be distinguished upon close approach.
Two cairns, one conspicuous near the summit of the island,

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CHAPTER 6

6 cables NNE of Strom Ness, the S extremity of Vaila, the

other 4 cables NNW of the same point, in ruins and at an
elevation of 73 m, assist in identification. Mucklabery
Castle (1 mile NW of Strom Ness) is conspicuous. The SW
side of Vaila, which consists of irregular cliffs, is bold and
steepto.
From W of Vaila to Mu Ness (6015N 142W) the
coast is bold, rocky and broken.
Between Mu Ness and Matta Taing (2 miles N) the
coast of the W extremity of Mainland has no particular
feature distinguishable from a distance, apart from some
very high cliffs at the head of Bay of Deepdale (7 cables
SE of Matta Taing).
Foula (6008N 205W). See 6.71 for details.
Papa Stour (6020N 142W). See 6.81 for details.

Wats Ness to Ve Skerries

Rescue
1

6.64
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained at Walls
(6014N 134W), Huxter (1 mile NNE of Matta Taing)
and on Papa Stour; for further details see 1.76.

Local routeing measure

1

6.65
It is recommended that passage between Foula and
Mainland be avoided; see 6.5.

Natural conditions
1

6.66
Tidal streams. About 5 miles ENE of Foula tidal
streams are rotary and change direction very quickly when
they are weak but only at about 10 per hour from about
2 hours before to 2 hours after the times of their greatest
strength.
About 10 miles NW of Papa Stour the tidal streams are
more or less rotary clockwise and are weak, the maximum
rate being about kn.
For further details see information on the charts and in
Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands.
Overfalls and sea state. There are heavy overfalls
between Papa Stour and Ve Skerries (3 miles NW). On all
the banks between Mainland and Foula there are ripples or
overfalls which, near spring tides and with wind against the
tidal stream, are replaced by violent turbulence. For further
details see 6.72.

Principal marks
1

6.67
Landmark:
Foula (6008N 205W) (6.71).
Major light:
Foula Light (white tower) on South Ness, the S
extremity of the island; the light is obscured by
land between 123 and 221 as indicated on the
chart.
6.68
Racon:
Ve Skerries Light (6022N 149W).
For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.

Chart 3283

General information
1

Directions
(continued from 6.26)

Skelda Ness to Wats Ness

1

6.69
Caution. Sections of this coastal route are unsurveyed.
See the source diagram on the chart.

6.70
From a position W of Wats Ness the coastal passage
leads NNW passing (with positions from Matta Taing
(6017N 142W)):
WSW of Mu Ness (2 miles S), noting North Shoals
(9 miles WSW), thence:
WSW of Weinnia Ness (1 miles S), thence:
WSW of Matta Taing, the S entrance point to Sound
of Papa, thence:
WSW of Fogla Skerry (3 miles NNW), an islet
lying 3 cables W of the W extremity of Papa Stour
(6.81), with Lyra Skerry between, thence:
W of Ve Skerries (6022N 149W), a detached
group of belowwater and low abovewater rocks
lying generally on or near the outer edge of an
isolated bank with depths over it of 10 m; further
details are best seen from the chart. Ve Skerries
Light (white concrete tower, 16 m in height; racon)
stands on Ormal, the most E of the abovewater
rocks. During gales heavy seas break over the
whole group and the rocks are difficult to
distinguish amidst the broken water. Mariners are
cautioned against navigating within a distance of
5 cables of the group, especially in heavy weather
or poor visibility. Passage E of the group is not
recommended as the presence of fishing vessels
may be an additional hazard.
Useful mark (with position from Matta Taing):
Cairns on Sandness Hill (1 miles E).
(Directions continue for Saint Magnus Bay at 6.89
and for coastal passage N at 6.119)

Foula and adjacent waters

Other aid to navigation

1

From a position SSW of Skelda Ness (6009N 127W)

(6.42) the coastal passage passing NE of Foula (6008N
205W) (6.71) leads WNW along the coast of Mainland,
passing:
SSW of Giltarump (1 miles WNW of Skelda Ness),
a bold, precipitous and rocky islet about 1 cable
offshore with some remarkable pinnacle rocks
close by, thence:
SSW of Vaila (6012N 135W) (6.63), thence:
SSW of Braga Ness (2 miles NW of the S
extremity of Vaila), thence:
NNE of Foula Shoal (6008N 154W) (6.72) and:
SSW of Wats Ness (6014N 141W), the S
extremity of which is a bold cliff with Skerries of
Watsness, two large detached rocks, at the foot.

240

6.71
Foula (6008N 205W), the most W of the Shetland
Islands, lies 12 miles WSW of the coast of Mainland at the
W end of a bank with depths of less than 50 m over it and
on which there are several formidable dangers.
The N and S ends of the island are low. A light (6.67)
stands on South Ness, the S extremity of the island. The E
side of the island consists generally of low broken cliffs
with a few small indentations, whence the land rises W.
The W coast consists of precipitous cliffs, 150 to 365 m
high which are the breeding ground of vast numbers of
seabirds.
The island attains its summit in The Sneug (2 miles
NNW of South Ness). From NE three other distinct peaks
can be seen (positioned from South Ness): The Noup

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CHAPTER 6

South Ness
(Photograph Air Images)

Light

Foula from SSE (6.71)

(Original dated 1999)

(1 mile NW); Hamnafield (1 miles N); and The Kame

(2 miles NW). The Noup is separated from the other
peaks by The Daal, an elevated valley. A monument stands
on Durga Ness (1 miles NNE of South Ness), and a
group of radio masts stands 3 cables further NW near the
settlement of Ham.
Administration and communications. The island has a
population of about 50 who mainly occupy settlements at
Hametoun and Ham, respectively, 4 cables N and 1 miles
NNE of South Ness, and who are mainly crofters. There is
a school, post office and church. The island is part of
Lerwick customs district. Principal communication to
Mainland is by air from an airstrip located in the S part of
the island but there are also sea links with Mainland at
Walls (6.78); both operate only when weather conditions
are suitable.
Tidal streams. About 2 miles E of South Ness, near
Hvdi Grund (6.72), the SEgoing tidal stream begins at
0355 HW Lerwick (0400 HW Dover) and the NWgoing
at +0205 HW Lerwick (+0200 HW Dover); spring rate 2 kn
in both directions.

Anchorage
1

Directions
1

6.72
When navigating within a distance of 5 miles E of Foula
particular care is necessary to avoid the following (with
positions from South Ness):
Foula Shoal (5 miles E), a rocky patch.
Hvdi Grund (1 to 3 miles E) on which there are a
number of shoal heads, Hvdi Rock (2 miles E)
being the shoalest; further details are best seen
from the chart.
Both Hvdi Grund and Foula Shoal may usually be
distinguished by the turbulent seas in their vicinity. There
are considerable ripples over both shoals in even moderate
breezes, and with any swell the sea breaks over Hvdi
Rock. During gales the sea breaks over the whole of
Hvdi Grund and over Foula Shoal, and sometimes right
across the passage between Foula and these shoals. In calm
weather at neaps, however, the sea may be quite smooth in
the vicinity of Hvdi Grund and Foula Shoal.
There is a least charted depth of 17 m in the fairway
between Foula and the W edge of Hvdi Grund.
Clearing marks. The cliff at Wester Hvdi (2 miles
NW of South Ness) just shutting in behind The Noup,
bearing 297, passes SW of Hvdi Grund.

Many rocks fringe the coast of Foula but apart from the
following none lie more than cable offshore:
Helli Bass, a drying reef, which extends 2 cables N
from Strem Ness (6009N 203W), the NE
extremity of Foula. The N side of Helli Bass is
steepto but dangers extend E and a bank extends
ENE; at springs tiderips occur on the SE side of
this bank during the Sgoing tidal stream and on
the NW side during the Ngoing tidal stream.
The Bass (2 cables S of South Ness), a group of
rocks (reported 1982).
Abovewater rocks which lie within about 1 cable of
the N coast between Da Ness, the N extremity of
Foula, and Arva Skerry (5 cables W), a low
pyramidshaped rock; there is deep water close N
of these rocks.
6.73
Anchorage is practicable, in fine weather, about 1 mile
off Ham Voe (1 miles NNE of South Ness) using a N
approach, but mariners using this berth must be prepared to
leave immediately at the first sign of bad weather.

Harbour
1

6.74
There is a stone pier at Ham Voe on which davit
facilities for lifting 12 m long ferry craft are established. A
light (metal pole) is exhibited from the pier.
Landings can be made in some of the small indentations
of the coast.

Gruting Voe and Vaila Sound

Chart 3295 plan of Vaila Sound and Gruting Voe

General information
1

241

6.75
General description. Between Culswick Ness
(60112N 1327W) and Black Head (2 miles WNW) a
large and irregularlyshaped indentation in the coast of
Mainland is divided into Gruting Voe (6.77) to the E and
Vaila Sound (6.78) to the W by Whites Ness which
terminates S in Rams Head (60120N 1335W); both
parts are further divided into a number of lesser voes. The
island of Vaila, which is not readily identified from
seaward (6.63), almost fills the mouth of the indentation.
Gruting Voe and Easter Sound, the principal entrance to
Vaila Sound E of Vaila, share a common approach.

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CHAPTER 6

Both Gruting Voe and Vaila Sound afford anchorage.

Port Authority. Shetland Islands Council (6.2); the
harbour limits are shown on the chart.
Marine farms are situated in both Gruting Voe and
Vaila Sound. Their locations are best seen from the chart.

Directions for common approach

6.76
From a position about 1 mile S of Rams Head
(60120N 1335W), on which stands a light (white clad
metal framework tower, 5 m in height), the common
approach to Gruting Voe and Easter Sound leads N passing
(with positions from Rams Head):
W of Culswick Ness (9 cables SSE); Broch of
Culswick, the scanty remains of an ancient Pictish
building, stands on an eminence about 1 cable
within the ness. Thence:
W of Muckle Flaes (5 cables SSE), thence:
E of Gaada Stacks (6 cables SW), a group of rocks
one of which is an arch of red granite, thence:
E of Humla Stack (3 cables SSW), close off Green
Head.
With the exception of an 82 m patch extending a short
distance NW from Muckle Flaes, all the features described
above are steepto on their seaward side.
At night a white sector (355012) of Rams Head
Light leads through the approach.

Gruting Voe
1

Vaila Sound
1

6.77
General information. Gruting Voe, entered E of Rams
Head (60120N 1335W), is a virtually landlocked
harbour, although there is generally a swell setting into its
entrance. Excellent anchorage can be found anywhere in
the voe but there is no advantage in proceeding beyond
Ness of Gruting (1 miles NE of Rams Head).

Rams Head

Vaila

Directions to anchorage. From a position E of Rams

Head the track leads in midvoe passing (with positions
from Rams Head):
Between Green Head (2 cables ENE) and the coast
of Mainland 2 cables farther SE; shallow banks
extend about cable from both shores, thence:
Around Callie Taing (5 cables NE) from which a
shallow bank extends about cable, thence:
Between Heock Ness (8 cables NNE) and Skerries of
Tunasdaal (3 cables further SSE) from where
course may be adjusted to anchorage W of Ness of
Gruting.
Anchorage and harbour. The usual berth is about
3 cables W of Ness of Gruting in a depth of about 27 m,
mud, clear of Holm of Gruting and of a spit with a depth
of 32 m over its outer end situated, respectively, 1 cable
WSW and 4 cables SW of Ness of Gruting. There is a
small pier and a slip at the head of Voe of Browland
suitable for small craft; the shallow N part of Gruting Voe
is entered at Mara Ness (2 miles NNE of Rams Head
6.78
General information. Vaila Sound lies N of the island
of Vaila (6012N 135W) (6.63). The recommended
entrance is by Easter Sound, the channel between the E
side of Vaila and Mainland at Whites Ness. Vaila Sound is
divided into two portions by the island of Linga (6013N
134W).
Vaila Voe, the E portion, lies E and N of Linga. Above
the narrows at Saltness (4 cables NE of the N extremity of
Linga) the voe is shallow and foul, with the village of
Walls, where there is a church, at its head.
Lera Voe lies at the head of the W portion, and is
entered by a channel only cable wide between rocks N
of Holm of Breibister (5 cables W of the W extremity of
Linga).

Gruting Voe

Green Head

Muckle Flaes

Approaches to Gruting Voe from SSW (6.77)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph Air Images)

242

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CHAPTER 6

Local knowledge is required for the following:

Wester Sound, the entrance channel to Vaila Sound
between the NW side of Vaila and Mainland.
The narrow passage between the NW side of Linga
and Mainland at Stap Ness (close NW).
Lera Voe.
Vaila Voe N of Linga.
Directions are not given for these areas which are
accessible only by small craft.
Ferry. When conditions are suitable a ferry operates to
Foula (6.71) from Walls.
Directions for entering by Easter Sound. From a
position at the inner end of the approach (6.76), about
1 cable S of Rams Head (60120N 1335W), the track
through Easter Sound leads NNW. Narrow shallow banks
fringe both the E side of Vaila and the steep SW face of
Whites Ness, but the fairway in midchannel is clear.
When past Point of Gronataing (3 cables NNW of
Rams Head), the W extremity of Whites Ness, Broch of
Culswick (6.76) bearing not more than 148 astern and
open SW of the coast of Whites Ness passes WSW of
Galta Skerry (5 cables NNW of Rams Head), marked by a
beacon (concrete, starboard hand) which is not easy to
distinguish; the skerry is connected ESE to Heathery Taing
by a shallow bank; a rock with a depth over it of 37 m
lies cable N of the beacon.
If intending to anchor S of Linga the leading line
described above passes clear WSW of Baa of Linga
(7 cables NNW of Rams Head), a small rock which nearly
dries.
If proceeding to anchor in Vaila Voe, having passed
Galta Skerry as previously described, the track leads N
with the E extremity of Linga bearing 004 ahead until E
of Baa of Linga (see above) from where the track leads N
in midchannel between Whites Ness and the E side of
Linga, noting that both shores are fringed by narrow banks
on which there are dangerous rocks in places.
Useful marks:
Vaila Light (1 cables W of Saltness) on SE corner
of a building on pier.
An abovewater rock (1 cable N of Baa of Linga) on
the S edge of Skerries of Linga which extend S
from the S side of Linga.

Anchorages and harbours.

1

2
3

6.79
Anchorages suitable for small craft can be found:
In Vaila Sound between Linga and Vaila, in a depth
of 22 m, with Outer Head bearing about 256 and
just open NW of the N extremity of Vaila.
In Vaila Voe, which is better than Vaila Sound, in a
depth of 16 to 17 m.
These berths are shown on the chart; care is necessary
to avoid marine farms in their vicinity.
Harbours. A Tshaped pier with 24 m of berthing space
and depths of 40 m alongside lies on the W side of the
narrow part of Vaila Voe, 2 cables S of Walls. A light is
exhibited from a building on the pierhead. There is a
marina at Walls.
Piers may be found at the following locations:
On N side of Point of Gronataing.
At the head of the bay entered N of Kaili Ness in
Vaila Voe.
Several other small piers around the head of Vaila
Voe in the vicinity of Walls.

Supplies.
Water is available, and limited quantities of supplies
may be obtained at Walls.

SAINT MAGNUS BAY

General information
Chart 3281

General description
1

6.80
Saint Magnus Bay is the name given to the large
indentation on the W coast of Mainland between Matta
Taing (6017N 142W) and Esha Ness, 12 miles N. Many
smaller bays and inlets, some of which provide good
anchorage, open into the bay and once the land has been
identified there is little difficulty in finding shelter in one
or other of them.

Topography
1

243

6.81
Papa Stour (6020N 142W), one of the most fertile
of the Shetland Islands, is separated from Mainland by
Sound of Papa (6.91) at the S entrance to Saint Magnus
Bay. The coast of the island is generally precipitous, much
indented and fringed by many detached rocks, stacks and
skerries which have been eroded by the constant action of
the sea. Except on its SE side Papa Stour may be
circumnavigated clear of all dangers by giving each salient
point a berth of about 3 cables. The NW extremity of the
island is a remarkable bold cliff through which there is a
natural tunnel about 5 cables long. There is an airstrip at
the S end of the island.
Of general interest Papa Stour is noted for the number,
size and beauty of its caves. Christies Hole, on the SW
coast is considered one of the finest in Britain. It lies at the
head of a narrow creek walled in by vertical rock cliffs
about 30 m high; a fine columnar stack stands just before
the entrance to the cave, which is a natural archway 27 m
long; then comes a space, still walled in but open to the
sky. The cave itself then extends about 70 m and ends in a
beach.
6.82
Skerry of Eshaness (6028N 138W) and Isle of
Stenness (close E) are not always easy to distinguish from
seaward as both islets have much the same appearance as
the coastal cliffs of the S side of Esha Ness near which
they lie.
6.83
Vementry (6020N 128W) is irregular in shape and
much indented. The island is hilly and attains its summit in
Muckle Ward, on which there is a cairn, 6 cables SSE of
Swarbacks Head, the N extremity of the island; two
disused gun emplacements are situated on Swarbacks Head.
The island is separated from Mainland by Cribba Sound
(6.108) and Uyea Sound (6.109).
6.84
Muckle Roe, of which Strom Ness (6022N 128W) is
the W extremity, is easily distinguished by its well formed
geological structure; the whole coast on the seaward sides
of the island consists of precipitous red granite cliffs, which
are fissured by caves and fringed by offlying stacks; bleak
red hills, almost devoid of any vegetation, rise above the
cliffs. Except off Brei Ness, the N extremity of the island,

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CHAPTER 6

the whole of the seaward coastline is steepto and may be

approached closely.
Muckle Roe is connected to Mainland by a road bridge
at the E end of Roe Sound (6.102), the narrow channel
which separates the NE side of the island from Mainland.
Only the E side of Muckle Roe is inhabited.

Rescue
1

6.85
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained at Huxter
(6023N 141W), on Papa Stour, and at Hillswick
(6028N 129W); for further details see 1.76.
Lifeboat. An RNLI allweather lifeboat is stationed at
Aith (6017N 122W). For further details see 1.87.
2

Tidal streams
1

6.86
Part of the Sgoing branch of the coastal tidal stream
(6.116) in the sea area W of Esha Ness runs SE into the
head of Saint Magnus Bay, W along the S side of the bay
and out through the Sound of Papa. During the Ngoing
coastal tidal stream the direction of the streams in the bay
is reversed. See also information on the charts and in
Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands.

Principal marks
1

may be navigated safely provided the visible features on or

close off the shore are given a berth of at least 5 cables
except between Skerry of Eshaness and Ness of Hillswick
(4 miles ESE). Here the coast, which forms an exposed
bight, is foul with outlying rocks some distance offshore;
particular care is necessary to avoid The Drongs (3 miles E
of Skerry of Eshaness) (6.87), as from them a reef, on
which there are drying rocks, extends 1 cable SW and
3 cables S, and they are connected NW to Ness of
Hillswick by foul ground. Brae Wick and Sand Wick
(respectively 2 miles ENE and 3 miles E of Skerry of
Eshaness) at the head of this bight have not been
completely surveyed. Mariners are advised to give this
stretch of the coast a wide berth.
Light sector. The red sector (093114) of Ness of
Hillswick Light (see below) covers the S part of the reef
extending S from The Drongs, and all dangers lying S of
Esha Ness.
6.90
Useful marks:
Ve Skerries Light (6022N 149W) (6.70).
Ness of Hillswick Light (white clad metal framework
tower, 5 m in height) (6027N 130W).
Muckle Roe Light (white clad metal frameowrk
tower, 7 m in height) (6021N 127W).

6.87
Landmarks:
Dore Holm (6028N 136W), a remarkable islet with
dark vertical sides and a grasscovered summit
lying 2 cables S of Esha Ness. There is a natural
arch, 21 m high, on the NW side and a cavernous
passage completely perforates the islet; the SE
entrance of the passage has the appearance, from a
distance, of a doorway. The N and S sides of Dore
Holm are foul.

Muckle Roe Light (6.90)

(Original dated 1996)
(Photograph Lt. Cdr. TC Tulloch CD, Candian Navy)

Dore Holm from SW (6.87)

(Original dated 1996)

Sound of Papa

(Photograph Lt. Cdr. T.C. Tulloch CD, Canadian Navy)

General information
2

The Drongs (6028N 132W), a remarkable cluster

of tall red granite rocks resembling the ruins of a
large building.
Major light:
Esha Ness Light (6029N 138W) (6.117).
West Burra Firth Inner Light (60178N 1321W)
(6.107).

Other aid to navigation

1

6.88
Racon:
Ve Skerries Light (6022N 149W).
For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.

Directions
(continued from 6.70)
1

6.89
Saint Magnus Bay is clear of dangers except in the
vicinity of the shore line which is very irregular in shape
and in most places fringed by rocks and reefs. The bay

244

6.91
Sound of Papa, which is entered from W between Matta
Taing (6017N 142W) and Swarta Skerry (1 miles
NNW), separates Papa Stour (6.81) from Mainland.
The sound is much used by vessels entering and leaving
Saint Magnus Bay in order to avoid rounding Papa Stour
and encountering the heavy overfalls (6.66) which exist
between Papa Stour and Ve Skerries.
Local knowledge is required for Sound of Papa as tidal
streams are strong and the channel is encumbered with a
number of dangers.
Submarine power cable. A submarine power cable is
laid across the sound between the vicinity of Ness of
Melby (1 miles NE of Matta Taing) and Fore Wick
(1 miles farther NNW) as shown on the chart.
Tidal streams, which are a continuation of those
running in Saint Magnus Bay (6.86), run strongly through
the sound; the SWgoing tidal stream begins at 0355 HW
Lerwick (0400 HW Dover) and the NEgoing at
+0335 HW Lerwick (+0330 HW Dover).

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Directions
1

6.92
From a position midway between Matta Taing and
Swarta Skerry (1 miles NNW), the track leads ENE
passing (with positions from Matta Taing):
NNW of Huxter Baas (8 cables N) which lie near the
outer edge of a shallow rocky bank fringing the
coast of Mainland, thence:
SSE of the S extremity of Papa Stour (1 miles N)
which is fringed by dangerous rocks, thence:
N around Midsound Baas (1 miles NE), which lie
in the middle of the sound.
Here the fairway leads E with Brough Skerries (3 miles
ENE) bearing 101, ahead, and just open N of Holm of
Melby, 1 miles further W, which is low. This leading line
passes in midchannel between Midsound Baas and a
drying rock (2 miles NNE) which lies near the S edge of a
rocky bank extending S from Forewick Ness (2 miles
NNE), the SE extremity of Papa Stour; Forewick Holm lies
on this bank midway between the drying rock and the ness.
When abreast Forewick Holm course may be adjusted as
necessary to pass N of Holm of Melby, noting that a rock
with a depth over it of 06 m (charted as a dangerous rock)
lies 4 cables ENE of Holm of Melby. The coast between
Neap of Norby (2 miles NE), a lofty and remarkable cliff,
and the entrance to Voe of Snarraness (1 miles farther E)
should be given a berth of at least 5 cables as it is fringed
by dangers, including Baa of Oxafirth which, with a depth
over it of 34 m, lies 2 cables N of Brough Skerries.
Clearing line. Melby House (1 miles NE of Matta
Taing) on Ness of Melby, bearing 245 and kept open N of
Neap of Norby passes N of Baa of Oxafirth.
6.93
Useful mark:
Cairns on Sandness Hill (1 miles E of Matta Taing).

Aith Voe
1

Swarbacks Minn and adjacent harbours

Chart 3295 plan of Swarbacks Minn

General information
1

6.94
Swarbacks Minn, a bold, deep and clear channel at the
SE head of Saint Magnus Bay, leads between the N side of
the island of Vementry (6020N 128W) (6.83) and the S
side of Muckle Roe (8 cables NNE) (6.84) and gives access
to a number of excellent harbours which are virtually
landlocked.
About 1 miles within its entrance Swarbacks Minn is
divided by the island of Papa Little (6020N 124W) into
two channels; one, named The Rona, runs SE and leads to
Sound of Houbansetter, the channel E of Papa Little, and
Aith Voe; the other runs NE and leads to Gon Firth, Olna
Firth and Busta Voe, all of which are entered from the
vicinity of the island of Linga (60215N 1215W).
Marine farms fringe much of Swarbacks Minn and
adjacent harbours and in some areas are moored in central
positions in channels, as shown on the chart.
6.95
Topography. Papa Little (6020N 124W) is hilly with
a conspicuous cairn on South Ward, the S summit of the
island. The S, W and N sides are clear outside a distance
of 1 cable offshore.

6.96
Swarbacks Minn is entered between Murbie Stacks
(6021N 127W), which lie close offshore W of Muckle

6.97
General information. Aith Voe is entered between Point
of Sletta (6019N 123W), the NE extremity of Aith Ness,
and Selie Ness (6 cables NE) from where it extends 2 miles
S. Its principal approach is by The Rona (6.96), but it may
also be approached through Sound of Houbansetter (6.98).
The village of Aith lies at the head of the voe.
Marine farms are established in Aith Voe as shown on
the chart.
Directions. The E side of Aith Voe is fouled by an
abovewater rock (5 cables ESE of Point of Sletta) which
lies near the outer end of a spit extending about 1 cable
NNW from a small point on the shore.
Useful marks with positions from Point of Sletta:
Braewick House (6 cables S).
Holm of Burrafirth (1 mile SE).
Light (green post, 2 m in height) (1 miles SSE) on
breakwater head at the RNLI station at Aith.
Church (2 miles SSE) at Aith.
Anchorage. The usual berth, suitable for coasters, is
with Braewick House bearing 249 and the SW side of
Papa Little just shut in by Point of Sletta in a depth of
26 m, mud. Smaller craft can anchor at the head of the
voe. It is necessary to avoid marine farms in the vicinity of
both berths. There is a marina at Aithsting (60171N
1225W) at the head of the voe.

Sound of Houbansetter
1

Directions
1

Roe Light (6.90), and Swarbacks Skerry (8 cables SW),

close off Swarbacks Head (6.83). From the entrance, which
is steepto on both sides, the channel leads ESE and is
clear on both sides outside a distance of 1 cable off the
salient points or visible features, except for Burki Bank
(1 mile ESE of Muckle Roe Light).
The Rona, entered between the N extremity of Braga
Ness (6020N 125W) and Point of Hamnaayre
(7 cables ENE), leads generally SE between the SW part
of Papa Little and Aith Ness (2 cables SSW); the channel
is deep and unobstructed and both its sides are clear of
dangers except for a group of rocks, one of which dries,
lying close off Keen Point (3 cables S of the S extremity of
Papa Little).
Passage north of Papa Little. The channel passing N
of Papa Little to the vicinity of Linga is deep and
unobstructed except for a marine farm situated 2 cables
SSW of Linga. The N side of Papa Little, the SE side of
Muckle Roe and the E, S and W sides of Linga are all
clear of dangers beyond a short distance offshore apart
from a number of marine farms, some of which are
uncharted; see Note on the chart.
The channel passing N of Linga is partially obstructed
by Groin Baa, a dangerous rock (1 cables N of the N
extremity of Linga), and by marine farms on both sides of
the channel.

245

6.98
General information. Sound of Houbansetter (6020N
122W), the channel between Papa Little and Mainland E,
is limited in use as a through passage by the restricted
width of its N entrance where, between Mainland and the E
extremity of Papa Little, the navigable fairway is only
about cable wide. However, the sound also affords
anchorage, which is usually approached via The Rona
(6.96) and entered from S between the S extremity of Papa
Little and Selie Ness (5 cables E).
Marine farms are established in the sound as shown on
the chart.

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Shetland Islands Olna Firth Voe from NNE (6.99)

(Original dated 2004)
(Photograph Nigel Hoy, Taunton)

Directions. Care is necessary to avoid a rock awash

( cable W of Selie Ness) on the E side of the S entrance.
The E extremity of Papa Little consists of a low point on
which there is a building, and from which a spit, partly
below water, extends about 1 cables SSE.
Anchorage. As convenient in the centre of the sound,
clear of marine farms, in depths of 20 to 26 m.

Busta Voe
1

Olna Firth
1

6.99
General information. Olna Firth is entered between
Grobs Ness (6022N 120W) and a point 3 cables NNW.
The village of Voe lies at the head of the firth. The firth is
seldom visited except by local craft.
Marine farms are established on both sides of the firth
as shown on the chart.
Ice. In calm weather the head of the firth E of Point of
Mulla (1 miles E of Grobs Ness) occasionally freezes
over but seldom hard enough to impede vessels of steel
construction.
Directions. The firth is usually approached passing S
and E of Linga on account of Groin Baa (1 cables N of
the N extremity of Linga) (6.96). Both sides of the firth are
clear of dangers except for a drying rock (9 cables E of
Grobs Ness), and the marine farms.
Useful marks with positions from Point of Mulla:
Beacon (special) (4 cables ESE) marking sewer
outfall.
Church (5 cables E).
Piers. A pier extends 60 m S from a position on the
N shore 9 cables NE of Grobs Ness. At Voe there
is a stone pier, which has a depth of 27 m at its
head.

246

6.100
General information. Busta Voe is entered between
Hevden Ness (6022N 122W) and the E shore of Muckle
Roe (4 cables W) (6.84). Roe Sound (6.102) opens into the
voe close within the W entrance point. The village of Brae
lies on the E side of the head of the voe; the W side of the
head is separated from the head of Sullom Voe by a neck
of land about 3 cables wide.
Marine farms. Marine farms exist on both sides of the
voe.
Directions. The channel through the entrance leads NNE
passing (with positions from the W extremity of Hevden
Ness):
WNW of a ledge extending about 1 cable offshore
from Hevden Ness, thence:
WNW of a rock awash (3 cables NNE), close
offshore, and:
ESE of Burgastoo (5 cables NW), an abovewater
rock about 1 cable offshore at the entrance to Roe
Sound.
Useful marks:
Busta (9 cables NNW of the W extremity of Hevden
Ness), a large mansion surrounded by trees; two
towers stand, respectively, 1 cable E and 2 cables
NE of the mansion.
Two beacons (special) (about 2 cables S of Brae),
marking sewer outfalls.
Beacon (red, can topmark) (6 cables NNE of Busta
mansion) on sailing club pierhead.
Anchorage. The usual berth is in midvoe with Busta
mansion bearing 246 in a depth of about 23 m.

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Piers:
Small pier and boat camber in front of Busta
mansion.
Small pier and slip at Sullom Voe and Brae Sailing
Club (NW head of voe).
Boat jetty and slip at Brae.

Minor harbours
1

6.101
Uyea Sound. For details see 6.109.
Gon Firth. For details see 6.110.

Anchorages and harbours

Roe Sound
1

6.102
General information. Roe Sound is entered between
Brei Ness (6023N 126W), the N extremity of Muckle
Roe (6.84), and Turvalds Head (9 cable ENE) and extends
about 1 miles SE, separating Muckle Roe from Mainland;
at Staba Ness (8 cables ESE of Brei Ness) the sound
narrows markedly. However, Roe Sound is not a clear
channel as about 7 cables ESE of Staba Ness it is partially
obstructed by Crog Holm and at its SE end, where it opens
into Busta Voe, it is spanned by Muckle Roe Bridge, which
carries a road, and is obstructed by a drying sandy ridge.
The sound affords temporary shelter.
Local knowledge is required. No attempt should be
made to enter in a W gale.
Vertical clearance: 28 m below Muckle Roe Bridge.
Safe overhead clearances: power cables span the sound
NW and SSE of Crog Holm with safe overhead clearances
of 78 m and 77 m respectively.
Marine farms. Marine farms are moored in the narrows
and about 1 cables W of Crog Holm.
Directions. When approaching from W care is necessary
to avoid a dangerous rock (2 cables WNW of Brei Ness),
and, if necessary, an isolated 88 m patch 1 cable further N.
There is clear passage, about 1 cables wide, on either side
of Lothan (4 cables E of Brei Ness), an abovewater rock
which lies nearly in midentrance; a dangerous rock lies
near the S end of a rocky ledge extending about 1 cable S
from Lothan; the position of these dangers is generally
indicated by breakers. The route usually taken passes in
midchannel between Lothan and Lothan Ness (2 cables
W).
Anchorage and landing place. The usual berth is in
midchannel SE of Lothan in a depth of about 15 m, sand.
Anchorage for small craft can be found in the narrow part
of the sound NE of Staba Ness. There is a boat marina in
the sound. There is a small pier close W of the S root of
the bridge.

Chart 3281

Papa Stour and Sound of Papa

1

6.103
General information. Ura Firth is entered between the
S extremity of Ness of Hillswick (6027N 130W) and
Red Head (1 mile E), the SW extremity of Ness of Hamar.
The firth is easy of access and provides excellent shelter.
Both sides of the firth are bold and generally free of
dangers more than cable offshore, but marine farms (6.9)
fringe much of the firth as shown on the chart. The village
of Hillswick, where there is a church, lies at the head of
Hills Wick, a small bay (1 miles NNE of S extremity of
Ness of Hillswick).
Directions. In the approach to Ura Firth an isolated
18 m patch, over which the sea breaks during gales, lies

6.104
On Papa Stour the following larger inlets provide boat
harbours, entry to which requires local knowledge (inlets
with positions from Swarta Skerry (6019N 143W)):
Hamna Voe (5 cables NE).
West Voe (1 NE).
Culla Voe (1 miles NNE).
In Sound of Papa there is a small pier in front of the
village of Melby situated on Mainland abreast Holm of
Melby.
Useful mark: Papa Stour Housa Voe Direction Light,
(white concrete structure, 2 m in height), at the head of
Housa Voe.
Chart 3299 Plan of Housa Voe

Housa Voe

Chart 3295 plan of Ura Firth

Ura Firth

9 cables SW of the S extremity of Ness of Hillswick.

(Chart 3281).
When entering the firth the S extremity of Ness of
Hillswick, on which stands a light (6.90), should be given
a berth of at least 3 cables in order to avoid an isolated
dangerous rock (1 cables S of the light), which is
surrounded by deep water. Thence the entrance channel
leads NNE passing (with positions from Ness of Hillswick
Light):
ESE of Stack of Niddister (5 cables NNE), thence:
WNW of Tokka (9 cables ENE), the W extremity of
Ness of Hamar, close off which there is a
dangerous rock, thence:
WNW of Fissla Taing (1 miles NE), the W
extremity of Ness of Olnesfirth, and:
ESE of Tur Ness (1 mile NNE), the S entrance point
of Hills Wick, from which a rocky ledge, with a
depth of 03 m over its outer end, extends 1 cable
NE; thence:
ESE of a rocky ledge extending about cable SE
from the N entrance point (1 miles NNE) of
Hills Wick; a beacon (special) stands on the shore
at the root of this ledge marking a sewer outfall.
Depths decrease towards the head of the firth.
Anchorage and landing place. The best berth, with
excellent shelter, lies in the middle of the entrance to Hills
Wick in a depth of 13 m with Hillswick church bearing
310. Smaller vessels can find anchorage in the inner part
of Ura Firth, noting the shellfish beds on the E side and
also in Hamar Voe which, although narrow, is steepto on
both sides and being virtually landlocked affords good
shelter in all weathers; a marine farms is established at the
E end of Hamar Voe as shown on the chart. A small jetty
is situated on the N side of Hamar Voe.

247

6.105
General information. Housa Voe lies on the E side of
Papa Stour and is entered between Bumbie Geo (60200N
1399W) and Red Stacks (3 cables SSE). It should be
noted that the area S of the outer fairway is unsurveyed.
Local knowledge is advisable.
Directions. From a position 1 cables E of Bumbie Geo
the white sector of Housa Voe Direction Light (white
concrete structure, 2 m in height) leads into the bay passing
(with positions from Housa Voe Direction Light):
NW of Housa Baas (6 cables NE), an isolated patch
with 42 m over it, noting a dangerous underwater
rock (position approximate), cable E, thence:
SE of Boinna Skerry (4 cables NE), the larger of
two islets lying on a rocky kelp covered shelf

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CHAPTER 6

which extends SSE from Bumbie Geo, noting a

dangerous underwater rock at the E extremity of
the rocky shelf, thence:
NE of the N point of land (3 cables NE) in the SE
part of the bay from which a rocky kelp covered
shelf extends cable N.
Useful mark. Light (metal pole) (3 cables NNE of
Housa Voe Direction Light) on head of RoRo pier.
Anchorage for small craft, 1 cables E of the direction
light, about 3 m sand, as indicated on the chart.
Berths. RoRo pier, maintained depth 4m, extending
generally S from the shore on the N side of the bay. Lights
are exhibited from RoRo pier head. A small pier lies close
W of the RoRo berth.

6
7

Voe of Snarraness
1

6.106
General information. Voe of Snarraness is entered
between the N extremity of Snarra Ness (6018N 135W),
a small peninsula joined to the coast by a narrow isthmus,
and the coast of Mainland 5 cables W.
Directions. Approaching the voe from W care is
necessary to avoid Baa of Oxafirth (6.92); approaching
from E care is necessary to avoid a 34 m patch lying
2 cables NW of the N extremity of Snarra Ness. The track
through the entrance favours the W side until the head of
the voe is open whence it leads SSE in midchannel. The
voe is clear of dangers and its sides may be approached to
within a distance of cable except in the inner part where
there is a marine farm.
Anchorage can be found within the voe clear of the
marine farm.

Charts 3281, 3295 plan of Swarbacks Minn

Vementry Sound
1

Chart 3299 Plan of West Burra Firth

West Burra Firth

1

6.107
General information. West Burra Firth is entered
between the N extremity of Snarra Ness (6018N 135W)
(6.106) and Isle of West Burrafirth (1 mile NE), a
clifflined islet with The Heag, a smaller islet, close SW.
Mariners should note that the area extending 2 to 3 cables
S and W of the islets is unsurveyed.
Local knowledge is required.
Directions. From a position NE of Snarra Ness (6018N
135W) the white sector (142150) of West Burra Firth
Outer Light (white square masonry tower, 2 m in height)
(6 cables SE of the N extremity of Snarra Ness), exhibited
24 hours of the day, leads into the entrance of the firth
passing (position from the N extremity of Snarra Ness):
NE of a rock ledge, on which there are dangerous
rocks, fringing the NE side of Snarra Ness, thence:
Between a drying rock (3 cables ESE) and Riv
Skerries (4 cables E), abovewater rocks near the
outer end of a reef extending nearly 5 cables
WNW from the N side of the firth; Galta Stack
stands near the root of this reef.
Thence the white sector (098102) of West Burra Firth
Inner Light (white square masonry tower, 2 m in height)
(1 miles ESE of the N extremity of Snarra Ness),
exhibited 24 hours of the day, leads E to the head of the
firth passing, (with positions from the Inner Light):
SSW of Galta Stack (6 cables WNW), thence:
SSW of Holm of Tafts, (4 cables WNW) an islet
connected to Mainland by a rocky shelf, thence:
NNE of Snap Hiv (3 cables W), thence:
SSW of a dangerous rock (1 cables NW), close N
of which lies a rock which covers and uncovers;

both of which lie at the end of a rocky spit

extending 1 cables W from the shore of
Mainland from a position 1 cable N of the Inner
Light.
The route then leads generally S towards the port.
Useful mark:
Light (metal mast, 5 m in height) (1 miles ESE of
N extremity of Snarra Ness) on head of Transport
Pier.
Anchorage. The inlet affords anchorage with some
shelter but there is occasionally a heavy swell. A berth,
shown on the chart, may be found 1 cable W of the Inner
Light in depths of about 10 m although swinging room is
restricted.
Alongside berths. Transport Pier extends N then NE for
a total length of 100 m from the S side near the head of
the firth; it is a terminal for the ferry service to Foula and
Papa Stour and has depths of 25 to 50 m alongside. A
small pier and slip lie close E of Transport Pier
Works in progress (2005) for constuction of a new RoRo
ferry terminal E of Transport Pier.

248

6.108
General information. Vementry Sound is entered
between Neeans Neap (6019N 130W), a high bold cliff,
and Heill Head (6 cables NE), the W extremity of
Vementry (6.83). At its head, in the vicinity of Green Point
(6019N 128W), the S extremity of Vementry, the sound
leads to a number of minor inlets affording shelter but
which are narrow, encumbered with dangers and further
restricted for navigation by marine farms. Cribba Sound,
the most N of these, leads NE between the SE side of
Vementry and Mainland and connects with Swarbacks Minn
via Uyea Sound (6.109) by a narrow shallow boat channel.
Local knowledge is essential if proceeding beyond the
head of Vementry Sound and details are not given.
Directions. The approach to the sound leads SSE with
the E edge of Neeans Neap bearing 156, as shown on the
chart; this passes WSW of Stoura Baas (6 cables N of
Neeans Neap), over which there is a depth of 34 m. When
about 5 cables from Neeans Neap the track leads SE in
midchannel passing (with positions from Neeans Neap):
NE of Neean Skerry (3 cables WNW), a cluster of
abovewater rocks extending 2 cables offshore
from the W part of Neeans Neap, thence:
SW of Black Stane (3 cables NNE), a small steepto
abovewater rock, and:
NE of Neeans Neap, thence:
SW of Gruna (4 cables ENE), an islet which has been
eroded into several detached portions and is clear
of dangers on all sides at a distance of more than
cable outside any visible part; thence:
NE of Linga (5 cables ESE), the largest islet in the
sound, at a distance of at least cable, and:
SW of Red Skerry (7 cables E).
The track than leads S between the SE end of Linga and
the shore of Vementry where the fairway is about cable
wide between rocks which extend from both side of the
passage.
Anchorage. The most spacious anchorage is situated, as
convenient, at the head of Vementary Sound between Linga
and the N extremity of Ness of Noonsbrough (4 cables
SSE); care is necessary to avoid The Icelanders, a reef,
parts of which dry, fringing Green Point. Small craft or
boats can also find sheltered anchorage, clear of marine

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CHAPTER 6

farms, in the minor inlets which open into Vementry

Sound, namely (positioned from Neeans Neap): Suthra Voe
(1 mile ENE); Cribba Sound (1 miles E); North Voe of
Clousta (1 miles ESE); Voe of Clousta (1 miles SE);
and Brindister Voe.

Berths. The firth is seldom used as an anchorage which

can be found as convenient, but clear of a marine farm
established at the head of the firth where there is a also
small pier.

Chart 3295 plan of Swarbacks Minn

Chart 3281

Uyea Sound
1

6.109
General information. Uyea Sound (6020N 126W) is
the NE part of the channel separating Vementry (6.83) from
Mainland and at its SE head connects with the NE end of
Cribba Sound (6.108) by a narrow shallow boat channel.
The sound is entered between Holms of Uyeasound, a
group of rocky islets close off Cow Head, the NE
extremity of Vementry, and Braga Ness (3 cables SE).
Directions. When entering care is necessary to avoid
belowwater rocks which lie cable E of Holms of
Uyeasound. The whole of the E side of the sound is foul
and should not be closed; details are best seen from the
chart.
Useful mark:
Vementry House (8 cables S of Holms of
Uyeasound), a large white building.
Anchorage. The sound provides good anchorage, but
clear of marine farms which are shown on the chart.

Mangaster Voe
1

Charts 3281, 3295 plan of Ura Firth

Gunnister Voe
1

Gon Firth
1

6.111
The mouth of Mangaster Voe lies between Lang Head
(6025N 127W) and the peninsula of Islesburgh
(1 miles SW) and it is partially obstructed by Egilsay, a
group of islets surrounded by rocks. The voe is entered by
South Sound, the channel passing E of these islets, where
there is a least depth of 88 m in the fairway. The head of
the voe is obstructed by marine farms.
Local knowledge is required for anchorage. No shelter
is provided in W gales.

6.110
General information. Gon Firth is entered between
Cole Ness (6021N 121W) and Grobs Ness (8 cables
NNE). Both sides of the firth are clear.

6.112
The entrance to Gunnister Voe (6027N 127W) is
partially obstructed by Isle of Nibon and Isle of Gunnister.
Local knowledge is essential for both North and South
Sounds, the channels passing, respectively, N of Isle of
Gunnister and S of Isle of Nibon.
North Sound is dangerous as it has not been completely
surveyed and in strong W winds the sea breaks right across
its approach. South Sound provides no shelter.

WEST COAST: SAINT MAGNUS BAY TO MUCKLE FLUGGA

GENERAL INFORMATION

Regulations
Chart 1233

Areas to be Avoided
1

6.113
Areas to be Avoided by certain types of vessels exist in
the waters described in this section; for further details see
1.47.

Tidal streams
1

Precautionary Area
1

6.114
For details see 1.48.

SAINT MAGNUS BAY TO YELL SOUND

General information
Chart 3281

Topography
1

6.115
Between Esha Ness (6029N 138W) and the island of
Uyea (10 miles NE) the coast almost everywhere is
bounded by cliffs, which are indented by small bays, and
fringed by detached stacks and abovewater and
belowwater rocks close offshore.
From Esha Ness to Head of Stanshi (1 miles NNE) the
cliffs are dark and precipitous with several caves in their
bases.

In the vicinity of Ketligill Head (6033N 130W), the

E entrance point of Ronas Voe (6.121), the cliffs are high
and of red granite; they gradually decrease in height N
towards Uyea. Behind the cliffs the land rises to Ronas Hill
(1 miles ESE of Ketligill Head) (6.117).
6.116
The Egoing stream in the sea area W of Esha Ness
runs towards the coast between Esha Ness and Head of
Stanshi (1 miles NNE), dividing before it reaches the
coast into NEgoing and SEgoing branches, the latter
branch setting into Saint Magnus Bay.
In the vicinity of 6044N 117W, about 5 miles N of
Gruney Island, tidal streams are more or less rotary
anticlockwise and are weak, the maximum rate not
exceeding kn. The coastal and Yell Sound tidal streams
probably meet and separate in this vicinity. See also
information on the charts and in Admiralty Tidal Stream
Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands.

Principal marks
1

249

6.117
Landmark:
Ronas Hill (6032N 127W), a large barren crest
and the highest land in the Shetland Islands; on a
clear day it may be seen from nearly everywhere
in the islands.
Major light:
Esha Ness Light (white square tower, 12 m in height)
(6029N 138W).

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Esha Ness and Lighthouse from W (6.117)

(Original dated 2002)
(Photograph Jean Guichard)

250

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CHAPTER 6

Other aids to navigation

1

Anchorage and harbours

6.118
Racons:
Ve Skerries Light (6022N 149W).
Gruney Light (6039N 118W).
For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.

Chart 3295 plan of Ronas Voe

Ronas Voe
1

Directions
(continued from 6.70)
1

6.119
From a position NW of Esha Ness (6029N 138W),
on the N side of the entrance to Saint Magnus Bay and on
which there is a light (6.117), the coastal passage leads NE
passing (with positions from The Faither (6033N
132W)):
NW of Head of Stanshi (3 miles SW); thence:
Clear of Muckle Ossa (2 miles WSW), a remarkable
pyramidshaped rock split into two parts by a deep
and narrow chasm; the S and smaller part is
known as Little Ossa. Muckle Ossa is steepto
except at the SW end where Fladda, a small
abovewater rock with a dangerous rock a short
distance further WSW, lies close off Little Ossa.
The passage between Muckle Ossa and the coast
W is clear with a depth of 46 m in midchannel.
Thence:
NW of Ockran Head (1 mile SW), dark and nearly
vertical, which has several distinct faces that open
out as the viewing point changes; thence:
NW of The Faither, the N extremity of a promontory
forming the W side of the entrance to Ronas Voe
(6.121), thence:
NW of Hevdadale Head (3 miles NE), thence:
NW of Fugla Ness (4 miles NE), thence:
NW of Uyea (4 miles NE), an island which slopes
downward from W to E where it is joined to
Mainland by a drying stone bank; the W and SW
sides of the island are lined by cliffs with many
high detached rocks at their feet. Thence:
NW of the W edge of an extensive rocky ledge, with
depths over it of less than 5 m, which extends
1 mile NNE from Uyea; Uyea Baas (5 miles
NE), a group of rocks, some of which dry, lie near
the N extremity of this ledge and there are other
abovewater and drying rocks and reefs between.
Uyea Baas is covered by a red sector (080103)
of Point of Fethaland Light (see below). Thence:
NW of Point of Fethaland (6038N 119W) (6.272),
on which there is a light (6.268), thence:
NW of Gruney (8 cables N of Point of Fethaland), on
which there is a light (6.270), and from which
Ramna Stacks, a chain of islets and rocks, extends
8 cables NNW.
6.120
Clearing line. Head of Stanshi bearing 213 and open
W of Ockran Head passes W of Uyea Baas; in very clear
weather the high land of Foula (26 miles SSW), may be
seen over Head of Stanshi on the same bearing.
Useful marks:
Bagi Stack Light (6044N 107W) (6.270) (Chart
3282).
Muckle Flugga Light (6051N 053W) (6.357)
(Chart 3282).
(Directions continue for coastal passage NE at 6.128
and for N entrance to Yell Sound at 6.270)

251

6.121
General information. Ronas Voe is entered between
The Faither (6333N 132W) and Ketligill Head (1 miles
SE) from where the voe gradually narrows, the narrowest
part lying about 3 miles within the entrance. The NE shore
is high and steep, and rises to Ronas Hill (1 miles ESE
of Ketligill Head) (6.117) (Chart 3281), which is a good
mark for making the entrance. The voe is subject to violent
squalls and is little used except in an emergency.
Marine farms are moored in an area close SSE of
Slocka (6032N 129W) and in the head reach of the voe
as shown on the chart.
Directions. When approaching Ronas Voe care is
necessary to avoid the dangers extending 4 cables NNW
from Turls Head (1 miles E of The Faither); Gruna Stack
is the most N of these dangers. Thence the track into the
voe leads in midchannel passing (with positions from
Ketligill Head):
E of Galti Stack (1 mile NW) close E of The
Faithers, thence:
W of The Roodrans, a group of islets close off
Ketligill Head (6.115), noting that the area between
The Roodrans and The Cleiver (3 cables NNE),
another group of islets, is foul, thence:
W of Whal Horn (3 cables S), thence:
W of Burries Ness (5 cables S).
Having passed Slocka (9 cables SSE of Ketligill Head),
the track favours the NE side of the voe, which may be
approached to a distance of cable, in order to avoid a
shoal bank, with depths over it of 5 m or less, which
fringes the SW side of the voe for distances of about
5 cables NW and 4 cables SE of The Blade (2 miles SSE of
Ketligill Head); the bank NW of The Blade is subject to
change, as stated on the chart, and restricts the width of the
fairway to less than 2 cables.
A short distance above the narrows, from where the voe
trends E, the track lies in midchannel.
Berths. Anchorage in the outer part of the voe is subject
to the violent squalls. The only recommended berths, and
then suitable only for small craft, are in the inner part
above the narrows, clear of marine farms. Small piers are
situated at The Blade and Skeo Head (8 cables ESE).

Chart 3281
6.122
Hamna Voe (6030N 134W) should not be entered
without local knowledge. The narrow entrance is 65 m wide
and leads to a basin where the navigable water has depths
of less than 5 m; greater depths in the basin are obstructed
by a marine farm as shown on the chart.

Charts 3298, 3281

Sand Voe (6037N 120W) lies at the SE head of an
exposed bight between Uyea and Garmus Taing (2 miles
ENE); NW gales blow directly into the voe. There is good
anchorage, but only in offshore winds, in the outer part of
the voe in depths from 7 to 22 m. With local knowledge
anchorage, almost landlocked, can be found for boats close
to the W side of the inner part of the voe in depths of 4 to
5 m.

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CHAPTER 6

YELL SOUND TO MUCKLE FLUGGA

General information
Chart 3282

Topography
1

6.123
West coast of Unst. Between Blue Mull (6043N
059W) and Flubersgerdie (4 miles NNE) the cliffs are
of moderate height, with land rising steeply behind to hills
which attain their summit in Byre of Scord (2 miles NE
of Blue Mull). Thence to Herma Ness (6051N 053W)
the coast is lined by bold cliffs, which are higher than
those farther S, and backed by hills, the highest of which is
Libbers Hill (1 miles NE of Flubersgerdie); a number of
detached stacks and skerries lie close offshore.
Muckle Flugga and adjacent features. For details see
6.353.
Nature Reserve. Herma Ness and the Muckle Flugga
group are a National Nature Reserve. See 1.66.

North approach to Bluemull Sound

Charts 3282, 3292

General information
1

Rescue
1

6.124
Coastguard. An Auxiliary Station is maintained at
Gloup (6044N 104W). For further details see 1.76.

Tidal streams
1

6.125
In the vicinity of 6044N 117W, about 5 miles W of
Bagi Stack, tidal streams are more or less rotary
anticlockwise and are weak, the maximum rate not
exceeding kn. The coastal and Yell Sound tidal streams
probably meet and separate in this vicinity. See also
information on the charts and in Admiralty Tidal Stream
Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands.

6.126
Landmark:
Domes (6050N 050W) (6.357).
Major lights:
Point of Fethaland Light (6038N 119W) (6.268).
Muckle Flugga Light (6051N 053W) (6.357).

Other aids to navigation

1

6.127
Racon:
Gruney Light (6039N 118W).
For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.
4

Directions
(continued from 6.120)
1

6.128
From a position NW of Bagi Stack (6044N 108W),
the NW extremity of Yell on which there is a light (6.270),
the coastal passage leads NE passing:
NW of Gloup Holm (8 cables NNE of Bagi Stack), a
prominent rocky islet, with The Clapper, an
abovewater rock, close NW; the passage between
the holm and the coast of Yell is foul. A race
forms NW of Gloup Holm, as shown on the chart,
and the islet should be given a berth of at least
5 cables. For details of tidal streams in this vicinity
see 6.129. Thence:
NW of Flubersgerdie (6047N 057W), a salient
point on the E coast of Unst, and on the W
extremity of which there is a tower (uncharted),
thence:

6.129
Bluemull Sound, the deep channel between the islands
of Yell and Unst, is approached from N between Gloup
Holm (6044N 106W) (6.128) and Flubersgerdie
(5 cables NE) (6.128), and entered between Blue Mull
(6043N 059W) (6.128) and Papil Ness (5 cables W).
Tidal streams. Strong tidal streams sweep along the N
coast of Yell between Gloup Holm and Migga Ness
(3 miles E) to and from Bluemull Sound, and a race forms
NW of Gloup Holm.

Directions

Principal marks

NW of Tonga Stack (1 miles NNE of Flubersgerdie)

which is joined to the peninsula of Tonga, thence:
NW of Herma Ness (6051N 053W), the NW
extremity of Unst, which rises to Hermaness Hill
about 5 cables within the ness; thence:
NW of Muckle Flugga (5 cables N of the N extremity
of Herma Ness) and adjacent dangers (6.353). See
6.361 for passages adjacent to Muckle Flugga.
Useful mark:
Blue Mull (6043N 059W), a bold headland on the
E side of the entrance to Bluemull Sound, which
generally has a distinctly bluecoloured hue when
seen from a distance.

6.130
The N coast of Yell between Gloup Holm and Migga
Ness (3 miles ESE) should be given a berth of at least
5 cables on account of the tidal streams (see above). There
are no charted dangers more than 5 cables offshore, apart
from Upskud, a rock 1 miles ENE of Gloup Holm.
The W coast of Unst between Flubersgerdie and
Hagdales Ness (1 miles SSE) is obstructed by North
Holms and South Holms, two islets lying, respectively,
6 cables S and 1 miles S of the W extremity of
Flubersgerdie; foul ground extends from both islands.
Details are best seen from the chart, noting that soundings
in this area are sparse.
From a position about 1 mile NNW of Blue Mull the
172 alignment described at 6.329, ahead, leads into the N
entrance passing (with positions from the N extremity of
Blue Mull):
W of Spoo Ness (1 miles NNE) from which a
drying reef extends 3 cables W, thence:
W of Lang Holm (1 mile NNE), thence:
W of a small group of rocks, part of which dries,
which lies 2 cables WSW of Round Holm
(7 cables NNE), thence:
E of Migga Ness (1 mile WNW), which should be
given a berth of at least 5 cables, and:
W of The Vere (4 cables N), an islet, thence:
In midchannel through the N entrance.
(Directions for S approach and passage
N through Bluemull Sound are given at 6.328)

Anchorages and landing

Chart 3292

Wick of Breakon
1

252

6.131
Wick of Breakon is entered between Gloup Ness
(6044N 104W), and Outsta Ness (9 cables E), the
extremity of Ness of Houlland, a narrow peninsula.
Although the holding is generally poor the bay does afford

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CHAPTER 6

temporary shelter in S or E weather; Lunda Wick (2 miles

E) (see below) is, however, a better refuge.
When entering care is necessary to avoid detached
drying reefs which lie close N of both entrance points.

Anchorage, suitable for small craft can be found in the

inner part of the bay with Vinstrick Ness (8 cables ESE of
Blue Mull) bearing about 135 and distant 1 cables in a
depth of 9 m, sand and mud.

Lunda Wick
1

6.132
General information. Lunda Wick is entered between
Blue Mull (6043N 059W) (6.128) and Houllnan Ness
(5 cables NE). Though exposed NW the bay affords good
anchorage in S or E gales.
Directions. When entering care is necessary to avoid
The Vere (4 cables N of Blue Mull) and a small group of
rocks, part of which dries, 1 cable further N.

Chart 3282

Gloup Voe
1

6.133
Gloup Voe is entered close W of Gloup Ness (6044N
104W) (6.131), but its use is not recommended when the
wind is in the N quadrants. The inner half of the voe dries
extensively. Landings have been made on the W shore,
2 cables within the entrance, during S winds.

EAST COAST: SUMBURGH HEAD TO FETLAR

GENERAL INFORMATION
Charts 1119, 1233

Precautionary Areas
1

6.134
All coastal waters described in this section, with the
exception of a small area from Sumburgh Head to Helli
Ness (11 miles NNE) which is part of an Area to be
Avoided (1.47), lie within Precautionary Areas (1.48), the
limits of which are shown on the charts.

Local magnetic anomalies

1

6.135
Helli Ness. The normal magnetic variation is affected by
local anomalies in two areas situated respectively about
1 mile and 3 miles E of Helli Ness (6002N 110W); the
limits of the areas are shown on the charts. In the W area
the normal magnetic variation is 1E to 7E and in the E
area 1W to 4W.

Tidal streams
1

6.136
General. The Ngoing tidal stream from the North Sea
divides SE of Sumburgh Head, the greater part passing
WNW through Fair Isle Channel S of the Shetland Islands
and the lesser part, somewhat irregular in direction, passing
E of the Shetland Islands. For further details see
information on the charts and in Admiralty Tidal Stream
Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands.

Local magnetic anomalies

1

SUMBURGH HEAD TO HELLI NESS

General information
Topography
1

6.140
No Ness. A local magnetic anomaly exists W of No
Ness which in 1929 was reported to cause deflection of the
compass by as much as 15.
Helli Ness. See 6.135.

Tidal streams

Chart 3283
6.137
Mainland. Sumburgh Head (5951N 116W) (6.143),
the S point of the Shetland Islands, lies at the S extremity
of the 1 mile long peninsula of Sumburgh which is joined
to Mainland by a low sandy isthmus. The peninsula is
relatively high and from a distance resembles an island.
The S part of the E side of the peninsula consists of
precipitous cliffs, upward of 90 m in height, from which
the land slopes steeply downwards W to the E shore of
West Voe of Sumburgh (6.31). Compass Head (1 mile N of
Sumburgh Head) is 99 m high with a conspicuous radar
dome and two radio aerials (red obstruction lights) standing

1 cable SW. Northward from Compass Head the land slopes

sharply downward. Looss Laward (1 miles N of
Sumburgh Head), a large rock, is connected by a shingle
beach to a small peninsula projecting NE from the coast.
6.138
The coastline between Troswick Ness (5956N 115W)
(6.144) and Levenwick Ness (2 miles N) (6.151) is
dominated by a range of hills which forms the spine of the
S peninsula of Mainland. The range attains its summit in
Ward of Scousburgh (5957N 118W) and terminates at
the N end in Hallilee (1 miles NNE of Ward of
Scousburgh). A number of radio masts and aerials (6.143)
stand on this range of hills.
From off the E side of the S peninsula of Mainland the
high land of Fitful Head (5954N 123W) (6.23) can be
seen over the land between Compass Head and Ward of
Scousburgh.
6.139
No Ness (5959N 112W) is a bold promontory which
attains a height of 71 m in Ward of Burraland (1 miles N
of the S extremity of the promontory) on which there is a
Coastguard lookout. Between No Ness and the village of
Mail (3 miles N) the coast of Mainland is lined by cliffs
which are high from N of Wick of Sandsayre (2 miles N
of No Ness).

253

6.141
Sumburgh Head. Details of tidal streams and race S of
Sumburgh Head are described commencing at 6.20. About
5 cables E of Looss Laward the tidal streams are more or
less rotary clockwise, spring rate to 1 kn; see
information on the chart for further details.
Helli Ness. About 10 miles east of Helli Ness the tidal
streams are more or less rotary clockwise with spring rates
of to kn. The streams change direction irregularly, but
in general the rate of change of direction is rapid near the
times when the streams are weakest and slow near the
times when they are strongest; see information on the
charts for further details.

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CHAPTER 6

Rescue
1

6.142
VHF Directionfinding facilities are sited on Compass
Head (1 mile N of Sumburgh Head); for further details see
1.84.
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained near
Sumburgh Head and on No Ness (5959N 112W). For
further details see 1.76.
Search and Rescue Helicopter. See 1.85.

Principal marks
1

6.143
Landmarks:
Sumburgh Head (5951N 116W), 76 m high and
surmounted by a light (white tower, 17 m in
height); a conspicuous radar dome and two radio
aerials (red obstruction lights) stand 8 cables N
near Compass Head.
Radio mast, conspicuous and surrounded by numerous
small radio masts, and a group of large square
dishshaped aerials, on Ward of Scousburgh
(5957N 118W).
Radio mast, conspicuous, and two circular
dishshaped aerials, on Mossy Hill (7 cables NE
of Ward of Scousburgh).
Isle of Noss (6009N 101W) (6.155).
TV masts (5908N 106W) (6.159), on Ward of
Bressay.
Major lights:
Sumburgh Head Light as above.
Bressay Light (6007N 107W) (6.159).

Directions
1

6.144
From a position ESE of Sumburgh Head (5951N
116W) (6.143) the coastal passage leads NNE to the SE
approaches to Lerwick passing (with positions from
Sumburgh Head):

ESE of Looss Laward (1 miles N) (6.137), thence:

ESE of Point of Tangpool (2 miles N), thence:
ESE of Swart Skerry (2 miles N), a small rocky
promontory extending NE from the coast where
the cliffs are relatively low; a radio mast stand
5 cables WNW. Thence:
ESE of Lambhoga Head (3 miles N), thence:
ESE of Troswick Ness (5 miles N), a bold
headland, close N of which the cliffs rise to a
height of 50 m before decreasing to a height of
about 15 m which is maintained to near Levenwick
Ness (6.151), 2 miles further N; see also 6.138.
Thence:
ESE of Clumly Ness (6 miles N), 15 m high and
more prominent than the cliffs of about the same
height on either side; Clumly Baas, a rocky ledge,
parts of which dry, extends 3 cables SE from the
ness and is the only danger more than 1 cable
offshore between Point of Tangpool and
Levenwick Ness. Thence:
ESE of the S extremity (7 miles N) of No Ness
(6.139); thence:
ESE of Mousa (9 miles NNE), an uninhabited and
hilly island separated from Mainland by Mousa
Sound (6.146); a light (white clad metal framework
tower, 6 m in height) stands on Perie Bard, an islet
close off the SE extremity of Mousa which has the
appearance of a low overhanging cliff with several
triangular rocks at its base and is a good
identification mark in thick weather. Thence:
ESE of Helli Ness (6002N 110W), the NE
extremity of a lofty peninsula extending more than
1 mile ESE from Mainland and which attains its
summit in Ward of Greenmow, 58 m high; three
radio masts stand on a hill 2 miles WNW of the
peninsula.

Horse I

Sumburgh Head Light

Sumburgh Head from ENE (6.143)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph Air Images)

254

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CHAPTER 6

6.145
Useful mark:
Ernes Ward (2 miles NNW of Sumburgh Head), a
hill readily distinguished.
(Directions continue for coastal passage NNE at 6.160
and for S approach to Lerwick at 6.161)

Anchorages and harbours

Grutness Voe
1

Mousa Sound and approaches

General information
1

6.146
General description. Mousa Sound separates the island
of Mousa (6000N 110W) (6.144) from the coast of
Mainland. It is approached from S from the vicinity of No
Ness (1 miles SW of Mousa) and from N from the
vicinity of Helli Ness (2 miles N of Mousa). The fairway
of the sound is clear of dangers and about 4 cables wide at
its narrowest.
Topography. Mousa Sound is overlooked from W by
Ward of Burraland (6.139).
Tidal stream information is shown on the chart. Tidal
streams through the sound are reported to meet E of the
island but detailed information is not available.

Directions
1

6.147
From south. From a position about 1 mile ENE of No
Ness the track through Mousa Sound leads NNW, passing
(with positions from the S extremity of Mousa):
ENE of the small promontory of Hoga (7 cables W)
on which there are the ruins of an ancient Pictish
tower, thence:
WSW of a low point on the SW side of Mousa on
which stands an ancient Pictish tower (4 cables
NW).
From north the sound is approached from between
Gruna Baas (5 cables NNE of the N extremity of Mousa),
over which the sea breaks in gales, and Holm of Helliness,
an islet lying close off the SE extremity of Helli Ness,
noting that the coast in the vicinity of Mail (2 miles NW of
the NW extremity of Mousa) is foul for a distance of about
7 cables offshore.

Chart 3294 plan of Sand Wick and Hos Wick

Anchorages and harbours between Levenwick Ness

and No Ness
1

Anchorage
1

6.148
Anchorage can be found in the N part of the sound, as
shown on the chart, on a bottom of sand over rock, with
some shelter from S gales; SE gales, however, cause a
heavy swell throughout the sound.

Minor harbours
1

6.149
Wick of Sandsayre (1 mile W of the N extremity of
Mousa), a small bay, is afforded some protection from E
winds by a rocky ridge which extends 1 cable from the S
entrance point. There is a small stone pier on the S side of
the bay. Works in progress (2005) for pier restoration.
Aith Voe (1 miles W of Helli Ness) is both shallow
and narrow but is a useful boat haven. Both sides of the
approach to it are foul and the entrance is partially
obstructed by rocks. There is a marina at Aith Voe. On the
W side of the voe, a light (metal mast, 2 m in height) is
exhibited from the end of a small breakwater.

6.150
General information. Grutness Voe is the S of two
branches of an inlet (5953N 116W) entered between
Looss Laward (6.137) and Point of Tangpool (6 cables N);
Pool of Virkie is the N branch. Sumburgh Airport lies on
low ground between the two branches, and the village of
Grutness lies on the SE side of Grutness Voe which is
protected SE by Looss Laward and adjacent peninsula.
Local knowledge is required.
Directions. The entrance is obstructed by a rocky spit,
with a depth of 27 m over its outer end, extending 3 cables
N from Looss Laward; a rock awash lies midway along
this spit. A light (metal pole) is exhibited close within the
entrance of Pool of Virkie from the E breakwater of a boat
marina.
Berths. A concrete pier with an alongside depth of
27 m is situated at Grutness village. A regular passenger
and mail service is operated from the pier to North Haven
on Fair Isle (5932N 138W), subject to favourable
weather conditions.
Pool of Virkie. There is a marina at Pool of Virkie
(5953N 116W) the N of two branches of an inlet
entered between Looss Laward (6.137) and Point of
Tangpool (6 cables N). The greater part of the pool dries
out. A light is exhibited from the marina.
Voe (5955N 117W), a small bay entered between
Lambhoga Head and Haa of Stova (7 cables N) affords
temporary shelter from NNW gales. The village of Boddam
lies at the head of the bay where there is a small pier.

255

6.151
General information. Between Levenwick Ness
(5959N 115W), where the cliffs are about 30 m high,
and No Ness (1 miles E), the coast of Mainland opens
into a bight indented by four small bays, several of which
afford anchorage, and in one of which there is a small
supply base for the offshore oil industry. There is a village
at the head of each bay.
Local magnetic anomaly. See 6.140.
Directions. When approaching the bight from S, care is
necessary to avoid Clumly Baas (1 miles S of Levenwick
Ness) (6.144); Sandwick Church (1 miles NE of
Levenwick Ness), with belfry, bearing less than 011 and
open E of Punds Ness (8 cables ENE of Levenwick Ness)
passes E of Clumly Baas.
Apart from an isolated patch (5 cables NNW of
Levenwick Ness), over which there is a depth of 47 m, in
the entrance to Channer Wick, there are no isolated
offshore dangers within the bight.
Useful marks with positions from Levenwick Ness:
Beacon (7 cables N) on The Berg, an isolated
abovewater rock on the outer edge of a drying
reef extending cable SE from Ness of Hoswick.
Two warehouses (8 cables NNE), prominent, in
supply base at Brownies Taing.
Anchorage. Leven Wick, entered W of Levenwick Ness,
affords good anchorage, sheltered from W winds but
swinging space is restricted by marine farming activities off
the W side of the bay.
Hos Wick, entered between Cumlewick Ness (5959N
114W), the S extremity of a narrow peninsula about 45 m
high, and Ness of Hoswick (6 cables WNW) affords good

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CHAPTER 6

anchorage sheltered from N and W winds. The usual berth

is about 2 cables E of The Berg in a depth of about 13 m,
as shown on the chart
In both these bays anchorage is over a bottom of sand
over rock and plenty of anchor cable is therefore advised.
Both bays become untenable in E and S gales.
Sand Wick, entered between Cumlewick Ness and the E
shore of No Ness (6 cables E), is fouled by abandoned
submarine cables.
Supply base. Situated at Brownies Taing (5 cables
NNW of the S extremity of Cumlewick Ness) on the E
side of Hos Wick, the supply base consists of a pier
projecting about 60 m W from the shore and from its root
a quay, with a depth alongside of 57 m, extends about
100 m N. Rollon, rolloff facilities are available.
Supplies. Fuel and fresh water at supply base.

6.155
Isle of Noss, which has a welldefined outline and is
readily distinguished from N and S, lies close E of Bressay
and attains its summit in Noss Head (6008N 100W), a
precipitous cliff on the E face of the island from where the
land slopes steeply downward W, giving the island a
wedgeshaped appearance when viewed from SW or NE.
Only vessels with local knowledge should approach the
island owing to the presence of numerous reefs and shoals
close inshore.
The island is a National Nature Reserve (1.66) and
myriads of seabirds nest there during the summer; in calm
weather or with W winds their cries can be heard from a
considerable distance to seaward.

Rescue
HELLI NESS TO MOUL OF ESWICK
INCLUDING APPROACHES
TO LERWICK HARBOUR

6.156
Coastguard. The Maritime Rescue SubCentre (MRSC)
for Shetland Coastguard District is located at Lerwick
(6010N 110W). An Auxiliary Station is located on
Bressay. For further details see 1.76.
Lifeboat. An RNLI allweather lifeboat is stationed at
Lerwick. For further details see 1.87.

General information
Tidal streams

Charts 3283, 3272, 3282

Description
1

6.152
The following text describes the coastal waters between
Helli Ness (6002N 110W) and Moul of Eswick
(6016N 106W), 14 miles N, excluding the waters
contained within the limits of Lerwick Harbour (6010N
109W) shown on Chart 3271. The coastal passage passes
E of Bressay (6006N 104W), an island separated from
Mainland by Bressay Sound. The approaches to Lerwick
Harbour comprise the S and N approaches to Bressay
Sound.
Lerwick Harbour and Bressay Sound are described
commencing at 6.171.

Topography
1

6.153
Mainland. Between Helli Ness (6002N 110W) and
Ness of Trebister (4 miles N) the coast consists of cliffs
of varying height, which have many caves at their base,
and which are backed by a nearly continuous ridge of hills,
broken only by Valley of Quarff (6006N 114W); this
valley, in which there is a church, cuts right across
Mainland from East Voe of Quarff to West Voe of Quarff
(1 miles W) and from E appears as a deep notch in the
ridge.
6.154
Bressay, of which Bard Head (6006N 104W) is the
easily identified S extremity, lies close off the coast of
Mainland abreast Lerwick and separated from it by Bressay
Sound. The island, which has a welldefined outline, is
readily distinguished from N and S and attains its summit
in Ward of Bressay (1 miles NNW of Bard Head) which
is surmounted by television masts (6.159). The S and E
coasts of Bressay consist generally of high, precipitous and
steepto cliffs with The Ord (1 miles NW of Bard Head)
being easily distinguished; the N and W sides are generally
lower and rocky.

6.157
Between Helli Ness and Ness of Trebister the tidal
stream is reported to be continuously Ngoing.
Off Isle of Noss the tidal streams are strong. Between
Isle of Noss and Moul of Eswick the Sgoing tidal stream
begins at about 0425 HW Lerwick (0430 HW Dover) and
the Ngoing at about +0135 HW Lerwick (+0130 HW
Dover). The Sgoing tidal stream divides off the N
entrance to Bressay Sound, part running on into the sound
and part running SE towards Noss Head; the Ngoing
stream runs in the opposite sense. The tidal streams are
fairly strong off Moul of Eswick and other salient points
but clear of the land they are probably weak.

Local magnetic anomalies

1

6.158
Helli Ness. See 6.135

Principal marks
1

256

6.159
Landmarks with positions from Bard Head (6006N
104W):
Two television masts (1 miles NNW), conspicuous,
on Ward of Bressay.
Watch tower (disused) (3 miles N) on summit of
Ander Hill; the tower is readily identifiable from
N, and from E when not obscured by the high
land of Isle of Noss.
Radio mast (3 miles NNW) (6.187).
Major lights with positions from Bard Head:
Bressay Light (white tower 16 m in height, and
buildings) (1 miles NW) on Kirkabister Ness.
Rova Head Light (5 miles NNW) on Easter Rova
Head (6.162).
Out Skerries Light (6025N 043W) (6.207).

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Bressay Lighthouse from NNW (6.159)

(Original dated 2004)
(Photograph Nigel Hoy, Taunton)

Directions

Southern approaches to Lerwick Harbour

(continued from 6.145)

1

Coastal passage east of Bressay

1

6.160
From a position ESE of Helli Ness (6002N 110W)
(6.144) the coastal passage leads NNE passing:
ESE of Bard Head (6006N 104W) (6.154), thence:
ESE of Isle of Noss (2 miles NE of Bard Head)
(6.155), thence:
ESE of Loder Head (4 miles N of Bard Head),
thence:
ESE of Score Head (6011N 104W), the E
extremity of Outer Score (6.162), thence:
ESE of Moul of Eswick (6016N 106W), a bold
promontory; a light (white tower 7 m in height)
stands near the centre of the broad cliff face of the
promontory, and from immediately below the
lighthouse a conspicuous white streak extends to
the foot of the cliff.
Useful marks with positions from Moul of Eswick
Light:
Hoo Stack (7 cables SSE), a bold pyramidshaped
rock, prominent from all directions and exhibiting
a light (white metal framework tower, 8 m in
height); the summit and NW slopes are
grasscovered.
Neap Manse (2 miles N) (6.207).
(Directions continue for coastal passage NE at 6.209)

6.161
From a position between Helli Ness (6002N 110W)
(6.144) and Bard Head (4 miles NE) the S approach to
Bressay Sound leads NNW in unobstructed water to the
pilot boarding position for Lerwick Harbour, shown on the
chart, W of Kirkabister Ness.
(Directions continue for
S entrance to Lerwick Harbour at 6.188)

Northeast approach to Lerwick Harbour

1

257

6.162
From a position about 5 miles NNE of Isle of Noss,
Rova Head Lighthouse (white clad metal framework tower,
7 m in height) (6012N 109W) bearing between 241 and
261 (by night a white sector of the light between these
bearings) leads to the vicinity of the pilot boarding position
for Lerwick Harbour, shown on the chart, 1 miles ENE of
Rova Head, passing (with positions from Rova Head
Light):
NNW of Outer Score (2 miles E), the N extremity
of Bressay, from which a bank with a depth over
its outer end of 45 m extends 1 cables E, and:
SSE of Soldian Rock (2 miles NE), a drying rock,
which is readily distinguished by breakers in any
swell; the rock is marked 2 cables SE by a
lightbuoy (S cardinal). Thence:
SSE of Green Holm (1 miles NE), a grasscovered
islet.
Passage between Green Holm and Soldian Rock,
although deep, is not advised.

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Light sectors. Soldian Rock and Green Holm both lie in

a red sector (213241) of Rova Head Light.
Useful marks with positions from Rova Head:
Neap Manse (7 miles N) (6.207).
Moul of Eswick (4 miles NNE) (6.160).
Hoo Stack (4 miles NNE) (6.160).
(Directions continue for
N entrance to Lerwick Harbour at 6.191)
3

Minor side channels

Noss Sound
1

6.163
Noss Sound, the channel which separates Isle of Noss
(6009N 101W) from Bressay, is tortuous, rocky, shallow
and about cable wide at its narrowest. Tidal streams run
very strongly through it. A passenger ferry crosses the
sound.

Gletness
1

6.164
Boat channel. There is a boat channel, entered from S
from South Voe of Gletness (6014N 110W), through the
area, which is much encumbered with dangers, separating
Mainland from South Isle of Gletness (6.167) and North
Isle of Gletness (2 cables NNE).
Harbour. North Voe of Gletness (6015N 109W), an
inlet protected SE by a narrow peninsula which projects
NE from Mainland and terminates in Glet Ness, is
occasionally used by local craft.

Lax Firth
1

Anchorage in southern approach

to Lerwick Harbour
Chart 3272

Gulber Wick
1

6.165
General information. Gulber Wick is entered between
the S extremity of Ness of Trebister (6007N 110W) and
Ness of Setter (5 cables W).
Anchorage. Although the bay is open S, the seas raised
by S gales are, to an extent, deflected from entering it by
the S end of Bressay. The holding ground in the bay is
good; attention is drawn to an isolated 38 m patch 5 cables
N of Ness of Setter.

Charts 3282, 3272

General information
1

Directions for common approach

1

6.167
Mariners bound for these inlets, and also for Dales Voe
(S of Hawks Ness) (6.184), are well advised, particularly in
thick weather, to make Hoo Stack (6015N 105W)
(6.160) which from its bold and distinctive appearance is
readily identified even when the visibility is not good.
From a position between Hoo Stack and Soldian Rock
(2 miles S) (6.162) the approach to the three inlets leads

6.168
General information. Lax Firth is entered between
Hawks Ness (6013N 110W) and Lambgarth Head
(7 cables NW).
Directions. An isolated patch (3 cables NNW of the N
extremity of Hawks Ness), least charted depth 7 m, lies
near the middle of the entrance. Lights (pole) are exhibited
from the head of a pier close SSE of Black Skerry (1 mile
SW of Hawks Ness). A wreck (1 mile SW of N extremity
of Hawks Ness), which dries, lies about cable off the SE
shore.
Anchorage. Lax Firth affords better shelter than Dales
Voe, adjacent SE, but, like Dales Voe, is seldom used as an
anchorage except by local craft. Except in the outer part,
space available for anchorage is restricted by marine farms
situated in several areas, the limits of which are indicated
on the chart.

Cat Firth

Anchorages in northern approach

to Lerwick Harbour

6.166
Between Hawks Ness (6013N 110W) and Ling Ness
(9 cables N) the coast of Mainland is penetrated by three
inlets, in sequence from S to N, Lax Firth, Wadbister Voe
and Cat Firth, all of which share a common approach;
Wadbister Voe and Cat Firth, in turn, share a common
close approach between Ling Ness and Lambgarth Head
(5 cables SSW), the E extremity of Wadbister Ness.

W passing (with positions from the NE extremity of Hawks

Ness):
S of South Baa (2 miles NE), a pinnacle rock over
which seas, dangerous to small craft, break in
heavy weather, and:
N of Nive Baa (2 miles E), situated 4 cables NNE of
Green Holm, and over which the sea breaks,
thence:
N of The Unicorn (6 cables E), the shoalest and most
E danger of an area of detached shoals, with
depths over them of less than 5 m, extending from
4 to 6 cables E from Hawks Ness; A dangerous
wreck lies on the shoalest part of The Unicorn. A
lightbuoy (E cardinal) is moored 1 cables NE of
the wreck. Thence:
S of South Isle of Gletness (7 cables NNE) which has
perpendicular cliffs on its SE side and slopes down
N; thence:
N of the NE extremity of Hawks Ness.

258

6.169
General information. Cat Firth is entered between
Taing of Railsbrough (6014N 111W) and Lambgarth
Head (5 cables SW). The head of the firth is divided into
two arms by Little Holm (1 miles NNW of Ling Ness), a
small peninsula. Cat Firth is one of the best anchorages for
small coasters on the E side of the Shetland Islands and in
winter numbers of the larger local fishing craft may be
found laidup at anchor.
Natural conditions. In SW winds Wadbister Voe is
more sheltered but in SE weather, although moderate seas
are caused in the entrance to Cat Firth, complete shelter
and smooth water prevail on rounding Ling Ness.
Directions. From a position between Taing of
Railsbrough and Lambgarth Head (6.166), the track leads
NW for 3 cables passing (with positions from Taing of
Railsbrough):
SW of Taing of Railsbrough, thence:
The track leads N passing close E of the isolated
rock marked by a lightbuoy (isolated danger) (4
cables W) (6.170), obstructing Wadbister Voe and
close W of a marine farm, which occupies the E
side of the S part of Cat Firth, thence:
W of a detached mussel bank (6 cables NNW) over
which there is a depth of 64 m.
Anchorage. The usual anchorage is in midchannel
about 2 cables N of the mussel bank in a depth of about

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18 m, good holding, rock and sand. The arms at the head

of the firth are obstructed by marine farms.

Website: www.lerwickharbour.co.uk
Email: ptcontrol@lerwickharbour.co.uk

Wadbister Voe
1

6.170
General information. Wadbister Voe is the water WSW
of a line drawn NNW from the N extremity of Wadbister
Ness (6014N 112W).
Local knowledge is advised.
Directions. The entrance is obstructed by an isolated
rock (2 cables N of the N extremity of Wadbister Ness)
with a depth over it of 14 m which is marked close NE by
a lightbuoy (isolated danger); there are depths of about 8
to 10 m close around the rock. Care is necessary to avoid a
drying reef close within the S entrance point.
Anchorage. The voe provides anchorage for small
coasters and craft and in SW weather is preferred to Cat
Firth, but it is necessary to avoid a marine farm near the
head of the voe.

Limiting conditions
1

LERWICK HARBOUR
General information

Arrival information

Charts 3272, 3271

Position
1

6.171
Lerwick is a natural harbour in Bressay Sound (6010N
109W), the channel between Mainland and Bressay, with
additional facilities in Dales Voe (6012N 110W).

Vessel traffic service

1

Function
1

6.172
The town of Lerwick, population about 7 000 is the
capital of the Shetland Islands and an important allweather
port. The principal activities of the port concern
fishingrelated industries, both local and international, and
offshore oil and gas industries, for which it is and has been
a leading support centre for exploration, development and
production activities in northern waters for a number of
years. The port is also the terminal for a number of
domestic and international ferries and, as well as handling
general cargoes, is also a port of call for cruise vessels.
6.173
Lerwick extends along the W shore of Bressay Sound
NW from Twageos Point (60089N 1079W).
For details of Bressay see 6.154.

6.180
Twentyfour hours notice of ETA together with draught,
pilotage requirements and intended entrance channel;
confirmation to be given 2 hours and 1 hour before arrival.

Submarine cables
1

6.174
The limits of Lerwick Harbour, are shown on the chart.

Approach and entry

1

6.175
The harbour may be entered from either the S or N end
of Bressay Sound.

Traffic
1

6.176
In 2004, 1 633 vessels, excluding fishing vessels, used
the port totalling 3 726 106 dwt.

Port Authority
1

6.177
Lerwick Port Authority, Albert Building, Lerwick
ZE1 0LL. The Harbour Office is situated adjacent to the
root of North Jetty (5 cables NW of Twageos Point):

6.181
Three submarine cables, the N and S of which are
power cables, are laid across the North Harbour abreast
Point of Scattland (60105N 1093W); the landing
positions of all three cables are marked by beacons (yellow,
diamond topmark) on the shores.

Pilotage and tugs

Port limits
1

6.179
A reporting system with full radar surveillance is
maintained for the control of shipping in Bressay Sound;
reporting positions are shown on the chart. For further
details see Admiralty List of Radio Signal Volume 6(1).

Notice of ETA required

Topography
1

6.178
Controlling depths. The channel abreast North Ness
(60096N 1087W), affording access between North and
South Harbours, is dredged to 90 m (1990) over a width of
100 m; the channel in the N entrance to Greenhead Base
(60107N 1094W) is dredged to 90 m (1999) over a
width of 90 m; the N entrance channel to Bressay Sound
abreast Point of Scattland (60104N 1093W) is dredged
to 60 m (1990), over a width of 90 m.
Deepest berth. Holmsgarth No 5 Berth (6.198) in North
Harbour, Bressay Sound; Oil rig maintenance base jetty
(6.199) in Dales Voe.
Longest berth. Greenhead Base (6.198).
Tidal levels see information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
Mean spring range about 16 m; mean neap range about
08 m.
Maximum size of vessel handled. Ships of more than
37 000 gt and up to 205 m LOA can be berthed alongside.
A cruise liner of 78 500 gt has anchored in Bressay Sound.

259

6.182
Pilotage is compulsory for the following:
Vessels over 30 m in length carrying passengers.
Tankers over 1600 gt. See also 1.50 to 1.58.
Vessels carrying more than 10 kg of explosive
substances as defined by the Dangerous Substances
in Harbour Areas (DSHA) Regulations 1987.
Vessels towing or under tow over 25 m (not fishing
vessels) or fishing vessels over 475 m.
Vessels able only to manoeuvre with difficulty.
Vessels over 3000 gt intending to berth, anchor or
shift within the inner harbour (6.184).
Pilots are available 24 hours a day and normally board
from a tug. The usual boarding positions are situated
4 cables W of Kirkabister Ness for the S entrance and
7 cables SE of Green Holm for the N entrance, as shown
on the chart, but in bad weather vessels may be boarded
abreast South Ness (6009N 108W); if weather condition
are unsuitable for boarding at the N entrance the S entrance
must be used.
Tugs are available.

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Regulations concerning entry

1

6.183
Anchorage restriction. Vessels of 10 000 gt or more
wishing to anchor must contact the Harbour Master prior to
arrival.
Speed limit. There is a speed limit of 5 kn within the
limits of the inner harbour (6.184).
3

Harbour

Fort Charlotte (7 cables NNW), prominent in the

town.
Loofa Baa Lightbeacon (concrete, S cardinal, 6 m in
height) (11 miles NNW), conspicuous.
Chimney (1 miles NNW), conspicuous, of power
station, with four smaller chimneys close S.
Gardie House (1 mile NNE), conspicuous.
Major light with position from The Knab (60087N
1083W):
Bressay Light (white tower 16 m in height, and
buildings) (1 miles SSE) on Kirkabister Ness
(6.159).

General layout
1

6.184
The main concentration of port facilities, which include
both public and privately operated berths, is situated on the
W side of the inner harbour which is defined as the area
bounded S by a line joining The Knab (60087N
1082W) and Taing of Ham (5 cables SE), and N by a
line joining Easter Rova Head (60115N 1086W) and
Ness of Beosetter (1 mile SE). The inner harbour is
divided, by a line extending in a 068 direction from North
Ness (60095N 1087W), into South Harbour and North
Harbour which are connected by a dredged channel.
Piers associated with a fishmeal and oil factory on
Bressay are situated in Bay of Heogan (7 cables N of North
Ness) on the E side of the inner harbour.
Anchorage can be obtained in the inner harbour.
Dales Voe, entered between Hawks Ness and Kebister
Ness (1 miles SSE), contains an oil rig maintenance base
and jetty.

Directions for entering harbour

South entrance
1

Ferry
1

6.185
A vehicle ferry plies between ramps at North Jetty
(2 cables SSE of North Ness) and Maryfield (5 cables E)
on Bressay.

Natural conditions
1

6.186
Tidal streams generally have a rate of less than 05 kts
throughout Lerwick Harbour except in the narrows in the N
part of North Harbour. Here, in midchannel abreast Point
of Scattland, there is no slack water at springs, the tidal
streams changing direction in less than 15 minutes; the
Sgoing stream runs from 4 hours before until 1 hours
after HW Lerwick and the Ngoing for the remaining
period. Tidal streams in the narrows can, on occasions,
attain a spring rate of 2 kn in both directions. See also
information on the charts.
Climate information for Lerwick see 1.155 and 1.163.

Principal marks
1

6.187
Landmarks with positions from The Knab (60087N
1083W):
Two television masts (1 miles SE), conspicuous,
(6.159).
Radio mast (2 cables NNW), conspicuous, on
Annes Brae with Coastguard lookout building
(white) and flagstaff close adjacent.
Clock tower (6 cables NNW), conspicuous, of
Lerwick Town Hall.

260

(continued from 6.161)

6.188
From a position W of Kirkabister Ness (6007N
107W), on which Bressay Light (6.159) is exhibited, the
track through the S entrance to Lerwick Harbour leads
NNE passing (with positions from Kirkabister Ness):
ESE of Ness of Sound (1 miles WNW), the E side
of the S part of which is foul with abovewater
and belowwater skerries for a distance of about
cable offshore, thence:
ESE of Sillock Baas (1 miles NW), a rock over
which the sea breaks heavily in SE gales, thence:
WNW of Cro of Ham (1 mile N) on which stands a
light (white metal post), thence:
WNW of Taing of Ham (1 miles N), close off
which there is a drying rock and unmarked outfall
pipeline, thence:
ESE of The Knab (1 miles NNW), the S extremity
of South Ness, noting Leake Rock on a spit
extending cable S, thence:
ESE of Twageos Point (6009N 108W) on which
there is a light (white beacon); between The Knab
and Twageos Point the SE side of South Ness is
fringed by a shallow bank which extends cable
offshore around the point.
By night the white sector (008013) of Maryfield
Ferry Terminal Light (5 cables NNE of Twageos Point)
leads through the S entrance.
When abreast of Twageos Point the track leads NW in
midchannel passing SW of Brough of Leira Ness
(3 cables ENE of Twageos Point), a small rocky islet near
the outer end of a drying rocky spit which extends SW
from Leira Ness, from where course may be adjusted as
necessary for berthing in South Harbour or for entry to
North Harbour.
6.189
Passage between North and South Harbours. A
dredged channel, for details see 6.178, which affords access
between North and South Harbours, leads WNW in
midchannel between North Ness (60096N 1087W) on
which there is a light (column, 3 m in height) and Loofa
Baa, a rocky shoal (1 to 2 cables N) which is marked
near its S end by Loofa Baa Lightbeacon (6.187). The
side limits of the channel are marked by two lightbuoys
(one port and one starboard hand). A buoy (starboard hand)
(2 cables ENE of North Ness) marks shoal ground
extending from the coast of Bressay in the SE approach to
the channel.
A narrow channel with a least depth of 47 m leads
between the E side of Loofa Baa and the outer edge of a

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shallow rocky bank extending 1 cables W from the

Bressay shore; Holm of Cruester stands near the centre of
this bank.
Caution. When navigating in the inner part of North
Harbour it is necessary to avoid Middle Ground (centred
5 cables NNW of North Ness) (6.191).
6.190
Useful marks:
Crane on small pier in front of Gardie House.
Lights on a number of berths in South Harbour; for
further details see the chart and Admiralty List of
Lights Volume A.

sector (158216) of North Ness Light and its S

and W extremities are marked by lightbuoys
(both starboard hand).
1

Other channels in north entrance

1

North entrance
1

(continued from 6.162)

6.191
Main channel. From a position about 1 mile ENE of
Easter Rova Head (60115N 1086W), and in the
vicinity of the pilot boarding position, the track continues
WSW, as directed at 6.162, until about 3 cables from
Rova Head, passing NNW of Holm of Beosetter (7 cables
E of Rova Head) which is surrounded on all sides by a
shallow bank on which there are abovewater and drying
rocks. Luggies Knowe (7 cables W of Rova Head) is a
distinctive pyramidshaped hill.
Thence N Entrance Direction Light (yellow triangle,
orange stripe) (60105N 1095W), situated 1 cable WNW
of Point of Scattland, bearing 215 ahead (at night the
white sector (214216) of the direction light) leads SW
passing (with positions from the direction light):
SE, at a distance of about 2 cables, of Rova Head,
low, rounded and exhibiting a light (6.162), thence:
SE of Skibby Baas Light (7 cables NNE) marking
Skibby Baas, a group of detached rocks, some of
which dry, with a small foul patch close E, thence:
NW of Skerries of Scarfitaing (6 cables NE), a reef,
on which there are abovewater rocks, extending
cable NW from Scarfi Taing, thence:
Between Green Head (5 cables NNE), on which there
are installations of a supply base, and Turra Taing
(5 cables NE) by a dredged channel, dimensions
see 6.178, the limits of which are shown on the
chart; the channel is marked at the S end of its E
side by a lightbuoy (starboard hand); a light
stands on the SE extremity of Green Head.
Thence:
NW of a lightbuoy (starboard hand) (3 cables NE)
moored on the outer edge of a bank extending
from the NW side of Bressay.
Thence North Ness Light (60096N 1087W) (6.189)
bearing 170 ahead leads S passing along the centre line of
the N part of a dredged channel, dimensions see 6.178,
which leads between Point of Scattland (1 cable ESE of N
Entrance Direction Light) and the coast of Bressay, 2 cables
further E. The channel, the limits of which are shown on
the chart, has an axis of 170/350, and is marked by
lightbuoys (port and starboard hand).
Near the S lightbuoy the dredged channel alters
direction and leads SSW into the inner part of North
Harbour passing (with positions from N Entrance Direction
Light):
ESE of Gremista Quay (2 cables SSE) from where a
light is exhibited, and:
WNW of Middle Ground (centred about 4 cables
SE), the extent of which is best seen from the
chart; Middle Ground is covered by the green

6.192
Useful marks:
Lights on a number of berths in North Harbour; for
further details see the chart and Admiralty List of
Lights Volume A.

6.193
Inshore passage. From a position clear S of The
Unicorn (60134N 1088W) (6.167) Rova Head Light
(6.162) bearing between 182 and 191, ahead, (at night
keeping within a white sector of Rova Head Light between
these bearings) leads S passing, (with positions from Easter
Rova Head):
W of Brethren (1 mile NNE), two abovewater rocks
which lie near the SW end of a reef extending
2 cables further NE; the reef dries at its NE end
and is steepto except at the NE end. A lightbuoy
(W cardinal) is moored 1 cable W of Brethren, just
outside the E edge of the white sector (above) of
Rova Head Light. And:
E of Kebister Ness (7 cables NNW).
Thence course can be adjusted so as to round Rova
Head at a distance of 2 cables, noting an isolated 7 m patch
(7 cables NNE), and then to follow the directions given at
6.191.
At night Brethren are covered by a green sector
(191213) of Rova Head Light.
6.194
Passage between the Brethren and Green Holm
(6 cables E) (6.162) is clear except for the detached 7 m
patch 7 cables NNE of Rova Head, but the passage W of
the Brethren, as described above, is safer and much to be
preferred.

Dales Voe
1

261

6.195
Approach. See advice at 6.167.
Entry. From a position 1 mile ESE of Hawks Ness
(60134N 1100W), and clear of The Unicorn (6 cables
E of Hawks Ness) (6.167), the track into Dales Voe leads
SW with Dales Voe Light (white metal post, 2 m in height)
(1 miles SSW of Hawks Ness) bearing 230 ahead,
passing (with positions from NE extremity of Hawks Ness):
SE of an area between The Unicorn and Fora Ness
(8 cables S) in which there are a number of
detached shoals with depths over them of less than
10 m; details are best seen from the chart. Passage
through this area and W of The Unicorn should
not be attempted. And:
NW of the Brethren (1 miles SE) (6.193), thence:
In midchannel between Fora Ness and Kebister Ness
(1 miles SSE) from which a spit extends about
1 cable NNW.
Thence the track to the head of the voe leads SW in
midchannel passing (with positions from Kebister Ness):
Clear as necessary of a rocky spit (1 mile SW), with
a depth over its outer end of 96 m, which extends
1 cables NW from a position on the SE shore of
the voe about 1 cable SW of an oil rig
maintenance jetty; lights (metal lighting column,
30 m in height) are exhibited from the root of this
jetty. Thence:
Clear of a marine farm (1 miles SW), thence:

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Lerwick South Harbour The Breakwater and Victoria Pier from E (6.197)
(Original dated 2005)

(Photograph Copyright Granted)

Morrison Dock

Lerwick North Harbour Holmsgarth RoRo Terminals from N (6.198)

(Original dated 2005)
(Photograph Copyright Granted)

262

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CHAPTER 6

NW of Muckle Ayre (1 miles SW), a low stony

beach which extends nearly half way across the
voe from the SE shore.
At night the white sector (227233) of Dales Voe
Light leads into the voe.

Berths
Anchorages
1

6.196
Voe of Sound. Anchorage in Voe of Sound, entered
between the S extremities of Ness of Trebister and Ness of
Sound, is restricted by operational and abandoned
submarine cables.
Brei Wick, entered between The Knab (60087N
1082W) (6.188) and the E extremity of Ness of Sound
(8 cables SSW), affords anchorage but is exposed to S
winds. When entering care is necessary to avoid Leake
Rock and Sillock Baas (6.188) situated, respectively, close
S and 4 cables SSW of The Knab. The SW side of the
bay is generally foul with dangerous rocks. A bank with

depths of less than 5 m over it and on which there is an

isolated dangerous rock near the outer end, extends
1 cables NE from Skeo Taing (6 cables WSW of The
Knab).
South Harbour. The usual berth is about 2 cables SW
of the outer end of Maryfield Ferry Terminal (60094N
1074W) in a depth of about 18 m, noting that a small
foul patch lies about cable SW of the ferry terminal. The
holding ground of dark sand, stones, shells and some mud
is not very good. The worst winds are SE which bring a
swell into the anchorage. As indicated on the chart,
anchorage is prohibited in an area off the SW side of the
harbour extending NW from Twageos Point.
North Harbour. Anchorage is prohibited S of a line
drawn WSW from Loofa Baa Lightbeacon as indicated on
the chart.
Dales Voe is often used as an anchorage but it is
exposed NE. There is, however, good shelter from E gales
SW of Muckle Ayre; local knowledge is required. Marine
farms exist in the voe.

Power Station

Lerwick North Harbour Morrison Dock and Holmsgarth Berths from SE (6.198)
(Original dated 2005)
(Photograph Copyright Granted)

263

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CHAPTER 6

Lerwick North Harbour Greenhead Base from SW (6.198)

(Original dated 2004)
(Photograph Kieran Murray)
Greenhead Base

Turra Taing

Lerwick North Harbour Gremistra Quay from SSW (6.198)

(Original dated 2005)
(Photograph Copyright Granted)

264

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CHAPTER 6

Dales Voe Oil Rig Maintenance Base from W (6.199)

(Photograph Copyright Granted)

(Original dated 2005)

Alongside berths
1

6.197
South Harbour is lined by quays and piers with a total
berthing length of about 900 m. The deepest berth is the E
face of Victoria Pier (3 cables SSE of North Ness) which
is 91 m long with an alongside depth of 68 m. A small
RoRo ramp, used by the Bressay ferry, is situated on the
S side of Spur Jetty (2 cables SSE of North Ness). There
is a privately owned marina on the W side of Bressay.
6.198
North Harbour has more than 24 berths, the deepest
being Holmsgarth No 5 Berth (3 cables WNW of North
Ness) with an alongside depth of 92 m; the longest is the
S arm of Greenhead Base (2 to 4 cables N of Point of
Scattland), about 380 m in length with dredged depths of
80 and 90 m (1999). There are three RoRo berths on
Holmsgarth Quay; the largest, at Berth No 2 (4 cables
WNW of North Ness), has an alongside depth of about
80 m and can accommodate vessels up to 170 m in length.
Gremista Quay (1 cables SSW of Point of Scattland)
with five berthing faces and with depths of between 59
and 75 m is used by fishing industry vessels; additionally
there is a privately owned marina 2 cables SW of Gremista
Quay.
6.199
Dales Voe. A Tshaped jetty situated in front of the oil
rig maintenance base has a depth of 125 m alongside its
outer face, which is 51 m long. Mooring buoys are laid
about cable NNE and cable SSW of the head of the
jetty.

MOUL OF ESWICK TO FETLAR

General information
Chart 3282

Description
1

Port services
1

6.200
Repairs:Covered patent slip, length of cradle 284 m,
largest vessel 35 m LOA, 40 m draught, 98 m beam and
350 dwt; repairs to hull, machinery and electrical/electronic
equipment undertaken; divers.

Other facilities: hospital in Lerwick, serious cases being

flown to Aberdeen by air ambulance; provision of deratting
and deratting exemption certificates; disposal of oily waste
materials; tugs equipped for salvage and firefighting
operations.
Supplies: Fuel oils at most berths; water from hydrants
at all berths; ice; all kinds of provisions; chandlery stores.
Communications. Daily RoRo ferry to Aberdeen with
twice weekly calls to Orkney Islands. In summer, weekly
RoRo ferry services to Faeroe Islands, Iceland and Norway.
In winter, weekly RoRo ferry services to Faeroe Islands,
Iceland and Denmark. Principal airfield at Sumburgh
(40 km S) with frequent scheduled flights to Scotland and
Norway during the summer months, airstrip at Tingwall
(8 km NW).

6.201
Between Moul of Eswick (6016N 106W) and Lunna
Ness (6027N 103W) the E coast of Mainland is very
irregular in shape and from it several groups of islands,
islets, and reefs together form a chain which extends about
12 miles ENE. Out Skerries (6026N 045W) is the
outermost group of this chain.
A coastal passage passes clear SE of these dangers,
through which there are several navigable channels, and
then continues N, across the approaches to the SE entrance
to Yell Sound, to Fetlar (6037N 052W).
The indentations of the coast of Mainland afford shelter
and there are several small harbours in the area.

Topography
1

265

6.202
Stepping Stones, the most S group in the chain,
comprise several reefs and rocky islets extending in a line

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CHAPTER 6

Out Skerries Lighthouse from S (6.207)

(Photograph Air Images)

(Original dated 1999)

about 4 miles NE from Moul of Eswick; they are so

named because the gaps between them are fairly regular.
The most prominent objects in the line are Muckla
Billan (2 miles NE of Moul of Eswick), a rugged rock,
and Muckle Fladdicap (1 mile further NE), the most NE of
Stepping Stones, easily distinguished from Muckla Billan
by being larger and flatter. Further details of Stepping
Stones are given with the descriptions of channels in their
vicinity.
6.203
Whalsay, an island separated from Mainland by Lunning
Sound and Linga Sound, attains its summit in Ward of
Clett (6020N 100W), a welldefined hill near its S end.
6.204
Out Skerries is the collective name for five distinct
groups of islets and rocks which extend between 5 and
10 miles ESE from Lunna Holm (6027N 102W) and
between 2 and 5 miles NE from Skaw Taing (6023N
054W).
The principal and most E group comprises the three
largest islets of Housay (6025N 046W), Bruray and
Grunay, which lie close together, Housay and Bruray being
connected by a bridge. They are grasscovered, have some
dwellings and are used for grazing. Out Skerries Light
(6.207) stands on Bound Skerry, a large barren rock close
E of the E extremity of this group.
The remaining groups consist of smaller features, a few
of which are grasscovered but most of which are bare
rugged rocks. These are described with the passages which
they border.
The permanent population of about 90 inhabitants is
sustained by fishing and fishrelated industries.

Rescue
1

6.205
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained on
Whalsay and Out Skerries. For further details see 1.76.

Principal marks
1

6.207
Landmarks:
Neap Manse (6018N 106W), conspicuous, on
summit of a sharp and welldefined hill.
Out Skerries Lighthouse (white tower, 30 m in height)
(6025N 043W) on Bound Skerry (6.204).
Major light:
Out Skerries Light as below.

Other aid to navigation

6.208
Racon:
Inner Voder Light (60165N 1049W) (6.211)
For details, see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 2.

Directions
(continued from 6.160)
Chart 3284

Coastal passage
1

Tidal streams
1

Eswick and other salient points but clear of the land they
are probably weak.
In the vicinity of Out Skerries, as a general statement,
tidal streams are generally weak but they may run fairly
strongly off salient points; see also information on the chart
and at 6.262.

6.206
Abreast Mainland between Moul of Eswick and
Lumming Sound (6 miles N) the Sgoing tidal stream
begins at about 0425 HW Lerwick (0430 HW Dover) and
the Ngoing at about +0135 HW Lerwick (+0130 HW
Dover). The tidal streams are fairly strong off Moul of

266

6.209
From a position abreast of Moul of Eswick (6016N
106W) (6.160) the passage clear SE of the chain of
islands, islets and reefs leads NE passing:
SE of Stepping Stones (6.202) extending 4 miles NE
from Moul of Eswick, thence:
SE of a group of islets and skerries of which the
principal features are East Linga (6020N
053W), Rumble (7 cables SSW) and Grif
Skerry (6 cables E); East Linga, the largest of the
islets, slopes upward from its S end to a hummock
near its centre. All the islets are surrounded by
abovewater and belowwater dangers, details of
which are best seen from the chart, particular
attention being called to Swarta Skerries
(2 cables E of Griff Skerry), two abovewater
rocks, the higher of which is dark coloured.
Thence:

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SE of Out Skerries (6.204), marked at their E end by

Out Skerries Light (6025N 043W) (6.207).
Thence the coastal passage leads N for about 10 miles to
Fetlar (6.317), the SE side of which between Funzie Ness
(6034N 048W) and Strandburgh Ness (3 miles NNE)
(6.328) is clear of dangers.
Useful mark:
Hoo Stack Light (6015N 105W) (6.160).
(Directions continue for SE approach and entrance
to Yell Sound and Sullom Voe at 6.278,
for Bluemull Sound at 6.328
and for coastal passage N at 6.358)

Passages in vicinity of Stepping Stones

General information
1

6.210
All the passages between the dangers forming Stepping
Stones (6.202) are navigable; the recommended passage
(6.213) lies between Litla Billan and Muckla Billan.
Caution. Because the bottom is very irregular and the
depths vary greatly, great caution is necessary when
navigating between or in the vicinity of Stepping Stones.
Local knowledge is required for the passages through
Stepping Stones unless the abovewater dangers are clearly
visible.

Directions
1

6.211
Passage between Moul of Eswick and Inner Voder.
Approaching from S care is necessary to avoid Hoo Stack
(6015N 105W) (6.160), from which dangers extend
5 cables NE, and The Sneckan (8 cables ENE), an isolated
abovewater rock.
By day the alignment (182), astern, of Hoo Stack Light
and Ward of Bressay (7 miles further S) (6.154) (Chart
3283) leads N through the passage passing (with positions
from Hoo Stack):
Clear E of all dangers, including Hevda Skerry
(1 miles N), bordering the E face of Moul of
Eswick (6.160), thence:
W of Inner Voder (1 miles N), an abovewater rock
on which a light (concrete pillar and platform) is
exhibited), thence:
E of Climnie (2 miles N), a rock reef, parts of which
are above water.
By night the white sector (180184), astern, of Hoo
Stack Light and of a direction light exhibited from the
same light structure but below the main light with which it
is synchronised, leads similarly N through the passage. The
red sector (169180) of the upper light covers Climnie
which is also covered by a red sector (shore to 200) of
Moul of Eswick Light.
6.212
Passage between Middle Voder and Haerie. The
passage between Middle Voder (1 miles NNE of Hoo
Stack), with a depth over it of 09 m (charted as dangerous
rock), and Haerie (3 cables NE), an abovewater rock, is
not recommended. However, if the use of this passage is
unavoidable, Stava Ness (4 miles N of Hoo Stack)
bearing 352 and just open E of Stany Hog (1 miles SSE)
leads through in safety.
6.213
Passage between Litla Billan and Muckla Billan is
recommended as both sides of the channel are defined by
rocks visible at all times in normal visibility. About
midway between Litla Billan (2 miles NE of Hoo Stack),

an abovewater rock, with a rock close SW which

occasionally dries, and Muckla Billan (3 miles NE of
Hoo Stack) (6.202) there is a least depth of 199 m over a
rocky patch; depths in this vicinity are very uneven.
6.214
Passage between Muckla Billan and Muckle
Fladdicap. Care is necessary to avoid a detached reef, over
which there is a depth of 40 m, lying about 2 cables SW
of Muckle Fladdicap (6.202).
6.215
Passage northeast of Muckle Fladdicap. If avoiding
passage through Stepping Stones by passing NE of Muckle
Fladdicap care is necessary to avoid a drying reef (2 cables
NE of Muckle Fladdicap) and The Hogo Baas, three
distinct rocky patches, including a dangerous rock, situated,
respectively, 1 miles NE, 1 miles NE and 1 mile NNE
of Muckle Fladdicap. During gales the sea breaks over all
three patches.
6.216
Light sector:
Inner Voder, Middle Voder, Haerie, Litla Billan,
Muckla Billan and Muckle Fladdicap are all
covered by the green sector (207018) of Moul
of Eswick Light.
6.217
Useful mark:
Symbister Ness Light (6020N 102W) (6.220).

Passage southeast of Whalsay

1

6.218
Use of the passage between the SE coast of Whalsay
and the numerous islets and reefs which lie off it is not
advisable as the bottom in this area is very uneven and
depths more shoal than charted may exist.

Passages between Mainland and Whalsay

General information
1

267

6.219
West Linga (6022N 102W), a narrow island, divides
the channel between Whalsay (6.203) and Mainland
(1 miles E) into Linga Sound to the E and Lunning
Sound to the W. The two sounds share a common approach
from S.
Linga Sound is commonly used by oceangoing vessels.
Submarine power cables. Submarine power cables are
laid across the sounds from Mainland, 2 cables N of
Dragon Ness (60215N 1044W), to the W coast of West
Linga, and from the E coast of West Linga to Whalsay,
5 cables SW of Suther Ness (6.221), as shown on the
chart.The landing places of the cables are marked by
beacons (yellow, diamond topmark). A power cable
together with remnants of a disused power cable lies across
the S approaches to the sounds from Whalsay, at Symbister
Ness (6020N 102W), to Mainland, at the SW head of
Bight of Stavaness (2 miles WSW), as indicated on the
chart.The landing positions of this cable are marked on the
shore of Whalsay by Symbister Ness Lighthouse (6.220) by
a beacon (yellow, diamond topmark) (close S), and in Bight
of Stavaness by a similar beacon.
Ferry. A vehicle ferry plies between Symbister Bay
(close E of Symbister Ness) (6.223) and Laxo Voe
(4 miles W) at the head of Dury Voe (6.230), as indicated
on the chart.
Tidal streams. In both Linga Sound and Lunning Sound
the Sgoing tidal stream begins at about 0430 HW
Lerwick (0435 HW Dover) and the Ngoing at +0215 HW
Lerwick (+0210 HW Dover).

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Symbister

Linga Sound Whalsay from SW (6.219)

(Photograph Copyright Granted)
4

(Original dated 1996)

In Linga Sound the tidal streams run strongly in both

directions, attaining a spring rate of 5 to 6 kn in the
narrower parts of the sound.
Details of tidal streams at the N end of Lunning Sound
are shown on the chart. As the sound narrows S the
strength of the tidal streams increases and a spring rate of
5 to 6 kn is attained abreast the central part of West Linga.
At the S end of the sound, S of Hunder Holm (8 cables W
of the S extremity of West Linga), rates are similar to those
at the N end. At the strength of the tidal streams in both
directions Lunning Sound is full of very strong whirlpools
and eddies.

Directions
1

6.220
South approach. From a position in midchannel
between Stany Hog (6018N 104W) and Clett Head
(2 miles NE), the S extremity of Whalsay, the common
approach to Linga and Lunning Sounds leads NNW passing
(with positions from Stany Hog):
WSW of Sava Skerry (1 miles NE), lying 2 cables
SW of Holm of Sandwick, thence:

Whalsay

WSW of Flaeshans of Sandwick (2 miles NNE), an

abovewater rock ridge, thence:
ENE of Stava Ness (1 miles N), thence:
WSW of Symbister Ness (2 miles NNE), noting a
rocky shoal, least depth 131 m, lying about
5 cables WSW; if bound for Linga Sound the ness
can be passed at a distance of about 2 cables. A
light (white tower, 7 m in height) stands on the
NW extremity of the ness and a beacon (yellow
diamond topmark) lies 1 cables S of the light.

6.221
Linga Sound. Having rounded Symbister Ness at a
distance of about 2 cables the track passes SE of Calf of
Linga (5 cables N of Symbister Ness), 3 m high, situated
close off The Skate, the S extremity of West Linga, and of
foul ground which extends 1 cables E from the calf.
Thence the E extremity of Wether Holm (1 miles N of
Symbister Ness) (see below) bearing 011, ahead, and open
E of the NE side of West Linga leads N through the S part
of the sound passing:
W of a flat ledge (1 mile NNE of Symbister Ness),
known locally as Skate of Marrister, extending

Symbister

Linga Sound Whalsay from N (6.221)

(Photograph Shetland Islands Council)

(Original dated 1996)

268

West Linga

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2 cables W from Whalsay; the ledge dries 15 m

and is marked near its outer edge by a light (green
mast with platform, 4 m in height). Under normal
conditions Skate of Marrister is well defined by
the rippling over it of the tidal stream but it is a
serious danger in poor visibility. And:
E of West Linga, the coast of which, for about
7 cables NNE from Calf of Linga and adjacent
dangers, is clear of dangers beyond a distance of
cable offshore.
Thence from the vicinity of Skate of Marrister the
alignment (about 212), astern, of Neap Manse (2 miles
SW of Symbister Ness) (6.207) with the SE extremity of
West Linga leads out through the N part of Linga Sound
passing (with positions from Suther Ness (6022N
100W)):
ESE of The Flaeshans (7 cables WSW), a group of
three abovewater rocks which lie near the S end
of a rocky flat extending up to 2 cables offshore
from the N part of the E coast of West Linga;
thence:
ESE of Wether Holm (6 cables WNW), a small islet
separated from the N extremity of West Linga by a
narrow channel with a depth of 3 m in the fairway;
Wether Holm should be given a berth of at least
1 cable on all sides. And:
WNW of Suther Ness, a narrow peninsula projecting
1 cables from the coast of Whalsay; a light
(white framework tower, elevation 10 m) stands on
the extremity of the ness. Thence:
WNW of Kirk Ness (2 cables ENE), a small
peninsula joined to the coast of Whalsay by a
narrow neck of land and on which there is a
church, thence:
WNW of Kirk Baas (4 cables NE), a rocky ledge
over which there is a depth of 09 m (charted as a
dangerous rock), which lies 2 cables N of Kirk
Ness; Kirk Baas is covered by the green sector
(206 to shore) of Suther Ness Light. And:
Clear of Baa of Wether Holm, a shoal with a least
depth of 43 m, (7 cables NNW); the white sector
(135143) of Suther Ness Light leads through
the passage between Wether Holm and Baa of
Wether Holm, thence:
WNW of Challister Ness (1 miles NE) which
should be given a berth of at least 2 cables.
Clearing marks:
Symbister Ness bearing 208 and just open W of the
W side of Whalsay passes WNW of Kirk Baas.
Useful marks with position from Symbister Ness Light:
Lights exhibited in Symbister Bay (3 cables ENE)
(6.223).
6.222
Lunning Sound. The S entrance to Lunning Sound lies
between Hamera Head (6021N 107W), a bold and
prominent headland, and The Skate (2 miles E) (6.221). It
is obstructed by Hunder Holm (6021N 104W), the S
and SE sides of which are steepto but rocky banks extend
nearly 1 cable from its E and W sides and a shelving reef
extends 1 cables N from its N extremity. The channel W
of Hunder Holm is recommended, the track passing:
In midchannel between Hunder Holm and Gruna
Baas (6 cables WSW) in the vicinity of which the
bottom is uneven with numerous heads; the sea
breaks heavily over this area in S gales. Thence:
In midchannel between Hunder Holm and Dragon
Ness (6.219) on Mainland, noting that the Sgoing

10

tidal stream sets strongly across the shelving reef

N of Hunder Holm.
If using the channel E of Hunder Holm during the
Sgoing tidal stream the track should be biased towards
Bruse Holm (3 cables NE of Hunder Holm) until abreast
Dragon Ness to allow for the tidal set across the shelving
reef N of Hunder Holm.
Having cleared Dragon Ness the track leads generally N
passing (with positions from Hunder Holm):
E at a distance of 1 cables of the coast of Mainland
which, between Dragon Ness and Swevers Taing
(1 miles N), is bold, rugged and clear of dangers
beyond a distance of cable offshore, and:
W of the W edge of an extensive rocky flat
extending more than 5 cables from along the W
side of West Linga. The flat contains numerous
islets, rocks and reefs between Bruse Holm and
Swarta Skerry, 1 miles farther N; further details
of this area are best seen from the chart. The W
side of West Linga should not be approached; the
narrow channel between the E edge of the flat and
West Linga is unsafe. Thence:
E of Skerry of Lunning (1 miles NNW), close off
the coast of Mainland, thence:
E of Lunning Head (2 miles N), fringed on its E side
by dangerous rocks.
Caution. Mariners are cautioned to note, particularly
when approaching Lunning Sound from N, that the Sgoing
tidal stream sets S on to the N end of the extensive rocky
flat in the vicinity of Swarta Skerry and Marra Flaeshins
(2 cables E).
Clearing marks:
The church on Kirk Ness (2 miles ENE of Hunder
Holm) bearing 106 and open N of Wether Holm
(8 cables further WNW) passes N of the extensive
flat W of West Linga.
Useful mark:
Mare of Lunna (6026N 104W) (6.267).
Chart 3284 plan of Symbister

Symbister Bay
1

3
4

269

6.223
General information. Symbister Bay, in which there is
a harbour, lies 3 cables E of Symbister Ness Light
(6020N 102W) and is the S of two small bays in the W
coast of Whalsay at the S end of Linga Sound; it is
separated from North Voe, the N bay, by Salt Ness
(5 cables NE of Symbister Ness Light). The bay faces N
but the harbour is protected by a mole extending NE from
the W side and by an angled breakwater projecting NW
from the E side leaving an entrance about 50 m wide. Two
piers extend from the SW side of the harbour SE of the
root of the mole.
Symbister is an important and active fishing port
frequented by substantial numbers of trawlers and purse
seiners.
Local knowledge is required.
Port Authority. Shetland Islands Council (6.2). The
harbour limit is shown on the chart.
Limiting conditions. The outer basin has a minimum
depth of 30 m. There is a tide gauge at the entrance to the
harbour; mariners should allow at least 05 m of underkeel
clearance when manoeuvring in the harbour.
Useful marks:
Light (concrete building, 2 m in height) on mole
head.

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CHAPTER 6

Symbister Harbour from N (6.223)

(Photograph Air Images)

(Original dated 1999)

Light (metal mast, 3 m in height) on head of N of the

two piers.
Berths. The S side of the mole is lined by a quay. The
N and larger pier is angled with an overall length of 155 m
and has depths of about 4 m at its head and 5 m near its
centre. A RoRo ferry terminal is situated on the S side of
the S pier, which has a depth of 34 m at its head. A
marina is situated close S of the S pier.
Supplies. Water.
Communications. Rollon rolloff ferry service to Laxo
Voe (4 miles W) (6.230); during bad weather from SE
this service may operate to Vidlin Voe (3 miles NW)
(6.231).

Passage between Whalsay and Out Skerries

General information
1

6.224
The fairway of the passage between Skaw Taing
(6023N 054W), the NE extremity of Whalsay, and Out
Skerries, the most SW of which is Billia Skerry (2 miles
ENE), is clear of dangers and deep, with few exceptions
depths generally being in excess of 20 m.
Submarine power cable. A submarine power cable is
laid across the channel between Skaw Taing and Housay
(4 miles ENE) as shown on the chart. The landing positions
of the cable are marked by beacons (yellow, diamond
topmark) on the shore.
Tidal streams. The SEgoing tidal stream begins at
about 0405 HW Lerwick (0410 HW Dover) and the
NEgoing at about +0205 HW Lerwick (+0200 HW Dover),
spring rate about kn in both directions.
Caution. Navigation in the vicinity of Out Skerries
presents no difficulties in clear conditions by day. In heavy
weather the sea breaks over all rocks with a depth of less
than 11 m over them, thus the heavier the seas, the more
distinct are the dangers. It is, however, imprudent to
navigate among Out Skerries by night or in poor visibility.

Directions
1

6.225
Principal channel. From a position about 5 miles ESE
of Skaw Taing (6023N 054W), the NE extremity of

270

Whalsay, the route leads NW passing (with positions from

Skaw Taing):
NE of Grif Skerry (2 miles SSE) (6.209), thence:
NE of Garda Baas (7 cables to 1 mile ESE), an area
of rocky shoals with a least depth over them of
18 m, and:
SW of Billia Skerry (2 miles ENE) which lies at the
SW extremity of a reef extending about 3 cables
W and 4 cables SW from Filla, a smooth,
turtleback shaped and grasscovered islet; Short
Guen and Long Guen, both 15 m high and
perpendicular, are the largest of several
abovewater rocks on this reef. In order to ensure
clearing Garda Baas mariners are advised to pass
Billia Skerry at a distance of about 5 cables.
Thence:
NE of Nacka Skerry (4 cables SE), a large bare rock,
thence:
NE of Skaw Taing from which a spit, with a
dangerous rock near its extremity, extends about
1 cables NE; Outer Holm of Skaw, a small rocky
islet with a large abovewater rock close W, lies
5 cables N of Skaw Taing; mariners are advised
always to give both Skaw Taing and Outer Holm
of Skaw a berth of at least 7 cables, and:
SW, at a distance of at least 5 cables, of Vongs
(2 miles NE), an isolated shoal on which there
are several abovewater rocks, thence:
SW, at a distance of at least 5 cables, of Little Skerry
(2 miles NE), with a small abovewater rock
close SW; depths of less than 50 m exist within
5 cables N and 2 cables ENE of Little Skerry.
Thence:
SW, at distance of at least 5 cables, of Muckle Skerry
(3 miles NNE) (6.278).
Light sectors of Muckle Skerry Light:
A red sector (353046) covers Grif Skerry and
Garda Baas and their adjacent dangers.
The green sector (272348) covers Billia Skerry,
Vongs and Little Skerry.
Useful marks:
Lunna Holm Light (6027N 102W) (6.279).

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CHAPTER 6

Leading Lights 0145

Grunay Sectored Light

Head of Grunay

Out Skerries Bruray Ferry Terminal and Quay from SSW (6.228)
(Original dated 1997)
(Photograph Shetland Islands Council))

Mare of Lunna (2 miles SSW of Lunna Holm Light)

(6.267).

Side channels
1

6.226
Filla Sound leads between Filla (6024N 048W)
(6.225) and Easter Skerries (2 cables NE) and may be
used with safety by coasters by keeping in midchannel. In
the W approaches to the sound care is necessary to avoid a
shoal, on which there is a rock that dries 18 m, extending
2 cables W from the N extremity of Filla, and a detached
shoal, with a depth over it of 34 m, situated 3 cables N of
Filla.
6.227
Benelip Sound leads between Mio Ness (6025N
048W), the SW extremity of Housay, and North Benelip
(2 cables S) which, with South Benelip close S, is
grasscovered. The sound can be used with safety by
coasters by keeping in midchannel, but care is necessary
to avoid a dangerous rock close SW of Mio Ness.

Chart 3284 plan of Out Skerries

Anchorages and harbours in Out Skerries

1

6.228
General information. A RoRo ferry terminal, with an
adjacent quay, is situated on the S side of Bruray (6025N
045W) (6.204). West Voe, an inlet on the NW side of
Housay, and a small harbour formed by the narrow
passage, entered through North Mouth, also known as
Stringa Voe, which leads S between Bruray and Housay
(close W) to a bridge, are accessible only by small craft.

271

Local knowledge is essential for all the localities

mentioned above.
Port Authority. The ferry terminal and its approach
channels and West Voe are administered by the Shetland
Islands Council (6.2).
Historic wrecks, each of which is surrounded by a
restricted area, are situated close E of Out Skerries Light
(6025N 043W) and in the entrance to South Mouth
(9 cables WSW) as indicated on the chart. For further
details see Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices to
Mariners.
Directions for ferry terminal. The ferry terminal can
be approached either (with positions from Out Skerries
Light):
By South Mouth (8 cables WSW) where the
alignment (014) of an outer pair of leading lights
(each a white hut, fluorescent orange stripe) on
Bruray leads through a narrow shallow channel
between the SE end of Housay and the W end of
Grunay to the alignment (338) of an inner pair of
leading lights (each a grey post, fluorescent red
triangular daymark) on Bruray. The channel is
marked by a lightbeacon (W cardinal) and
lightbeacon (starboard hand). Great caution is
necessary when using this channel. Or:
By Northeast Mouth (3 cables WNW), the narrow but
deeper channel between Bruray and Grunay,
dredged to 50 m below chart datum (2000); a
sectored light (white tower, 2 m in height) on the
W end of Grunay leads through the outer part of
this channel between lightbuoys (port and
starboard hand) moored SE of Inner Croagle; the

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CHAPTER 6

Old Mans Stack

Stoura Stack

Beacon (W cardinal)

Out Skerries South Mouth from NW (6.228)

(Photograph Shetland Islands Council))

6
7

(Original dated 1997)

fairway at the narrowest part, the W end, is

marked by three lightbeacons (port hand) (each a
white pillar) and two lightbuoys and one
lightbeacon (starboard hand) (white pillar).
A light (metal mast, 5 m in height) is exhibited from the
head of the ferry terminal pier.
Anchorage. West Voe (1 miles W of Out Skerries
Light) provides excellent shelter for small, shallow
draughted vessels and is frequented by local craft. The
narrow entrance is obstructed by The Hogg, a rocky islet,
and by a bar over which there is a least charted depth of
05 m; within the voe depths increase rapidly but space is
restricted by a marine farm.
Berths. Ferry terminal, concrete pier 52 m in length with
RoRo berth 24 m in length on the S side; depths 4 to
65 m alongside the berth. There is a boat marina in North
Mouth.

Dury Voe
1

Anchorages, bays and harbours in Mainland

South Nesting Bay
1

6.229
South Nesting Bay is entered between Moul of Eswick
(6016N 106W) (6.160) and Hill of Neap (1 miles N);
Neap Manse (6.207) stands about 3 cables NW of the latter.
The bay is encumbered by a number of belowwater and
abovewater dangers, including Climnie (6.211) and Fiska
Skerry (respectively 5 cables N and 1 mile NW of the N
extremity of Moul of Eswick). In the clear portions of the
bay depths are great. Good anchorage is therefore not
available.

272

6.230
General information. Dury Voe is entered between
Stava Ness (6019N 105W) and Hamera Head (1 miles
NW) and is one of the most extensive and safest of all
anchorages on the E side of the Shetland Islands for
vessels of appropriate size.
The S side of the voe is indented and encumbered by a
number of dangers which in places extend about 5 cables
offshore. The N side is lined by cliffs and is clear of
offlying dangers.
Submarine power cables are landed in Bight of
Stavaness (7 cables W of Stava Ness), the landing positions
of which are marked by a beacon (6.219).
Ferry terminal. There is a terminal for a vehicle ferry
(6.219) at Flugarth (1 miles WNW of Hamera Head) on
the N side of Laxo Voe, which forms the W head of Dury
Voe.
Directions. From a position about in midchannel
between Stava Ness and Gruna Baas (1 miles N) (6.222)
the route to Laxo Voe leads W passing (with positions from
N extremity of Stava Ness):
N of Collifield Ness (8 cables W) from which foul
ground extends NW, thence:
S of Hamera Head (1 miles NW), and:
N of Green Isle (1 miles WNW) from which foul
ground extends 1 cable N; a beacon (white
reflector) stands on the SE edge of the islet.
Thence:
N of Swarta Skerry (1 miles WNW), thence:
N of Muckle Ness (2 miles WNW), from which
foul ground and drying rocks extend about 1 cable
N and E.

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Clearing marks. The alignment (about 270) of Swarta

Skerry and Muckle Ness passes clear of the dangers
extending N from Green Isle.
Useful mark:
Light (grey mast, 5 m in height) (1 mile NNW of
Muckle Ness) at Laxo Voe ferry terminal.
Anchorages. Small craft may anchor:
In Bight of Bellister which extends between the NW
extremity of Collifield Ness and Muckle Head
(4 cables W) and is frequented by local craft. The
approach to the bight is much encumbered by foul
ground through which narrow channels pass both E
and W of Green Isle; local knowledge is essential.
Anchorage space is restricted by a marine farm
near Muckle Head, indicated on the chart.
In the entrance to Grunna Voe, entered W of Muckle
Ness, avoiding, as necessary, marine farms
indicated on the chart which restrict anchorage
space.
Landings. Two small piers exist in a narrow shallow
inlet close W of Muckle Head (60196N 1080W). A
beacon (white reflector) stands about cable N of Muckle
Head on the outer end of a drying rock spit, and a similar
beacon stands on the outer end of the N pier (1 cables
SW of Muckle Head).

Beacon (yellow, spherical topmark) (1 miles SSW)

marking outfall.
Anchorage for small craft can be found NE of Vidlin
Ness in a depth of 18 to 19 m, mud, or SE of the ness in
about 9 m, avoiding marine farms in both vicinities. With
NE and E gales a swell enters the voe rendering anchorage
unsafe.
Wether Holm (6026N 046W).

THE PORT OF SULLOM VOE WITH

YELL SOUND AND APPROACHES
General information
Charts 3282, 3292, 3297, 3298

Position
1

6.232
The port of Sullom Voe is situated in the vicinity of
Vats Houllands (60280N 1175W) on Calbeck Ness at
the SW head of Yell Sound.

Function
Vidlin Voe
1

6.231
General information. Vidlin Voe is approached between
Lunning Head (6023N 105W) and the E side of Lunna
Ness and is entered between Catta Ness (6024N 106W)
and the coast of Lunna Ness about 5 cables NNW. The voe
affords anchorage for small craft and there is a RoRo
terminal on the W side of the head of the voe near the
village of Vidlin. There is a marina situated at the head of
the voe.
Topography. At Vidlin Ness (9 cables SSW of Catta
Ness) the voe is reduced to a width of about 2 cables. The
E side of the voe is clear of dangers, but the W side of the
outer part of the Voe, N of Vidlin Ness, is encumbered
with dangers.
Marine farms are established in the voe, the positions
of which are indicated on the chart.
Directions. From a position close NNE of the entrance
to the voe the track leads SSW passing (with positions
from Catta Ness):
WNW of The Taing, the N extremity of Catta Ness, a
sloping point which should be given a berth of at
least 1 cable, and:
ESE of a rocky bank extending 3 cables from the W
shore; Swarta Skerry (3 cables WNW), 2 m high
and with a dangerous rock cable S of it, is the
outermost of several abovewater rocks on this
bank. Thence:
Along the E side of the voe at a distance of about
1 cables and:
ESE of The Backs, a group of abovewater,
belowwater and drying rocks which lie on a spit
extending 4 cables N from Vidlin Ness.
It is inadvisable to proceed W of a line joining Swarta
Skerry and the E extremity of Vidlin Ness.
Useful marks:
Mare of Lunna (2 miles NNE) (6.267).
Monument (7 cables NW) on a rugged hill with a
church 2 cables NE.

6.233
The port is a major deep water commercial harbour and
consists principally of an oil terminal, one of the largest in
Europe, which processes and ships crude oil received from
offshore fields to the NE and W of the Shetland Islands. It
also handles substantial quantities of LPG and has limited
facilities for general, dry bulk, RoRo and containerised
cargoes, and quarried rock.
Yell Sound is also much used by local traffic.

Topography
1

6.234
West coast of Yell. From Bagi Stack (6044N 108W),
the NW extremity of Yell, to Nev of Stuis (4 miles SSW)
the coast consists of cliffs of moderate height, backed by
rounded hills; thence to Sweinna Stack (3 miles further S)
the cliffs are high and precipitous with several remarkable
sharp stacks at their feet.

Port limits
1

6.235
As shown on the chart.

Approach and entry

1

6.236
Yell Sound, which separates Mainland from the island
of Yell, is entered from N between Point of Fethaland and
Nev of Stuis (4 miles ENE) and from SE between Lunna
Holm (6027N 102W) and Heoga Ness (2 miles N).
Sullom Voe may be approached from either the N or SE
entrance to Yell Sound. The main and deeper approach is
by the N entrance.

Traffic
1

273

6.237
In 2004, 295 vessels used the port totalling 37 119 962
dwt.

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CHAPTER 6

Port Authority
1

Maximum size of vessel handled

6.238
The Port Authority is Shetland Islands Council (6.2)
who own and operate the port. The Port Administration
Building, with the Harbour Masters office, is situated, as
indicated on the charts, on Sella Ness (1 miles SSE of
Vats Houllands).
Port Control Building

Sella Ness Light

6.245
Tankers. Normally 350 000 dwt and 365 m LOA; larger
vessels may be accepted at the discretion of the Harbour
Master. Maximum permissable draught is 24 m, at No 3
Jetty.
LPG carriers. Not exceeding 168 m draught, at No 1
Jetty, and about 260 m LOA.
Vessels which, because of their design characteristics,
are difficult to manoeuvre, are accepted only at the
discretion of the Harbour Master.

Local weather and sea state

1

6.246
Various operations in the port may be suspended in
severe weather or sea conditions. In general the berthing of
oil tankers and LPG carriers will not be undertaken when
winds are gusting regularly and frequently over 30 kn.
Advice on prevailing conditions and the status of
operations may be obtained by radio from the Port Control
Room (6.248).

Arrival information

Sella Ness from E (6.238)

(Original dated 1996)

Vessel Traffic Service.

(Photograph Shetland Island Council)

1
2

The oil terminal complex is operated by BP Exploration

Limited on behalf of several participating oil companies.

Limiting conditions

Use of entrances
1

6.239
North entrance. Suitable for all vessels.
Southeast entrance. Suitable for vessels not exceeding
about 200 m LOA and 116 m in draught.

Controlling depths
1

Port radio
1

6.240
Southeast entrance. 155 m, as shown on the chart, in
fairway of passage between Burra Ness and Samphrey
(6 cables NE).

Deepest and longest berth

6.241
Number 3 Jetty (6.291) at the oil terminal.

6.242
See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. Mean spring
range about 19 m; mean neap range about 09 m.

Density of water
1

6.243
1025 g/cm3.

6.244
Underkeel clearance. A minimum underkeel
clearance of 20 m is required at all times within the port
limits except alongside the loading jetties where the
required clearance is 1 m.
Vessels arriving to load should normally have a draught
not exceeding 130 m in order to be able to use the S
turning area (6.259).

6.249
Masters should send their ETA, together with other
specified information, details of which are given in
Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6 (1), at least
24 hours in advance or on leaving their last port of call if
later; the ETA should be confirmed or amended 6 hours
before arrival and again when within VHF radio range of
the Port Control Room.

Outer anchorage

Draught
1

6.248
See 6.247.
Sullom Voe Oil Terminal also maintains VHF radio
watch.

Notice of ETA required

Tidal levels
1

6.247
The Port Control Room, situated in the administration
building on Sella Ness, operates a VTS with full radar
surveillance 24 hours of the day for the control of shipping;
for details and list of reporting points, which are shown on
the chart, see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6 (1).
Radar coverage over the whole of Yell Sound, including
N and SE approaches, and Sullom Voe is provided by
scanners on Vats Houllands and near Brough (2 miles
ENE).
Radar assistance is also available on request.

274

6.250
Yell Sound. Anchorage in Yell Sound is not
recommended due to the depth of water, strong tidal
streams and generally poor holding ground. There are no
suitable anchorages for large tankers within the port limits.
Large vessels, if notified that a berth will not be
immediately available, should remain outside the limits of
the Areas to be Avoided (6.256) indicated on the charts,
and await further instructions from the Port Control Room.
6.251
Colgrave Sound. Vessels anticipating an extended
berthing delay may anchor in the S part of Colgrave Sound
(6035N 057W), where large vessels may obtain
anchorage in the following designated berths which are

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CHAPTER 6

shown on the chart (bearings and distances from Whitehill

Light (6035N 100W)):
Berth No 1

058 distant 15 miles

Berth No 2

073 distant 95 cables

Berth No 3

080 distant 168 miles

These berths should be used in preference to any other

positions in the vicinity. A foul area is centred about
1 miles E of Whitehill Light.
Anchoring in Colgrave Sound is not recommended when
the wind speed, or the forecast wind speed, is expected to
exceed a mean of 30 knots (force 8 or above).
Vessels at anchor in Colgrave Sound should obtain
regular weather forecasts and any local updates issued by
Shetland Coastguard or other sources. In the event of a
forecast exceeding 30 knots mean wind speed, masters are
recommended to proceed to sea in good time before the
wind rises to the predicted level.
During periods of prolonged S wind, adverse swell
conditions can build up in Colgrave Sound. There is no
swell measuring device in that area, and masters are urged
to exercise caution when anchoring in such swell
conditions.
Directions for the approach to Colgrave Sound are given
at 6.332.
Great care is necessary as Colgrave Sound is used
extensively by fishing vessels.
Masters of vessels intending to use the recommended
berths are requested to contact Sullom Voe Port Control
Room for advice on availability of berths and to report
their position when anchored.
Radio communication with Sullom Voe is good from
these berths.

Tugs
1

Submarine power cables

1

6.253
Submarine power cables are laid across the narrows at
the SE end of Yell Sound in an area, the limits of which
are shown on the chart, between Burra Ness and Bay of
Ulsta (2 miles NE); beacons on both shores mark the
landing positions of the cables.

Pilotage
1

6.254
Competent Harbour Authority. Shetland Islands
Council (6.2).
Pilotage is compulsory within the Sullom Voe Harbour
Area for all vessels except for the following which are
normally exempt:
All vessels of not more than 300 gt which do not
have onboard dangerous and polluting substances,
as defined by the Dangerous Substances in
Harbour Areas Regulations 1987. See also 1.50 to
1.58.

6.255
A fleet of tugs is maintained in Sullom Voe. Tug
assistance for movements of all vessels, other than coasters,
into Sullom Voe is compulsory from S of Lamba (6031N
117W). Tugs normally meet deepdraught vessels entering
by the N entrance S of Outer Skerry (2 miles N of Lamba).
The number of tugs allocated to each movement is at the
discretion of the Harbour Master. Tugs hawsers are
normally used.

Traffic regulations

Submarine oil and gas pipelines

6.252
Two submarine oil pipelines from oil fields NE of the
Shetland Islands are laid in the E approaches to Yell
Sound, as shown on the charts; one is landed on Lunna
Ness (4 miles SE of Burra Ness) and the other in Firths
Voe (close S of Burra Ness). Two submarine pipelines, one
gas, the other oil connecting to Foinaven and Clair fields to
the W and NE of Shetland Islands are laid in Yell Sound
as shown on the charts; they are both landed in Orka Voe
(2 miles WNW of Burra Ness). For further details see
(1.42).

All vessels in transit through Sullom Voe Harbour

Area which do not pass S of a line joining Skaw
Taing (60293N 0168W), the N extremity of
Calbeck Ness, and Trumba (1 miles NW), the N
extremity of Gluss Isle.
Tugs operating exclusively within the port limits.
All fishing vessels.
All HM Ships.
Pilot boarding positions, shown on the chart, are
situated:
1 miles E of Point of Fethaland for the N entrance.
4 miles ESE of Burra Ness for the SE entrance.
Pilots normally embark by boat, of which there are
three, each with a freeboard of about 15 m and equipped
with VHF radio and radar. Masters of vessels must comply
fully with the Merchant Shipping (Pilot Ladders and
Hoists) Regulations 1987 in respect of pilot embarkation
procedures.
If sea conditions in the N entrance preclude boarding
from the pilot boat, the pilot may embark from a
helicopter, either by winch transfer or by the helicopter
landing on the deck of the vessel. Such operations are
coordinated by the Port Control Room.

275

6.256
Prohibited anchorage areas. Anchorage is prohibited in
the following areas:
Between the N extremity of Calbeck Ness (1 miles
NNE of Vats Houllands) and Little Roe (6 cables
farther NNE), on account of a submarine outfall
pipe. The limits of the area are indicated by two
pairs of transit beacons (each yellow with
diamondshaped topmark) on Calbeck Ness; the
outer end of the pipe is marked by a lightbuoy
(special). Fishing is also prohibited in this area.
In Sullom Voe, NE of a line drawn 308 from Scatsa
Light, to avoid interference with oil terminal
traffic.
Areas to be Avoided. See 1.47. Masters of large
tankers, combination carriers and LPG carriers bound for
Sullom Voe or anchorage in Colgrave Sound are required
to navigate in the outer approaches to the N and SE
entrances to Yell Sound as necessary to keep outside the
limits, shown on the charts, of Areas to be Avoided off the
W, N and NE coasts of the Shetland Islands.
Precautionary Areas. See 1.48. Masters of large
tankers, combination carriers and LPG carriers bound for
Sullom Voe or anchorage in Colgrave Sound are required
to make their final approach to the N and SE entrances of
Yell Sound by routes within the limits of the Precautionary
Areas (Movement of Shipping), shown on the charts.
Where, for any reason of safety or emergency it is not
possible to comply with either of the above requirements
Masters are required to inform Sullom Voe Port Control
Room, giving reasons and intentions.
Local routeing measures. See 6.5.

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Vats Houllands

Ungam

Sullom Voe Oil Terminal from SW (6.258)

(Original dated 1999)

(Photograph Air Images)

Vessels awaiting berths at Sullom Voe. Masters are

reminded that the displaying of Not Under Command
lights as set out in Rule 27 of the International Regulations
for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, shall be in
accordance with the definition set out in Rule 3(f) of the
regulations. This states that, The term vessel not under
command means a vessel which through some exceptional
circumstance is unable to manoeuvre by these rules and is
therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel.
Overtaking and passing is prohibited in the N deep
water approach channel within an area bounded by lines, in
the N, joining the N extremity of Lamba and Ness of
Queyfirth (1 miles WNW), and in the S, joining Skaw
Taing and the N extremity of Gluss Isle.
Vessels over 50 m LOA are prohibited from overtaking
or passing an LPG carrier which is under way between
lines, in the N, joining Muckle Holm (6035N 116W)
and North Holm of Burravoe (1 miles WNW) and, in the
SE, joining Lunna Holm (6027N 102W) and the S
extremity of Heoga Ness (2 miles N).

Regulations concerning entry

1

6.257
General. Navigation within the Harbour Area (6.235) is
prohibited unless the vessel is mechanically and
navigationally sound, anchors are ready for letting go, and
there is on the bridge a responsible person who can speak
and understand English.
Speed. Vessels must not exceed a speed of 5 kn S of a
line joining Skaw Taing and Trumba.

Turning areas
1

Pollution
1

6.261
A ferry plies between Tofts Voe (close NW of Burra
Ness) (6.311) and Bay of Ulsta (6.314) (2 miles NE).

Tidal streams

General layout
1

6.260
Booms. To facilitate rapid deployment of antipollution
spur booms, lightbuoys (special), shown on the charts,
have been laid in the following positions in Sullom Voe:
5 cables SW of Skaw Taing.
11 mile SW of Skaw Taing.
2 cables SW of Ungam Light (60272N 1185W).
1 mile SE of Ungam Light, in Scatsa Voe.
9 cables SSW of Ungam Light.
9 cables WSW of Ungam Light.
In the entrance to Voxter Voe (60246N 1205W).

Ferry

Harbour
6.258
Approach channels. Sullom Voe Oil Terminal is
approached by channels which lead from both the N and
SE approaches of Yell Sound and merge S of Lamba
(6031N 117W); the deepdraught tanker route leads
from N. Both channels are well marked for day and night
use.
Loading berths for oil tankers and LPG carriers are
situated at jetties on the NE side of Sullom Voe adjacent to
the terminal installations on Calbeck Ness. A dry cargo and
RoRo berth lies close E.

6.259
Vessels arriving in ballast to load are generally berthed
starboard sideto at the loading jetties and are normally
swung in a S turning area (9 cables S of Vats Houllands);
this area has a diameter of 800 m with a least depth of
15 m; the 15 m depth contour is marked on the SE side of
the turning area by a lightbuoy (special) (9 cables S of
Vats Houllands), and on the S side of the area by a
lightbuoy (port hand) (1 mile S of Vats Houllands).
Because occasionally it is not possible to carry out this
operation a N turning area is established 7 cables W of
Vats Houllands.

276

6.262
Eastern approaches to Yell Sound. The E and
Wgoing tidal streams running into and out of the SE
entrance to Yell Sound branch from and merge with the
coastal tidal streams, which are predominantly N and
Sgoing, between Out Skerries and Fetlar. As a general
statement these coastal tidal streams, like those in the
vicinity of Out Skerries, are weak. At a position about
4 miles N of Out Skerries the Sgoing stream begins at
0405 HW Lerwick (0410 HW Dover) and the Ngoing at
+0205 HW Lerwick (+0200 HW Dover), spring rate kn
in both directions. See also information on the chart.

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6.263
Yell Sound. In Yell Sound the Sgoing (ingoing) tidal
stream begins at 0525 HW Lerwick (0530 HW Dover)
and the Ngoing (outgoing) at +0105 HW Lerwick
(+0100 HW Dover). In the wide part of the sound the
maximum spring rate of the Sgoing tidal stream is about
1 kn and of the Ngoing about 2 kn. In the narrow
channels at the S end of the sound rates of 6 to 7 kn are
attained. Both the rates and directions of tidal streams are
considerably affected by meteorological conditions and
there are numerous eddies throughout the sound W of a
line joining Lunna Holm and Heoga Ness; during the
Sgoing stream a counter current with a rate of 1 kn exists
5 cables E of the entrance to Colla Firth (6032N 120W).
In the area at the SE end of Yell Sound between Lunna
Holm (6027N 102W) and the narrows, in the vicinity of
Samphrey (3 miles W), tidal streams run broadly E and W.
They begin about 1 hour later than those N of the narrows,
the Egoing stream, a continuation of the Sgoing stream
N of the narrows, beginning at 0425 HW Lerwick
(0430 HW Dover) and the Wgoing stream, which
becomes the Ngoing stream N of the narrows, beginning
at +0205 HW Lerwick (+0200 HW Dover). During the
strength of both streams there is violent turbulence in the
vicinity of The Rumble (6 cables NE of the E extremity of
Samphrey).
6.264
A strong Wgoing eddy, details of which are given
below, flows close along the S coast of Yell between Cloa
Rock (1 miles N of Lunna Holm) and Holm of Copister
(3 miles WNW of Lunna Holm) N of a line joining Cloa
Rock and Orfasay (4 miles W):
Interval from HW Remarks
Lerwick (HW Dover)
0455 (0500)

Egoing eddy stream begins and

runs for about 3 hours.

0155 (0200)

Wgoing eddy stream begins and

runs for 9 hours attaining a spring
rate of 7 kn.

Principal marks
1

6.267
Landmarks with positions from Vats Houllands:
Burnoff flare (1 miles ESE), conspicuous, on stack
(red obstruction lights).
Radio mast (red obstruction lights) (1 miles E) near
summit of Hill of Crooksetter.
Landmark (southeast entrance):
Mare of Lunna (6026N 104W) (Chart 3282 only),
a remarkable isolated rock which stands out in
bold relief among the hills, quite near the SE shore
of Lunna Ness; the rock has the appearance of a
house when seen from a distance.
6.268
Major lights (north entrance channel):
Point of Fethaland Light (white tower, 7 m in height)
(6038N 119W).
Gluss Isle Leading Lights (shown throughout 24 hours
of the day with automatic or manual intensity
control):
Front light (white rectangular day mark on grey metal
tower, 32 m in height) (60298N 1194W).
Rear light (white rectangular day mark on grey metal
tower, 22 m in height) (8 cables SSW of front
light).
Major lights (southeast entrance channel):
Out Skerries Light (6025N 043W) (6.207).
Firths Voe Light (white tower, 8 m in height)
(60272N 1106W).

Other aids to navigation

1

6.269
Racons:
Gruney Light (60392N 1180W).
The Rumble (60282N 1073W).
For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 2.

Directions: northern part of Yell Sound

(continued from 6.120)

During the period when the Wgoing eddy stream is

running at the same time as the main Egoing tidal stream
in the main channel there is considerable turbulence
between these streams.
See also information on the charts and in Admiralty
Tidal Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands.

Charts 1233, 3298

Approach to pilot boarding position

1

Sea state
1

6.265
During NW gales, when the Ngoing tidal stream is
running, there is always a heavy sea in the N mouth of
Yell Sound, especially in the vicinity of Ramna Stacks, off
which there are tiderips and overfalls. In these conditions
small craft are advised, if practicable, to lie off and await
the turn of the tidal stream. A swell generally sets on to
Yell between Bagi Stack and Sweinna Stack (7 miles
SSW) and mariners are advised to give this stretch of coast
a good berth.

Winds
1

6.266
Strong winds are frequently experienced in Sullom Voe
and may be accompanied by sudden strong gusts from any
direction. The prevailing wind direction is SW.

277

6.270
Large vessels intending to navigate in Yell Sound by the
deepdraught route should make for a position SW of Bagi
Stack (6044N 108W), the NW point of Yell on which
there is a light (white clad metal framework tower, 7 m in
height), on the alignment (195) of Gluss Isle Leading
Lights (6029N 119W) (6.268); thence this alignment
leads to the pilot boarding position E of Point of Fethaland,
passing:
WNW of Nev of Stuis (4 miles SSW of Bagi
Stack), the N extremity of the peninsula of Stuis
of Graveland, thence:
ESE of Gruney (6039N 118W), a prominent islet
with a light (white tower, 7 m in height; racon) on
its summit; Ramna Stacks (6.119) extend 8 cables
NNW from Gruney.
Smaller vessels and those bound in transit though Yell
Sound can proceed direct to the vicinity of the pilot
boarding position.
6.271
Light sectors:
Gruney and Ramna Stacks are covered by a red
sector (160206) of Point of Fethaland Light.

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CHAPTER 6

Feathaland Lighthouse

Stuack

Isle of Feathaland from NE (6.272)

(Original dated 1996)
(Photograph Lt. Cdr. T.C. Tulloch CD, Canadian Navy)

Ramna Stacks are covered by the red sector

(064180) of Gruney Light.
Chart 3298

Deepdraught route to the entrance to Sullom Voe

1

6.272
Route. From the pilot boarding position 1 miles E of
Point of Fethaland (6038N 119W), the N tip of Isle of
Fethaland which consists of a narrow peninsula at the N
extremity of Mainland and on which there is a light
(6.268), the alignment (195) of Gluss Isle Leading Lights
(6.268) leads along the deep draught route through the N
part of Yell Sound passing:
WNW of Muckle Holm (6035N 116W) on the
summit of which stands a light (white tower, 7 m
in height), and:
ESE of North Holm of Burravoe (1 mile WNW of
Muckle Holm) which, together with South Holm of
Burravoe (2 cables further SSW) lies close off the
shore of Mainland and can usually be seen at a
considerable distance. Thence:
WNW of Little Holm (6033N 116W) marked by a
light (white clad metal framework tower, 7 m in
height), thence:

ESE of Outer Skerry (1 miles WSW of Little

Holm), the outermost of a group of rocks and
skerries extending E from Ayre of Skea, a narrow
neck of land projecting from the coast of
Mainland; Outer Skerry can usually be seen at a
considerable distance and is marked by a light
(white column with black bands), thence:
WNW of The Fiord (1 miles S of Little Holm), a
small steepto belowwater rock which is
particularly dangerous in N weather when the sea
breaks heavily over it, and:
ESE of Neap of Skea (2 miles SW of Little Holm),
the N entrance point of Colla Firth (6.293), thence:
WNW of Lamba (6031N 117W), an islet from the
NE extremity of which a shoal extends N. A light
(white tower, 8 m in height) stands on the S
extremity of the island; a direction light (concrete
column, 2 m in height) is exhibited 6 m below, and
synchronised with, the main light. A beacon (white
cone topmark) stands close ESE of the light
structure. And:
ESE of Ness of Queyfirth (1 miles WNW of the NE
extremity of Lamba), the E extremity of a narrow
and lofty peninsula from which a sectored light
(white tower, 5 m in height) is exhibited.

Muckle Holm from NNW (6.272)

(Original dated 1996)
(Photograph Lt Cdr T Tulloch, Canadian Navy)

278

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CHAPTER 6

If S of Little Holm a large vessel is virtually committed

to entering Sullom Voe but the approach may be aborted
earlier by passing between Muckle Holm and Little Holm,
taking care to avoid a 105 m shoal 5 cables S of Muckle
Holm Light.
6.273
Skaw Taing Leading Lights:
Front light (orange and white GRP structure, 5 m in
height) (6029N 117W).
Rear light (white cylindrical tower, flourescent orange
strip near top, 5 m in height) (1 cable SSE of front
light).

ENE of South Ladie Bank (1 miles ESE), noting

Beaufort Bank (7 cables SE); there is disturbed
water over both banks.
1

Skaw Taing Leading Lights from NNW (6.273)

(Original dated 1999)

(Photograph Air Images)
2

When abreast Lamba Light the alignment (150) of the

above lights, and the white sector (327324), astern, of
Queyfirth Light, leads SSE until within about 4 cables of
Skaw Taing, passing NNE of the N end of Gluss Isle.
6.274
Useful marks with positions from Lamba Light:
Ness of Sound Light (3 miles E) (6.275).
Tinga Skerry Light (1 miles E) (6.281).
Little Roe Light (1 mile SE) (6.281).
Mio Ness Light (2 miles ESE) (6.281).
Tower (2 miles S) (6.288) on Vats Houllands.
(Directions continue for Sullom Voe at 6.286)

Side channel
1

6.277
There is a clear passage, used by local craft, between
Gruney and Point of Fethaland. The fairway passes S of
Gruney at a distance of 2 to 3 cables and N of Outer Booth
(6 cables SSW), a group of rocks, some of which dry.
Outer Booth will have been cleared E when Muckle
Holm bears more than 162 and is well open E of Point of
Fethaland.
(Directions for through route S of
Ness of Sound are given at 6.283)

Directions: southeastern part of

Yell Sound and approaches

Through route to Ness of Sound

6.275
From the vicinity of the pilot boarding position E of
Point of Fethaland (6038N 119W) (6.272), the route for
vessels bound in transit through Yell Sound leads SSE with
Ness of Sound Light (white tower, 8 m in height)
(60313N 1113W) bearing about 162 ahead (at night in
the white sector (160165) of the light) passing (with
positions from Little Holm (6033N 116W)):
WSW of Sweinna Stack (3 miles NNE), close off
the coast of Yell, thence:
ENE of Muckle Holm (1 miles N) (6.272), thence:
WSW of Holm of West Sandwick (2 miles NE), a
grasscovered islet with an abovewater rock close
N and a rocky ledge extending 3 cables S from its
S end, thence:
ENE of Little Holm (6.272), and:
WSW of Ness of West Sandwick (2 miles WNW),
thence:

6.276
When clear of South Ladie Bank course should be
adjusted so as to pass 1 cables W of Ness of Sound, a
rounded peninsula, connected to Yell by a narrow isthmus
and marked by a light (6.275) on its W extremity. A
wreck, with an unsurveyed clearance depth of 5 m, lies
3 cables N of the light. This track passes:
E of Linna Baa (1 miles WNW of Ness of Sound),
two small steepto groups of belowwater rocks
about 1 cable apart over which the sea breaks
heavily in N weather, thence:
E of Stoura Baa (1 mile W of Ness of Sound), a
detached drying rock, lying 2 cables N of Brother
Isle.
Clearing lines with positions from Ness of Sound:
The alignment (156) of the SW side of Uynarey
(7 cables SSW) with the E side of Bigga (1 miles
S) passes E of Linna Baa.
Gruney (6039N 118W) bearing 349 and open W
of Muckle Holm passes W of Linna Baa.
The alignment (146) of the SW side of Uynarey
with the E side of Samphrey (3 miles SSE) passes
E of Stoura Baa.
Useful marks with positions from Ness of Sound:
Outer Skerry Light (4 miles WNW) (6.272).
Ness of Queyfirth Light (4 miles W) (6.272).
Brother Isle Lightstructure (1 miles WSW) (6.280).
Tinga Skerry Light (2 miles WSW) (6.281).
Lamba Light (3 miles W) (6.272).
Little Roe Light (3 miles WSW) (6.281).
Mio Ness Light (2 miles SW) (6.281).

(continued from 6.209)

Charts 1233, 3282, 3298

Approach to pilot boarding position

1

279

6.278
From a position between Out Skerries (6026N 045W)
(6.204) and Funzie Ness (8 miles N), the SE extremity of
Fetlar, the approach to the pilot boarding position leads
generally W passing:
N of Muckle Skerry (6026N 052W), a flattopped
rock on which there is a sectored light (white
metal framework tower, 5 m in height); foul
ground with abovewater and belowwater rocks
extends between 2 cables N and 3 cables E from
Muckle Skerry and a 76 m patch lies 7 cables E.
And:
S of Rams Ness (7 miles N of Muckle Skerry).

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CHAPTER 6

Useful marks:
TV mast (6036N 055W) (6.317).
Whitehill Light (6035N 100W) (6.333).
Lunna Holm Light (6027N 102W) (6.279).

Charts 3292, 3298

Pilot boarding position to Samphrey

1

6.279
From the pilot boarding position (60285N 0566W)
the route into the SE entrance to Yell Sound leads W with
Firths Voe Light (60272N 1107W) (6.268) bearing
about 259 ahead (at night in a white sector (257261) of
the light), passing (with positions from Lunna Holm
(6027N 102W)):
S of Cloa Rock (1 miles NNE) which stands on a
detached shoal with depths over it of less than
30 m; the sea breaks violently over and around the
rock during gales. Muckle Skerry of Neapaback, a
long flat abovewater rock, and other dangers lie
between Cloa Rock and Heoga Ness, 8 cables
further N, a peninsula at the SE end of Yell. For
details of Wgoing eddy see 6.264. Thence:
N of Lunna Holm, an islet which lies close off the N
extremity of the peninsula of Lunna Ness; a light
(white round tower 8 m in height) stands on the N
end of the islet. Thence:
S of Orfasay (2 miles NW), noting that Yell Baa, a
rock which just dries, lies on a rocky ridge
extending nearly 2 cables S of the islet, thence:
S of The Rumble (2 miles WNW), a rock which
almost covers, with a small drying rock 1 cables
further SE; a lightbeacon (concrete pillar with
platform; racon) stands on The Rumble. These
rocks are a formidable danger to navigation on
account of the strong tidal streams (6.263) which
sweep past them and the violent turbulence in their
vicinity during the strength of both tidal streams.
Thence:
N of Fish Holm (2 miles W) from the N end of
which a bank with depths of less than 10 m over it
extends 1 cables N. In this vicinity course can be
adjusted W to keep in a white sector (090094),
astern, of Lunna Holm Light, as shown on the
chart. Thence:
S of Samphrey (6028N 109W) which lies in the
middle of the S and narrow part of Yell Sound.
Clearing line. The alignment of the S extremity of
Orfasay with Broch, 1 miles WNW (6.284), passes well S
of Cloa Rock.
Useful marks:
Windi Clett (6030N 102W), a prominent isolated
rock close SW of North Taing, the NE extremity
of Heoga Ness.
Stack of the Horse (8 cables N of Windi Clett)
(6.332).

Rumble Lightbeacon from SE (6.279)

(Original dated 2002)
(Photograph Seacore Limited)
2

Samphrey to the entrance to Sullom Voe

1

6.280
Having passed the S extremity of Samphrey course
should be directed to bring Brother Isle Direction Light
(concrete column, 2 m in height) (6031N 114W) to bear
329 ahead (by night remaining within the white sector
(328330) of the light), which track leads in midchannel
passing:

280

Between Samphrey and Burra Ness (5 cables SW),

thence:
Between Bigga (1 mile SSE of Brother Isle) and the
coast of Mainland (5 cables SW).
NE of a shoal with 38 m over it, marked by a
lightbuoy (port hand) (60295N 1128W)
Linga Direction Light (concrete column, 2 m in height)
(6027N 109W) astern, bearing 150 (by night within the
white sector (148152) of the light), may also assist
inward bound mariners navigating this channel.
6.281
When approaching the NW end of Bigga course should
be adjusted to bring Lamba Light (1 miles W of Brother
Isle) (6.272) to bear about 290 ahead (by night remaining
within its white sector (288293); Lamba Direction Light
(concrete column, 2 m in height) is situated close adjacent
to, but 6 m lower than, Lamba Light and shows white over
the same arc, the two lights being synchronised. This track
passes (with positions from NW extremity of Brother Isle):
SW of Sligga Skerry (1 mile SE) at the outer end of
a ledge, parts of which dry, extending 3 cables NW
from the NW end of Bigga, thence:
NNE of Mio Ness (1 miles S) on which there is a
light (white round tower, 5 m in height), noting a
shoal with a depth over it of 8 m, 2 cables ESE of
the ness, thence:
SSW of Tinga Skerry (6 cables SW), marked by a
light (white round tower, 5 m in height), thence:

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CHAPTER 6

Directions: Sullom Voe

NNE of Little Roe (1 miles SW), a small island

with cliffs of a reddish hue; a light (white GRP
structure, orange band, 5 m in height) stands on
the NW extremity of the island.
1

6.282
When abreast Little Roe course should be altered to
round the N end of Little Roe at a distance of at least
2 cables on to the alignment of Fugla Ness Leading
Lights (60275N 1195W) (6.286).
Useful mark:
Bay of Ulsta Lights (2 miles ESE of NW end of
Brother Isle) (6.285).
(Directions continue for Sullom Voe at 6.286)

(continued from 6.274 and 6.282)

Chart 3297

From entrance to south turning area

1

Through route: Samphrey to Ness of Sound

1

6.283
Passage south and west of Samphrey. On passing the
S extremity of Samphrey, vessels bound in transit through
Yell Sound should adjust course to pass in midchannel
between Samphrey and Burra Ness (6 cables SW) and
thence alter course N along the W side of Samphrey
bringing Firths Voe Light to bear about 191, astern (at
night remaining in a white sector (189194) of the light).
This track, which passes clear W of a ledge extending NW
from the W extremity of Samphrey, should be maintained
until course can be adjusted to make Ness of Sound Light
(60313N 1113W) (6.275) bear about 348 ahead, (at
night in a white sector (345350) of the light), which
track leads along the W coast of Yell passing in
midchannel (with positions from Ness of Sound):
ENE of Bigga (2 miles S), thence:
ENE of Uynarey (6 cables SSW); the passage
between these two islands is foul.
When abreast Uynarey course should be adjusted to
round Ness of Sound at a distance of about 1 cables.
6.284
Passage northeast of Samphrey is not recommended
unless local knowledge is available, the channel described
above, which passes S and W of the island, being preferred
particularly at night. Although the depths in the fairway of
the preferred channel are appreciably less than those in the
channel passing NE of Samphrey, this latter channel is unlit
and obstructed by The Rumble (6 cables NE of the SE
extremity of Samphrey) (6.279) in the vicinity of which
tidal streams (6.263) are very strong.
Leading lines. If using the channel NE of Samphrey
mariners are advised to observe meticulously the following
leading lines (with positions from The Rumble):
The alignment (306) of Broch (1 mile NW), on
which there is a tower, and the N extremity of
Bigga seen over the W part of Holm of Copister
(1 miles NW) leads between The Rumble and
Yell Baa (5 cables NE) (6.279), but passes close
SW of a 37 m patch (4 cables N) on which the
sea breaks in gales.
The alignment (about 305) of the N extremity of
Samphrey and the SW extremity of Bigga leads
between The Rumble and the SE end of Samphrey.
6.285
Useful mark:
Lights (metal posts) (4 cables S of Ulsta) in Bay of
Ulsta (6.314).
(Directions for through route N of
Ness of Sound are given at 6.275)

6.286
Fugla Ness Leading Lights:
Common front light (orange trapeziumshaped
daymark on grey metal tower, 10 m in height)
(60275N 1195W).
Rear light (black trapeziumshaped daymark on grey
metal tower, 12 m in height) (203, distant
2 cables, from front light).
Rear light (black trapeziumshaped daymark on grey
metal tower, 16 m in height) (212, distant
2 cables, from front light).
These three lights are synchronised and shown 24 hours
a day with automatic or manual intensity control.
6.287
Route. From a position about 4 cables NW of Skaw
Taing (60293N 1168W) the track leads SSW for about
2 miles in midchannel with Fugla Ness Front Light
bearing 207, ahead, and seen midway between the two
Rear Lights until in the white sector (132134) of
Sella Ness Direction Light (grey metal frame on roof of
Port Administration building) (60268N 1167W); the
light is shown 24 hours a day. This light sector then leads
to the S turning area (6.259) passing:
SW of the 4 oil loading jetties, the most NW and SE
extremities of which are marked by lights, and:
NE of Umgan (1 mile WNW of Sella Ness), a
conspicuous rock marked by a light (white column,
2 m in height).
The W side of the fairway through Sullom Voe to the S
turning area is marked by four lightbuoys (starboard
hand), and the E side by one lightbuoy (port hand); their
positions are best seen from the chart. There are also
lightbuoys (special) (6.260) associated with antipollution
booms.
6.288
Useful marks:
Tower (60279N 1176W), painted grey, on Vats
Houllands, a hill within the oil terminal complex;
the tower is fitted with a radar scanner.
Ness of Bardister Light (orange and white GRP
structure, 5 m in height) (1 mile WNW of Vats
Houllands).
Post Office (60267N 1208W), conspicuous, in the
village of Sullom.
Church (2 cables SSW of Post Office), conspicuous.

South turning area to head of navigation

1

6.289
The route to the head of Sullom Voe lies initially in
midchannel, but from abreast the vicinity of Sullom
church (see above) the deepest water is found by favouring
the E shore, particularly in The Narrows, the passage
between Voxter Ness (60248N 1205W) and Ness of
Haggrister (3 cables W) from which The Spit extends
1 cable ESE and dries.

Berths
Anchorage and mooring
1

281

6.290
Anchorage can be found in Sullom Voe SW of a line
drawn 128 from the root of a pier on a headland at Fulga
Ness (60269N 1194W). A good berth, indicated on the

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CHAPTER 6

No 2 Jetty

Vats Houllands

No 4 Jetty

No 3 Jetty

No 1 Jetty

Ungam Light

Sullom Voe Oil Terminal from WNW (6.291)

(Original dated 1996)
(Photograph Shetland Islands Council)

chart, is situated about

a depth of 42 m, mud.
3 cables NE of the
(60268N 1167W)

8 cables from the head of the voe in

See also 6.258. A mooring buoy lies
Port Control Building at Sella Ness
(6.238).

Oil and Gas loading jetties

1

6.291
There are four oil loading jetties, which project between
1 and 1 cables from the SW shore of Calbeck Ness, S of
Vats Houllands and are designated No 1 to No 4 Jetty in
sequence from SE to NW. Each has a Tshaped head
flanked on both sides by breasting and mooring dolphins,
and are all interconnected by walkways.
Number 1 Jetty is also the LPG loading berth.
Details of the berths are as follows:
Jetty

No 1

Maximum
permitted
draught

LOA of vessels Capacity of vessels

168 m

140 to 286 m Oil carriers 18 000 to

120 000 dwt; LPG
carriers 10 000 to
75 000 m3.

Chart 3298

No 2

221 m

210 to 365 m 50 000 to 350 000dwt

No 3

240 m

210 to 365 m 30 000 to 350 000dwt.

No 4

226 m

210 to 365 m 50 000 to 350 000dwt.

Colla Firth
1

Note. Larger vessels may be accepted subject to

approval by the Harbour Master.

RoRo and dry cargo berths

1

8 m at the head of the pier, shoaling to 29 m near the root;

the sill of the RoRo ramp is 167 m above MHWS.
Tugs and harbour service craft are berthed in Garths
Voe at jetties close NE of the Port Control Room. The
minimum depth alongside the main berthing face is 69 m.
These berths are occasionally used by coastal traffic.
Garths Pier (1 cables SE of the Port Control Room)
has several berths with alongside depths of 4 m; the longest
is 65 m.
Gaza Jetty (60261N 1212W) is used for loading
quarried rock. The berth, 30 m long with depth alongside
of 24 m, is situated on the N side of the outer end of a
rubble causeway extending ESE from the shore; vessels up
to 75 m in length are permitted to use the berth, aided by
an offshore mooring.

6.292
Construction Pier. A concrete pier, known as
Construction Pier, about 100 m in length, projects ESE
from the shore 1 cables E of No 1 Jetty. The pier has
berths on both sides and a fixed RoRo ramp at the inner
end of the berth on the N side. There is a depth of about

282

6.293
General information. Colla Firth (6032N 120W) is
entered between Neap of Skea (6.272) and Ness of
Queyfirth (6.272). Lochend (3 cables WNW of Neap of
Skea), a substantial white house, stands on the shore at the
NE head of a small bay.
Anchorage. The best anchorage is in midfirth about
9 cables NW of Ness of Queyfirth Light, in a depth of
about 26 m, as indicated on the chart; this anchorage is
exposed to E gales but the holding ground is fairly good.
Smaller vessels can anchor in the bay off Lochend.
Directions. Colla Firth is clear of dangers. Lights (metal
mast, 5 m in height) are exhibited from the head of a jetty
(9 cables W of Neap of Skea).
Alongside berths. An Lshaped jetty, each arm about
50 m long, projects from the N shore of Voe of the Brig, a
small bay at the NW head of the firth, and is used by
fishing and commercial vessels; the minimum depth
alongside the outer face of the outer arm is 6 m. A light is

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CHAPTER 6

exhibited from the end of the outer arm. There is also a

marina and stone pier suitable for boats.

Anchorages and harbours: north part of Yell Sound

1

Port services
Repairs
1

6.294
Afloat repairs to hull, machinery and electronics can be
effected. Divers are available. A boat hoist is available for
craft up to 40 tonnes and 20 m LOA.

Other facilities
1

6.295
Compass adjustment can be carried out, subject to
advance warning of requirement.
Medical. There is a Port Medical Officer, who can
arrange medical attention, and a medical centre in the oil
terminal.
Decompression chamber at Sella Ness; capacity for two
persons; available 24 hours a day.
Oily waste disposal facilities are available.
Firefighting. Three tugs have a firefighting capability.

Supplies
1

6.296
Fuel oils. There are no bunkering facilities at the oil
loading jetties, other than by coastal tanker, by special
arrangement with the Harbour Master. Fuel can be supplied
by road tanker to vessels at the RoRo pier. Diesel can be
obtained at the harbour service craft harbour.
Fresh water is available, in an emergency, at the oil
loading jetties.
Provisions of all kinds can be obtained locally; because
of handling limitations at the oil loading jetties, major
storing is not advised.

Communications
1

6.297
There is a small airfield about 1 mile SW of Sella Ness
at Scatsta. Sumburgh Airport, the Shetland Islands
principal airfield with scheduled flights to Scotland, is
about 80 km S by road.
Regular ferry services operate between Lerwick (about
30 km S by road) and Scotland.

Rescue
1

6.298
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained at Sullom
Voe, North Roe (6035N 120W), on Out Skerries and on
Fetlar; Sullom Voe is a Sector Base. For further details see
1.76.

Inlets between Lunna Ness and Firth Ness

1

Side channels

6.299
Sound of Neapaback, the channel between Heoga Ness
(6030N 102W) and Muckle Skerry of Neapaback
(5 cables SE) (6.279), is constricted to a width of about
1 cables by an area of foul ground which lies close NW
of Muckle Skerry of Neapaback.
6.300
Sligga Skerry. With local knowledge small craft can use
the channel between Sligga Skerry (6030N 112W)
(6.281) and the NW end of Bigga (2 cables SE).

Charts 3298, 3297

6.304
Bay of Ollaberry is entered between East Ness
(6030N 120W) and Otter Hadd (4 cables NE). There are
two churches within the bay, one standing 3 cable N of
East Ness in the village of Ollaberry, the other 3 cables W
of East Ness at the head of the bay.
Anchorage can be found for small craft in W weather;
the best berth is N of East Ness in a depth of 22 m with
the church at the head of the bay bearing 254.
6.305
Gluss Voe is entered between East Ness (6030N
120W) and Trumba (6 cables ESE) and leads S between
the W side of Gluss Isle and Mainland. The voe is narrow
with clear sides, but opens into a basin at its head. For
details of Gluss Isle Leading Lights see 6.268.
Anchorage is afforded to small craft, the usual berth
being about 1 cable from the head of the voe in a depth of
10 m, mud, on the alignment (013) of the W side of Gluss
Isle and Otter Hadd (1 miles NNE).
Charts 3282, 3284, 3292

Minor side channels, anchorages and harbours

6.301
Whale Firth is entered between Nev of Stuis (6039N
109W) (6.270) and the coast of Yell 4 cables E. This long
narrow firth has not been completely examined but a sketch
survey in 1978 found that there was a depth of at least
50 m in midchannel. Marine farms exist throughout the
firth.
6.302
Burra Voe is entered between Burgo Taing (60350N
1191W) and Ness of Houlland (3 cables S).
When approaching the voe care is necessary to avoid
North Holm and South Holm of Burravoe, respectively
5 cables and 2 cables ENE of Burgo Taing. The entrance
channel lies between Burgo Taing and The Flaess
(1 cables S), a rocky patch, part of which dries.
Anchorage can be found in the voe as convenient. A
pier, 45 m in length and used mainly by fishing vessels, is
situated at the village of Burravoe; there is also a marina.
Useful marks with positions from Burgo Taing:
Beacon (yellow, circular topmark) (5 cables W).
Monument (4 cables WSW).
6.303
Quey Firth lies S of Ness of Queyfirth (6031N
120W) (6.272) and as an anchorage is inferior to
neighbouring inlets. It is little used, even by local craft.

283

6.306
General information. Between the N extremity of the
peninsula of Lunna Ness (6027N 103W) and Firth Ness
(3 miles WSW), the coast of Mainland recedes to form an
irregularlyshaped bay which is indented by a number of
inlets accessible by small craft.
Submarine oil pipeline. A submarine oil pipeline is laid
across the bay between Firth Ness and Cul Ness (2 miles
SSE).
Marine farms exist in all the inlets described below and
in the bay itself; their positions are best seen from the
chart.
Directions. From a position W of Lunna Holm (2 cables
NE of the N extremity of Lunna Ness) (6.279) the route to
the head of the bay leads generally SW passing (with
positions from Lunna Holm Light):
Clear of a 49 m patch (1 miles WSW), thence:
Clear of Stoura Baa (2 miles WSW), thence:

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CHAPTER 6

SE of Fish Holm (2 miles WSW), thence:

SE of Linga (3 miles WSW), and:
NW of the N extremity of Ness of Setter (2 miles
SW), thence:
SE of Whether Holm (3 miles WSW), noting a
marine farm 7 cables SE.
Useful marks with positions from Lunna Holm Light:
Monument (4 miles SW) (6.231).
Radio mast (4 miles WSW).
Side channels. Boats can use the channel between
Lunna Holm and the N point of Lunna Ness, which is
obstructed by Sand Skerry and other abovewater rocks.
Narrow channels, in which tidal streams run strongly,
also pass on both sides of Sinna Skerry (60267N
1085W), situated on a rocky ledge, parts of which dry,
between Fish Holm and Linga, and between Linga and
Firth Ness.
Local knowledge is required for passage through all
these side channels.
6.307
Hamna Voe and Boatsroom Voe. Hamna Voe is entered
between Quidan Ness (1 miles SW of Lunna Holm Light)
and the N extremity of Ness of Setter (1 mile further
WSW). Boatsroom Voe lies at the head of Hamna Voe and
is entered by a channel passing W of Ayre of Hamnavoe, a
natural breakwater projecting 1 cables W from the E
shore. A stone and shingle bank that dries extends about
1 cable NW from Ayre of Hamnavoe constricting the
entrance channel to a width of about cable.
When approaching care is necessary to avoid Stoura Baa
and the 49 m patch 6 cables NNE. An obstruction, with a
depth over it of 8 m, lies in the entrance to Hamna Voe
3 cables ENE of the N point of Ness of Setter. There is a
depth of 67 m in the fairway of the entrance channel to
Boatsroom Voe but within the voe there are depths of
165 m; a marine farm is situated within this area.
6.308
West Lunna Voe lies at the head of a small bay entered
between Grames Ness (6025N 108W) and Cul Ness
(6 cables SSW). A monument (6.231) and church stand at
the SE head of the voe. The narrow entrance to West
Lunna Voe, between small peninsulas which project N and
S from the shores, is obstructed by a dangerous rock and a
marine farm close W. Local knowledge is required.
Anchorage can be found SSW of Grames Ness, as
shown on the chart.
6.309
Swining Voe is entered between Noness Head (6025N
110W) and Cul Ness (8 cables SE). The W side of the
voe is steepto but the E side is fringed by a bank. Depths
decrease rapidly towards the head of the voe, which dries.
Good anchorage can be found midway between Noness
Head and Cul Ness in a depth of about 42 m, mud and
shingle; attention is drawn to the submarine oil pipeline
extending NNW from Cul Ness. Smaller craft can find
anchorage within the voe, the best berth being in
midchannel in depths of 18 to 19 m with the W extremity
of Cul Ness bearing 027 distant about 6 cables, but it is
necessary to avoid marine farms in the vicinity.

Chart 3295 plan of Dales Voe

6.310
Colla Firth and Dales Voe share a common entrance
between Noness Head (6025N 110W) and the SE
extremity of Fora Ness (3 cables N) and are separated by
Gardaness Hill, a narrow lofty ridge.

Colla Firth is narrow, deep, steepto on both sides and

exposed to E gales. It is consequently little used except by
boats.
Dales Voe has its inner entrance between West Taing
(8 cables WNW of Noness Head) and the SW side of Fora
Ness. Apart from Scarvar Ayre (1 miles W of Noness
Head) both sides of the voe are steepto and depths
decrease regularly to its head. The voe contains numerous
marine farms. During W winds violent gusts descend from
the high steep sides which enclose the voe. There is a
small pontoon pier close SW of Scarvar Ayre.
Chart 3298

Tofts Voe
1

6.311
General information. Tofts Voe, on Mainland, is
entered between Toft Ness (6028N 112W) and the N
extremity of Burra Ness (4 cables SSE). The voe is the
terminal for a vehicle ferry which plies across the SE end
of Yell Sound to and from Yell at Bay of Ulsta (2 miles
NE) (6.314). The voe lies within a submarine power cable
area (6.253).
Berths. The ferry terminal and pier, reserved for RoRo
ferry use only, extends E then SE from the W shore of the
voe. A directional light (white steel pole) is exhibited from
the head of the pier. Additional lights are exhibited from
the ferry terminal.
Charts 3292, 3298

Burra Voe
1

6.312
General Information. Burra Voe (6030N 102W), is a
narrow inlet on the NW side of Heoga Ness at the SE end
of Yell. It is a haven with a narrow entrance, which is
much obstructed, and with very strong tidal streams in the
approach. Vessels with a draught over 3 m should navigate
with caution.
Tidal streams. For details of tidal streams in the
approaches see 6.264.
Directions. Burra Voe is approached from S passing
(with positions from Green Holm (60293N 1038W)):
W of Cloa Rock (11 miles SE) (6.279), thence:
E of Burga Skerry (2 cables SSW) a drying rock
which, when covered, is usually marked by a
ripple or even a breaking sea except in completely
calm conditions, thence:
E of Green Holm, a small grass covered islet, with
outlying rocks extending 1 cables NE and SE,
thence:
W of a dangerous rock (2 cables NE) which lies
cable SW of Heoga Ness (6.279), thence:
NW of a buoy (starboard hand) moored NW of the
W end of Heoga Ness, thence:
Between buoys (port and starboard hand).
Useful Mark: Green Holm.
Berths. A pier, slip and leisure craft berths lie on the
NW shore near the head of the Voe. Depth at the pier is
5m and at the pontoons 2m. A light is displayed from the
E end of the pier.

Hamna Voe
1

284

6.313
General information. Hamna Voe, on the S coast of
Yell, is entered between the S extremity of Burra Ness
(6029N 104W) and the E side of Ness of Copister

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CHAPTER 6

(1 mile W). The inner part of the voe is constricted by

Ness of Galtagarth, a low peninsula extending from the NE
shore. The voe is exposed to SE gales.
Tidal streams. For details of tidal streams in the
approaches see 6.264.
Directions. Hamna Voe is approached from S passing:
E of Orfasay (1 miles SW of Burra Ness), noting
Yell Baa (6.279); the NE side of the islet is fouled
by drying rocks, and:
W of Burga Skerry (3 cables S of Burra Ness), a
drying rock which, when covered, is usually
marked by a ripple or even a breaking sea except
in completely calm conditions.
Caution. Marine farms are to be found in the
approaches and the voe.
Clearing line. The alignment (274) of the N extremity
of Orfasay and Broch (1 miles W) (6.284) passes S of
Burga Skerry.
Useful mark:
Green Holm, a small grasscovered islet.
Anchorage. The usual berth is E of the narrow part of
the voe in a depth of 13 m. With local knowledge better
shelter can be found in the inner part of the voe in a depth
of about 8 m.

Bay of Ulsta
1

6.314
General information. Bay of Ulsta (6030N 109W),
at the SW extremity of Yell, is the terminal for a vehicle
ferry which plies across the SE end of Yell Sound to and
from Mainland at Tofts Voe (2 miles SW) (6.311). The bay
lies within a submarine power cable area (6.253).
Directions. The alignment (033) of Ulsta Leading
Lights leads into the bay:
Front light (metal post) (60298N 1092W)
Rear light (similar structure) (close NE of front light)
Dangers which border the coast between the bay and
Holm of Copister (8 cables SSE) in the S approaches to the
bay are covered by the green sector of the lower leading
light (6.285) and the white sector of the upper leading
light, mentioned above. A lightbuoy (starboard hand)
(60295N 1094W) marks a drying rocky ledge
extending cable W of the NW part of the Hoga
peninsula. A lightbeacon (starboard hand) (metal post) lies
250 metres NNE of the lightbuoy.
Berths. A RoRo berth for ferry use only and a small
pier to the NE of the RoRo berth. Both are protected by a
breakwater to the SW. Lights are exhibited from the
breakwater head and the RoRo berth.

EAST COAST: FETLAR TO MUCKLE FLUGGA

Precautionary Area

GENERAL INFORMATION
Chart 3292

Area to be Avoided
1

6.315
Almost all the coastal waters described in this section lie
within an Area to be Avoided by certain types of vessels,
the limits of which are shown on the chart. See 1.47 for
further details.

Ferries
1

BLUEMULL SOUND AND

SOUTHEASTERN APPROACHES
General information

6.316
Bluemull Sound (6042N 059W) separates the islands
of Yell and Unst and is approached from E by the channel
separating the N side of the island of Fetlar (6037N
052W) from the S coast of Unst. Colgrave Sound, the
channel separating the W side of Fetlar from the E coast of
Yell, affords a S approach to Bluemull Sound.

Topography
1

6.317
Fetlar, a hilly and irregularlyshaped island, attains its
summit in Vord Hill (6037N 052W). A conspicuous TV
mast stands on Gallow Hill, 2 miles SW of Vord Hill.
There is an airstrip 1 mile SSW of Vord Hill.
Bluemull Sound. Both sides of Bluemull Sound,
although much indented, are generally free from offlying
dangers.

ply across Bluemull Sound and

Oddsta Ferry Terminal (60377N
Wick of Belmont (6041N 058W)
of Gutcher (1 mile SW of Wick of

6.321
Pairs of submarine power cables are laid, as shown on
the chart:
From a common position on Fetlar about 4 cables S
of Hamars Ness (6038N 056W) NW across the
N part of Colgrave Sound and S part of Bluemull
Sound to separate positions on Yell.
Across Bluemull Sound between the vicinity of Point
of Grimsetter (6041N 100W) and the vicinity of
Ness of Wadbister (7 cables ENE); the landing
positions of these cables are marked by beacons
(yellow, diamond topmark) on the shore.

Rescue
1

6.322
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained on Fetlar
and at Mid Yell (6036N 104W). For further details see
1.76.

Local magnetic anomaly

Depths
6.318
There are depths of 162 m or more in the fairway
throughout Bluemull Sound.

6.320
Vehicle ferries
approaches between
0558W) on Fetlar,
on Unst, and Wick
Belmont) on Yell.

Submarine power cables

Chart 3282

Description

6.319
Parts of the SE approaches to Bluemull Sound lie in a
Precautionary Area, the limits of which are shown on the
chart. For details see 1.48.

285

6.323
In 1912 a deflection of the compass needle was
observed between Haaf Gruney (6040N 050W) and Ness
of Ramnageo (7 cables NNW).

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Tidal streams
1

6.324
Eastern approaches to Bluemull Sound. Off Haaf
Gruney (6040N 050W) the weak Sgoing tidal stream
along the NE side of the Shetland Islands, divides into two
branches, one continuing to run S past the E coast of
Fetlar, the other running W between the S coast of Unst
and the N coast of Fetlar and thence S through Colgrave
Sound; similar streams running in the opposite directions
merge off Haaf Gruney to form the Ngoing tidal stream
along the NE coast of the Shetland Islands. Between
Wedder Holm (6039N 053W) and Tressa Ness
(1 miles S) tidal streams are probably weak, the Wgoing
beginning about 0325 HW Lerwick (0330 HW Dover)
and the Egoing about +0245 HW Lerwick (+0240 HW
Dover).
6.325
Outside the S entrance to Bluemull Sound, between
Holm of Heogland (6040N 057W) and the island of
Uyea (1 mile W), the confluence of tidal streams causes a
NWgoing eddy; the NWgoing tidal stream begins about
0345 HW Lerwick (0350 HW Dover) and runs for about
9 hours and the SEgoing tidal stream begins about
+0510 HW Lerwick (+0505 HW Dover) and runs for about
3 hours.
6.326
Bluemull Sound. Tidal streams in Bluemull Sound can
be very strong and eddies and races form in places.
Southern entrance to Bluemull Sound. In the S
entrance to the sound the Sgoing stream begins
+0605 HW Lerwick (+0600 HW Dover) and the Ngoing at
0025 HW Lerwick (0030 HW Dover). The spring rate in
each direction is 6 to 7 kn in the narrower part of the
sound but less elsewhere.
Within Bluemull Sound the Sgoing tidal stream begins
0425 HW Lerwick (0430 HW Dover) and the Ngoing at
+0135 HW Lerwick (+0130 HW Dover). The spring rates in
each direction are 6 to 7 kn in the narrower parts of the
sound and less in the wider parts, but the rates and
directions of the tidal streams are considerably affected by
meteorological conditions. During the Sgoing tidal stream
an eddy forms W of a line joining Ness of Cullivoe
(6042N 059W) and Point of Grimsetter (6 cables SSW)
and the demarcation between the main Sgoing tidal stream
and the Ngoing eddy is indicated by turbulence. At
springs races form off the salient points on both sides of
the sound.
Northern entrance to Bluemull Sound. Off the N
entrance to Bluemull Sound tidal streams are probably
more or less rotary anticlockwise and are weak, the
maximum rate not exceeding kn, but they are strong W
along the N coast of Yell (6.129).
For further details see information on the charts and in
Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands.

Chart 3292

Bluemull Sound
1

Landmark
6.327
1

Television mast (6036N 055W) (6.317).

5

Directions
(continued from 6.209)
Charts 3282, 3292

Approach from east

1

extremity of Fetlar, the E approach to the S end of

Bluemull Sound leads W passing (with positions from
Wedder Holm (6039N 053W)):
N of The Clett (2 miles SE), a remarkable rock which
stands close E of Busta Pund, a headland, 71 m in
height, which is flanked on both sides by steep
high cliffs, and:
S of Haaf Gruney (1 mile ENE), thence:
N of Holm of Tressaness (1 miles S) which lies
close off Tressa Ness, the N extremity of Fetlar,
and:
S of Wedder Holm which should not be approached
nearer than 7 cables on its S side. A ledge on
which there are rocks, including The Baa (2 cables
SSE), with irregular depths over them of less than
10 m extends 4 cables SE from The Hog, a large
detached rock lying close off the SE side of
Wedder Holm; details are best seen from the chart.
Thence:
N of Daaey (1 miles SSW), thence:
S of Winna Ness (7 cables WNW), thence:
N of Urie Lingey (1 miles SW) which, with Braga,
an abovewater rock close off its NW extremity,
lies on a shallow bank extending N from Urie
Ness. The bank, which is encumbered with
abovewater and belowwater dangers, extends a
further 2 cables N beyond Braga and has a depth
of 46 m over its N extremity. Thence:
N of Sound Gruney (2 miles WSW).
Useful marks:
Muness Castle (2 miles NNE) (6.358).
The Hall (1 mile NNW), prominent with other
buildings on relatively high ground near the centre
of Uyea.

6.328
From a position 2 miles N of Outer Brough (6037N
046W), an islet close NE of Strandburgh Ness, the NE

286

6.329
From a position about 8 cables N of Sound Gruney the
channel through the S entrance to Bluemull Sound leads
NW passing:
NE of the SE extremity of Linga (6040N 058W)
at a distance of about 3 cables, and:
SW of Holm of Heogland (8 cables NE) which is
connected to the SW end of Unst by a rocky ledge
that dries; a steepto bank with a depth of 38 m
over its outer end extends nearly 2 cables S from
Holm of Heogland.
Thence the fairway, following the alignment of the
sound, lies in midchannel between salient points on either
side passing (with positions from the E extremity of Ness
of Cullivoe (6042N 059W)):
SW of Head of Mula (1 miles SSE), and:
NE of North Booth (1 miles S), the N extremity of
Linga, which is steepto, thence:
ENE of Virdi Point (1 mile S), the N extremity of
Head of Gutcher, and:
WSW of Hoga Ness (1 mile SSE), thence:
E of Point of Grimsetter (6 cables SSW), thence:
ESE of Ness of Cullivoe, and:
WNW of Ness of Wadbister (5 cables ESE), thence:
E of Crussa Ness (5 cables NW).
Thence the alignment (172), astern, of Ness of Cullivoe
and Hoga Ness leads through, and out of, the N entrance
of the sound passing between Papil Ness (1 mile NNW)
and The Keen (1 mile N), the W extremity of Blue Mull
(6.128) and clear of all dangers.

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CHAPTER 6

6.330
Clearing line. The SW extremity of Hoga Ness
(6041N 059W) bearing 322 and open SW of Head of
Mula (7 cables SE) passes SW of the bank extending S
from Holm of Heogland.
Useful marks with positions from the E extremity of
Ness of Cullivoe:
Tower (5 miles SSE) (6.331).
Lights (grey metal mast, 5 m in height) (1 miles S)
on ferry terminal pierhead in Wick of Gutcher; a
sectored light (concrete pedestal, 1 m in height) for
the use of the ferry stands adjacent.
Lights (grey metal mast, 5 m in height) (1 miles
SSE) on ferry terminal in Wick of Belmont.
Belmont mansion (9 cables SE).
Sector light (white metal pole) (3 cables SW) on the
head of Cullivoe breakwater.
Light (white metal pole) (3 cables WSW) on NE
corner of the new quay.
(Directions for N approach to Bluemull Sound
are given at 6.130)

Colgrave Sound and southern approach

General information
1

6.331
General description. Colgrave Sound, which separates
Fetlar from Yell, is approached from S between Heoga
Ness (6030N 102W) and Rams Ness (6 miles NE) and
entered between Rams Ness and White Hill of Vatsetter
(3 miles WNW). It opens into the S end of Bluemull
Sound between Hamars Ness (6038N 056W) and Burra
Ness (1 miles WNW). Abreast the island of Hascosay
(6036N 100W), the name Colgrave Sound properly
describes only the channel passing between that island and
Fetlar, Hascosay being separated from Yell by South Sound
and Hascosay Sound.
Function. Colgrave Sound is an alternative route to and
from the S end of Bluemull Sound and is the anchorage for
large vessels anticipating a long delay before berthing in
Sullom Voe.
Precautionary area. Colgrave Sound lies within a
Precautionary Area relating to the movement of shipping.
For further details see 1.48.
Submarine power cables. See 6.321.
Tidal streams. In Colgrave Sound the Sgoing tidal
stream probably begins about 0400 HW Lerwick
(0405 HW Dover) and the Ngoing about +0215 HW
Lerwick (+0210 HW Dover). The streams are probably
fairly strong, spring rate about 2 kn, in the narrow parts E
and W of Hascosay but weaker elsewhere. Along the Yell
coast between Heoga Ness and White Hill of Vatsetter tidal
streams are predominantly N and Sgoing and relatively
weak.
Principal landmarks with positions from Hamars Ness
(6038N 056W):
Television mast (1 miles S) (6.317).
Tower (1 mile S), conspicuous and adjacent to Brough
Lodge, a prominent house.

Anchorage
1

6.332
Approach. From a position about 2 miles E of Heoga
Ness (6.279) the S approach to Colgrave Sound leads N
passing (with positions from the NE end of Heoga Ness):

6.334
For details see 6.251.

Side channels

Directions
1

E of Stack of the Horse (8 cables N), a remarkable

and prominent conical mass joined to the coast of
Yell by a low neck of land, thence:
E of Point of Whitehill (1 miles N), thence:
E of Ness of Gossabrough (2 mile N), thence:
E of Ness of Queyon (3 miles N), thence:
W of Rams Ness (6034N 053W), the S extremity
of Fetlar, from which a rocky bank with a drying
rock near the outer edge, extends 1 cables S,
and:
E of Bick Skerry (3 miles W of Rams Ness), a small
skerry which covers and uncovers about cable
offshore, and one of the few dangers bordering this
stretch of the E coast of Yell.
Clearing bearing. Corbie Head (2 miles NNW of
Rams Ness) bearing about 337 and kept open W of the
coast 7 cables NW of Rams Ness passes clear WSW of the
drying rock lying about 1 cables S of Rams Ness.
Useful marks:
Muckle Skerry Light (6026N 052W) (6.278).
Lunna Holm Light (6027N 102W) (6.279).
6.333
Colgrave Sound. From a position in midchannel W of
Rams Ness the route through Colgrave Sound leads N
passing (with positions from Ness of Brough (6037N
057W)):
E of White Hill of Vatsetter (2 miles SW) on which
Whitehill Light (white tower, 5 m in height) is
exhibited, thence:
E of a rock ledge, with depths over it of less than
5 m, which extends nearly 5 cables SSE from the
E side of Ba Taing (1 miles WSW), the S
extremity of Hascosay; Baa of Hascosay, a drying
rock with a dangerous rock close S, stands about
1 cable within the S end of the ledge and lies
within a red sector (163211) of Whitehill Light.
Thence:
W of Corbie Head (6 cables SSE), a high
redcoloured cliff, thence:
In midchannel between Ness of Brough, the W
extremity of Fetlar, 2 cables within which there is
a conspicuous tower (6.331), and the E extremity
of Hascosay (6 cables W), thence:
W of Ness of Snabrough (5 cables N), thence:
W of Hamars Ness (1 miles NNE), noting a
detached shoal (6 cables WNW of the ness) with a
least depth over it of 116 m situated near the
centre of the N entrance to Colgrave Sound.
Thence:
E of Burra Ness (2 miles NNW), thence:
Clear on either side of Sound Gruney (9 cables N),
but noting that a wreck with a depth over it of
11 m lies 2 cables S of the island.
Clearing line. The W extremity of Sound Gruney
bearing about 017 and just open E of the E extremity of
Hascosay passes ESE of Baa of Hascosay.

Channel between Uyea and Wedder Holm

1

287

6.335
In the fairway of the narrow channel between reefs
extending SE from Hawks Ness (6040N 053W), the S

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CHAPTER 6

extremity of Uyea, and NNW from Wedder Holm (3 cables

SE) there is a depth of 98 m.

Linga Sound
1

6.336
Linga Sound (6040N 059W) separates the island of
Linga from the coast of Yell. The fairway of the sound is
clear but a bank with depths of less than 10 m over it
borders the W side of Linga.

Anchorages and harbours: Fetlar

Charts 3292, 3282

Wick of Tresta
1

6.337
General information. Wick of Tresta, a bight in the S
side of Fetlar, is entered between The Snap (6034N
049W), the SE extremity of Fetlar, and Head of
Lambhoga (1 miles W). The shores of the bay are bold
and clear of dangers beyond a distance of 1 cable offshore.
The NW head of the bay is occupied by a sandy bank, the
composition of which is highly magnetic. The bay is
exposed SE and W gales raise a considerable swell around
Head of Lambhoga.
Directions. Head of Lambhoga should be given a berth
of at least 4 cables to avoid a dangerous rock (reported
1963) 2 cables E of the headland. Within the bay all salient
points should be given a berth of at least 1 cable.
Useful marks with positions from Head of Lambhoga:
Leagarth House (1 miles N), prominent, near
Houbie.
The Manse (1 miles NNW), prominent, near Tresta.
Anchorage. Good fairweather anchorage can be found
about 1 mile NNW of Head of Lambhoga in a depth of
about 26 m, stiff grey sand; smaller vessels can anchor
about 5 cables further WNW in a depth of 9 m. These
berths are shown on the chart. The holding ground in the
bay is good.
Chart 3282

Wick of Gruting
1

6.338
General information. Wick of Gruting, an inlet in the
N coast of Fetlar, is entered between Outer Brough
(6037N 046W) and The Clett (1 miles WNW) (6.328).
Both sides of the bay are clear of dangers more than
1 cable offshore. Ness of Gruting, a small clifflined
promontory, projects from the head of the bay.
Anchorage. Fairweather anchorage can be found, with
good holding, sand, NW of Ness of Gruting in a depth of
about 18 m; small craft can anchor SE of Ness of Gruting
in a depth of about 9 m, sand.

Chart 3292

Hamars Ness
1

6.339
Ferry terminal. Oddsta vehicle ferry terminal (6.320) is
situated 2 cables ESE of Hamars Ness; lights are exhibited
from the terminal. Berthing facilities are available
exclusively for the ferry.

Anchorages and harbours: south coast of Unst

Wick of Belmont
1

Chart 3292

Uyea Sound
1

6.340
General information. Uyea Sound, which is entered
between Holm of Heogland (6040N 057W) and Vee

Taing (9 cables ENE) at the W end of Uyea, includes not

only the channel between Unst and the NW end of Uyea
but also the bay which opens in the S coast of Unst
opposite the N end of Uyea. The village of Uyeasound lies
around the shore of the bay which may also be approached
by Skuda Sound, the passage separating the N side of Uyea
from Unst.
Marine farms exist in Uyea and Skuda Sounds as
shown on the chart.
Tidal streams in the S approaches to Uyea Sound see
6.325.
6.341
Directions for Uyea Sound. From a position about
4 cables E of Holm of Heogland (6.329) the track leads
NNE passing:
Along the coast of Unst which is fringed by a
shallow bank, on which there are a number of
dangerous rocks, extending cable offshore, and:
WNW of Wester Tail, the NW extremity of Uyea,
also fringed by a narrow shallow bank; it is
important in this vicinity to keep carefully in
midchannel as the fairway is only about cable
wide between the 10 m depth contours on either
hand.
6.342
Directions for Skuda Sound. Skuda Sound is
approached between Wedder Holm (60393N 0527W)
(6.328) and Ness of Ramnageo (1 miles NNE), passing
either side of Haaf Gruney (1 miles ENE of Wedder
Holm). In gales the sea breaks heavily over an 111 m
rocky patch, which has not been examined, 9 cables NE of
Wedder Holm. The sound is entered between Ness of
Ramnageo and Tur Ness (1 mile N of Wedder Holm), the
NE extremity of Uyea, from where the track leads WNW.
It is important to remain in midchannel between the
salient points, particularly abreast Croo Taing, the N
extremity of Uyea, where the navigable channel between
coastal banks on either side of the sound is only about
1 cable wide with a charted depth of 66 m in the fairway.
Clearing line. The SW extremity of Haaf Gruney
bearing 123 and open NE of Tur Ness passes clear NE of
the dangers off Croo Taing, but care is necessary to avoid
shoals extending from the Unst coast opposite.
6.343
Useful marks with positioned from Croo Taing:
Light (metal framework tower, 8 m in height)
(7 cables NW).
Church (5 cables N).
Standing stone (4 cables NE), prominent on a small
hill.
6.344
Anchorage. Uyea Sound provides fairly good shelter
except in SW gales and it is used as a temporary bad
weather haven by fishing vessels and local coasting vessels.
There is a small harbour which dries on the NW side of
the bay at the head of Uyea Sound.

288

6.345
General information. Wick of Belmont is entered
between Head of Mula (6041N 058W) and Hoga Ness
(6 cables NW). As shown on the chart the bay contains
marine farms and lies within an area of disused submarine
cables.
Ferry. The terminal for a vehicle ferry (6.320) is
situated at the NE head of the bay; lights (6.330) are

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CHAPTER 6

exhibited from the terminal. Berthing facilities are available

exclusively for the ferry.

number of smaller piers on both sides of the voe. A second

pier projects from the S shore 1 miles W of Ness of
Lussetter and tends NE, E, then S, enclosing a marina.

Anchorages and harbours: east coast of Yell

Charts 3292

Basta Voe and approaches

Wick of Gossabrough and Otters Wick

1

6.346
General information. Wick of Gossabrough and Otters
Wick share a common entrance between Ness of
Gossabrough (6032N 101W) and Ness of Queyon
(1 mile N) but are separated within by Saddle of Swarister
(5 cables NW of Ness of Gossabrough).
Local knowledge is required for Otters Wick.
Directions. Care is necessary to avoid Wick Skerry
(2 cables NNE of Ness of Gossabrough), a rock which
covers and uncovers on which the sea nearly always
breaks. Otters Wick is encumbered by a number of dangers
and only small craft should attempt to enter.
Anchorage can be found in Wick of Gossabrough but
the holding is not good and it should only be used in calm
weather and never when the wind is E. Boats can anchor
about 1 cables N of a stone pier situated at the S head of
the bay.

Mid Yell Voe and approaches

1

6.347
General information. Mid Yell Voe is entered between
Ness of Lussetter (6036N 102W) and Kay Holm
(3 cables NNW). It is approached from SE from Colgrave
Sound by South Sound, the channel separating the SW end
of Hascosay from Yell, and from NE by Hascosay Sound
(6.348). The voe is surrounded by high land which causes
wind gusts and eddies, particularly during strong winds,
within the voe. The village of Mid Yell lies along the S
shore of the inner part of the voe.
Port Authority. Shetland Islands Council (6.2); harbour
limits are shown on the chart.
Directions. From a position about 3 cables NE of White
Hill of Vatsetter (1 miles SE of Ness of Lussetter) (6.333)
the approach through South Sound leads NW passing (with
positions from Ness of Lussetter):
SE of the rock ledge (6.333) which extends nearly
5 cables SSE from Ba Taing (9 cables E), thence:
In midchannel between Ness of Vatsetter (5 cables
SE) and the S side of Hascosay (7 cables E), both
of which are clear of dangers more than 1 cable
offshore.
Having rounded Ness of Lussetter at a distance of about
1 cable, the fairway to the head of navigation in Mid Yell
Voe favours the N side, passing:
S of Kay Holm which is steepto on the S side,
thence:
Around Head of Hevdagarth (5 cables WNW), which
is steepto, and abreast of which the navigable
channel narrows temporarily to about 1 cable.
Houll Sound, the narrow channel passing around the N
side of Kay Holm, is foul.
Useful marks with positions from Ness of Lussetter:
House (7 cables W), prominent.
Church (9 cables W) on low ground.
Anchorage. Secure anchorage for small craft can be
obtained in the voe clear of a marine farm and a mooring
buoy (yellow), the positions of which are shown on the
chart.
Alongside berths. A concrete pier, 86 m in length and
with a depth of 24 m alongside its head, projects from the
S shore 8 cables W of Ness of Lussetter. There are a

6.348
General information. Basta Voe is entered between
Point of Ness (6038N 101W) and the SW extremity
(8 cables ENE) of Burra Ness. The Voe is approached from
E between the N side of Hascosay and Burra Ness at the
NE end of Colgrave Sound; it is approached from S by
Hascosay Sound, the channel which is an extension N of
South Sound (6.347) and separates the E side of Hascosay
from Yell; Hascosay Sound opens into the E approaches to
Basta Voe between Taingar (6037N 100W), the NW
extremity of Hascosay, and Basta Ness (7 cables NW). The
village of Basta lies on the S shore about 5 cables within
the entrance; the larger village of Sellafirth is situated on
the E side near the head of the voe
Marine farms. A number of marine farms are located in
Basta Voe, some of which are shown on the chart.
Directions. The E approach to the voe is clear.
Hascosay Sound, entered from the NW end of South
Sound between Point of the Gunnald (6036N 101W),
the W extremity of Hascosay, and Ness of Lussetter
(5 cables WSW), has a least charted depth in the fairway
of 88 m, but care is necessary to avoid (positioned from
Point of the Gunnald) Kay Baa (5 cables NNW) and a
49 m patch (8 cables N).
The shores of Basta Voe are clear of dangers more than
1 cable offshore.
Useful marks with positions from Point of Ness:
Farm buildings (7 cables NNE), conspicuous, at
Kirkabister.
House (1 miles NW), conspicuous, among farm
buildings at Colvister.
Anchorage and landings. The best berth is about
4 cables NNW of Point of Ness in a depth of about 22 m,
mud and sand. A good berth for smaller vessels lies in
midchannel about 4 cables NE of the conspicuous house at
Colvister in a depth of about 12 m, gravel. These berths are
shown on the chart; care is necessary to avoid marine
farms.
A small pier, which almost dries out, 5 cables NE of
the conspicuous house at Colvister. extends from the E
shore of the voe S of Sellafirth. Another pier, 35 m in
length, from which a light is exhibited lies 5 cables N of
the conspicuous house at Colvister and is used by local
fishing and marine farm craft.
Chart 3292

Wick of Gutcher
1

6.349
Wick of Gutcher (6040N 100W), a shallow bay, lies
close NW of the N end of Linga.
Ferry. The terminal for a vehicle ferry (6.320) is
situated in the bay; lights (6.330) are exhibited from the
terminal. Berthing facilities are available exclusively for the
ferry.

Culli Voe
1

289

6.350
General information. Culli Voe is the NW part of a
bay entered between Ness of Cullivoe (6042N 059W)
and Point of Grimsetter (6 cables SSW). The fishing
harbour of Cullivoe lies on a headland on the W side of
the entrance to the voe. A breakwater, nearly 1 cables in

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CHAPTER 6

Culli Voe Harbour from S (6.350)

(Original dated prior to 2003)
(Photograph Shetland Islands Council)

length, extends SE and E from the headland. The village of

Cullivoe lies at the head of the voe, which is shallow.
Port Authority. Shetland Islands Council (6.2); harbour
limits are shown on the chart.
Directions. When approaching the voe due account
should be taken of the Ngoing eddy (6.326). A sector
light (6.330) is exhibited from the head of the breakwater.A
beacon (port hand) lies close E of the breakwater head. A
light (white metal pole) is exhibited from the NE corner of
the new quay. A lightbuoy (starboard hand) is moored
cable E of the breakwater head, marking the bank SW of
the SW tip of Ness of Cullivoe.
Anchorage of a temporary nature can be found in the
bay in the approach to Culli Voe. The usual berth is with
the SE extremity of Ness of Cullivoe bearing 036 distant
about 2 cables, good holding, sand and shells; care is
necessary to avoid submarine power cables laid close S
across Bluemull Sound.
Alongside berths. There is a pier, 75 m in length with
berths on both sides, with depths of up to about 6 m. There
are further deep water berths at a new quay, with a large
open working area, N of the root of the pier. There is a
marina at the village of Cullivoe.
Supplies. Fresh water and fuel at berths.

Topography
1

FETLAR TO MUCKLE FLUGGA

General information

6.352
Fetlar see 6.317.
North coast of Unst. Between Holm of Skaw and
Herma Ness (3 miles WNW), the N coast of Unst is
much indented and consists of high and inaccessible cliffs
some of which, notably near the entrance to Burra Firth
(2 miles W of Holm of Skaw), are of astonishing
magnitude. Saxa Vord (2 miles W of Holm of Skaw), a
pyramidshaped hill, rises steeply from the coast and is
surmounted by a building and two conspicuous domes
(6.357). Conspicuous radio masts (6.357) stand,
respectively, 6 cables SSW and 1 mile S of The Noup.
Herma Ness is described at 6.128.
6.353
Muckle Flugga (6051N 053W) is the most important,
although not the largest, of a group of rocky islets and
rocks which extend N from Herma Ness. The most N of
these is Out Stack (9 cables N from the N extremity of
Herma Ness), a bare pointed rock, steepto, and frequented
by great numbers of seabirds. Muckle Flugga, the N side
of which is almost vertical, lies 5 cables SW of Out Stack
and the remainder of the group, the largest of which is
Rumblings, extends a further 6 cables SW. A light (6.357)
is exhibited from the summit of Muckle Flugga. Landing
on Muckle Flugga is only possible by small boats and at
one point, where steps have been cut in the rock, and then
only in fine weather.

Chart 3282

Description
1

6.351
From abreast Fetlar (6037N 052W) a coastal route to
Muckle Flugga (6051N 053W) leads N across the E
approaches to Bluemull Sound and along the E coast of
Unst to Holm of Skaw (6050N 046W), and thence
WNW along the N coast of Unst.

Depths
1

290

6.354
Mariners are advised to note that the 50 m depth contour
extends close inshore everywhere around the N coast of
Unst and that Out Stack (6052N 052W), the most N
danger, lies outside this contour. When rounding the N end
of Unst at night or in thick weather it is therefore

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CHAPTER 6

Muckle Flugga and Lighthouse from NNE (6.353)

(Original dated 2002)
(Photograph Jean Guichard)

recommended that mariners remain in depths of 90 m or

more.

Rst (6.21) at the S end of the Shetland Islands, during the

Ngoing tidal stream.

Principal marks

Rescue
1

6.355
Coastguard Auxiliary Stations are maintained on Fetlar
and at Baltasound (6046N 051W). For further details see
1.76.

Tidal Streams
1

6.356
Fetlar to Holm of Skaw. Tidal streams run broadly N
and S except where diverted locally by the configuration of
the land. The coastal streams are generally weak except off
salient points, but they run very strongly in some of the
narrower channels between the islands.
South of Balta Sound (6045N 048W) both coastal
tidal streams run as described at 6.262.
North of Balta Sound the Sgoing coastal tidal stream
begins at about 0340 HW Lerwick (0345 HW Dover) and
the Ngoing at about +0220 HW Lerwick (+0215 HW
Dover).
Holm of Skaw to Muckle Flugga. About 5 miles NE of
Muckle Flugga tidal streams are more or less rotary with a
maximum spring rate of about 1 kn. The streams change
quickly when they are weakest but only at about 10 per
hour when they are strongest. Close along the coast tidal
streams are probably strong off the salient points but weak
in the bays between them.
For further details see information on the charts and
Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: Orkney and Shetland Islands.
Race. Skaw Rst, a heavy race, forms off Lamba Ness
and Holm of Skaw, as shown on the charts, and is
particularly dangerous, although less so than Sumburgh

6.357
Landmarks:
TV mast (6036N 055W) (6.317).
Two domes (6050N 050W), conspicuous, on Saxa
Vord (6.352).
Radio masts (1 mile S of The Noup), conspicuous, on
the summit of Saxa Vord
Radio mast (6 cables SSW of The Noup),
conspicuous.
Major light:
Muckle Flugga Light (white tower, 20 m in height)
(6051N 053W) on summit of islet.

Directions
(continued from 6.209)

Fetlar to Holm of Skaw

1

291

6.358
From a position E of Strandburgh Ness (6037N
046W) (6.328) the coastal passage leads N passing (with
positions from S extremity of Balta (6045N 047W)):
E of Haaf Gruney (4 miles SSW) (6.328), thence:
E of Mu Ness (3 miles SSW), at the SE end of
Unst, noting Colvidale Baas and Muness Baas,
respectively 5 cables ESE and 4 cables NE of the
ness, over which the sea breaks heavily in gales.
Muness Castle, a prominent massive square ruin
on an eminence 5 cables WNW of the ness, assists
in the identification of the ness. Thence:
E of The Vere (2 miles SSW), above water at the NE
end of a bank extending nearly 1 mile NNE from

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CHAPTER 6

Ham Ness, the N extremity of Mu Ness; depths

over the bank are irregular. Thence:
E of Balta, the E side of which consists of steep
cliffs fissured by rocky coves and fringed by
numerous detached abovewater rocks; this area,
as shown on Chart 3299, plan of Balta Sound, has
not been completely surveyed and should not be
approached within 2 cables. Balta Sound Light
(white clad metal framework tower, 5 m in height)
stands on the S end of Balta. Thence:
E of The Nev (2 miles N); the coast for a distance
of about 1 mile N of The Nev is lined by high and
inaccessible cliffs, part of a National Nature
Reserve, above which Hill of Clibberswick
(7 cables N of The Nev) rises close to the coast
and slopes downward W. A radio mast stands
1 miles WNW of The Nev. Thence:
E of Lamba Ness (4 miles N); a radio mast stands
on the ness; other masts (6.357) stand 2 miles
WNW of the ness. Although clear of dangers
Lamba Ness should be given a berth of 1 mile to
avoid the strength of Skaw Rst (6.356) and the
heavy confused sea which is generally present off
the headland. Thence:
E of Holm of Skaw (6050N 046W) which lies
close off the NE extremity of Unst and is
surrounded by a steepto rocky reef; Outer Flaess,
an abovewater rock, stands on the N edge of this
reef about 3 cables N of Holm of Skaw; Inner
Flaess, larger, lies at the inner end of the reef
close N of the holm. A light (framework tower,
6 m in height) stands on Holm of Skaw.
Clearing lines:
Lamba Ness bearing 010 and open E of Balta passes
E of Colvidale Baas, Muness Baas and The Vere.
The E extremity of Swinna Ness (6046N 048W)
bearing 004 and seen between the W side of
Balta and the E side of Huney (1 miles S of
Swinna Ness) passes E of Colvidale Baas, Muness
Baas and The Vere.
Light sectors. Colvidale Baas, Muness Baas and The
Vere are covered by the red sector (010060) of Balta
Sound Light.

Passages adjacent to Muckle Flugga

1

6.359
By day, having passed Lamba Ness as described above,
mariners are advised to keep the E side of Balta open E of
Lamba Ness, and bearing not less than 194 until the N
extremity of Herma Ness (3 miles WNW of Holm of Skaw)
(6.128) bears not more than 275 and is well open N of
The Noup (2 miles WNW of Holm of Skaw).

6.361
In clear weather by day both the channel between
Muckle Flugga and Out Stack and the channel between
Herma Ness and the most S of the dangers of the group
may be used. If using the latter channel the E and S sides
of the group of rocks and islets extending 6 cables SW
from Muckle Flugga should be passed at a distance of
1 cable. The Noup (6.360), kept open N of Herma Ness
passes N of a reef, on which there are abovewater rocks,
extending 1 cables N from the NW extremity of Herma
Ness.

Balta Sound and Balta Harbour

Chart 3299 plan of Balta Sound

General information
1

Rounding Holm of Skaw from south

1

Useful mark:
Whida Stack (6 cables SE of The Noup), a steep
detached rock about 1 cable off a point of the
coast with a second and higher stack between it
and the point.

6.362
Position. Balta Sound (6045N 048W) separates the
island of Balta from the E coast of Unst. Balta Harbour
extends about 1 miles W from the NW end of Balta
Sound.
Function. The area is used extensively by fishing
vessels as a refuge harbour in bad weather or for rest
periods during intensive fishing operations. It is also used
by coastal traffic, including small tankers delivering fuel to
Ministry of Defence installations on Unst. Cruise ships visit
Balta during the season, anchoring in Balta Harbour or
Balta Sound.
Topography. The W coast of Balta is low and sandy.
The S side and head of Balta Harbour are shallow.
Baltasound, a large village, lies on the N side of the head
of Balta Harbour. The hangar at Baltasound airstrip
(6 cables SSE of the head of Balta Harbour) is
conspicuous.
Port limits are shown on the chart.
Approach and entry. Balta Sound is normally entered
by South Channel, the main approach, passing S of Balta.
North Channel may be used but see 6.363.
Port Authority. Shetland Islands Council (6.2); harbour
limits are shown on the chart.

Limiting conditions
1

6.363
Maximum size of vessel handled. 78 m in length and
about 1550 dwt at Baltasound Pier (6.370).
Local knowledge is required for North Channel.

Harbour
Holm of Skaw to Muckle Flugga
1

6.360
From a position N of Holm of Skaw the coastal passage
leads W passing:
N of The Noup (2 miles WNW of Holm of Skaw),
the coast between being steepto in most places,
thence:
N of Muckle Flugga (6051N 053W) (6.353), but
noting that Out Stack (4 cables NE) is the most N
of the dangers that extend N from Herma Ness.
For passages adjacent to Muckle Flugga see 6.361.

292

6.364
Marine farms are located in both Balta Sound and
Harbour as shown on the chart.
Local magnetic anomaly. The normal magnetic
variation is increased by up to about 6W in Balta Sound,
the largest increase being in the anchorage and the smallest
at the S end of Balta. An increase of 4W has been
observed in the vicinity of Skeo Taing (60453N
0491W).
Sea state. Strong SE winds raise a heavy sea in South
Channel rendering passage through it dangerous to small
craft.

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CHAPTER 6

Baltasound Pier

Balta Harbour from S (6.362)

(Original dated 1999)
(Photograph Air Images)
3

Tidal streams. In Balta Sound the Sgoing tidal stream

begins at 0340 HW Lerwick (0345 HW Dover) and the
Ngoing at +0220 HW Lerwick (+0215 HW Dover). The
spring rate in both directions is about kn in South
Channel and 1 kn in North Channel.
Tidal streams are negligible in Balta Harbour.

Directions for entering harbour

1

6.365
South Channel. The track through South Channel leads
generally NNW in midchannel, passing (with positions
from Balta Sound Light (60444N 0477W) (6.358)):
WSW of the S end of Balta from which foul ground
extends about 1 cables, and:
ENE of The Givv, the N extremity of Huney
(4 cables WSW), a flattopped island covered in
grass, thence:
E of Swarta Skerry (7 cables NW), an abovewater
rock which lies on a drying reef extending more
than cable NNE from the W shore, noting that a
bank with depths of less than 10 m over it extends
2 cables from the coast of Unst between Swarta
Skerry and Skeo Taing, 4 cables NW.
6.366
North Channel for which local knowledge is required
(see 6.363), leads SSW passing (with positions from The
Rett (60456N 0479W)):
WNW of Black Skerries of Balta (1 cables E),
thence:
WNW of a reef (1 cables SE), parts of which dry,
extending about 1 cable NW from the NW
extremity of Balta, and:
ESE of The Rett, the E extremity of Swinna Ness,
thence:
Clear of a 43 m rocky patch (2 cables S) in
midchannel, thence:
ESE of a drying rock (3 cables SSW), marked by a
beacon (starboard hand), near the outer end of a
spit extending S from the S side of Swinna Ness,
and:

293

WNW of a rock (3 cables S) with a depth over it of

16 m near the outer end of a spit extending about
1 cable SW from the Balta shore.
6.367
Balta Harbour. From a position about 4 cables E of
Skeo Taing (60453N 0491W) the approach into Balta
Harbour leads WNW in the white sector (282287) of
Balta Sound Pier Elbow Light (see below) between coastal
banks, with depths of less than 10 m over them, which
extend from the shore on either hand, passing (with
positions from Skeo Taing):
SSW of the drying rock (5 cables ENE) marked by
the beacon (starboard hand) mentioned above,
thence:
NNE of a lightbuoy (port hand) (2 cables E)
moored NE of a rock, with a depth of 38 m over
it, near the edge of the coastal bank extending
from the S shore, and:
SSW of Jeenies Skerry (3 cables NE), the largest
of several abovewater rocks on the coastal bank
fringing the S side of Swinna Ness, thence:
SSW of a marine farm (2 cables NNE), marked by
a lightbuoy (starboard hand).
When abreast Skeo Taing the track to the head of the
harbour leads W passing (with positions from Skeo Taing):
N of a lightbuoy (port hand) (2 cables NW)
moored on the N side of an isolated 49 m stony
patch, thence:
S of Baltasound Pier (5 cables WNW) (6.370)
which extends S from Sandisons Wharf; a light
(grey metal pole) is exhibited from the head of the
pier, and a sectored light (metal post) is exhibited
from the elbow of the pier; and:
N of Ballast Bank (5 cables W) which extends nearly
3 cables from the S shore and has depths of 17 m
near its N edge, about 1 cables S of Baltasound
Pier.
Above Baltasound Pier depths in the harbour decrease
and details are best seen from the chart.
6.368
Useful marks with positions from Skeo Taing:

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CHAPTER 6

Flagstaff (6 cables NNE) on Keen of Hamar.

Radio tower (position approximate) (9 cables S); a
light (occasional) is exhibited for the use of
aircraft.
Light (red pole, 1 m in height) (6 cables WNW) on
head of marina breakwater.
Buness House (8 cables WNW) with monument
close SW.

there is a marine farm, is usable only by boats and with

local knowledge.

Anchorages, bays and inlets

Chart 3282

Harolds Wick
1

Anchorage
1

6.369
Balta Sound. There is reasonable anchorage anywhere
in Balta Sound where adequate depth and swinging room
are available. A good berth, well sheltered from all except
S and SW winds is abreast the middle of Balta on the
alignment (288) of Skeo Taing and Buness House and
with the low NW extremity of Balta bearing 022 in a
depth of about 12 m.
Small craft are advised to anchor as close to Balta as
possible to obtain the best shelter from S weather and to
avoid the strength of the tidal streams running through
North Channel, but it is necessary to avoid a marine
farming area.
Balta Harbour. The usual berth is in a depth of 104 m
with Skeo Taing bearing about 145 distant about
1 cables, but swinging room is restricted. Smaller craft
can anchor nearer the head of the harbour. The bottom is
stony in the middle of the harbour, mud nearer the shore.

Nor Wick

6.370
There are berths at the outer end of Baltasound Pier
with depths alongside of 42 to 50m. There is a marina W
of Baltasound Pier. A small pier that almost dries extends
SE from the shore close E of Buness House.

6.374
General information. Nor Wick is entered between
Lamba Ness (6049N 046W) (6.358) and North Stane
(1 miles SSW), the NE extremity of Hill of Clibberswick
(6.358). The sides of the bay are generally clear of dangers
more than cable offshore and depths decrease gradually
to the head of the bay where there is a sandy beach. The
village of Norwick lies at the SW head, and Ward of
Norwick (6.357) rises beyond the NW head of the bay.
Anchorage. The bay affords anchorage, a good berth
being about 8 cables WSW of Lamba Head, as indicated on
the chart, in a depth of about 25 m, good holding, stiff
grey sand. Nor Wick is sheltered from N gales but with
winds at all E of N a heavy swell sets in, rendering
anchorage uncomfortable and unsafe.

Port services

Burra Firth

Alongside berths
1

6.371
Repairs. There is a small slip close W of the root of
Baltasound Pier.
Other facilities. Resident doctor.
Supplies: water from wharfside hydrants; fuel, stores
and provisions in limited quantities.
Communications. Baltasound airfield on the S side of
Balta Harbour has regular services to Sumburgh airport.

Minor side channel

1

6.373
General information. Harolds Wick is entered between
The Nev (6047N 047W) (6.358) and Swinna Ness
(1 miles SSW). The SW side is fouled by Baas of
Hagdale (9 cables WSW of The Nev), but the NW side is
clear. At the narrow head of the bay there is a small pier
in front of the village of Haroldswick. The bay is exposed
and has a hard bottom; it is little used except by local
craft.
Local magnetic anomaly. Local deflections of the
compass have been observed in the bay.

6.372
The Yei a narrow and shallow passage between Huney
(6044N 049W) (6.365) and the coast of Unst in which

294

6.375
General information. Burra Firth is entered between
The Noup (6051N 050W) and Herma Ness (1 mile W).
The sides of the firth are high and steep, rising in the E to
Saxa Vord (6.352) and in the W to Hermaness Hill (6.128).
Depths in midfirth decrease regularly from about 30 m in
the entrance to a sandy beach at the head. The firth is easy
of access at all times.
Disused submarine cables exist at the entrance to, and
may exist throughout, the firth.
Anchorage of a temporary nature in an emergency can
be found in depths of 13 to 17 m, grey sand, good holding,
7 cables from the head of the firth.

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NOTES

295

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Chapter 7 - Froyar
50

30

40

20

10

50

30

40

20

10

30

30

7.139
32

RD

Klaksvik
7.242

7.

fj
r
ur
ol
la

3557

7.1

50

7.209

Mivgur

3557

61
7.1

u
r

25

r
fjo
gs
v
r
S

10

7.1
VGAR

3557

14

7.102

3557

MYKINES

7.95

Sklafjrur

Vestmanna
7.128
3557

15
7.2

3557

7.1
05

OY

6
7.25

OY

BO
3557

3557
3557
EYSTUROY
Sundalagi
STREYMOY

10

62

VID

L
27
7.2

71
7.1

01

7.233
Fuglafjrur

20

OY

N
28
7.2 Y
O

KA

KU

20

7.
25
2

7.1

1
7.

Trshavn
7.153

NLSOY

7.1

43

8
7.8

7.87

62

7.76
SANDOY

50

50

Sandsvgur

5
7.2

7.69

3557
SKVOY

7 .28

Stra
Dmun

40

40

5
7.1

30

7 .5 3
3
7.3

Y
RO
DU
SU

3557
Trongisvgur

3557

Vgur
7.40

30

7. 39

20

20

0106

30

Longitude 7 West from Greenwich

296

30

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CHAPTER 7
FROYAR
GENERAL INFORMATION
Local magnetic anomalies
Chart 117

Topography
1

7.1
The north and west coasts of Froyar (Froe Islands)
are generally inaccessible and consist principally of lofty
cliffs rising vertically from the sea to heights of 400 to
500 m, the most remarkable of which is Mlingur (Myling)
(6218N 712W) (7.133). Close off these coasts there are
many isolated rocks or drangar.
7.2
The east coasts present a different appearance, being
broken by many fjords and bays, and the hills are, in
general, neither as steep nor as high as on the W coasts
and are frequently naturally terraced. In the deep and
narrow valleys, in many cases visible from seaward, there
are always watercourses, often forming waterfalls, which
rush down over the craggy rock formations. The valleys
and sides of fjords are often covered in grass and
sometimes in heather, but there are no trees or bushes.
Near the coasts there are many cave formations which in
some places have opened out into large gateways.
7.3
Streymoy (Strm) is the largest and the most important
of Froyar and contains the capital, Trshavn (Thorshavn)
(6200N 645W). Two white spherical radar domes and
two rectangular dish aerials with appearance of square
blocks (6205N 657W) (positions approximate) standing
on a ridge 7 miles NW of Trshavn are reported to be
conspicuous from both E and W of Streymoy.
7.4
Eysturoy (ster) is the highest island and attains its
summit in Slttaratindur (Slattaratinde) (6218N 700W),
882 m (2894 ft) in height, near the N end of the island.
Several of the smaller islands are very distinctive in shape
with steep hills and high precipitous cliff, particularly on
the N and W coasts, which are often strikingly spectacular.
7.5
Noroyar is the common collective name for the six
most NE islands of the group, comprising, in sequence
from W to E, Kalsoy (Kals), Kunoy (Kuno), Boroy
(Bord), Vioy (Vider), Svnoy (Svin) and Fugloy
(Fugl).

ODAS lightbuoys
1

7.6
Fog, snow or thick rain or drizzle may obscure the land
or make particular individual features difficult to distinguish
even at short range, so that great caution is necessary. As
an indication of approach in thick weather, mariners are
advised to note that in these waters trawlers are seldom far
offshore.

Overhead cables
1

7.9
ODAS waverecorder lightbuoys (special) are moored
in the following approximate positions:
6118N 615W
6133N 630W
6148N 612W
6158N 727W
6230N 648W
Other ODAS buoys may be encountered throughout the
waters of this chapter. For additional information see 1.31.

Marine farms
1

7.10
Numerous marine farms, which may be fixed or floating
structures, exist in many of the fjords and inlets of the
Froyar. Farms are added and removed on a continuous
basis. The farms are also subject to frequent changes of
position and are generally marked by buoys or beacons,
some of which may be lit. All marine farms should be
avoided. The chart should always be consulted. For further
details see (1.19).

Tidal streams
1

Caution
1

7.8
Local magnetic anomalies exist in a number of places
both offshore and between the islands. Details are given in
the description of the appropriate geographical locality.

7.7
Overhead cables span a number of sounds and fjords in
the islands and give radar echoes which may mislead ships
approaching them. For further details see The Mariners
Handbook.

297

7.11
Diagrams 7.11.1 to 7.11.3 give a general indication,
related to HW Reykjavik, of the direction of the tidal
streams throughout the area. The diagrams were produced
before the construction of causeways across Haraldssund
and Hvannesund and therefore do not necessarily reflect
existing tidal streams in those vicinities about which no
information is available.
The rates of tidal streams follow a complicated pattern
and accurate data is limited, but they run strongly in the
vicinity of Froyar and between the islands of the group; in
some of the narrow sounds and fjords they attain rates of 6
to 8 kn and exceptionally 12 kn, constituting a serious
danger to shipping. Further information is given in the
description of the geographical area concerned.
The main streams are known locally as Vestfald (West
fall), the Wgoing tidal stream, which is deemed the main
flood stream, and stfald (East fall), the Egoing tidal
stream, which is deemed the main ebb stream. There may,
however, be an interval of several hours between the time
of local LW and the start of Vestfald, and between the time
of local HW and the beginning of stfald. Vestfaldsskifte is
coincident with HW and stfaldsskifte with LW.
When the main streams are running at strength eddies
form along the sides of channels between the islands and
off the salient points. There is always turbulence where the
streams running in different directions meet, where eddies
meet the main streams, and where there are sudden depth
changes.

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CHAPTER 7

Main Stream
7

30

Eddy
7

30

30

30
30

Kalsoy

Kalsoy

Fugloy

Svnoy

Svnoy

Eysturoy
Streymoy

Streymoy
Mykines

Bo
r

do

oy

Eysturoy

rd

o
Vi

noy
Ku

o
Vi

noy
Ku

Bo

Fugloy

Vgar

Mykines

Vgar

62

62
Koltur

Nlsoy

Koltur

Nlsoy

Sandoy

Sandoy
Skvoy

Skvoy

Su

Su

-0430 HW REYKJAVIK

-0600 HW REYKJAVIK

Kalsoy

Kalsoy

Fugloy

oy

o
Vi

rd

Fugloy
noy
Ku

o
Vi

noy
Ku

Bo

Bo
r

do

Svnoy

Svnoy

Eysturoy

Eysturoy
Streymoy
Mykines

30

ro

ro

30

Streymoy

Vgar

Vgar

Mykines

62

62

Sandoy

Sandoy

Skvoy

Skvoy

r
u
Su

oy

-0230 HW REYKJAVIK

-0330 HW REYKJAVIK
30

30

oy

r
u
Su

30

Nlsoy

Koltur

Nlsoy

Koltur

30

30

FROYAR: Tidal stream diagrams (7.11.1)

298

30

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CHAPTER 7

Main Stream
7

30

Eddy
7

30

30

30

30

30

Kalsoy

Fugloy

Bo
r

do

oy
Svnoy

Eysturoy

rd

o
Vi

noy
Ku

o
Vi

noy
Ku

Bo

Fugloy

Kalsoy

y
Svnoy

Eysturoy
Streymoy

Streymoy
Vgar

Vgar
Mykines

Mykines

62

Sandoy

Sandoy

Skvoy

Skvoy

-0030 HW REYKJAVIK

-0130 HW REYKJAVIK

Kalsoy

Kalsoy

Fugloy

o
Vi
y

rd

Fugloy
noy
Ku

o
Vi

noy
Ku

Bo

Bo
r

do

oy
Svnoy

Eysturoy

y
Svnoy

Eysturoy

Streymoy

Mykines

30

ro

ro

Su

Su

30

62

Nlsoy

Koltur

Nlsoy

Koltur

Streymoy

Vgar

Mykines

Vgar
Nlsoy

62

Nlsoy
Koltur

Sandoy

Sandoy
Skvoy

Skvoy

30

oy

oy

r
u
Su

r
u
Su

30

+0130 HW REYKJAVIK

+0030 HW REYKJAVIK
30

62

Koltur

30

30

FROYAR: Tidal stream diagrams (7.11.2)

299

30

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Index
CHAPTER 7

Main Stream
7

30

Eddy
7

30

30

30

30

30

Kalsoy

Kalsoy

Fugloy

oy

Bo
r

do

Svnoy

Svnoy

Eysturoy

Eysturoy

Streymoy

Streymoy
Mykines

rd

o
Vi

noy
Ku

o
Vi

noy
Ku

Bo

Fugloy

Vgar

Mykines

Vgar

62

62
Koltur

Nlsoy

Koltur

Nlsoy

Sandoy

Sandoy
Skvoy

Skvoy

Su

+0330 HW REYKJAVIK

+0230 HW REYKJAVIK

Kalsoy

Kalsoy

Fugloy

oy

o
Vi

rd

Fugloy
noy
Ku

o
Vi

noy
Ku

Bo

Bo
r

do

Svnoy

Svnoy

Eysturoy

Eysturoy
Streymoy
Mykines

30

ro

ro

Su

30

Streymoy

Vgar

Mykines

Vgar

62

62
Koltur

Koltur

Nlsoy

Nlsoy

Sandoy

Sandoy

Skvoy

Skvoy

r
u
Su

oy

oy

r
u
Su

30

+0530 HW REYKJAVIK

+0430 HW REYKJAVIK
30

30

30

30

FROYAR: Tidal stream diagrams (7.11.3)

300

30

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CHAPTER 7

Overfalls and races

1

7.12
Overfalls and races form in many places and are
mentioned in the respective area in which they occur. All
can be dangerous and should be avoided if possible; there
are reports of overfalls 13 m in height in Mykinesfjrur
(Myggens Fjord) (6206N 730W) during a NE storm.
1

Coast Radio Station

1

Their greatest strength is about 2 hours after HW

Reykjavik. Eddies form on both the N and S sides of the
passage, but are variable. Races and overfalls occur, even
in fine weather, increased by the unevenness of the bottom,
and the sea may break the whole way across the passage.
The area can, therefore, be dangerous to boats and small
craft and should be avoided except in case of necessity.
7.18
Southwest of Suuroy tidal streams run as follows:
Interval from Remarks
HW Reykjavik

7.13
A Coast Radio Station is situated at Trshavn (6200N
645W); for details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 1(1).

0520

NNWgoing tidal stream (Vestfald)

begins and runs for about 7 hours.

0220

Eddies form off the coast between

Beinisvr (Bejnesvr) (6125N
645W) and Fmarasund (4 miles NW)
and extend gradually N.

+0205

SSEgoing tidal stream (stfald) begins

and runs for about 5 hours. Initially
and for a short time the tidal stream
continues to run N along the NW coast
and E around Klraratangi, the NW
extremity of Suuroy.

Communications
1

7.14
Sea. There are regular sea links of varying frequency
with Denmark, Iceland and the United Kingdom. Local
services are operated between the islands.
Air. Scheduled services fly to Denmark and Iceland
from the only airfield in Froyar which is situated on
Vgar (Vaag) (6205N 710W).

Local magnetic anomaly

SOUTHERN APPROACH TO AND

PASSAGE SOUTHWEST OF SU
UROY
1

General information

Principal marks

Chart 117

Topography
1

7.15
Suuroy (Syder), of which Akraberg (6124N 640W)
is the SE extremity, is the most S of Froyar and, having
the most fertile land, is also the most densely populated.
The island attains its summit in Gluggarnir (Gluggerne)
(6132N 653W) which rises from the coast on the W
side of the island to a height of 610 m (2001 ft);
Hvannafelli (558 m (1829 ft) in height), (3 miles SSE of
Gluggarnir) is also a remarkable peak.
The SW coast is characterised by cliffs which rise
precipitously from the sea to mountains close inland and by
a number of lofty promontories of up to 500 m in height.
The greater part of this coast is fringed by numerous
detached rocks and stacks close offshore.

7.16
Mariners are advised not to approach the SW coast
within a distance of 1 mile in heavy weather as the bottom
is irregular and depths are comparatively shallow, causing a
confused sea and heavy breakers.

Tidal streams
1

7.17
South of Suuroy tidal streams run strongly in the
passage between Akraberg and Sumbiarsteinur (Munken
Rock) (3 miles S) (7.21). They set (with interval from HW
Reykjavik) approximately E from 1 to 2 hours after, turning
SE by 3 hours after; S from 4 hours after until 4 hours
before.

7.20
Landmark:
Radio mast, 140 m in height, marked by red lights,
close W of Akraberg Light.
Major light:
Akraberg Light (white round tower, 14 m in height)
(6124N 640W).

Directions
Southern approach to Suuroy
1

Caution
1

7.19
A local magnetic anomaly, which increased the normal
variation by about 1W, has been reported about 8 miles
W of Gluggarnir (6132N 653W).

7.21
When approaching Suuroy from S care is necessary to
avoid dangers which lie about 3 miles S of Akraberg,
consisting of:
Sumbiarsteinur (Munken Rock) (6120N 640W); a
belowwater rock over which the sea breaks in
gales lies about 1 cable SW of the rock.
Flesjarnar (Fleserne) (5 cables NE of Sumbiarsteinur),
a small group of low rocks.
Light sectors:
Sumbiarsteinur and the belowwater rock close SW
lie in the green sector (355010) of Akraberg
Light.
Flesjarnar lies in the red sector (335355) of
Akraberg Light.

Coastal passage southwest of Suuroy

1

301

7.22
From the vicinity of Sumbiarsteinur the coastal passage
leads NW passing:

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CHAPTER 7

SW of Akraberg (6124N 640W) on which there is

a light (7.20). A bank with depths of less than
18 m (60 ft) over it extends 1 miles S from the S
extremity of Suuroy about 4 cables W of
Akraberg; small abovewater rocks, with
submerged rocks close outside them and over
which the sea breaks, extend about 3 cables from
the shore at the inner end of this bank. A second
light (grey framework radio mast) stands on higher
ground 3 cables NNW of Akraberg Light.
Thence:
SW of Sumbiarhlmur (Sumb Holm) (1 miles W
of Akraberg), an island which lies about 2 cables
offshore abreast the village of Sumba (Sumb);
dangerous rocks lie on a reef extending 4 cables
SE from the island and on foul ground joining the
NW end of the island to the coast. Thence:
SW of Beinisvr (Bejnesvr) (3 miles NW of
Akraberg), a mountain, 469 m high, on a
promontory of the coast; a dangerous rock lies
1 cable offshore about 2 cables S of the
promontory. Thence:
SW of Skvanes (Skuvans) (6127N 650W),
thence:
SW of Vgsei (5 cables NW of Skvanes) at the
head of a small cove, thence:
SW of Stolr and Knpur (1 miles NW of
Skvanes), two rocky islets, respectively 7 m and
12 m in height, which are separated from the coast
by Fmarasund. The light coloured building of a
hydroelectricity power station with a small tower
at its S end stands prominently near the coast
about 6 cables NNW of Fmarasund. Thence:
SW of Fltunestangi (Fltnstange) (3 miles NW of
Skvanes), a salient point, thence:
SW of Fmjin (Famien) (4 miles NNW of
Skvanes), a village with a boat harbour (7.23).
Thence:
SW of Gluggarnir (5 miles NNW of Skvanes)
(7.15), thence:
SW of Bergstangi (Bergstange) (6135N 658W), the
coast for about 2 miles SSE being fringed by
abovewater and belowwater rocks, thence:
SW of Kobbatangi (Kobbetange) (1 miles NNW of
Bergstangi) which rises close inland to Grmsfjall,
327 m high, with a remarkable formation on its S
side; the headland is fringed by rocks on either
side and a reef, on which there are dangerous
rocks, extends 6 cables WNW; thence:
SW of Villingatangi (2 miles NNW of Bergstangi),
a salient point, thence:
SW of Klraratangi (Kloraretange) (6139N 658W),
the NW extremity of Suuroy.

PASSAGE SOUTHWEST OF SANDOY

General information
Chart 117

Topography
1

7.25
During the NWgoing tidal stream in Suuroyarfjrur
(7.36), but not during the SEgoing tidal stream, eddies
form along the W side of Skvoy and the NW side of
Sandoy.
Overfalls and races, which can be dangerous to small
craft, occur frequently off the N coast of Suuroy.

Local magnetic anomalies

1

7.26
For details of local magnetic anomalies between Suuroy
and Sandoy see 7.34.
A local magnetic anomaly, which increased the normal
variation by about 4W, has been reported in a position
about 2 miles W of Trllhvdi (Troldhoved) (6155N
657W).

Directions
(continued from 7.38)
1

Minor harbour and landings

1

7.24
Skvoy (Sku) (6146N 650W) is high and steep on
the W side and slopes downward on the E side to the
village of Skvoy (Sku).
Sandoy (Sand) attains its summit in Tindur (479 m
(1565 ft) high) (6151N 644W) near the centre of the
island. The hills on the island are generally lower, more
rounded and have greater vegetation than on other islands
in Froyar.

Tidal streams

7.23
There are no anchorages, or harbours of any
significance, on the SW side of Suuroy.
Fmjin. At Fmjin (Famien) (6131N 653W), a
village at the head of an inlet from which a valley extends
across the island, there is a jetty about 80 m long suitable
for boats. The S side of the approach to the inlet is
obstructed by several islets and a number of belowwater
rocks. Within the inlet a narrow channel with a depth of
about 2 m leads across a sandbar to the jetty.

Landings suitable for boats are available at Vgsei

(6128N 650W) (7.22) and in Hvalbiarei (Kvalbo Eide)
(6135N 658W).

302

7.27
From a position at the N end of Suuroyarfjrur
between Stra Dmun (Store Dimon) (6141N 645W)
(7.38) and the N end of Suuroy (5 miles WSW) the
coastal passage leads NNW passing:
WSW of Skvoy (Sku) which is fringed on the W
side, and off the S and N ends, by dangerous
rocks extending up to 1 cable offshore, thence:
WSW of the coast of Sandoy (Sand) between
Salthvi (Salthoved) (6149N 652W), a
prominent point, and the N extremity of the island.
This stretch of coast is foul with rocks, and cliff
falls close under the land. Trllhvdi (Troldhoved),
an islet about 160 m high, is separated from the N
extremity of Sandoy by Hvdasund which is less
than 1 cable wide.
Useful marks:
Stra Dmun Light (6141N 645W) (7.38).
Prominent hummock on Knkur (6153N 650W).
Domes and aerials (6205N 657W) (7.3).
(Directions continue for coastal passage
S of Vgar at 7.100 and for Vgafjrur at 7.124)

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CHAPTER 7

Dmunarfjrur
1

7.28
Dmunarfjrur (Dimon Fjord), the passage between
Stra Dmun (6141N 645W) (7.38) and Skvoy
(2 miles NNW), is clear.
Local magnetic anomalies see 7.34.

Skvoyarfjrur

General information
1

7.29
Skvoyarfjrur (Sku Fjord) separates Skvoy (6146N
650W) from Sandoy between Kvrntangi, the S extremity
of Skuvoy, and Salthvi (6 miles NW). Between
Kvrntangi, and Sandsvgur (Sands Vaag) (5 miles NNW)
Sandoy slopes steeply to the sea and the land terminates in
cliffs 30 to 100 m high.
Tidal streams run as follows:

Interval from Remarks

HW Reykjavik

+0520

NWgoing stream begins.

0610

Eddies form off the NE side of Skvoy,

and along the SW coast of Sandoy from
a little S of Sandur (Sand) (6150N
648W).

0055

SEgoing stream begins and a

considerable eddy forms off the SE side
of Skvoy.

PASSAGE NORTHEAST OF SU
UROY

Sea state. Between the NE extremity of Skvoy and

Skarvanes (Skarvens) (1 miles ENE) depths are less
than in other parts of the fjord, causing a confused sea in
heavy weather.
When wind and tidal stream are in opposition in
Skvoyarfjrur overfalls can be dangerous to small craft.

General information
Chart 117

Topography
1

Directions
1

7.30
The passage is deep and clear of dangers throughout,
except where dangerous rocks, indicated on the chart, lie
close offshore.

Skvoy: anchorage and harbour

1

7.31
Temporary anchorage can be obtained off the E side of
Skvoy, abreast the village in a depth of 13 m (42 ft), sand,
on the alignment of the SE extremity of Skvoy with the
summit of Stra Dmun.
There is a quay, about 30 m long and depth alongside
about 4 m, at the village; used by interisland ferry.

Chart 3557 plan of Sandsvgur

Sandur
7.32
General information. Sandur, with Sandur Havn, is
situated close N of Boatangi (Bodhatangi) (6150N
648W) on the W side of Sandsvgur (Sands Vaag);
Sandsvgur is entered between Boatangi and the coast E,
at the NE head of Skvoyarfjrur.
Regulations. Sandur is a port of entry (1.69).

7.33
For general description of Suuroy see 7.15.
The NE coast of Suuroy is less precipitous than the
SW coast and slopes more evenly to the sea. It is,
however, deeply indented by a number of fjords which
terminate in valleys, several of which extend almost to the
SW coast.
Between Akraberg and Vagsfjrur (Vaag Fjord) (4 miles
NNW) the coast is high and steep and affords no
anchorage.
The coast between Skarvatangi (Skarvetange) (6132N
645W) and Mlatangi (3 miles NNW) is broken by deep
ravines and in the S part there are numerous caves.
Suuroyarfjrur (Syder Fjord) separates Suuroy from
Ltla Dmun (Lille Dimon) (6138N 642W) and Stra
Dmun (Store Dimon) (6141N 645W).

Local magnetic anomalies

1

Natural conditions. Sandsvgur is open to S winds,

which when strong, cause a heavy sea.
Directions. When entering Sandsvgur a wide berth
should be given to Boatangi from which dangerous rocks,
over which the sea usually breaks, extend 2 cables E; these
dangers, together with the shallow water at the head of the
bay, are covered by the red sector (323221) of Sandur
Havn Light (grey framework mast, 2 m in height) (5 cables
N of Boatangi) on head of Sandur Havn mole.
Useful mark with position from Boatangi:
Sandur church (5 cables NNW), black with iron
spire.
Anchorage, of a temporary nature in adverse conditions,
can be obtained in Sandsvgur in a depth of about 18 m
(59 ft), sand, good holding, as shown on the chart. Smaller
vessels can anchor, subject to suitable weather conditions,
off the extensive sandy beach at the head of the bay, good
holding. There is a boat landing near Sandur church.
Sandsvgur Havn. An angled mole extends about
2 cables NNE from a position on the shore 2 cables N of
Boatangi and affords shelter from E to a boat basin in
which there are depths of 58 m and a larger inner basin,
150 m long and 110 m wide, in which there are depths of
about 5 m. The quay on the W side of the inner part of the
mole has depths of 59 m alongside and for up to 35 m
from it.
Supplies: fuel oils; water; bottled gas.
Other facilities: resident doctor; customs.

303

7.34
A local magnetic anomaly which increased the normal
variation by about 2W has been reported in a position
about 4 miles E of Akraberg.
The magnetic compass should not be relied upon
between Suuroy and Sandoy. A local magnetic anomaly
which increased the normal variation by about 8W has
been reported in a position 1 mile E of Ltla Dmun, and
another, which increased the normal variation by about
5W, was reported in 1938 in a position 2 miles S of
Sandoy.

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Tidal streams
1

7.35
South of Porkerisnes (Porkere Ns) (6129N 642W)
tidal streams run as follows:

Interval from Remarks

HW Reykjavik

0305

Ngoing tidal stream begins and runs for

about 3 hours.

+0005

Sgoing tidal stream begins and runs for

about 9 hours.

7.36
Suuroyarfjrur. Tidal streams run as follows:
Interval from Remarks
HW Reykjavik
0605

NWgoing tidal stream begins.

Interval from Remarks

HW Reykjavik

0305

Eddies form off Akraleiti (6134N

645W) and extend gradually N along
the NE coast of Suuroy.

+0005

SEgoing tidal stream begins.

+0305

Eddies form off Nabbin (Nabben)

(6138N 653W) and extend gradually
S along the coast towards Akraleiti.

During the NWgoing tidal stream a small eddy in

which the stream runs S forms off the NW side of Ltla
Dmun; the SEgoing tidal stream runs S off the E side of
Ltla Dmun.
During the NWgoing tidal stream an eddy exists under
the SW extremity of Stra Dmun; a similar but less
important eddy forms under the SE extremity of the island
for the duration of the SEgoing tidal stream.

ENE of Frobiarnpa (Frodeb Nipen) (10 miles

NNW) which rises steeply to Nakkur, 324 m in
height close NW. Thence:
ENE of Akraleiti (Akraleite) (6134N 645W); about
7 cables NW a conspicuous stone slide extends
about 1 cable out from the coast. Thence:
Either side of Ltla Dmun (Lille Dimon) (6138N
642W); with the exception of a dangerous rock
close off the SW extremity, the island, which is
uninhabited, is steepto. Thence:
NE of Mjvanes (Miovens) (4 miles W of Ltla
Dmun), thence:
NE of Nabbin (Nabben) (5 miles WNW of Ltla
Dmun), and:
Either side of Stra Dmun (Store Dimon) (6141N
645W); a light (white tower, red band, 5 m in
height) stands on the SW extremity of the island.
The W coast consists of high vertical
promontories, and except along this side the island
is steepto; ssursdrangur, 27 m high, lies close
off the coast 1 miles N of the light. The top of
the island is comparatively flat and grasscovered
and there is a farm in the S part. Landing see
7.68.
Useful mark:
Hvannhlmur (Kvannholm) (2 miles WNW of
Akraleiti), a rocky islet about 22 m in height close
off the coast.
(Directions continue for passage
SW of Sandoy at 7.27 and
for passage E of Sandoy at 7.72)

Vgsfjrur
Chart 3557 plan of Vgsfjrur

Overfalls and races

1

General information

7.37
Overfalls and races, which can be dangerous to small
craft, occur frequently in the following vicinities (with
positions from Ltla Dmun (6138N 642W)):
Frobiarnpa (Frodeb Nipen) (5 miles S).
Between Ltla Dmun and Stra Dmun (3 miles
NNW).
Off the N extremity of Suuroy (8 miles WNW).

Directions
1

7.38
From a position NE of Flesjarnar (6120N 640W)
(7.21) the coastal passage leads NNW passing (with
positions from Akraberg (6124N 640W)):
ENE of Akraberg, the SE extremity of Suuroy on
which there is a light (7.20), thence:
ENE of Baglahlmur (Baglaholm) (3 miles NNW)
(7.64), thence:
ENE of Porkerisnes (Porkere Ns) (5 miles NNW),
which slopes gently to the sea, its outer part being
flat; a light (white house, red band, 5 m in height)
stands on the SE extremity of the peninsula.
Thence:
ENE of Grandatangi (Grandatange) (7 miles NNW)
(7.65), thence:
Clear of an ODAS lightbuoy (6133N 630W)
(7.9), thence:

304

7.39
Position. Vgsfjrur is entered between Porkerisnes
(6129N 643W) and Norasti Grnutangi (1 miles
SSW) on the SE coast of Suuroy.
Function. The fjord affords anchorage and contains
several villages with harbours. Vgur, situated near the W
head of the fjord, is the largest and has several fish
processing factories.
Topography. Norasti Grnutangi (Nordhasti
Grnutangi) is the N extremity of a steepto, precipitous
and brokenfaced promontory which extends 5 cables SSE
to Sunnasti Grnutangi (7.64). Between Norasti
Grnutangi and Akratangi (1 mile WSW) the coast
continues to be high, steep and very broken. Elsewhere the
land slopes regularly to the coast from mountain peaks
which surround the fjord and in places terminates in low
cliffs; Siglifelli and Rvan, respectively 1 miles SW and
2 miles WSW of Norasti Grnutangi, are the most
prominent peaks. Lopransfjrur (Lopransfjrdhur), with the
village of Lopra at its head, indents the S side of the fjord
W of Akratangi.
Depths. In the entrance to Vgsfjrur depths are
irregular but within the fjord they decrease gradually
towards the head and the shores are generally clear of
dangers beyond a distance of about 1 cable.
Port limits. As shown on the chart.
Port Authority address: Vgur Port Authority, Port
Office, FR900, Vgur, Froyar.

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Arrival information
1

7.40
Pilotage. On request the Harbour Authority can arrange
for a competent person to give pilotage assistance.
Regulations. Vgur is a port of entry (1.69).
Marine farms exist (with positions from Porkerisnes
Light (7.38)):
Close SE of the N coast of Vgsfjrur (1 miles
SW).
In Lopransfjrur (7.44) (3 miles SW).
SE of Vgur Mole (7.45) (2 miles WSW).
For further details see 1.19 and 7.10.

Harbour
1
2

7.41
Development. Works in progress (2002) to extend the S
face of the wide pier at Vgur by reclamation.
Laidup vessels may be encountered, especially in
winter, moored clear of the fairway in Vgur Havn; they
do not exhibit regulation lights or make sound signals.
Sea state. With E and SE gales there are breaking seas
and overfalls across the whole fjord and entry is not
advised in these conditions except with local knowledge.
Local magnetic anomaly. A local magnetic anomaly
which deflected the compass by as much as 20 has been
observed in Vgur harbour, about 1 mile NW of Npur, as
shown on the chart.

Directions for entering harbour

1

7.42
Approach and entry. Approaching from N, Akraleiti
(6134N 645W) (7.38) (Chart 117) should be kept
bearing about 341 astern and open NE of Frobiarnpa
(1 miles SSE) (7.38) (Chart 117) until on the alignment
(227) of Vgsfjrur Leading Lights:
Front light (white lantern, red band) (61273N
6463W) on Akratangi.
Rear light (white lantern, red band) (8 cables SW of
front light) near the head of Lopransfjrur.
These lights lead through the entrance to the fjord,
where depths are irregular, passing (with positions from
Porkerisnes Light):
SE of Porkerisboi (Porkerisbodhi) (2 cables SE),
which lies near the outer end of a bank with
depths of less than 10 m (33 ft) over it extending
SE from Porkerisnes (7.38); the rock lies in the
green sector (286321) of Porkerisnes Light. The
227 alignment, which passes the rock at a
distance of about cable, may be opened well SE
to give a wider berth, particularly in heavy
weather, until clear of the rock. Thence:
SE of Vkarsker (7 cables SW), an islet close SE of
Vkartangi, noting (with positions from Vkarsker),
an 11 m (36 ft) patch (3 cables E), Klettaboi
(Klettabodhi) (6 cables SE) and Vkarboi
(Vkarbodhi) (1 cable SSE); these dangers lie in a
white sector (355286) of Porkerisnes Light.
When clear of Vkarboi the track diverges N from the
alignment and leads nearer to midfjord, noting marine
farms (15 miles SW) (1.19) moored in the N half of the
fjord, until in the white sector (see below) of Vgur
Harbour Light.

7.43
When approaching the fjord from SE attention is drawn
to the following dangers (with positions from Norasti
Grnutangi):
Bank extending N from Baglahlmur (1 miles SE)
(7.64).
Shoal (1 mile ENE) over which there is a depth of
94 m (31 ft); covered by the red sector
(331355) of Porkerisnes Light.
Bank (1 cable NE) with depths of less than 10 m
(33 ft) over it.
Shoal (4 cables NNE) over which there is a depth
of 110 m (36 ft).
7.44
Lopransfjrur is entered between Akratangi and
Npur. The W half of the fjord is encumbered by marine
farms (1.19).
7.45
Vgur. From a position about 7 cables ENE of Npur
the white sector (287289) of Vgur Harbour Light
(grey concrete building, 8 m in height) (1 mile NW of
Npur) on SE corner of a pier at Krossli, leads through
the inner part of the fjord to Vgur harbour passing:
Close SSW along the N shore of the fjord W of
Stangarnestangi (7 cables NE of Npur) which is
fringed by a narrow shallow bank on which in
places there are dangerous rocks, and:
NNE of marine farms (1.19), moored in the S half of
the fjord, thence:
NNE of the outer end (8 cables NW of Npur) of a
mole which extends about 360 m NNE from the S
shore opposite the village of Marknoyri; a light
(grey post, 2 m in height) stands on the molehead,
which is also floodlit. A submarine power cable is
laid between 612828N 64808W and the light.
Within the mole a lightbuoy (special) marks the outer
end of a submarine cooling water pipeline extending from
the S shore.
7.46
Useful marks with positions from Npur:
Porkeri church (timber with turf roof) (1 miles
NNE).
Beacon (white stone cairn) (5 cables E) on Akratangi.
Beacon (white stone cairn) on Npur.
Beacon (white stone cairn) (6 cables N) at
Rttarargjgv.
Vgur church (concrete in gothic style, stepped tower)
(1 miles NW) at Krossli (Krosslidh).

Anchorage
1

305

7.47
Anchorage is available almost anywhere in Vgsfjrur,
as appropriate to size of vessel and clear of the fairways; a
recommended berth is between the outer limits of the two
harbour areas in depths of 18 to 28 m (59 ft to 15 fm).
Within the fjord the bottom everywhere is chiefly of sand
except at the head of Lopransfjrur where it is mud,
excellent holding. However, except in its entrance which
affords excellent anchorage during W gales, Lopransfjrur
is not often used as an anchorage as it is subject to violent
mountain squalls and swinging space is restricted by marine
farms (1.19).
The best anchorage for small craft, especially in winter,
is about 1 cable SW of Vgur Harbour Light in a depth of
about 12 m (39 ft) but permission of the Harbour Authority
is required. Anchorage can also be found further W at the

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CHAPTER 7

head of Vgur harbour in a depth of 55 m (18 ft), but this

area is reported to be affected by weed and parts of it are
being reclaimed (7.41). Boats can find anchorage in a cove
at the SW head of Lopransfjrur but it is obstructed by
rocks and subject to heavy squalls from the adjacent
mountains.

Limiting conditions

Alongside berths
1

7.48
Porkeri. At the village of Porkeri (6129N 645W),
which lies at the head of a small bay entered between
Oyrnanestangi and Kvanestangi, there is a quay with an
alongside depth of about 2 m. The quay is protected by a
mole which extends 120 m from the NE side of the bay
and which is lined by a quay on its NW side with
alongside depths of 24 to 64 m.
7.49
Akrar, situated on Akratangi, has a pier about 30 m in
length with a depth at the pierhead of about 2 m.
7.50
Lopra, situated at the SE head of Lopransfjrur,
consists of a quay extending W from the root of a pier
50 m in length, both protected N by an angled breakwater,
about 1 cable in length and constructed of rubble material.
There is a depth of 35 m alongside the quay and of 35 to
45 m along both sides of the pier. Vessels not exceeding
about 60 m in length can be accommodated.
7.51
Vgur. There are a number of berths at Vgur, the
principal of which are:
Wide pier extending from the N shore in front of
Vgur church with depths of 30 to 64 m along
the S and W sides which are lined by quays.
Small basin (1 cable SW of Vgur church), depth
45 m, enclosed by two piers, one of which is
Lshaped with a maximum depth of 60 m along
its outer (S) side.

Chart 3557 plan of Trongisvgur

General information

7.56
General layout. Trongisvgur harbour comprises the
harbour installations at Tvroyri, and (positioned from the
N end of the inner harbour limit) at Hvtanes (3 cables
NW), Trongisvgur (5 cables NW) and Drelnes (4 cables
WSW).
Laidup vessels may be encountered, especially in
winter, in Trongisvgur harbour, NW of the inner harbour
limit; they do not exhibit regulation lights or make sound
signals.
Submarine cables. Two submarine cables are laid across
the inner part of the fjord from close W of Innari Glgi
(7 cables NW of Nestangi); the E cable is a power cable.
The landing positions of both cables are marked by
beacons on the shore.

Directions for entering harbour

Trongisvgsfjrur

7.53
Position. Trongisvgsfjrur is entered between
Hvdaberg (6132N 644W) and Skarvatangi (1 mile
NNW).
Function. The fjord is one of the best harbours in
Froyar and Tvroyri, on the N shore 2 miles WNW of
Skarvatangi, is the principal commercial centre and port in
Suuroy.
Topography. Both sides of the outer part of the fjord,
where the coasts are generally of low rock cliffs, are
indented. The inner part of the fjord is lined in several
places by slopes of stone and rock debris and on the SW
side rises to Oyrnafjall (6133N 651W). At its head,
where there is a narrow sandy beach, the fjord terminates
in a partially cultivated valley in which the village of
Trongisvgur lies. There are several other villages on the
shores of the fjord, some of which have small harbours.
There is a remarkable waterfall about 5 cables NNW of the

7.55
Pilotage. Pilotage is not compulsory. The harbour master
may, however, require a pilot to board a vessel dependent
on weather conditions, vessel length and vessel
manoeuvring characteristics. Pilot will normally board at
the entrance to Trongisvgsfjrur. During bad weather,
pilot will board at the port limits or at a position
determined by the harbour master at the time.
Tugs. None available.
Regulations. Tvroyri is a port of entry (1.69).

Harbour

7.54
Deepest and longest berths. At Tvroyri (7.62).

Arrival information

Port services at Vgur

7.52
Repairs. Patent slip, length of cradle 26 m, lifting
capacity 1500 tonnes.
Other facilities. Resident doctor.
Supplies. Water.
Communications. Calling place for interisland ferries.

village of Froba (Frodhba) 7 cables WNW of

Skarvatangi.
The S side of the fjord, in particular, is fringed by islets
and reefs.
Port limits. The limits are shown on the chart.

306

7.57
Distant approach. The identification of the entrance to
Trongisvgsfjrur is aided by Frobiarnpa (7 cables NNE
of Skarvatangi) (7.38) and by Oyrnafjall, the peak of which
bearing 285 leads to the middle of the entrance.
7.58
Outer part of fjord Glgatangi Leading Lights:
Front light (white house with red band and red roof
gable, 3 m in height) on Glgatangi (61325N
6478W).
Rear light (white tower, red band, 6 m in height)
(1 cables WNW of front light).
From a position about 4 cables NE of Hvdaberg the
alignment (289) of these lights leads into the outer part of
the fjord passing (with positions from Hvdaberg (6132N
644W)):
NNE of a rock (3 cables ESE) with a depth over it of
70 m (23 ft) and over which the sea breaks in E
gales, thence:
NNE of Hvdaberg, a high salient point; an
abovewater rock lies near the outer end of a
sandspit which extends 3 cables E from the point.
Thence:
SSW of an ODAS Lightbuoy ( mile N) (1.31),
thence:
SSW of Skarvatangi (1 mile NNW), low and flat,
from which a bank with depths of less than 11 m
(36 ft) over it, and on which there are several
drying heads, extends 2 cables SE; the sea nearly

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CHAPTER 7

4
5

always breaks on the bank and onshore winds

create heavy seas. This bank is covered by the
green sector (267282) of Glgatangi Front
Leading Light. Thence:
SSW of an isolated 119 m (39 ft) patch (1 mile NW).
Marine farms (1.19) are moored in an area NNE
of this patch extending from Skarvatangi to
Hvdatangi (see below), thence:
NNE of Tjaldavkshlmur (1 mile WNW), a rocky
islet about 30 m high close off the S shore; thence:
SSW of Hvdatangi (1 miles NW) on which there
is a beacon (7.53); in this vicinity larger vessels
should open the leading lights slightly SSW to
avoid an 119 m (39 ft) patch about 2 cables SW of
the beacon, but should be aware of Kirkjugrunnur
(4 cables WSW of the beacon) (see below).
7.59
Inner part of fjord Tvroyri Leading Lights:
Front light (white mast, red band, 7 m in height)
(9 cables NNW of Glgatangi Front Leading Light)
at Tvroyri.
Rear light (grey framework tower, 9 m in height)
(1 cable NW of front light).
From the 289 alignment, the alignment (317) of these
lights leads through the entrance of the inner part of the
fjord to Tvroyri, passing (with positions from Glgatangi
Front Leading Light):
SW of Langitangi (5 cables E), and:
NE of Kirkjugrunnur (4 cables ESE), an isolated shoal
which lies in the red sector (293308) of
Glgatangi Front Leading Light; the sea breaks
over this shoal in heavy seas. Thence:
NE of dangers which fringe the SW shore between
Innari Glgi (1 cables NNW) and Hlmurin
(5 cables NW), an islet; details are best seen
from the chart.
If proceeding above Hlmurin care is necessary to avoid
an isolated 67 m (22 ft) patch 2 cables NW of that island.
Useful marks with positions from Glgatangi Front
Leading Light:
Monument (5 cables NNE).
Tvroyri church (yellow, pointed tower, red roof)
(7 cables N).
Small islet (6 cables WNW), close W of Hlmurin.
Salt silo (large shed) (1 mile WNW), with fuel
storage tank adjacent S, at Drelnes.
7.60
Minor channel. Hlmssund, the narrow passage between
Tjaldavkshlmur and Suuroy and suitable only for small
craft has a depth of about 3 m (10 ft).

8000 tonnes displacement and 164 m in length, anchored

with Glgatangi Rear Leading Light bearing 286, distant
1 mile.

Alongside berths
1

Port services
1

7.61
There is good anchorage, for vessels of appropriate size,
in Tjaldavk, the small bight between Tjaldavkshlmur and
Nestangi, and in ravk, the inlet entered between Nestangi
and Heimari Glgi (5 cables NW). A marine farm (1.19) is
moored 1 cable S of Heimari Glgi as shown on the chart.
Above Hlmurin anchorage can be obtained as
convenient over a bottom of mud and sand; the usual
berths are off Tvroyri in a depth of 18 m (59 ft) and off
Hvtanes in a depth of 15 m (49 ft). Permission of the
Harbour Authority must, however, be obtained for
anchorage NW of the inner harbour limit; see also 7.56 for
laidup vessels.
Larger vessels can anchor E of the outer harbour limit
and clear of the leading line; in 1959 HMS Bermuda,

7.63
Repairs: small repairs only; divers.
Other facilities: hospital; district medical officer;
customs; reception facilities for some oily wastes.
Supplies: water from quayside hydrants; fuel oils;
bottled gas; provisions.
Communications. Calling place for interisland ferries.

Other harbours, anchorages and landings

Chart 3557 plan of Vgsfjrur

Vkarfjrur
1

Anchorages
1

7.62
Tvroyri. Quay (2 cables SE of Tvroyri Front Leading
Light), 280 m long but slightly angled, the SE section
having an alongside depth of 63 m. The NW part of the
quay forms the outer side of a basin in which, except in
the NW corner which is shallow, there is a depth of 38 m.
The NW side of the basin comprises a fish jetty which
extends about 40 m from the shore. A boat camber is
situated abreast Tvroyri Front Leading Light.
Drelnes. Jetty (4 cables WSW of Tvroyri Front
Leading Light) adjacent to salt silo, outer face 90 m long
with alongside depth of 63 m. A ferry berth 80 m long lies
close NW of the jetty with a depth of 43 m alongside.
ravkarldh. A ferry terminal (4 cables SSW of
Tvroyri Front Leading Light), 200 m in length and tending
N from the shore, WNW of Hlmurin Islet. A light is
exhibited from the head of the terminal jetty.
Other berthing and landing areas. Berthing facilities
for small craft with positions from Nestangi, may be found
at:
Froba, small pier (9 cables NNE).
ravik, pier, about 30 m in length, in front of village
(7 cables W).
Hvtanes (1 miles NW), small Lshaped pier, depth
about 6 m alongside outer face. An enclosed boat
harbour with depths of 1 to 2 m is situated about
2 cables further NW towards Trongisvgur village.
Natural conditions. Strong E winds send in a heavy
sea; W winds may bring violent squalls from the
surrounding hills.

7.64
General information. Vkarfjrur (Vkar Fjrdhur) is
entered between Baglahlmur (6127N 642W), a rocky
islet, about 15 m high, close off a point on the coast, and
Sunnasti Grnutangi (7 cables NW), the SE extremity of
a steepto, precipitous and broadfaced promontory. There
is an isolated village with very limited landing facilities at
the head of the fjord.
Directions. When entering the fjord Baglahlmur should
be given a wide berth as its NE side is fringed by
belowwater rocks and a bank, with depths of less than
18 m (60 ft) over it, extends 3 cables N from the islet.
Chart 117

Hovsfjrur
1

307

7.65
General information. Hovsfjrur (Hove Bugt), entered
between Porkerisnes (6129N 643W) (7.38) and
Grandatangi (Grandatange), about 1 mile NNW, is subjected
to heavy seas during strong E winds. The village of Hov

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CHAPTER 7

(Hove), where there is a small boat harbour protected by a

breakwater, lies at the NW head of the fjord where the
coast is low.
Local knowledge. The fjord is encumbered by a number
of dangers and should not be entered without local
knowledge.
Directions. Care is necessary to avoid the following
which constitute the principal dangers (with positions from
Grandatangi):
Dangerous rock (1 cables ESE).
Mittfjrsboi (5 cables WSW), a rock with a depth
over it of 73 m (24 ft); the sea breaks heavily over
it during onshore winds.
Hovshlmur (8 cables SW), a rocky islet, 17 m high
close off the S shore, which is foul on its E and
NE sides.
Marine farms (1.19) which are moored in two areas
on an ESE/WNW axis over most of the centre of
the bay.
Anchorage can be obtained in the middle of the head of
the fjord SE of Hov in a depth of about 20 m (11 fm),
sand, well sheltered from the W quadrant.

Hvalbiarfjrur
1

7.66
General information. Hvalbiarfjrur (Kvalb Fjord) is
entered between Mjvanes (6137N 652W) and
Tjrnunes (Tiornens) (1 miles S). The coasts in the
outer part of the fjord are high and steep, but further in
they slope smoothly, in several places terminating in low
cliffs. The village of Hvalba (Kvalb) lies at the head of
the fjord, where there is a long sandy beach, and from
where a valley, in which Grmsfjall (7.22) rises
prominently, extends across Suuroy.
Natural conditions. Strong E winds send in a heavy
sea; W winds may bring violent squalls from the
surrounding hills.
Directions. The coast between Tjrnunes and
Hvannhlmur (1 miles ESE) (7.38) in the S approaches to
the fjord is fringed by dangerous rocks, and care is
necessary to avoid Tjrnunes Bue, a rock 1 cable N of
Tjrnunes over which there is a depth of 1 m (3 ft).
The recommended route to the head of the fjord leads:
By day on the alignment (231) of Hvalbiar Light
(white hut, red band, 4 m in height) (2 miles SW
of Mjvanes) and a beacon (inverted triangular
topmark with red and white bands) ( cable SW
of light).
By night in the white sector (228233) of the
light.
Both these leads pass:
NW of Flesin (Flesen) (1 miles SW of Mjvanes), a
rock over which there is a depth of 06 m (2 ft)
(charted as a rock awash), lying near the centre of
the fjord; except in calm conditions the sea breaks
over Flesin. And:
NW of a shoal (1 cables NE of Flesin), over which
there is a depth of 30 m (10 ft).
Local knowledge is required for passage S of Flesin.
Anchorage can be obtained anywhere within Flesin. The
holding ground of sand is good and in summer weather the
fjord provides secure anchorage.
Alongside berths with position from Mjvanes:
Quays, E side of basin, depths between 5 and 7 m
used by interisland ferry; N side of basin depths
about 4 m at Hamranes (1 miles SW), There is
also a boat harbour at Hamranes

Boat harbour, enclosed by two moles, at Sklar

(2 miles SW).
Boat harbour, enclosed by mole and breakwater at
Nes (Ns) (2 miles SSW).

Sandvk
1

7.67
General information. Sandvk (Sandvig) is entered
between Mjvanes (6137N 652W) and Nabben (1 mile
NNW). The sides of the inlet are high and steep. The inlet
terminates at its head in a long sandy beach at the end of a
short valley in which lies the village of Sandvk.
Anchorage is not recommended in Sandvk as E winds
send in heavy seas. However, in case of necessity,
anchorage can be obtained in the middle of the inlet on the
alignment of Nabbin with the N extremity of Stra Dmun
(5 miles NE) (7.38) in a depth of 15 m (49 ft); the bottom
everywhere is sand and depths decrease regularly.
Alongside berths. suitable only for small craft on the W
side of a jetty at Sandvk; the jetty is about 40 m in length
with a depth alongside of 30 m near its outer end.

Stra Dmun
1

7.68
Landing is possible only in a few places; the best place
is in a small cove close N of Stra Dmun Light.

PASSAGE EAST OF SANDOY

General information
Chart 117

Topography
1

7.69
For details of Sandoy see 7.24.

Tidal streams
1

7.70
Between Sklhvdi (Skaalhoved) (6150N 638W) and
Dalur (Dal) (3 miles S) an eddy forms a good 2 hours after
the beginning of the SEgoing tidal stream (0055 HW
Reykjavik) and extends about 2 cables offshore; there is no
eddy during the NWgoing tidal stream.
Overfalls and eddies, which can be dangerous to small
craft, occur frequently off Sklhvdi.

Major light
7.71
1

Nlsoy Light (6157N 636W) (7.210).

Directions
(continued from 7.38)
1

308

7.72
From a position E of Stra Dmun (6142N 645W)
(7.38) the coastal passage leads N passing:
E of Dalsnpa (Dalsnipen) (6145N 640W), a
remarkable cape rising to a height of about 210 m,
5 cables NNE of the S extremity of Sandoy; a
rock, 5 m in height, lies 1 cables E of the cape
with deep water between. And:
W of an ODAS lightbuoy (6147N 613W) (7.9),
thence:
E of Sklhvdi (Skaalhoved) (6150N 638W), a
remarkable promontory, 203 m in height; a hole
near the water in this promontory can be seen
through from N and S. Thence:
E of Hvalnes (Kvalns) (6 miles N of Dalsnpa)
(7.86).

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CHAPTER 7

Useful marks:
Church (3 miles N of Dalsnpa), stone, white E gable
and white tower, easily identified, at the head of
Hsavk (Husevig) (7.74).
Boran (Borin) Light (6157N 638W) (7.148).
(Directions continue for passage between
Sandoy and Streymoy at 7.86,
for Nlsoyarfjrur at 7.148 and
for coastal passage N at 7.211)

Anchorages and landings

1

7.73
Dalur (Dal) (1 miles N of Dalsnpa), a village at the
head of a small bay, the entrance to which is much
obstructed, has landing facilities.
7.74
Hsavk (Husevig) (1 miles SW of Sklhvdi) affords
temporary anchorage in depths of 15 to 18 m (49 to 59 ft),
sand, but is exposed to E winds. A village of the same
name, where there is a church (7.72), lies at the head of
the bay. Landing can be effected at a pier on the S side of
the bay. Depth alongside the E side of the pier is 5 m
(16 ft). Depth on the W side is limited to 25 m (8 ft) by a
rock 20 m from the N end.
7.75
Sklavk (Skaalevig) (1 mile W of Sklhvdi), a village,
lies at the head of a small cove in which there is a small
boat harbour protected by a mole extending 100 m ENE
from the shore. Temporary anchorage can be found off the
cove in depths of 15 to 18 m (49 to 59 ft), but the bottom
is poor holding and rocky in places and it is exposed N
and E.

(7.86) stands on the SE extremity of the island. There is a

harbour (7.93) on the NE coast.
7.79
Koltur (Kolter) (6159N 659W) is low in its SE part
with a mound in the middle but the N part slopes up
steeply to the summit of the island near Nakkur, the NW
extremity of the island. A farm, occupied in summer, lies
on low ground on the E coast about 1 mile NNW of the S
extremity of the island. There are dangerous rocks close
under the coast in a few places but all sides of the island
are clear of dangers beyond a distance of 1 cables
offshore.

Submarine cables
1

7.80
Submarine power cables are laid from the vicinity of
Kirkjubur on Streymoy to the SE end of Hestur and to
Sandoy; the landing positions on Streymoy and Sandoy are
marked by beacons on the shore.

Local magnetic anomaly

1

7.81
A local magnetic anomaly which increases the normal
magnetic variation by up to 4W has been observed 1 mile
SW of Kirkjubnes.

Tidal streams
1

7.82
Skopunarfjrur. Tidal streams run as follows:
Interval from Remarks
HW Reykjavik

CHANNELS BETWEEN SANDOY AND

STREYMOY AND THEIR APPROACHES
General information

+0520

NWgoing stream begins.

0610

Eddies form off the N coast of Sandoy

W of Streymnev (Strmnb) (6154N
648W) and W of the SE extremity of
Hestur.

0055

SEgoing tidal stream begins. An eddy

immediately forms along the NE side of
Sandoy between Hvalnes (Kvalns) and
Streymnev and quickly extends about
1 mile offshore of Hvalnes. This eddy is
strong and with E winds or swell there
is violent turbulence in its outer part.
Another eddy forms off the S extremity
of Hestur.

+0005

Small eddies form off the NE side of

Sandoy between Hvalnes and Sklavk
and at the rock 3 cables NW of
Skopun, the latter eddy gradually
extending E.

Chart 117

Description
1

7.76
The following text describes the passage between the
NE side of Sandoy between Hvalnes (6152N 641W) and
Trllhvdi (8 miles WNW) and the SW side of Streymoy
(Strmo) between Kirkjubnes (Kirkeb Ns) (6157N
644W), the S extremity of Streymoy, and Dalsnpa
(Dalsnipen) (9 miles NW). The passage is divided into two
channels by the small islands of Hestur (Hest) (6157N
653W), and Koltur (Kolter) (7 cables NW),
Skopunarfjrur (Skopen Fjord) passing SW of these
islands and Hestfjrur (Hest Fjord) passing NE of these
islands. Kolturssund (Kolter Sund) separates the two
islands.
1

Topography
1

7.83
Hestfjrur. Tidal streams run as follows:
Interval from Remarks
HW Reykjavik

7.77
Streymoy. There is a prominent white church with spire,
and a ruin close E of it, in the village of Kirkjubur
(Kirkeb) (6157N 648W).
7.78
Hestur (Hest) (6157N 653W) attains its summit
near the NW end of the island. The SW coast is high and
steep. Dangerous rocks lie close under the coast in a few
places but all sides of the island are clear of dangers
beyond a distance of 1 cables offshore. Hestur Light

309

0040

SEgoing tidal stream begins at the SE

end of the fjord. Small eddies form
almost immediately off Kirkjubnes and
a reef 7 cables WNW.

+0020

SEgoing tidal stream begins at the NW

end of the fjord. During the SEgoing
stream eddies form off the SE sides of
Hestur and Koltur.

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CHAPTER 7

Interval from Remarks

HW Reykjavik
+0150

Small eddies form S of a reef off

Velbastaur (Velbestad) (4 miles NW of
Kirkjubnes) and close E of Dalsnpa;
the latter extends gradually SE along the
coast of Streymoy almost to Lambatangi
(2 miles SE of Dalsnpa).

+0535

NWgoing stream begins at the SE end

of the fjord. An eddy forms almost
immediately close W of Kirkjubnes and
extends gradually NW along the coast of
Streymoy almost as far as Velbastaur.

0550

NWgoing stream begins at the NW end

of the fjord.

0450

An eddy forms off the E side of Hestur

and extends gradually NW.

0350

Eddies form along the coast of Streymoy

between Lambatangi and Dalsnpa and
extend around the latter. An eddy forms
off the E side of Koltur and extends
gradually NW.

Skopunarfjrur
1

Overfalls, eddies and races

1

7.84
Overfalls, eddies and races, caused by tidal streams
running in different directions, occur frequently in both
Skopunarfjrur and Hestfjrur. They have the appearance
of breakers on shoals and can be dangerous to small craft.
Mariners are advised to avoid these areas of turbulence,
particularly that area which extends SE from the SE end of
Hestur during the SEgoing tidal stream.
The eddies formed off Hestur and Koltur during the
SEgoing tidal stream have greater navigational
significance than those formed off the islands during the
NWgoing tidal stream; conversely, the eddies formed
along the coast of Streymoy during the NWgoing tidal
stream have greater navigational significance than those
formed there during the SEgoing tidal stream.

7.85
Domes and aerials (6205N 657W) (7.3).

Directions
(continued from 7.72)

Southeastern approaches
1

7.86
From a position about 5 miles SE of Kirkjubnes
(Kirkeb Ns) (6157N 643W), the S extremity of
Streymoy, the track through the approaches leads generally
NW passing (with positions from Kirkjubnes):
NE of Hvalnes (Kvalns) (5 miles SSE) from which
a reef, on which there are rocks awash, extends
about 5 cables; there is deep water close off the
outer end of the reef. Violent turbulence occurs off
the ness during the SEgoing tidal stream. Thence:
SW of Boran (3 miles ENE), the SW extremity of
Nlsoy, on which there is a light (7.148), thence:
SW of Kirkjubnes where the cliffs are about 80 m
high; a dangerous rock lies close off the SW side
of the ness and turbulence occurs off the point.
And:

7.87
From a position about 2 miles ESE of Hestur, the
fairway through Skopunarfjrur (Skopen Fjord), which is
clear of dangers, leads WNW passing (with positions from
Hestur Light (6156N 651W) (7.86)):
NNE of Skopun (Skopen) (1 miles S) where a
dangerous rock lies 1 cable offshore; lights are
exhibited from the heads of the breakwaters at
Skopun harbour (7.90); thence:
SSW of Hestur (7.78), avoiding turbulence which
occurs SE of Hlur during the SEgoing tidal
stream (7.83); thence:
NNE of Trllhvdi (2 miles WSW) (7.27), thence:
SSW of Koltur (4 miles NW) (7.79).

Hestfjrur

Landmark
1

NE of Streymnev (Strmnb) (3 miles SW) which is

fringed on both sides by dangerous rocks
extending up to 1 cables offshore in places.
Clearing marks. The E side of Koltur bearing about
306 and open NE of Hestur passes NE of the reef
extending from Hvalnes and of the turbulence which occurs
in that vicinity during the SEgoing tidal stream.
Useful mark:
Hestur Light (white square wooden building, red
band, 4 m in height) (6156N 651W) on Hlur
(Hoclen), the SE extremity of Hestur.

310

7.88
From a position about 2 miles ESE of Hestur the
fairway through Hestfjrur (Hest Fjord) is deep and clear
apart from a few coastal dangers and leads NW passing
(with positions from Hestur Light (6156N 651W)
(7.86)):
SW of a reef (2 miles E) with a depth of 27 m
(9 ft) over it which extends 2 cables S from a
point on the coast of Streymoy about 7 cables
WNW of Kirkjubnes, thence:
SW of Kirkjubhlmur (charted as Holm) (2 miles
ENE), an islet from which a reef with a depth of
128 m (43 ft) over its outer end extends about
5 cables SSE; the islet lies about 2 cables off of
the village of Kirkjubur (7.77). Thence:
NE of Hestur (7.78), avoiding the turbulence (7.83)
which occurs SE of Hlur during the SEgoing
tidal stream; a light (grey framework tower, 6 m in
height) stands on each of two moleheads at Hestur
harbour (1 miles NNW) (7.93). A marine farm
(1.19) is moored close N of the harbour. Thence:
SW of a ferry terminal (about 2 miles NE) (7.92) at
Gomlurtt where a light (grey framework tower,
4 m in height), stands on each of two moleheads,
thence:
SW of a reef (3 miles N), with a depth of 67 m over
it, which extends nearly 2 cables offshore from
Streymoy abreast the village of Velbastaur
(Velbestad) from where a light (red structure, 4 m
in height) is exhibited. Thence:
NE of Koltur (7.79), and:
SW of Lambatangi (4 miles NNW), a salient point
(unnamed on the chart) on the coast of Streymoy,
thence:
SW of Dalsnpa (Dalsnipen) (7 miles NW).
Clearing marks. Dalsnpa bearing 320 and just visible
open W of Lambatangi passes clear SW of the dangers

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CHAPTER 7

lying off the coast of Streymoy between Kirkjubnes and

Kirkjubur, and of the reef abreast Velbastaur.
(Directions continue for coastal passage NW at 7.100
and for Vgafjrur at 7.124)

Gomlurtt
1

Side channel

Hestur

Kolturssund
1

7.92
Ferry terminal. A ferry terminal is situated at
Gomlurtt (6158N 649W) on the NE side of
Hestfjrur. The terminal is enclosed between a NW mole,
curved and about 450 m in length, and a SE mole, about
100 m in length; there is a depth of 61 m within the
moles. Lights (7.88) are exhibited from both moleheads.

7.89
Kolturssund (Kolter Sund), the channel between Hestur
and Koltur, is deep and clear of dangers except for a
dangerous rock lying close off the NE extremity of Hestur
and a reef extending about 1 cables from the SE end of
Koltur.
Tidal streams run as follows:
Interval from Remarks
HW Reykjavik
0140

Egoing tidal stream begins.

0040

An eddy forms SW of the S extremity of

Koltur.

+0435

Wgoing tidal stream begins.

+0535

An eddy forms off the NW extremity of

Hestur.

7.93
Hestur harbour (6157N 653W), on the NE side of
Hestur, is enclosed by N and S shelter moles, respectively
about 190 m and 210 m in length. Lights (7.88) are
exhibited from both moleheads. There is also a boat
harbour.

Koltur
1

7.94
Temporary anchorage may be obtained off the farm
(6159N 657W) (7.79). There is a small quay, suitable
only for small craft, on the NE side of the island.

PASSAGE SOUTH AND WEST OF

VGAR AND MYKINES
General information
Chart 117

Anchorages and harbours

Topography
1

Skopun
1

7.90
General information. Skopun harbour is situated in
front of the village of Skopun (Skopen) (6154N 652W),
at the head of a small inlet, open NE, on the NE side of
Sandoy. The harbour consists of three basins, each of
which has a depth of 51 m; the entrances to the inner and
outer basins can be closed by dock gates. An outer
breakwater, about 90 m in length, extends SE from the
shore about 1 cable N of the entrance to the outer basin.
Directions. Care is necessary to avoid a dangerous rock
lying about 1 cable offshore and about 3 cables N of the
harbour entrance. A light (mast, 22 m in height) is
exhibited from the head of the breakwater on the E side of
the entrance to the outer basin and a light (mast, 22 m in
height) is exhibited from the end of the outer breakwater.

Brandansvk
1

7.91
General information. Brandansvk (Brandarsvig), a gap
between the reef lying 7 cables WNW of Kirkjubnes and
the reef extending about 5 cables SSE of Kirkjubhlmur,
both described at 7.88, can afford anchorage in an
emergency to coasters but its use is not recommended.
Local knowledge is required.
Directions. When approaching the anchorage Hlur,
open N of Trllhvdi, passes S of the reef extending from
Kirkjubhlmur.
Anchorage is obtained close offshore in a depths of 15
to 20 m (49 ft to 11 fm).

7.95
Vgar (Vaag) attains its summit in rnafjall
(Odnafjeld) (6208N 725W), 722 m (2362 ft) in height,
near the NW extremity of the island, but other peaks only
slightly less in height rise in the E part of the island. It is
separated E and NE from Streymoy by Vgafjrur (Vaag
Fjord) (7.114) and Vestmannasund (Vestmanna Sund)
(7.115) and W from Mykines (Myggens) (7.96) by
Mykinesfjrur (Myggens Fjord) (7.102).
The S, SW and N coasts of Vgar are mainly high,
steep and broken with detached rocks and stacks, often of
considerable height, close under the cliffs, and underwater
rocks further offshore. There is no shelter on the N side of
Vgar.
7.96
Mykines (Myggens) (6206N 735W) is steepsided
and fringed by abovewater and belowwater rocks.
Mykineshlmur (charted as Holm), an islet 112 m high, lies
close W of Mykines to which it is connected by a bridge.
Mykines Light (7.99) stands on Mykineshlmur. The
islands are rich in bird life.

Local magnetic anomaly

1

7.97
A local anomaly which increased the normal magnetic
variation by 4W has been observed about 3 miles SW of
Trlanpan (Trllenipen) (6201N 713W).

Tidal streams
1

311

7.98
South coast of Vgar. Tidal streams through
Suuroyarfjrur, Vgarfjrur and Mykinesfjrur (for

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CHAPTER 7

further details see 7.103) converge and diverge S of Vgar

and the information currently available is best seen from
the tidal stream diagrams at 7.11.1 to 7.11.3. Turbulence
may occur where the various tidal streams meet.
North coast of Vgar. The Egoing tidal stream runs
from 0240 to +0210 HW Reykjavik. Tidal streams at other
times are not known.
Caution. Tidal streams always set on to the S side of
Mykines and strong overfalls and tide races occur up to
5 miles W of the W end of Mykineshlmur; Mariners are
advised to give the islands a wide berth.

NNW of Barid (Baret) (6209N 726W), the blunt

NW extremity of Vgar, which is fringed on the
NW side by a row of abovewater rocks, thence:
NNW of a rock awash (3 miles E of Barid), lying
2 cables NNW of Ritunv (6209N 719W),
whence the coast of Vgar to Slttanes (Slettens)
(5 miles E of Barid) (7.125), the W entrance
point to Vestmannasund, is fringed by rocks and
cliff falls close offshore.
Useful mark:
Slttanes Light (6210N 714W) (7.125).
(Directions continue at 7.136)

Major light

Mykinesfjrur

7.99
1

Mykines Light (white round tower, 14 m in height)

(6206N 740W) near the W extremity of
Mykineshlmur (7.96); the range of the light is
sometimes reduced by haze created by sea spray.

General information
1

Directions
(continued from 7.27 and 7.88)

Interval from Remarks

HW Reykjavik

Vgafjrur to Mykines
1
2

7.100
From the vicinity of 6157N 707W in the S approach
to Vgafjrur, the coastal passage leads WNW passing:
SSW of Trlanpan (Trllenipen) (6201N 713W),
the S point of Vgar, which is 145 m high and
precipitous; Bsdalafossur (Bsdala Fos), a low but
broad waterfall noticeable even in thick weather,
lies close W of the point. An ODAS lightbuoy
(special) (7.9) is moored 7 miles WSW of
Trllenipen.Thence:
SSW of Tindhlmur (Tindholm) (6205N 726W), a
small island, prominent, particularly when seen
clear of the land, with a remarkably jagged outline,
which lies close off the W end of the S side of
Vgar. Klvanesboi (Klvanesbodhi), a reef,
extends 4 cables S from the SW extremity of the
island; an 82 m (27 ft) patch lies on the reef about
2 cables offshore. Thence:
SSW of Gshlmur (Gaasholm) (1 cables W of
Tindhlmur), 65 m high and prominent, particularly
when seen clear of the land; a light (white
pedestal, red band) stands on the SW side of the
island. Thence:
SSW of Mykines (6206N 735W) (7.96). Urarboi
(Urdarbue), a reef with a depth of 17 m (56 ft)
over its outer end and on which there are
dangerous rocks, extends about 5 cables S from a
point on the S side 8 cables W of the E extremity
of the island. Thence:
SSW of Mykineshlmur (close W of Mykines) (7.96)
on which there is a light (7.99); a reef on which
there are dangerous rocks extends 5 cables W from
the islet. See caution at 7.98.

0240

NNWgoing tidal stream begins. A

considerable eddy immediately forms N
of the E extremity of Mykines and
extends gradually E.

+0020

The eddy described above extends about

midway across Mykinesfjrur. As the
NNWgoing tidal stream continues to
gain strength eddies form along the coast
of Vgar.

+0305

SSEgoing tidal stream begins. An eddy

immediately forms off Barid (4 miles N
of Gshlmur) and extends gradually to
seaward.

+0505

Eddies form off the W and S sides of

Gshlmur and along the NE side of
Mykines.

+0605

The eddy off Barid extends about

5 cables to seaward.
Both N and S of the line joining Gshlmur and the E
extremity of Mykines the tidal streams in both directions
begin rather later than as described above.
During the strength of both streams there are also very
violent, but irregular, eddies in midfjord.
Caution. Because Mykinesfjrur is relatively shallow
compared with the open sea N and S, the tidal streams in
the fjord are very strong, causing tremendous tide races and
violent turbulence, especially during gales, when very high
seas are raised.
There are several patches in the fairway of the fjord
with depths of less than 15 m (49 ft) over them and over
which the sea breaks in bad weather.

Directions

Mykines to northwest entrance of Vestmannasund

7.101
From a position NNW of Mykineshlmur (6206N
740W) (7.96) the coastal passage leads ENE passing:
NNW of Mykines (7.96), thence:

7.102
Mykinesfjrur (Myggens Fjord) separates Vgar from
Mykines, and is entered from S between Gshlmur
(6205N 727W) and the E extremity of Mykines (2 miles
WNW).
7.103
Tidal streams. Between Gshlmur and the E extremity
of Mykines tidal streams run as follows:

312

7.104
From a position W of Gshlmur (7.100) the route
through Mykinesfjrur leads N passing (with positions
from Gshlmur):

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CHAPTER 7

E of the E extremity of Mykines (2 miles WNW)

(7.96), thence:
W of Strmns (Strmnoes) (2 miles N), thence:
W of Barid (3 miles N) (7.101), which should be
given a berth of at least 2 cables.
The coast of Vgar between Barid and Borsteinur
(Bordhsteinur) (1 miles NE of Gshlmur) (Chart 3557
plan of Srvgsfjrur) is foul close offshore.
If compelled to transit the fjord in bad conditions, small
craft are advised to favour the E side.

SRVGSFJR
UR

Side channels

Chart 3557 plan of Srvgsfjrur, 117

General information
1

7.105
General description. Srvgsfjrur (Srvaag Fjord) is
entered from Mykinesfjrur between Gshlmur (6205N
727W) and Borsteinur (Bordhsteinur (1 miles NE), and
penetrates about 4 miles E into Vgar. The fjord affords
anchorage and there are harbour installations at the village
of Srvgur (7.111) which lies at the head of the fjord.
Marine farms (1.19) are moored N and S of the channel E
of Mlin Light (7.107).
Tidal streams and races in Mykinesfjrur (7.103)
make the approach to the fjord difficult; entry should not
be attempted in bad weather.

Directions
1

7.106
Approach from south. When approaching from S with
a Ngoing tidal stream the track passes:
Close W and N around Gshlmur (7.100) to avoid
the strength of the stream, thence:
N of Eiriksboi (Eiriksbodhi) (6 cables ENE of
Gshlmur), a belowwater rock which lies close
off the extremity of a small peninsula extending N
from the N side of Tindhlmur (7.100).
The alignment (102) of Srvgur Leading Lights
(7.107) passes N of Eiriksboi.
Approach from north. When approaching from N with
a Sgoing tidal stream the track favours the E side of
Mykinesfjrur until abreast of Strmns (2 miles N of
Gshlmur), taking care to avoid an eddy which forms off
Barid during the Sgoing stream. Course can then be
adjusted to enter the fjord by passing in midchannel
between Gshlmur and Borsteinur and N of Eiriksboi
(see above), or particularly at night, by keeping in the
white sector (121125) of Mlin Light (white structure,
red band, 5 m in height) (2 miles E of Glshmur), but
noting that the coast of Vgar is foul and should be given
a berth of at least 1 cable.
7.107
Skerhlmur (6205N 724W), 4 m high, and marked
by a light (grey framework tower, 7 m in height, beside
white hut with red band,), can be passed on either side. By
day the passage N, between the islet and Akranessker
(2 cables NNW), a small promontory, is recommended
even though it is narrower and has less water than the
passage S as it avoids a reef which extends SE from the
islet and on to which a vessel may be set by the tidal
stream through Dragasund (6 cables SSW of the islet)
(7.109).

At night the white sector of Mlin Light passes close

SSW of Skerhlmur and leads to the alignment (102) of
Srvgur Leading Lights (each a metal framework tower,
9 m in height) (front light on the N shore 2 miles ESE of
Skerhlmur, rear light 3 cables further ESE); this alignment
passes close S of Skerhlmur but care is necessary to avoid
opening the transit N when passing the islet.
7.108
When clear of Skerhlmur a midfjord track can be
followed.
Useful marks with positions from Skerhlmur:
Church (9 cables E), timber with spire and slate roof,
at the village of Bur.
Church (2 miles ESE) at Srvgur.

7.109
Gshlmssund, the channel between Gshlmur and
Tindhlmur, is not recommended on account of overfalls
and tide races.
Strasund and Dragasund separate the E end of
Tindhlmur from Vgar and are obstructed by Drangarnir, a
detached rock 77 m high, which lies nearly in midchannel.
Strasund, the channel W of Drangarnir, is foul, but
Dragasund, the channel E of Drangarnir, is navigable with
local knowledge and has a depth of 30 m (10 ft) over a
bar which extends across its N part.

Anchorage
1

7.110
There is anchorage for small coasters in the bay off
Bur, close NW of a marine farm, in a depth of about 20
to 40 m (11 to 21 fm), sand, or in Selvk, a bay on the S
side of the fjord SSE of Bur, close E of a marine farm, in
about 26 to 35 m (14 to 19 fm).
The best anchorage in the fjord, but suitable only for
small craft, lies off Srvgur in about 26 m (14 fm), good
holding, taking care to avoid approaching too close to the
sand flat which extends about 3 cables from the head of the
fjord.
A submarine cable is laid close along the N shore E
from Bur as shown on the chart.
Permission of the Harbour Authority is required to
anchor within the harbour limit (7.111) of Srvgur.

Srvgur
1

313

7.111
General information. Srvgur harbour area lies at the
head of the Srvgsfjrur E of a line extending in a 205
direction across the fjord from Tklettur Light (6205N
722W), as shown on the chart. A tanker of 12 000 dwt is
reported to have been berthed in the harbour.
Pilotage is not compulsory but is available on request
via Trshavn Radio; for details see Admiralty List of Radio
Signals Volume 6 (2).
Regulations. Srvgur is a port of entry (1.69).
Anchorage see 7.110.
Berths:
Longest: quay, 230 m in length, alongside depths 5 to
6 m, situated abreast fuel storage tanks on the S
side of the fjord at the W end of Srvgur village.
Deepest: quay, about 100 m in length, alongside
depths 6 to 7 m adjacent SE of longest quay.
There is a boat harbour (close SE of quays described
above), protected by an angled breakwater.

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CHAPTER 7

Facilities: municipal doctor; customs.

Supplies: water at quays; fuel oils.
Communications. The only airport in Froyar is situated
1 miles E of the village (7.14).

Bay

there are no anchorages or harbours on the NE side of the

island.
Streymoy. On the SW side of Streymoy in
Vestmannasund between Dalsnpa and Egilsnes (Egilsns)
(8 miles NW) there are several villages including Leynar
(Leinum) (4 mile NNW of Dalsnpa) and Kvvk (Kvivig)
(5 miles NNW of Dalsnpa) (7.131). The port of
Vestmanna (Vestmanhavn) (6209N 710W) (7.128) lies at
the head of an inlet entered N of Egilsnes.

Chart 117

Vkar
1

7.112
Vkar (Vig), the bay entered between Tjrnunes
(Tjrnens) (6208N 722W) and Ritunv (2 miles E), is
foul close to the shore and suitable only for coasters. The
village of Vkar (Vigum) lies at the head of the bay.
Local knowledge is required for entry.

Overhead cable
1

7.118
An overhead cable (7.7), vertical clearance 45 m 147 ft),
spans Vestmannasund 3 miles SE of Slttanes. The constant
bearing on which a radar response of this cable appears is
337 or 157.

Anchorage and landing

1

7.113
Mykines. There is a landing place, protected by a small
breakwater and suitable for boats in settled weather, at the
village of Mykines in a small bay on the S side of
Mykines (6206N 735W) about 1 miles E of Mykines
Light. Anchorage can be found about cable off the
landing place, outside rocks, over which the sea usually
breaks, which lie on each side of the approach to the
landing.

Tidal streams
1

7.119
Vgafjrur. On a line joining Stakkarnir and Nakkur
the Wgoing tidal stream begins at 0605 HW Reykjavik
and the Egoing at +0005 HW Reykjavik; both streams
begin about 15 minutes later for each mile W of that line.
There are no significant eddies in Vgafjrur.
East of the Stakkarnir to Nakkur line several tidal
streams converge and diverge, and run as follows:
Interval from HW Remarks
Reykjavik

VGAFJR
UR AND VESTMANNASUND

0345 to HW

NWgoing tidal stream from

Hestfjrur divides, part joining the
Ngoing stream into Vestmannasund
and part joining the Wgoing stream
in Vgafjrur.

HW to +0200

Egoing stream in Vgafjrur

divides, part joining the Ngoing
stream into Vestmannasund and part
joining the SEgoing stream in
Hestfjrur.

General information
Chart 117

Description
1

7.114
Vgafjrur (Vaag Fjord) describes the sea area SE of
Vgar bounded S and E by lines joining Nakkur (6200N
700W), the NW extremity of Koltur, with Dalsnpa
(2 miles NNE) on Streymoy, and Trlanpan (6 miles
W), the S extremity of Vgar.
7.115
Vestmannasund (Vestmanna Sund) separates Vgar and
Streymoy. It is approached from S through Vgafjrur and
entered between Stakkarnir (Stakken) (6203N 704W),
and Dalsnpa (3 miles E) whence it trends generally NW to
its NW entrance between Slttanes (6209N 714W) and
Mlin (Mulen) (1 mile N).

+0200 to 0600 Egoing stream in Vgafjrur and the

Sgoing stream from Vestmannasund
meet and the combined stream joins
the SEgoing stream in Hestfjrur.
0600 to 0345 Sgoing stream from Vestmannasund
and the NWgoing stream from
Hestfjrur meet and the combined
stream joins the Wgoing stream in
Vgafjrur.
3

Route
1

7.116
Vestmannasund is used by vessels from Trshavn bound
N or for Iceland.

Topography
1

When winds and the Sgoing tidal stream are opposed

overfalls in the S approaches to Vestmannasund can be
dangerous to small craft.
7.120
Southeast part of Vestmannasund. Between the S
entrance of the sound and Kvvk (Kvivig) (4 miles N of
Stakkarnir) tidal streams run as follows:
Interval from Remarks
HW Reykjavik

7.117
Vgar. The SE coast is high except where indented by
an inlet at the head of which lies the small port of
Mivgur (Midvaag) (6203N 710W) (7.126). Apart from
a ferry terminal at Oyrargjgv (6207N 710W) (7.127)

0340

314

Ngoing stream begins. No significant

eddies on either side of the sound during
Ngoing stream.

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CHAPTER 7

Interval from Remarks

HW Reykjavik

+0205

Sgoing stream begins. Eddy forms

along coast of Streymoy between
Dalsnpa and a position about 3 miles
N.

+0405

Large eddies form on each side of the

sound at the SE end of the narrows W
of Kvvk and extend SE into the wider
part of the sound.

Vestmannasund
1

7.121
Northwest part of Vestmannasund. Between Kvvk
and the NW entrance of the sound tidal streams run as
follows:
Interval from Remarks
HW Reykjavik
0340

NWgoing stream begins. Eddies

immediately form along the entire length
of the Vgar side of the narrows.

0240

Eddy forms off Egilsnes and extends

gradually SE along the Streymoy side of
the narrows. Another eddy forms off the
Streymoy shore NW of Egilsnes.

Interval from Remarks

HW Reykjavik
+0205

+0335

SEgoing stream begins at the SE end of

the narrows; its commencement is
progressively later farther NW.
SEgoing stream begins in the NW
entrance. As the SEgoing stream
becomes established eddies form off the
Vgar shore along the whole length of
the narrows; on the Streymoy shore
eddies gradually extend SE from Mlin
to Egilsnes.

7.122
Although tidal streams in Vestmannasund are strong with
eddies forming off salient points it is reported that even if
steerage way is lost a vessel is usually set away from the
shores of the sound.
Caution. With N gales against an opposing tidal stream
entry via the N entrance can be impracticable.

Charts 3557 plan of Mivgur, 117

Mivgur and Sandavgur

1

2
3

7.123
Radar domes and dish aerials (6205N 657W) (7.3)
on Streymoy.

Directions
(continued from 7.27 and 7.88)

7.124
From a position about 3 miles SE of Trlanpan
(6201N 713W) (7.100) the route through the fjord leads
NE passing (with positions from Trlanpan):
SE of Mlin (7 cables E), a high point which rises
close inland to Rituberg 376 m (1233 ft) high;
thence:
SE of Presttangi (2 miles ENE), a salient point,
thence:
NW of Nakkur (6 miles E), the NW extremity of
Koltur (7.79), thence:

Vgafjrur
1

7.125
The chart is the best guide for passage through
Vestmannasund which has a least width of 5 cables and is
deep and clear of dangers except at its NW entrance. Here,
particularly in bad weather, neither shore should be
approached too closely as rock shelves, over which the sea
sometimes breaks heavily, extend from Slttanes
(Slettens) (6210N 714W), the N point of Vgar, from
the coast of Streymoy abreast Slttanes, and also from
Mlin (Mulen) (1 mile N of Slttanes). A light (red
structure, 5 m in height) is exhibited from Slttanes. A
marine farm (1.19) is moored close inshore 14 miles SSE
of Slttanes Light. Overhead cable see 7.118.
Useful marks with positions from Slttanes:
Leynar Light (white pedestal, red band, 5 m in
height) (6 miles ESE).
Church (5 miles ESE) in Kvvk.
Beacon (4 miles SE) on both sides of the sound
marking the landing positions of a submarine
cable.

Harbours

Landmark
1

SE of Stakkarnir (Stakken) (4 miles ENE) which

resembles a haystack from some directions.
Trllkonufingur (Troldkonefinger), a remarkable
detached peak, rises to a height of 313 m at the S
extremity of the point. A detached rock, 6 m in
height, lies 1 cables offshore close SW of
Trllkonufingur.

315

7.126
General information. Giljanes (6203N 710W)
separates Mivgur (Midvaag) from Sandavgur
(Sandevaag), two villages with harbours, at the NW head
of an inlet in the SE side of Vgar. A breakwater, about
300 m long, extends SSW from the S side of Giljanes.
Port limit. As indicated on the chart.
Regulations. Mivgur is a port of entry (1.69).
Directions. The inlet is entered between Presttangi
(6202N 709W) and Stakkarnir (2 miles ENE) (7.124),
from where the white sector (275295) of Mivgur
Light (post on base, 2 m in height) (2 cables SSW of
Giljanes) on the breakwater head leads through the inlet to
Mivgur. A marine farm (1.19) is moored close to
seaward of Giljanes, 5 cables E and NE of Mivgur Light.
Anchorage. There is good anchorage in the inlet but S
and W winds raise a sea which breaks as surf along the
shore. The best berth is close E of Mivgur Light in a
depth of about 18 m (59 ft), good holding.
Alongside berths. In Mivgur a quay, about 160 m
long, with an alongside depth of 7 m, lies close W of the
root of the breakwater; a quay, 120 m in length, with a
depth of 57 m alongside, is situated on the W side of a
mole which extends S from the N shore 2 cables WNW
of the root of the breakwater; a quay, with depths of 47 to
57 m alongside, extends 110 m WNW from the root of the
mole; a pier, outer face about 50 m long and depth 62 m
alongside, extends about 50 m from the S side of the
harbour, 3 cable WSW of the root of the breakwater. There
is a boat harbour (4 cables W of root of breakwater) in
Mivgur; boat harbour on E side of Sandavgur with
depths of about 3 m.
Facilities: resident doctor; customs.

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Oyrargjgv
1

7.127
At Oyrargjgv (6207N 710W) on the NE coast of
Vgar there is a small pier with a depth of about 5 m
alongside.

Chart 3557 plan of Vestmanna

Vestmanna
1

4
1

7.128
General information. Vestmanna, an inlet in the SW
coast of Streymoy entered between Egilsnes (6208N
710W) and Dlgsteinur (6 cables N), is the best natural
harbour in Froyar. The main part of the harbour extends
5 cables N from Dlgsteinur; an inner arm, which is
shallow at its head, extends about 3 cables E from Nesi
(Nesidh) (4 cables NE of Dlgsteinur).
The village of Vestmanna is situated on the N side of
the main harbour.
Port limit. The seaward limit of Vestmanna harbour is
determined by the alignment (291) of two beacons (each a
post with red and white triangular topmark) on Dlgsteinur
as indicated on the chart.
Port Authority. Vestmanna Havn, 3860 Vestmanna,
Froyar. The Harbour Office is situated 3 cables N of
Dlgsteinur on the E side of a basin.
Pilotage is not compulsory, but on request the Harbour
Authority can arrange for a competent person to give
pilotage assistance.
Regulations. Vestmanna is a port of entry (1.69).
7.129
Directions. An extensive shoal (2 cables ESE of
Dlgsteinur) almost fills the harbour entrance leaving
narrow channels on either side. The following directions
apply to the preferred and deeper channel which passes W
of the shoal.
The white sector (017020) of Heyganes Light (on E
gable of fish factory) (1 mile N of Egilsnes) leads into the
harbour through the W channel in a depth of 10 m (33 ft)
or more passing (with positions from Dlgsteinur beacons):
WNW of Egilsnes, from which a shallow bank
extends nearly 1 cable. Marine farms (1.19) are
moored either side of the W channel NW of
Egilsnes. Thence:
Through a channel, about cable wide, between
Dlgsteinur and the W extremity of the extensive
shoal which has a least depth of 46 m (15 ft) near
its centre; marine farms (1.19) are moored over
this shoal; during the SEgoing tidal stream in
Vestmannasund care is required to avoid being set
on to this shoal. A light is exhibited from the SE
of the two beacons (7.128) on Dlgsteinur. Thence:
ESE of a basin entrance (2 cables N) from the sides
of which lights (each a pile, 2 m in height,
floodlit) are exhibited, thence:
WNW of Nesi (Nesidh) (4 cables NE) noting that
a bank, with a depth of 94 m (31 ft) over its outer
end and on which a rock awash lies close offshore,
extends 1 cable W from the point.
Useful marks with positions from Dlgsteinur:
Church (5 cables N) in Vestmanna.
White cairn beacon (6 cables NNE); the cairn is not
always easy to identify.
Lights (each a grey post, 3 m in height, floodlit)
(7 cables NE) exhibited from ferry pier and both
sides of boat harbour entrance as shown on the
chart.

2
3

7.130
Alongside berths. The principal berths are at Heyganes
(5 cables NNE of Dlgsteinur), an irregularlyshaped
promontory which is lined by quays on four sides; the
longest and deepest berth is on the S side, about 100 m
long with an alongside depth of 60 m. There are also
berths, with depths of 4 to 11 m, at the N end of the basin
(3 cables N of Dlgsteinur beacons) enclosed by two
breakwaters on the W side of the main part of the harbour.
At Vlur, on the N side of Nesi, there is an Lshaped
pier, outer face 35 m long and depth alongside 50 m,
adjacent to fuel storage tanks. Ferry terminals with RoRo
ramps are situated on the W side of Heyganes and at E
end of the inner arm.
There is a boat harbour situated at the NE head of the
inner arm of the harbour, 3 cables E of Heyganes.
Repairs: general repairs by shipyard; patent slip, length
of cradle 24 m, lifting capacity 711 tonnes displacement.
Other facilities: resident doctor; customs.
Supplies: fuel oils; water; bottled gas; provisions.
Minor anchorage about 1 cables S of Heyganes in a
depth of about 18 m (59 ft) and in the inner part of the
harbour with Egilsnes bearing about 199 and just open W
of Nesi, as indicated on the chart, in a depth of about
15 m (49 ft).

Landing
Chart 117

Kvvk
1

7.131
At the village of Kvvk (Kvivig) (6207N 704W) a
short breakwater provides shelter to a boat landing.

PASSAGE NORTHWEST OF
STREYMOY AND EYSTUROY
General information
Chart 117

Description
1

7.132
This area describes the coastal passage between the N
entrances of Vestmannasund (6210N 715W) and Djpini
(Djupene) (about 15 miles NE), and crosses the N entrance
to Sundini (Sundene) (6219N 707W) (7.161).

Topography
1

316

7.133
Streymoy. The NW coast of Streymoy between Mlin,
the NE entrance point of Vestmannasund, and Stakkur
(Stakken) (6218N 710W), an islet 133 m high close off
the N extremity of Streymoy, consists of high precipitous
cliffs. Mlingur (Myling) (1 miles WSW of Stakkur) is
remarkable, rising vertically from the sea. A mountain
range runs parallel with this stretch of coast a short
distance inland and attains its summit about 6 miles S of
Stakkur.
7.134
Eysturoy. Kollur (Kodlur) (6219N 705W) is a
peninsula forming the NW extremity of Eysturoy, and the E
entrance point of the N entrance to Sundini. It is joined to
the main part of Eysturoy by a low isthmus and from a
distance N appears as an island. Villages lie on the NE and
SW sides of the isthmus; a radio mast (red obstruction
lights) stands close to Eii (Eidi), the SW village. The E
side of Kollur and the N coast of Eysturoy to Rivtangi
(Rivtange) (3 miles ENE) (7.137), the W entrance point

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to Djpini, consists of high cliffs which are fringed by

rocks. A short distance inland the island rises to
Slttaratindur (7.4).

Sakshvn
1

Tidal streams
1

Anchorage

7.135
North coast of Streymoy. Details given on the chart of
tidal streams NW of Mlingur are related to the time of
HW Stromness (a Secondary Port). The tabulated
information may be related to the time of HW Reykjavik (a
Standard Port) using the following table:
Interval from HW
Stromness

Interval from HW
Reykjavik

0600

0315

0500

0215

0400

0115

0300

0015

0200

+0045

0100

+0145

HW Stromness

+0245

+0100

+0345

+0200

+0445

+0300

+0545

+0400

0545

+0500

0445

+0600

0345

Tidal streams are more or less rotary clockwise.

Strong eddies form along the N coasts of Streymoy with
races, dangerous to small craft, off the salient points,
especially in bad weather.

PASSAGE NORTH OF NOR
OYAR

General information
Chart 117

Description
1

Directions
1

Directions
Vestmannasund to Sundini
7.136
There are many detached pinnacles and rocks fringing
this stretch of coast, including two detached rocks, about
23 m high close off the N side of Mlingur, and the coast
should be given a berth of at least 3 cables.

Sundini to Djpini
1

7.137
From a position NNW of Stakkur (6218N 710W)
(7.133) the coastal passage leads ENE passing:
NNW of Risin (Risen) (6219N 705W), the
outermost of two remarkable rocks, 75 m high,
which lie close off the N extremity of Kollur
(7.134), thence:
NNW of Rivtangi (Rivtange) (6220N 659W), the
N extremity of Eysturoy, which should be given a
wide berth; a rock with a depth over it of 37 m
(12 ft) (charted as a dangerous rock) lies about
1 cable NW of the point. Rivtangi is low but
terraced hills rise steeply behind it, and streams
which run down from the hillsides both E and W
of the point help to identify it in poor visibility.
Useful marks:
Slttanes Light (6210N 714W) (7.125).
Kallur (Kadlur) Light (6222N 648W) (7.140).
(Directions continue at 7.140)

7.139
This area describes the coastal waters from the N
entrance of Djpini (6221N 653W) (7.216) to the island
of Fugloy (6220N 617W), about 20 miles E and crosses
the N entrances to Kalsoyarfjrur (Kalso Fjord) (7.215),
Haraldssund (Harald Sund) (7.141) and Hvannasund
(Kvanne Sund) (7.142).
(continued from 7.137)

(continued from 7.101)

7.138
In settled weather with E winds vessels can anchor in a
depth of about 37 m (20 fm) at the entrance to Sakshvn
(Sakshavn) (6215N 713W), a small narrow inlet in the
W side of Streymoy.
Small craft can anchor within the inlet in a depth of
about 18 m (59 ft), but swinging space is very limited.

7.140
From a position N of Rivtangi (6220N 659W)
(7.137) the coastal passage leads E passing:
N of Kallur (Kadlur) (6222N 648W), the N
extremity of Kalsoy (7.220), which is fouled close
offshore by several dangerous rocks and an
abovewater rock, 4 m in height; a light (white
house, red band, 4 m in height) stands on the
point. And:
Clear of an ODAS lightbuoy (8 miles N of Kallur)
(7.9), thence:
N of Kunoyarnakkur (Kuno Nakke) (3 miles E of
Kallur), the N extremity of Kunoy (7.221), which
rises steeply to a peak, 820 m (2688 ft) in height,
close inland to form the most precipitous mountain
wall in Froyar, thence:
N of Enniberg (6224N 634W), a precipitous cliff
at the N extremity of Vioy (7.253), which, about
5 cables S, rises steeply to Villingadalsfjall, a
mountain peak, 844 m (2761 ft) high and the
summit of Vioy. A group of detached rocks
extends 1 cables offshore from Enniberg and two
rock pinnacles, the larger 128 m high, lie close
offshore 5 cables SW of the cliff. A race is
reported N of Enniberg. Thence:
N of Fugloy (6220N 615W) (7.253) where lights
(7.255) are exhibited. Norberg (7.253), the N
extremity of the island is fringed by rocks and
should be given a berth of at least 2 cables.

Inlets
Haraldssund
1

317

7.141
General information. Haraldssund (Harald Sund)
separates the E side of Kunoy from the W side of the N
part of Boroy and is entered from N between
Kunoyarnakkur (6222N 641W) (7.140) and Mlin
(Mulen) (2 miles E), the N extremity of Boroy, which is
high, precipitous and steepto.
The sound is closed to through navigation by a
causeway (7.221) at Strond (6 miles SSE of
Kunoyarnakkur).

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Tidal streams in the sound following the construction of

the causeway are not known but previously they were weak
N of Strond.
Overhead power cables (7.7), vertical clearance 55 m
(180 ft), span the sound close N of the causeway.
Directions. Apart from some abovewater and
belowwater rocks lying close offshore on both sides of the
N part of Haraldssund the fairway is deep and clear.
Marine farms (1.19) are moored in the E half of the sound
extending for 2 miles S from 62195N.
Anchorage and landing. There is no secure anchorage
in Haraldssund. Landing may be made at Haraldssund
village on Kunoy, close N of the causeway.

dangerous rocks, as shown on the chart. A remarkable

waterfall is situated about 1 miles N of Kirkjubnes, the
S extremity of Streymoy.

Tidal streams
7.146
Interval from
HW Reykjavik

Remarks

0140

Ngoing tidal stream begins and runs for

about 4 hours only. Eddies of no great
strength form along the S part of the W
coast of Nlsoy, off the N extremity of
the island and off the Streymoy coast
between the vicinity of Trshavn and
Kirkjubnes.

+0120

Small eddy forms close NE of Trshavn.

+0220

Sgoing tidal stream begins and runs for

about 8 hours. Strong eddies form
along the S part of the W coast of
Nlsoy and off the N extremity of the
island.

+0320

A strong eddy, known locally as

Fleskia, forms along the most S part of
the E coast of Streymoy. Fleskia and
the strong eddy along the W coast of
Nlsoy both extend steadily further
offshore.

0610

Fleskia and the strong eddy along the

W coast of Nlsoy, both Ngoing,
constrict the Sgoing tidal stream to a
strip in midchannel about half the width
of the fjord.

0240

Sgoing tidal stream now confined to a

narrow strip in midchannel with strong
Ngoing eddies on each side. On the
Nlsoy side the Ngoing eddy becomes
sufficiently strong to form Sgoing
counter eddies close off the W coast of
the island.

0140

Ngoing eddies on both sides of the

fjord meet in midchannel and start the
Ngoing tidal stream.

Chart 117 (see 1.28)

Hvannasund: northern part

1

7.142
General information. Hvannasund (Kvanne Sund)
separates Boroy from Vioy. The N part is entered
between Mlin (6222N 635W) (7.141) and the NW
extremity of Vioy (1 miles N) and is separated from the
S part (for details of which see 7.262) by a causeway in
the narrows 4 miles SSE of Mlin, which closes the sound
to through navigation.
Tidal streams in the N part of the sound following the
construction of the causeway are not known but previously
they were of little significance.
Overhead power cables (7.7), vertical clearance 25 m,
span the narrows of the sound about 2 cables N of the
causeway.
Directions. Marine farms (1.19) are moored in the E
half of the sound extending for 1 miles S from 6221N.
Anchorage and landing. Anchorage can be found
anywhere N of the causeway, as appropriate to size of
vessel. There is temporary anchorage in a depth of about
25 m (14 fm) about 1 cables WSW of the church at
Viareii village (Viderejde) (1 miles E of Mlin); the
bottom is sand but further N the bottom is rocky. A good
berth for small craft is in midsound in a depth of about
20 m (11 fm) about 5 cables N of the causeway. Landing
may be made at Viareii and a boat harbour on Vioy
close N of the causeway.

NLSOYARFJR
UR
General information

Major light
7.147

Chart 117 (see 1.28)

Skansen Light (white tower, red band, 12 m in height)

(6200N 645W) on a fort in the E part of
Trshavn.

Description
1

7.143
Nlsoyarfjrur (Nolso Fjord) separates the island of
Nlsoy (Nols) (6200N 639W) and the SE end of
Streymoy, about 2 miles W. The fjord, which may be
entered from S or N of Nlsoy, forms the approach to
Trshavn (6200N 645W) (7.153) and also provides a S
approach to Tangafjrur (7.161).

Directions
(continued from 7.72)

Entry and passage through from south

1

Topography
1

7.144
Nlsoy (Nols) (6200N 639W) attains its summit
near the centre of the island; the N end is low and rounded
and joined to the main part of the island by a narrow neck
of land on which stand the villages of Nlsoy (Nols) and
Eii (Ejde). The E coast consists of high crags, while the
W coast slopes evenly to the sea.
7.145
Streymoy. The E coast of Streymoy forming the W side
of Nlsoyarfjrur is fringed in a number of places by

318

7.148
From a position about 3 miles S of Boran (Borin)
(6157N 638W) the route through Nlsoyarfjrur leads
NNW passing (with positions from Boran):
ENE of Kirkjubnes (3 miles WSW) (7.86), the SE
side of which is fringed by dangerous rocks, and:
WSW of Boran (Borin) the SW extremity of Nlsoy
from which a light (white house, red band, 5 m in
height) is exhibited; this light is shown by day in
poor visibility. During E swells the sea breaks over
dangerous rocks which extend 1 cables S from
Boran and from Hellan, a flat point 4 cables E of
Boran. Thence:

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CHAPTER 7

4
5

WSW of Tjrnunes (Tiornens) (2 miles NNW),

thence:
ENE of Glyvursnes (Glivursns) (3 miles NW), a
salient point, thence:
WSW of Nlsoy harbour (7.144), thence:
ENE of Trshavn (5 miles NW) (7.153) where
Skansen Light (7.147) is exhibited, thence:
WSW of Boin (Buen) (4 miles NNW), the N
extremity of Nlsoy where the cliffs are about
26 m high; a low islet lies close off the point.
Thence:
ENE of Hoyvkshlmur (5 miles NW), a small islet,
12 m high, marked by a light (white tower, red
band, 4 m in height), which lies close off
Byrgistangi, a small promontory extending SE
from Streymoy. Close SE of Hoyvkshlmur there
is an abovewater rock from which
Hoyvksgrynna, a rock ledge, extends about
4 cables SE with a depth of 66 m (21 ft) over its
outer end.

Clearing marks and light sector

1

7.149
At night a white sector (318327) of Skansen Light
leads into the fjord but passes close to the dangers
extending S from Boran; it also leads towards Trshavn
but passes close to Glyvursnes.
When SE of Glyvursnes, Toftir (Tofte) Light (6205N
644W) (7.165), showing white and bearing 350 ahead,
leads N through the fjord to the N entrance.

7.152
Positions from Skansen Light:
Nlsoy Light (5 miles SE) (7.210).
Nlsoy church (2 miles E), white with slate roof
and bell tower.
Trshavn East Mole Head Light (3 cables SSW)
(7.157) (Chart 3557 plan of Trshavn).
Trshavn church (3 cables WNW) (7.157).
Metal pillar (2 miles N) (7.165).
Flesjarnar (Fleserne) Light (3 miles N) (7.165).
(Directions continue for Tangafjrur at 7.165)

Trshavn
Chart 3557 plan of Trshavn

General information

Approach and entry from north

7.150
Nlsoyarfjrur is approached from N between Boin
(6201N 641W) (7.148) and Eystnes (Ostns) (2 miles
N), the S extremity of Eysturoy, and is entered between
Boin and Hoyvkshlmur (1 miles WNW) (7.148).

7.151
Kirkjubnes, bearing about 182 and open E of
Glyvursnes, passes E of Hoyvksgrynna, which is also
covered by a red sector (357005) of Toftir Light.

Useful marks

At night a white sector (218227) of Skansen Light

leads through the approach, but passes close SE of Eystnes.
Thence Toftir Light showing white and bearing 350 astern
leads S through the fjord to the S entrance.

7.153
Position. Trshavn (Thorshavn) (6200N 645W) is
situated at the SE end of Streymoy on the W side of
Nlsoyarfjrur.
Function. Trshavn, population about 18 000, is the
capital and main commercial centre of Froyar and is
primarily a fishing, RoRo and container port.
Topography. Skansen Light (6200N 645W) (7.147)
stands on a conspicuous fort on the E side of the town.

Lightbuoy
(port)

East Breakwater

Trshavn harbour entrance from SSE (7.153)

(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph Mr H. R. Driffield)

319

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CHAPTER 7

Skansen Lighthouse

East Breakwater

Outer Breakwater

Trshavn Harbour from SE (7.153)

(Photograph D Given, MV Doulos)

(Original dated 2004)

Fuel storage tanks are situated on Viarnes (Vidharnes)

(3 cables SW of Skansen Light), the W entrance point of
the harbour.
Port Limit. As indicated on the chart.
Approach and entry. Trshavn is entered from
Nlsoyarfjrur and may be approached by either the S or
N entrance to the fjord.
Traffic. In 2004, 404 vessels used the port totalling
2 751 357 dwt. in addition to regular ferry traffic and
fishing vessels.
Port Authority. Trshavnar Havn, PO Box 103, Eystara
Bryggja, FO110 Trshavn, Froyar. The Port Office is
situated at the root of the East Mole, cable S of Skansen
Light, as indicated on the chart.
Website: www.harbour.olivant.fo
Email: port@torshavn.fo.

Limiting conditions
1

Harbour
1

7.154
Deepest and longest berth:
Deepest: W side of Outer Breakwater. (7.156).
Longest: W side of East Breakwater.
Maximum size of vessel handled:
279 m in length, 82 m draught on East Breakwater.
150 m in length, 75 m draught on Main Quay West
(7.158).

Arrival information
7.155

Notice of ETA required. 24, 12 and 2 hours before

arrival to the agent or Port Authority, reporting ships
name, LOA and draught.
Anchorage in Trshavn Roads. The usual berth is
about 3 cables SE of the head of East Breakwater.
Trshavn Roads however, do not afford good anchorage,
except in W winds, as NE and SE winds raise considerable
seas and Nlsoy does not provide sufficient shelter to
prevent swell during E winds; although sandy in places,
much of the bottom is rocky.
Sklafjrur (6 miles N) (7.176) is the nearest safe
anchorage in bad weather.

7.156
General layout. The West Harbour, comprising Eystara
Vag and Vestara Vag is protected from the E by East
Breakwater (2 cables SSW of Skansen Light). The East
Harbour, comprising the W side of the East Breakwater to
the W side of the Outer Breakwater is protected from the E
by the Outer Breakwater (2 cables SSE of Skansen
Light). Lights (grey framework masts,) are exhibited from
the extremities of both breakwaters.
Tinganes (2 cables W of Skansen Light), a peninsula on
which stands the old part of Trshavn, divides the harbour
into two small bays, Vestara Vg, the larger of the two,
lying SW and Eystara Vg lying NE of Tinganes. There
are berthing facilities in both bays.
Climate information for Trshavn see 1.155 and 1.164.

Directions for entering harbour

1

Pilotage is not compulsory but is advisable, and can be

obtained on request to the Port Authority. The pilot
boarding position is about 1 mile off the harbour entrance.
For further details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 6 (2).
Tugs. Two tugs are available.
Regulations: Trshavn is a port of entry (1.69).

2
3

320

7.157
From Nlsoyarfjrur the inner harbour is entered in
midchannel between the SW extremity of East
Breakwater), and Viarnes. A lightbuoy (port hand) is
moored close SE of Viarnes. Shoals extending SSE from
Tinganes are marked by a lightbuoy (port hand)
(1 cables SW of Skansen Light).
The outer harbour, between East and Outer Breakwaters,
is approached directly from Nlsoyarfjrur.
Useful marks with positions from Skansen Light:
Parsonage (6 cables SW), at the head of
Sandagersvk.
Tower (6 cables SW), conspicuous; red obstruction
lights are exhibited from a heliport at Trshavn
hospital close NE of the tower.
Church (3 cables WNW), white with slate roof and
prominent belfry.

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CHAPTER 7

Outer Breakwater

Trshavn Outer Breakwater and Skansen Light from SE (7.156)

(Photograph D. Given, MV Doulos)

(Original dated 2004)

Berths
1

7.158
Anchorage within the harbour limit requires the
permission of the Port Authority.
Eystara Vg. The W side of East Breakwater is lined
by a quay over a length of about 420 m; there is a depth of
88 m alongside Berth B010 the outer 215 m; the remainder
of East Breakwater, Berths B020 and B030 have alongside
depths of 58 to 78 m. From a RoRo berth, B040, with a
depth of 58 m, at the root of East Breakwater, Main Quay
East extends about 230 m NNW along the NE side of
Eystara Vg with depths of 55 to 68 m; this quay is used
by ferries.

A RoRo berth, Berth B070, with an alongside depth of

100 m is established on W side of the Outer Breakwater.
Vestara Vg. Main Quay West, Berth B120, about
198 m long with an alongside depth of 81 m, is situated on
the SW side of Vestara Vg; Fishing Pier, Berth B130, with
an alongside depth of 83 m, extends about 100 m E from
the SE end of Main Quay West and Shipyard Pier, Berth
B100, a jetty, with berths on both sides, extends NE from
the NW end of Main Quay West. Two berths, Outer
Fishing Quay, Berth B150 and Bunkering Berth, Berth
B160 (charted as Reclaimed area), both about 60 m in
length, with alongside depths of 48 m and 93 m lie to the
E of the tanks at Viarnes (7.153).

Trshavn Eystara Vg RoRo and East Breakwater berths looking NNE (7.158)
(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph Mr H. R. Driffield)

321

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CHAPTER 7

Entrance light buoy (port)

Trshavn Vestara Vg Vidhanes Tank Farm and Outer Fishing Quay looking N (7.158)
(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph Mr H. R. Driffield)

There are marinas at the heads of Vestara Vg, and

Eystara Vg.

Port services
1

7.159
Repairs of all kinds undertaken at shipyard; two patent
slips of 1 000 dwt and 2 500 dwt capacity; divers.
Other facilities: Trshavn hospital (5 cables SW of
Skansen Light), with heliport; resident doctor; free medical
advice to ships at sea available through Trshavn Radio;
deratting exemption certificates can be issued; customs;
reception facilities for most classes of oily waste.
Supplies: fuel oils available from oil jetty in Vestara
Vg or delivered by barge or road tanker; water at berths;
provisions; ships stores; bottled gas; garbage disposal.
Communications. Regular sea links with other islands
and with Denmark, Iceland and United Kingdom. For air
services see 7.14.

PASSAGE BETWEEN STREYMOY

AND EYSTUROY
General information
Chart 117

Description
1

Anchorages and harbours

Chart 117 (see 1.28)

7.160
Anchorage may be obtained, but in fine weather only, in
the following positions:
Off the W side of the fjord abreast the prominent
waterfall midway between Kirkjubnes and
Glyvursnes in a depth of about 38 m (21 fm),
sand; N and S of this position the bottom is rocky.
In Trshavn Roads (7.155).
Off the W side of Nlsoy between Boran and
Tjrnunes in a depth of about 33 m (18 fm), sand
over clay.
Off the village of Nlsoy in depths from 27 to 38 m
(15 to 20 fm), good holding, avoiding as necessary
a submarine cable laid to Hvtanes on Streymoy.
Argir (Arge) (6200N 646W), a village, has a boat
harbour protected by two moles; a light (mast, 3 m in
height) is exhibited from the head of the E mole.

Nlsoy village (6200N 640W) which lies in a small

bay is protected to the S by a crooked mole 200 m in
length, which leads WNW then NNW from the S part of
the bay. A light (green pole) is exhibited from the mole.
An 80 m extension tending W from the original head of the
mole is under construction (2005).
Hoyvk (Hoivig) (6201N 645W), a village situated at
the head of a Sfacing cove close W of Byrgistangi,
affords good landing for boats.

7.161
Tangafjrur is the SE part of the channel separating
Streymoy from Eysturoy and from its S entrance, between
Eystnes (6203N 641W) and Hoyvkshlmur (2 miles
SW), it extends about 6 miles NW to Kjalnestangi
(Klns) (6207N 652W). Several fjords of interest to
the mariner open into Tangafjrur.
Sundini (Sundene) is the remainder of the channel
separating Streymoy from Eysturoy, and extends 14 miles
NW from Kjalnestangi to the N entrance W of Kollur.
There are a number of minor harbours and anchorages on
both sides of Sundini.

Local knowledge
1

7.162
Through navigation of Sundini is restricted to small craft
only by the narrows of Sundalagi (6212N 700W)
(7.168) for which local knowledge is required.

Vertical clearances
1

322

7.163
Sundini is spanned in several places by overhead cables
(7.7), but the minimum vertical clearance is beneath
Strmmen Bridge (7.168) spanning Sundalagi.

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SE of Torvanes (Torvens), the SW extremity of Kollur, a

bar with depths of 8 to 9 m (26 to 29 ft) extends across
Sundini; with strong winds between N and W the sea may
break over this bar across the whole width of the channel.
Marine farms (1.19) are moored in the W half of Sundini
in an area 4 miles SSE of Torvanes.

Tidal streams
1

7.164
There are no significant tidal streams in the channel,
except in Sundalagi (7.168) where they are very strong
indeed.

Directions
(continued from 7.152)

Sundalagi

Tangafjrur

Chart 3557 plan of Sundalagi

7.165
From a position midway between Eystnes and
Hoyvkshlmur (7.148) the route leads NW passing (with
positions from Eystnes):
NE of Hvtanes (Hvidens) (2 miles WSW), a flat
point, on the E side of the entrance to
Kaldbaksfjrur (Kalbak Fjord) (7.173), from
which a reef extends 1 cable E; a conspicuous
metal pillar, aluminiumcoloured, 8 m in height,
stands a short distance within the point. Thence:
Either side of Flesjarnar (Fleserne) (2 miles WNW), a
group of low abovewater rocks, almost awash,
lying in midchannel; reefs extend 2 cables S
and 2 cables NE from the group. A light (grey
metal mast, 10 m in height) stands on Flesjarnar.
Thence:
NE of Kaldbaksnes (3 miles WNW), fringed by a
narrow reef which extends close offshore along the
Streymoy coast for about 5 cables NW from the
point, and:
SW of Toftir (Tofte) (2 miles NW) (7.185), a
village on the S side of the entrance to
Sklafjrur (Skaale Fjord) (7.176); a light (white
tower, red band) is exhibited from the shore close
S of the village. The coast of Eysturoy between
Eystnes and Toftir is steepto and clear of dangers
beyond a distance of cable offshore. Thence:
SW of Raktangi (Raktange) (3 miles NW), thence:
NE of marine farms (1.19) moored up to 3 cables
from the SW side of the fjord in an area extending
from SE of Snisns (4 miles NW) to Skutnesgil
(6 miles NW).
NE of Kjalnestangi (6 miles NW) on the N side of
the entrance to Kollafjrur (Kolle Fjord) (7.195).
7.166
Light sectors. Flesjarnar is covered by:
The green sector (165181) of Hoyvkshlmur
Light.
A green sector (005033) of Toftir Light.
A red sector (355004) of Strendur Light (3 miles
N of Flejarnar) (7.182).

General information
1

Directions
1

Sundini
1

7.167
Sundini, N and S of Sundalagi which is described
commencing at 7.168, is clear of dangers in midchannel
but salient points, and dangers indicated on the chart lying
close offshore, should be given a wide berth. Marine farms
(1.19) are moored in the E half of Sundini in an area
extending 16 miles NNW from Kjalnestangi (7.165) and in
the central part of the fjord centered 6 cables N of Hsvik
(7.200).
Northern entrance. Sundini is entered from N between
Stakkur (Stakken) (6219N 710W) (7.133) and Kollur
(Kodlur) (2 miles E) (7.134), the W side of the latter being
fringed in places by abovewater and belowwater rocks.
From seaward the entrance is not obvious. About 5 cables

7.168
Description. Sundalagi (6212N 700W), about
2 miles in length, is the narrowest part of the channel
separating Streymoy and Eysturoy and is shallow, narrow,
and much encumbered by rocks; it is spanned by a bridge
and an overhead cable at Strmmen, near the centre of the
narrows. The village of Norskli (Nordhskli) lies on the
NW side of the N entrance to the narrows about 5 cables N
of the bridge.
Depths. There are depths of 30 to 37 m (10 to 12 ft) in
the fairway, which is 25 m wide and 250 m long, of the
channel passing beneath the central arch of Strmmen
Bridge.
Vertical clearance. The minimum vertical clearance is
16 m (52 ft) at MHWS beneath the central arch of the
bridge.
Timing of transit. Because of the strength of tidal
streams (see below), navigation of the narrows is only
possible around the times of slack water.
Local knowledge is essential.
Tidal streams can attain a rate of 12 kn in both
directions at perigee spring tides.
The Ngoing tidal stream begins at about
+0610/0615 HW Reykjavik and the Sgoing at about
0005 HW Reykjavik.

323

7.169
Southern part. From a position about 5 cables WNW of
Oyri harbour light (1 miles SSE of Strmmen Bridge)
(7.202) the white sector (345349) of Strmmen Bridge
Light (mast, 3 m in height) on the N side of the bridge
leads to the centre of the navigational arch, passing (with
positions from the Strmmen Bridge Light):
E of Grnhlmur (7 cables S), a small islet, and:
W of a number of marine farms (1.19) which lie
close offshore on a shallow bank which fringes the
coast of Eysturoy NW of Oyri, thence:
W of Oyrarbakki (4 cables SSE); marine farms
marked by lights lie on both sides of the channel
close S of Oyrarbakki. Thence:
E of Kjhlmur (2 cables S), a small islet, 1 m
high, marked by a beacon (port hand, pole with
spherical topmark).
Note. If approaching from N, the white sector
(166167) of Hvalvk Light (grey tower, flat roof,
solar panels, 2 m in height) (6211N 659W) leads
towards the centre of the navigational channel through the
bridge.
7.170
Channel through Strmmen Bridge. The 25 m wide
channel beneath, and in the close S and N approaches to,
the bridge is aligned 348/168 and its sides are marked by
the alignment of lights on the bridge; these lights show
green on the E side of the channel and red on the W side,
both N and S of the bridge.

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7.171
Northern part. From a short distance N of the bridge
the alignment (340) of Norskli Leading Lights (each a
red triangle with white stripe, 4 m in height) (7 cables
NNW of Strmmen Bridge) leads through the N part of
Sundalagi.
Thence the alignment (114), astern, of Strmmen Bro
Leading Lights (each a red triangle with white stripe on a
pole, 5 m in height) (4 cables N of Strmmen Bridge)
leads through the N entrance of Sundalagi, passing clear
of a lightbuoy (safe water) (3 cables WNW of the
leading lights) moored on the 114 alignment.
7.172
Useful marks with positions from Strmmen Bridge:
Beacon (white cairn) (1 miles S).
Beacon (white cairn) (9 cables S).
Beacon (red cairn) (8 cables S).
Beacons (5 cables SSE) marking the landing position
on Eysturoy of a submarine cable.

Sklafjrur
Chart 3557 plan of Sklafjorur, 117 (see 1.28)

General information
1

Kaldbaksfjrur
Chart 117

General information
1

7.173
Topography. Kaldbaksfjrur (Kalbak Fjord) is entered
between Hvtanes (6203N 646W) (7.165) and
Kaldbaksnes (1 miles NW (7.165). Sund village, where
there is a power station and fuel storage tanks, lies on the
S shore of the fjord 2 miles W of Hvtanes. Marine farms
(1.19) are moored in the S half of the fjord in an area
extending 1 miles E from Sund and in the N half of the
fjord in an area mile W of Kaldbak. Kaldbak village, in
which there is a church, lies on the N side of the fjord,
about 1 mile WSW of Kaldbaksnes. The port of Sund is
controlled by Trshavn Port Authority (7.153).
Overhead cables (7.7), vertical clearance 30 m (98 ft),
span the fjord 2 miles W of Hvtanes.

Directions
1

7.174
When entering the fjord care is necessary to avoid
Flesjarnar (1 mile NNE of Hvtanes) and the dangers which
border Hvtanes and Kaldbaksnes, all of which are
described at 7.165.
Within the fjord a sandbank extends 1 cables from the
N shore close E of Kaldbak and a narrow reef fringes the
S shore for distances of about 2 cables E and W of Sund.

Berths

7.175
Anchorage. Kaldbaksfjrur should be used as an
anchorage only in fine weather as, with strong winds, it is
exposed to heavy squalls from the surrounding hills.
Anchorage is possible almost anywhere in the fjord subject
to adequate swinging space and cable, as depths are
considerable and the fjord is narrow; it is necessary to
avoid a submarine cable laid across the fjord abreast Sund,
its landing place on the N shore being marked by a
beacon. The usual berths are off Kaldbak church in a depth
of 34 m (19 fm) and off Sund in 38 m (21 fm). The holding
ground is generally good, being sand and clay everywhere
except at the head of the fjord where it is mud.
Alongside berths:
At Kaldbak: small quay with alongside depth of 4 to
5 m, used by interisland ferry; boat harbour close
W of quay.

7.176
Position. Sklafjrur (Skaale Fjord) penetrates deeply
into the SW side of Eysturoy and is entered from
Tangafjrur between Raktangi (6205N 646W) and
Toftir village (7 cables E). Kongshavn is the S part of the
fjord within Saltnes (1 mile NNE of Raktangi) which lies
on the E side of the narrowest part of the fjord.
7.177
Function. The fjord contains a number of villages with
small harbours and as it affords shelter throughout its entire
length is much frequented by vessels in bad weather,
including those compelled to vacate anchorage in Trshavn
Roads.
7.178
Topography. The sides of the fjord are not steep and
are cultivated in places. Oil storage tanks of a fuel depot
stand near the E shore at Sldarfjrur (62092N
6447W).
7.179
Port limits. The N limit of Kongshavn is as shown on
the chart.
7.180
Submarine cables. Three submarine cables are laid
across the fjord in the vicinity of Saltnes, the landing
positions of the S cable and the E end of the central cable
being marked by beacons on the shore; another submarine
cable is laid NE across the fjord from Skli (62095N
6465W), its landing positions being marked by beacons
on the shore. These cables and beacons are shown on the
chart.
7.181
Laidup vessels may be encountered, especially in
winter, in Sklafjrur N of Kongshavn; they do not
exhibit regulation lights or make sound signals.

Directions
1

At Sund: oil quay, 40 m long and alongside depth of

70 m, adjacent to fuel storage tanks. A quay, with
an overall length of 215 m, with a RoRo berth,
65 m in length and another berth, 150 m in length
lies about 220 m E of the oil quay. Depth
alongside 78 m.

324

7.182
Approaching from S care is necessary to avoid
Flesjarnar (1 miles S of Raktangi) (7.165); the coast of
Eysturoy in this vicinity can be approached safely to within
a distance of cable.
When past Flesjarnar the entrance and passage to the
head of Sklafjrur is generally clear of dangers but
marine farms (1.19) are moored along both coasts N of
Glyvar (7.188) and Hulkn (7.189) and NE of Skipanes
(7.192). At night a white sector (348355) of Strendur
Light (white house, red band) (6207N 645W) passes E
of Flesjarnar and leads through the entrance to a position in
midchannel about 2 cables SW of Saltnes.
7.183
Useful marks with positions from Strendur Light:
Toftir Light (2 miles SSE) (7.165).
Light (grey mast, 2 m in height) (1 miles SSE) on
Toftir breakwater head.
Light (grey post, 2 m in height, floodlit) (3 cables S)
on head of ferry terminal breakwater at Strendur.

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CHAPTER 7

Tank (7 cables N) at Hulkn.

Church (1 mile NE), white, prominent, in Glyvrar.

Anchorage
1

7.184
Safe anchorage with good holding can be found on both
sides of Kongshavn but the E side is preferable as depths
there decrease more gradually towards the shore; the best
berth is in a depth in excess of 50 m (27 fm) with Saltnes
bearing about 210 and Sjgv church bearing 270, distant
5 cables.
Above Kongshavn there is good anchorage anywhere in
the fjord.
It is necessary to avoid the submarine cables (7.180) laid
across Sklafjrur.

Glyvrar
1

Toftir
1

7.185
General information. Toftir (Tofte) village is situated
along the E side of the entrance to Sklafjrur N from
Toftir Light (62051N 6442W) (7.165).
Berths with positions from Toftir Light:
Angled breakwater (3 cables N), extending about
350 m in a general NW direction from the shore,
provides shelter to a ferry pier, which has a depth
of 70 m around its outer end, and to a quay, about
80 m long, extending S from near the root of the
pier; a light (7.183) stands on the breakwater head.
Quay (6 cables N), about 45 m long with depths
alongside of 90 to 110 m.
Boat harbour (7 cables N).
Facility. Resident doctor.

7.186
General information. Strendur stretches S from the
vicinity of Strendur Light (6207N 645W) (7.182) for a
distance of about 1 mile along the W shore of Sklafjrur
opposite Saltnes.
Berths with positions from Strendur Light:
Quay (5 cables S), about 100 m in length with an
alongside depth of 60 m.
Ferry terminal (3 cables S), depth alongside 65 m,
extending about 60 m N from the root of a
breakwater that projects ENE from the shore; a
light (7.183) stands on the breakwater head.
Boat harbour (4 cables S).

Runavk
1

7.187
General information. Runavk village (62066N
6435W) is situated at the head of a small bay in the SE
part of Kongshavn and has a number of alongside berths
some of which lie in an irregularlyshaped basin protected
NW by an angled pier, about 200 m in length, extending W
and SW from the shore.
Limiting conditions. Vessels not exceeding 150 m LOA
or 10 m draught can be accommodated.
Pilotage is compulsory for all foreign ships.
Regulations. Runavk is a port of entry (1.69).
Directions. There are no navigational lights. Depths
within the basin decrease from 15 m in the entrance to 2 m
in the SE corner; shallow water within the harbour is
marked by red buoys.
Anchorage. See 7.184.
Alongside berths. There are depths of 12 m along both
sides of the outer arm and 10 m along both sides of the

7.188
Berths. At Glyvrar (6207N 643W), identified by a
prominent white church, on the E side of Sklafjrur there
is a quay, 85 m in length with a depth of 70 m alongside,
and a boat harbour adjacent S.

Hulkn
1

7.189
Berths. At Hulkn (6208N 645W), on the W side
Sklafjrur, there are two quays, the S quay 60 m
length with an alongside depth of 9 m, the N quay 120
in length with an alongside depth of 6 to 8 m. It
advisable to berth bows S.
Facilities: fuel oils; water.

of
in
m
is

Sldarfjrur
1

Strendur
1

inner arm of the angled pier; shore line quays within the
basin have alongside depths of 5 to 6 m. An open quay
250 m in length, extending N from near the root of the
pier, with alongside depths of 10 to 15 m, together with an
additional open quay under construction (2002) 1 cables
father N.
Repairs of a minor nature undertaken; facilities for
larger repairs available at Skli (3 miles NNW) (7.191).
Other facilities: customs; resident doctor.
Supplies: fuel oils; water; provisions; bottled gas.

7.190
General information. Sldarfjrur (Solmundefjord)
(6209N 645W), where there is a fuelling jetty adjacent
to fuel storage tanks, is situated on the E side of
Sklafjrur. Although the wind usually follows the line of
the fjord occasional offshore winds blowing down from the
hillside can make berthing here difficult; no tugs are
available.
Berths:
Fuelling jetty projecting 50 m SW from the shore,
outer face 55 m long; a mooring dolphin,
connected to the shore by a causeway, lies 60 m
SE of the jetty head; mooring bollards are situated
on the shore N and S of the root of the jetty.
Depth at berth 80 m.
Quay (3 cables NW of fuelling jetty), length about
50 m, depth alongside 60 m.
Boat harbour (1 cables NW of fuelling jetty).

Skli
1

7.191
General information. There is a shipyard about 3 cables
NNW of Skli village (6209N 646W) on the W side of
Sklafjrur.
Berths: quay at N end of shipyard, length about 100 m,
alongside depth in excess of 6 m; several small jetties
extending into depths of 8 to 9 m.
Repairs. The shipyard can undertake all types of repairs.
Facilities include: dry dock, length 115 m, breadth 20 m;
patent slips, largest with 55 m long cradle and lifting
capacity of 1016 tonnes displacement; fittingout berths;
divers.
Other facility. Resident doctor in Skli.
Supplies: fuel oils; water; provisions.

Skipanes
1

325

7.192
At Skipanes village (6210N 646W) there is a small
quay with an alongside depth of 5 m. A boat harbour is
situated at Gtueie, a village close NW.

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CHAPTER 7

Sjgv
1

Landings

7.193
There is a small pier at Sjgv (6207N 645W), depth
alongside about 3 m.

Sklafjrur
1

7.194
There is small pier at Sklafjrur (Skaalebotn) village
(6212N 651W), depth alongside about 3 m.

Anchorage and minor harbours in Sundini

Kollafjrur

Chart 117

Selatra

Charts 3557 plan of Kollafjrur, 117

General information
1

7.195
Kollafjrur (Kolle Fjord), an inlet in the NE side of
Streymoy, is entered at the NW end of Tangafjrur
between Kjalnestangi (Klns) (6207N 652W) and the
coast of Streymoy about 7 cables S. The fjord affords
anchorage and there are berthing facilities at the village of
Langasandur, situated on the N side of the head of the
fjord; several other villages with harbours suitable for small
craft lie around the shore of the fjord. A reclaimed strip,
500 m in length, extends 100 m from the coast on the S
side of the fjord S of Langasandur. The port is controlled
by Trshavn Port Authority (7.153).
Topography. The N shore consists mainly of low
stonecovered slopes. The head of the fjord is low
cultivated land behind a wide sandy beach through which
River Dal enters the head of the fjord. Sklingsfjall
(Sklling Fjeld), one of the highest mountains of Froyar,
rises about 1 miles SW of the head of the fjord.
Harbour limit. As shown on the chart.
Port radio. All radio communications are to be passed
through Trshavn, for details see Admiralty List of Radio
Signals Volume 6(2).

Directions
1

7.196
Care is necessary to avoid a spit, extending about
1 cables SE from Kjalnestangi, on which there is a rock
with a depth over it of 22 m (7 ft).
Marine farms (1.19) are moored in the N half of the
fjord in an area extending from the spit SE of Kjalnestangi
to Kollafjrur and from Kollafjrur SE to Lygnns.
Useful mark:
Church (8 cables WSW of Kjalnestangi) in
Kollafjrur village.

Berths
1

7.197
Anchorage can be obtained anywhere in the fjord. The
holding is good but during gales the fjord is exposed to
heavy squalls from Sklingsfjall; the squalls are, however,
less severe than those in Kaldbaksfjrur (7.173). The
usual berth is abreast Kollafjrur church.
Alongside berths. At Langasandur there are three quays
with three berths; the SW quay, Berth KB100 200 m in
length depth 7 m, the central quay, Berth KB120 100 m in
length with depth 12 m and the NE quay, Berth KB130
100 m in length with depth 12 m.
Facility. Resident doctor at Kollafjrur village.
Supplies at Langasandur: fuel oils by road tanker; water;
provisions; bottled gas.

7.198
Berths:
Boat landing at Kjalnestangi.
Small pier at Kollafjrur village, depth at pierhead
30 m.
Boat harbour at Sjgv (close SW of Kollafjrur
village).
Small pier at Signabur (1 miles SSW of
Kollafjrur church), depth at pierhead 25 m.

7.199
A small pier, with a depth of 3 to 4 m alongside,
projects NW from a small point in front of the village of
Selatra (Selletr) (6209N 652W).
A breakwater extends N from near the root of the pier,
forming a boat harbour N of the point.
A dangerous rock lies cable SW of the head of the
pier.

Hsvik
1

7.200
General information. Hsvik (Thorsvig) (6209N
656W), a village, lies at the head of a small bay in
Streymoy.
Alongside berths. On the S side of the bay there are
two piers, each about 40 m long, with a depth of 55 m
alongside their heads; a boat harbour lies W of the piers.
Anchorage. There is good anchorage off boat sheds at
Hsvik in a depth of 20 m (11 fm) on the alignment (327)
of the extremity of the coast of Streymoy N of Hsvik and
Oyri (re) (about 2 miles NNW).
Chart 3557 plan of Sundalagi

Vi ir
1

7.201
A whaling station at Vi ir (Vidh ir) (6211N
658W), 2 miles SSE of Strmmen Bridge, has jetties
with alongside depths of 50 m.

Oyri
1

7.202
Oyri (6211N 659W), a village on the SW side of
Eysturoy 1 miles SSE of Strmmen Bridge, has two small
quays with depths of 5 to 8 m alongside which are
protected SE by a breakwater; a light (mast, 2 m in height)
stands on the head of the breakwater, which is floodlit.

Hvalvk
1

326

7.203
General information. Hvalvk (Kvalvig) (6211N
701W) is a small bay in Streymoy at the S end of
Sundalgi. The villages of Hvalvk, with a church, and
Streymnes lie, respectively, at the SW and NW head of the
bay. The harbour limit is shown on the chart.
Alongside berths. On the S side of the bay there is a
quay, about 80 m long with an alongside depth of 60 m;
two boat harbours lie close W of the quay. A small pier,
with a depth of 30 m at its head, extends from the N side
of the bay.
Anchorage. There is good anchorage in the middle of
the bay in a depth of about 12 m (39 ft); it is said to be
sheltered from squalls off the mountains with strong winds
from W and NE but not from strong winds from other
directions.

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Chart 117

Tjrnuvk

Svnar
1

7.204
A small pier, with depths of 3 to 5 m at its outer end,
extends SW from Svnar (Svinaaer) (6214N 701W).

Gjnoyri
1

7.205
Anchorage. Good anchorage can be found off Gjnoyri
(Giannre) (6214N 702W) but the area is exposed to
strong mountain squalls.

7.208
General information. Tjrnuvk (Tirnevig) (6218N
708W) is an inlet in Streymoy on the W side of the
entrance to Sundini, with a village of the same name at its
head. Small craft can obtain anchorage, during offshore
winds, off the village in a depth of about 20 m (11 fm)
with good holding and avoiding the submarine cable laid
from the head of the inlet. There are landing facilities for
boats at the village.

PASSAGE EAST OF NLSOY AND

EYSTUROY
General information

Haldarsvk
1

7.206
General information. A small harbour is situated in
front of the village of Haldarsvk (Haldorsvig) (6217N
705W) which lies at the head of a small bay in Streymoy.
The harbour is protected E by a breakwater extending
about 275 m SSE from the shore.
Alongside berths. There are several quays and piers
with alongside depths of 2 to 3 m.
Anchorage can be obtained off the village on the
alignment of the NE entrance point to Haldarsvk with the
summit of Kollur (Koldur) (2 miles N) (7.134) in a depth
of about 28 m (15 fm), good holding, sand and clay.
It is necessary to avoid submarine power cables laid
across Sundini N of the harbour; the landing positions of
the cables are marked by beacons on the shore.

Chart 117

Tidal streams
1

Interval from Remarks

HW Reykjavik

Eii
1

7.207
General information. A harbour is situated at the
village of Eii (Eide) (6218N 705W) which lies about
7 cables E of Torvanes at the head of a small bay on the
SW side of the isthmus joining Kollur (7.134) to the main
part of Eysturoy. The harbour is enclosed between two
angled breakwaters, the W breakwater extending 525 m
SSE and SE and the E breakwater extending about 150 m
in a generally W direction, leaving an entrance about
100 m wide between the breakwater heads. A light (grey
mast, 10 m in height) stands near the head of the W
breakwater; the breakwater heads are floodlit.
A submarine pipeline outflow extends 350 m in a SW
direction from the shore, close SE of the root of the E
breakwater, across the harbour entrance to a position 70 m
SW of the head of the W breakwater. The diffuser end is
unmarked.
Useful marks:
Church in the village.
Radio mast (red obstruction lights) (8 cables E of
Torvanes), close NE of Eii.
Anchorage, in fine weather, can be obtained off Eii in
a depth of about 9 m (30 ft), excellent holding, on the
alignment of Torvanes and Stakkur (1 miles WNW)
(7.133). With winds between N and W anchorage off
Haldarsvk (see above) is preferable.
Alongside berths. An angled quay is situated in front of
a fish factory at the NW head of the harbour; the longest
section of this quay, aligned E/W, is about 70 m in length,
depth alongside 61 m. The inner side of the inner end of
the W breakwater is lined by a quay, about 80 m long with
a depth of 5 m at its seaward end.
Facilities. Resident doctor.

7.209
East side of Nlsoy:

0255

Ngoing tidal stream begins and runs for

5 hours during which eddies form along
the E side of Nlsoy between the salient
points.

+0205

Sgoing tidal stream begins and runs for

about 7 hours. This stream is a
deflection S, off the N end of Nlsoy, of
the Wgoing tidal stream E of the
island.

+0545

Coastal tidal stream becomes Ngoing N

of Eii but continues Sgoing S of Eii.

Major lights
7.210
1

Nlsoy Light (white round tower, 14 m in height)

(6157N 636W) on the SE extremity of Nlsoy;
this light is shown by day in poor visibility.
Skansen Light (6200N 645W) (7.147).

Directions
(continued from 7.72)
1

327

7.211
From a position E of Kapulin (Kabelen), a rocky islet,
25 m in height, close offshore under Nlsoy Light, the
coastal passage leads generally N passing:
E of Nlsoy (7.144), noting two isolated shoals with
a depth of 16 m (52 ft) over each, situated,
respectively, 1 miles and 3 miles E of the N
extremity of Nlsoy; thence:
E of Eystnes (6203N 641W), the S extremity of
Eysturoy, thence:
E of Nev (6206N 637W), avoiding as necessary
Hgnaboi (Hgnebue) (2 miles ESE to 2 miles
SE), a group of rocks, with a least depth over
them of 73 m (24 ft), over which the sea usually
breaks; Rituvksgrynna, an isolated 165 m (54 ft)
patch over which the sea breaks in bad weather,
lies 1 miles SSW of Nev. Thence:
E of Mjvanes (Mjovans) (6208N 635W), the
comparatively low extremity of a long narrow
peninsula extending SE from Eysturoy. A light
(white structure, red band, 6 m in height) stands on
the point. There are usually heavy overfalls, not
caused by shallow water, off this point.

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7.212
Light sectors and leading marks:
At night Hgnaboi is covered by a red sector
(227240) of Skansen Light and by a red sector
(327357) of Mjvanes Light.
By day the alignment (about 229) of Eystnes with
the summit of Hestur (8 miles SW) leads
between Hgnaboi and Rituvksgrynna.
(Directions continue for passage between
Eysturoy and Noroyar at 7.226
and for coastal passage NE at 7.255;
Directions are given for the N entrance
to Nlsoyarfjrur at 7.150
and for Tangafjrur at 7.165)

Topography
1

Anchorage and landings

7.213
Lambavk (Lambavig) is entered between Nev (6206N
637W) and Mjvanes (1 miles NNE) (7.211). The bay is
exposed to E and SE winds but temporary anchorage can
be found near the head in depths of 29 to 37 m (16 to
20 fm). There is a boat jetty at the head of the bay.
Marine farms (1.19) are moored within 3 cables of the
SW coast of Lambavk in an area extending between 1 and
2 miles NW of Nev.

Landings: east coast of Streymoy

Lambavk
1

Djpini (Djupene) is the N part of the channel

separating Kalsoy from Eysturoy and merges with
Leirvksfjrur N of Fuglafjrur (Fugle Fjord) (3 miles
WNW of Galvur).
7.217
The S part of Kalsoyarfjrur, with Leirvksfjrur and
Djpini, separate Noroyar (7.5) from Eysturoy.

7.214
uvk (Avevig) (6204N 641W), a village about
8 cables N of Eystnes, has good boat landing facilities.
Rituvk (Ridevig) (6206N 641W) a village at the
head of a bay 3 miles N of Eystnes, has very limited boat
landing facilities.

7.218
Eysturoy. The NE side of Eysturoy, which extends
between Mjvanes and Rivatangi (16 miles NW) is
heavily indented by four inlets, all of which are of interest
to the mariner.
7.219
Boroy. The SW end of Boroy is formed by a
peninsula extending 5 miles NNW from Boroyarnes; Klak,
a peak 414 m (1355 ft) high, stands at the NW extremity of
this peninsula on the S side of the entrance to Pollurin
(7.242). The peninsula is connected to the remainder of the
island by an isthmus at Klaksvk (Klaksvig) (6214N
635W) (7.242).
7.220
Kalsoy. A mountainous spine runs the whole length of
Kalsoy (Kals) (6215N 641W), unbroken except for a
low gap which extends across the narrowest part of the
island about 3 miles NNW of Galvur. The W side of the
island is devoid of inlets or anchorages. Several small
villages lie along the E side of the island.
7.221
Kunoy (Kun), of which Kunoyarnakkur (6222N
641W) (7.140) is the N extremity, is connected to Boroy
at the village of Strond (6 miles SSE of Kunoyarnakkur)
by a road causeway, about 4 m high, across the S end of
Haraldssund, thus preventing through traffic between
Pollurin and Haraldssund (7.141).

Vertical clearances
KALSOYARFJR
UR WITH
SOUTHERN APPROACHES AND
LEIRVKSFJR
UR AND DJPINI

7.222
Overhead cables (7.7) span Kalsoyarfjrur as follows:
In the S part, 1 miles SSE of Galvur, vertical
clearance 60 m (197 ft).
In the N part, 2 miles N of Galvur, vertical
clearance 55 m (180 ft)

General information
Tidal streams
Chart 117

Description
1

7.215
Kalsoyarfjr ur (Kalso Fjord) is approached from S
between Mjvanes (6208N 635W) and Boroyarnes
(Bord Ns) (2 miles NNE). The S part of the fjord,
entered E of Gtunes (Gtens) (3 miles NNW of
Mjvanes), separates Eysturoy from Boroy. The N and
main part of Kalsoyarfjrur extends NNW from the
vicinity of Galvur (6214N 639W), the S extremity of
Kalsoy, and separates Kalsoy from Kunoy. Pollurin (Pollen)
or KlaksRed, which connects Kalsoyarfjrur with
Haraldssund (Harald Sund) opens off Kalsoyarfjrur
1 miles NE of Galvur.
7.216
Leirvksfjr ur (Lervig Fjord), entered from
Kalsoyarfjrur S of Galvur, is the S part of the channel
separating Kalsoy from Eysturoy.

7.223
Southern part of Kalsoyarfjrur.
Interval from Remarks
HW Reykjavik
0515

NNWgoing stream begins. A large

eddy immediately forms off the entrance
to Pollurin and gradually extends about
1 mile S along the coast of Boroy.

0415

Eddies form along the whole length of

the SW coast of Boroy.

0215

An eddy (7.230) forms

Mjvanes and Gtunes.

between

HW Reykjavik Tidal streams run E and N around

Galvur, and NE towards the S end of
Kunoy off Kalsoy Light (1 mile N of
Galvur).

328

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Interval from Remarks

HW Reykjavik
+0110

SSEgoing tidal stream commences and

runs initially through the whole width of
Kalsoyarfjrur.

+0310

An eddy (7.230) forms between

Mjvanes and Gtunes; this eddy
eventually manifests itself as a N and
NWgoing eddy along the coast of
Eysturoy between Gtunes and Leirvk
(Lervig) (2 miles NW). Another eddy
forms of the SE coast of Kalsoy N of
Galvur.

+0410

+0520

Eddies form along the SW coast of

Boroy, but these are less strong than
those eddies formed along this coast
during the NNWgoing tidal stream.

Directions
(continued from 7.212)

Southern part of Kalsoyarfjrur and approaches

1

Tidal stream runs S and W around

Galvur.
3

In general the NWgoing tidal stream is stronger than

the SEgoing.
When wind and tidal streams are opposed, overfalls
form in the S approaches to the fjord during both NW and
SEgoing tidal streams and may be dangerous to small
craft.
7.224
Northern part of Kalsoyarfjrur. About 2 miles N
of Galvur abreast the village of Hsar (Husum) tidal
streams run as follows:

Interval from Remarks

HW Reykjavik

0425

Ngoing tidal stream begins.

About 0125

A considerable eddy forms along the

coast of Kalsoy between Hsar and
Syradalur (Sydredal) (1 miles SSE).

Off the village of Leirvk (Lervig) (1 miles SW of

Galvur) the streams may attain rates of 11 kn at spring
tides.

7.226
From a position about 1 miles NE of Mjvanes
(6208N 635W) (7.211) the route leads NNW passing
(with positions from Mjvanes):
ENE of Sekkjatangsboi (Seggiatangs bue) (7 cables
N), a detached patch, thence:
WSW of Boroyarnes (Bord Ns) (6210N
632W), the S extremity of Boroy (Bord),
thence:
ENE of Gtunes (3 miles NNW), the N entrance
point to Gtuvk (Gtevig) (7.229).
The route is clear of dangers and deep except for an
isolated 17 m (54 ft) patch (1 miles N of Gtunes) in the
S entrance to Leirvksfjrur.
At night a white sector (327340) of Kalsoy Light
(6215N 639W) (7.228) leads in clear water through the
S part of Kalsoyarfjrur and approaches.
Clearing marks and light sectors:
The N extremity of Nlsoy (7 miles SSW of
Mjvanes) bearing about 205 and open SE of
Mjvanes passes E of Sekkjatangsboi.
At night Sekkjatangsboi is covered by a red sector
(168199) of Mjvanes Light, and by a red
sector (340353) of Kalsoy Light.
(Directions continue for
N part of Kalsoyarfjrur at 7.228)

Leirvksfjrur and Djpini

Interval from Remarks

HW Reykjavik

7.227
Both Leirvksfjrur, entered S of Galvur (6214N
639W), and Djpini are deep and clear of dangers except
for a few groups of belowwater rocks which lie close
offshore on both sides of the channel; in particular,
attention is drawn to a group of rocks fringing a salient
point on the W side of Kalsoy, 2 miles NW of Galvur,
where Leirvksfjrur and Djpini merge. The chart is the
best guide.
From N Djpini is entered between Rivtangi (6220N
659W) (7.137) and Kallur (5 miles ENE), on which there
is a light (7.140).
Useful marks with positions from Galvur:
Leirvk Light (white round structure, red band, 4 m in
height) (1 miles SW).
Lights (7.240) (6 miles NW) in Oyndarfjrur (Ande
Fjord).

0525

Northern part of Kalsoyarfjrur

+0120

Sgoing tidal stream begins.

About +0320

A considerable eddy forms along the

coast of Kalsoy between Galvur and
Syradalur.

About +0420

A considerable eddy forms along the

coast of Kunoy for a distance of about
2 miles SSW of the N extremity of that
island.

7.225
Leirvsfjrur and Djpini.

The NWgoing tidal stream begins in

the S part of the channel; it turns about
1 hour later in the N part

0125

An eddy forms off the Kalsoy coast

about 3 miles NNW of Galvur.

+0020

The SEgoing tidal stream begins in the

N part of the channel; it turns about
1 hour later in the S part.

+0220

An eddy forms off the Kalsoy coast

about 3 miles NNW of Galvur.

329

7.228
From the vicinity of Galvur (6214N 639W), the N
part of Kalsoyarfjrur, extends about 9 miles NNW. The
fjord is deep and clear of dangers except where
abovewater and belowwater rocks lie close offshore on
both sides of the fjord, especially along the S part of the
W coast of Kunoy as indicated on the chart.
The fjord is entered from N between Kallur (6222N
648W), on which there is a light (7.140), and
Kunoyarnakkur (2 miles E) (7.140).

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Useful mark:
Kalsoy Light (white tower, red band, 7 m in height)
(1 mile N of Galvur) on the S side of Syradalur
village.

Fuglafjrur
Chart 3557 plan of Fuglafjrur, 117

General information
1

Gtuvk
Chart 117 (see 1.28)

General information
1

7.229
Gtuvk (Gtevig), an inlet in the SE side of Eysturoy,
is entered between Mjvanes (6208N 635W) (7.211) and
Gtunes (Gtens) (3 miles NNW), which is steepto
except for several belowwater rocks very close off the S
side. There are several villages around the bay, the most
important of which is Norragta (Gte), situated at the N
head.
Local knowledge is required for the channel, in which
there is deep water, between Sekkjatangsboi
(Seggiatangsbue) (7 cables N of Mjvanes) and the coast of
Esturoy.
7.230
Tidal streams. Significant eddies form in the outer part
of Gtuvk during both the Ngoing and Sgoing tidal
streams in the S part of Kalsoyarfjrur, and there are
usually heavy overfalls in the vicinity of Mjvanes.

Arrival information
1

Interval from Remarks

HW Reykjavik
0215

Eddy runs NW past Gtunes into

Gtuvk to about halfway along the N
shore, then across to the S shore, then
SE between Sekkjatangsboi and
Mjvanes.

+0310

Eddy runs NW into Gtuvk between

Sekkjatangsboi and Mjvanes, then
across to about halfway along the N
shore, then out SE past Gtunes.

7.231
Mariners without local knowledge are advised, when
entering the bay, to give Sekkjatangsboi a wide berth and
to favour Gtunes.
Marine farms (1.19) are moored in the WNW half of
Gtuvk, extending up to 4 cables from the SSW coast and
6 cables from the NNE coast, leaving an unobstructed
channel, 4 cables wide, in the central third of the bay.
Useful mark:
Light (pipe, 2 m in height) (3 miles WNW of
Gtunes) on head of breakwater at Norragta.

7.236
Fuglafjrur is well sheltered, has excellent holding
ground, and is preferable to Klaksvk (7.242) as an
anchorage as the mountain squalls are less violent.
The best berth is in midfjord with the outer harbour
limit lightbeacons bearing about 067 and the inner
harbour limit lightbeacons bearing about 013 in a depth
of about 24 m (13 fm).
Smaller vessels can anchor nearer the head of the fjord
but must take care to avoid the moorings of laidup
vessels, and anchor cables extending from vessels lying at
alongside berths.
Regulation. Permission of the Harbour Authority is
required to anchor N of the inner harbour limit.

Alongside berths

Berths
7.232
Anchorage. Gtuvk can afford temporary anchorage but
is exposed to SE winds. The usual berth is on the N side
of the head of the inlet.
Alongside. At Norragta a breakwater extending about
250 m SW from the shore affords shelter to two angled
moles enclosing a small basin, and a boat harbour; there is
a depth of 45 m within the basin and about 6 m alongside
the outer arm, 65 m in length, of the S and larger mole.
There is also a boat harbour at Syrugta (8 cables SSW of
Norragta).

7.235
Approach and entry to the fjord is generally
unobstructed by dangers and depths shelve gradually
towards the head of the fjord. A marine farm (1.19) is
moored inshore in an area extending from 4 cables NNW
to 6 cables SE of Toftens (62135N 6483W).

Anchorage

7.234
Pilotage is not compulsory, but on request the Harbour
Authority can arrange for a competent person to give
pilotage assistance.
Regulations. Fuglafjrur is a port of entry (1.69).
Tidal streams. The NWgoing stream in Leirvksfjrur
begins to run into Fuglafjrur on its N side and out on its
S side at 0515 HW Reykjavik; conversely the SEgoing
stream in Leirvksfjrur begins to run into Fuglafjrur on
its S side and out on its N side at +0010 HW Reykjavik.

Directions

Directions
1

7.233
Fuglafjrur (Fugle Fjord) (6214N 648W), an inlet in
the NE side of Eysturoy is entered from Leirvksfjrur
and after Vestmanna (6209N 710W) (7.128) is the best
harbour in the N part of Froyar. Fuglafjrur village,
where there is a church and harbour installations, skirts the
head of the fjord.
Traffic. In 2004, 17 vessels used the port totalling
22 920 dwt.
Harbour limits. Both inner and outer limits are
indicated on the chart.
Port Authority. Kjartan Gaard, FR530 Fuglefjord,
Fuglafjrur, Froyar.

330

7.237
Principal berths with positions from Fuglafjrur
church:
Quay (6 cables SE), about 50 m in length and depth
alongside 111 m.
Oil pier (5 cables SE), outer face about 25 m in
length and depth alongside 52 m.
Quay (4 cables SE), 150 m in length and depth
alongside 62 m, adjacent to a fish processing
factory with several tanks.
Quay (3 cables SE), about 250 m in length, depth
alongside 62 m, the NW and larger arm of an
angled quay, total length 350 m adjacent to fish
processing and ice factories.

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CHAPTER 7

Fuglafjrur from S (7.233)

(Photograph Fish Farming International)
4

(Original dated 2002)

Quay (4 cables S), 40 m in length and depth

alongside 45 m, adjacent to fish processing
factory.
Boat harbour at head of fjord close SE of church.

Port services

7.238
Repairs: small repairs undertaken; divers.
Other facilities: customs; resident doctor, reception
facilities for some oily wastes.
Supplies: fuel oils; water; provisions; ice; bottled gas.
Communications: regular sea links with Denmark;
calling place for interisland ferry.

Minor harbours and anchorages in

Leirvksfjrur and Djpini
Chart 117 (see 1.28)

Leirvk
1

7.239
General information. Leirvk (Lervig) village (6213N
642W) is situated, with a harbour, on the S side of
Leirvksfjrur. A large W breakwater extends about 500 m
E from the shore and the outer remains of a smaller E
breakwater extend about 100 m NW from a position on the
shore 3 cables ESE of the root of the W breakwater. Works
in progress (2004) to demolish the outer remains of the E
breakwater and replace by a wider breakwater with berths
on the inner side. These breakwaters afford shelter to an
outer harbour, and an inner harbour in which there is a
basin and a boat harbour. The approach to the basin from
the inner harbour entrance was dredged to 59 m in 1999.
Pilotage. Mariners with local knowledge are available to
give pilotage advice.
Tidal streams can be strong in the vicinity, see 7.225.

Directions. An abovewater rock lies cable offshore

at the NW end of the village. The head of the W
breakwater is floodlit. A lightbuoy (port hand) is moored
NW of the works area for the new E breakwater in the
entrance to the inner harbour.
Useful marks:
Leirvk Light (7.227).
Light (grey post, 5 m in height) on head of W
breakwater
Anchorage is not available in the vicinity.
Principal Berths with positions from head of W
breakwater:
RoRo ferry berth (1 cables W), 50 m long, depth
69 m, on S side of W breakwater.
Basin (1 cables SSW), entered from inner harbour
and lined by quays on three sides the longest of
which is about 100 m, depth 51 m.
Boat harbour close SE of basin.
Supplies: fuel oil; water; provisions; bottled gas.

Oyndarfjrur
1

331

7.240
General information. Oyndarfjrur (Ande Fjord)
(6216N 650W), a fjord in the NE side of Eysturoy, is
entered between two unnamed points on the W side of
Djpini. A village of the same name, where there is a
harbour suitable for small craft, lies on the NW side of the
fjord about mile within the entrance.
Tidal streams. The NWgoing tidal stream in Djpini
(7.225) runs into the N side of the fjord and out on the S
side; conversely the SEgoing tidal stream runs in on the S
side and out on the N side.
Directions. The fjord is deep and clear of offshore
dangers except on the NW side where rocks and a reef
fringe the coast in the vicinity of the village. At night the
white sector (234260) of Oyndarfjrur Light (grey

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CHAPTER 7

framework tower, 2 m in height) on the shore near the S

end of the village leads to the vicinity of the harbour.
Marine (1.19) farms are moored inshore in an area which
extends 5 cables NE from the village.
Marine farms are moored in three areas to the S of a
line extending ENE from the village of Ande Fjord to a
point 2 cables N of the S entrance point of the fjord. A
narrow unobstructed channel leads SSE bewteen marine
farms to Heller with a side channel in a SW direction to
the head of the fjord.
Useful mark:
Light (grey framework tower, 8 m in height)
(1 cables NNE of Oyndarfjrur Light) on
breakwater head.
Anchorage and landings. Temporary anchorage may be
found off the village in a depth of about 33 m (18 fm), but
the holding is not good and bad weather raises a swell in
the fjord. A small pier with a depth of about 4 m at its
head extends from in front of Oyndarfjrur village. About
2 cables farther S a breakwater, extending about 150 m S
from the shore, affords protection from E to a basin, about
80 m in length and width and with depths of about 4 to
5 m.

Small quay, depth alongside about 3 m, on E side of

inner part of fjord, 2 cables N of Funningsfjrur
village.

Klaksvk
Chart 3557 plan of KlaksRed

General information
1

Funningsfjrur
1

7.241
General information. Funningsfjrur (Funding Fjord)
is entered from Djpini between Mlin (Mulen) (6219N
654W) and the coast of Eysturoy 1 miles SE. The
villages of Elduvk (Eldevig) and Funningur (Funding) lie,
respectively, 1 miles S and 2 miles SW of Mlin in the
outer part of the fjord. At Nes (Ns) (2 miles SSW of
Mlin), a low point, the inner part of the fjord narrows
markedly and extends S to its head which dries and around
which lies Funningsfjrur (Fundingsbotn) village. Marine
farms (1.19) are found on both sides of the fjord.
Submarine cable lies along the centre of the fjord and
comes ashore at Funningsfjrur village.
Local knowledge is required for the inner part of the
fjord.
Overhead cables (7.7) span the inner part of the fjord
close S of Nes.
Tidal streams. The NWgoing tidal stream in Djpini
(7.225) runs into the N side of the outer part of the fjord
and out on the S side; conversely the SEgoing tidal
stream runs in on the S side and out on the N side.
Directions. The outer part of Funningsfjrur is clear of
dangers more than a short distance offshore. Marine farms
(1.19) are moored inshore in an area extending 1 mile NE
of Funningur; in areas on both sides of the fjord extending
13 miles SSW of Nes; and in an area about 5 cables from
the head of the fjord.
Anchorage. There is no secure anchorage in the outer
part of the fjord which is mainly deep. Although there is
good holding off Funningur, bad weather raises heavy seas.
Small craft can find anchorage in the inner part of the
fjord which is well sheltered from swell but is subject to
violent mountain squalls. The bottom is rocky for about
1 mile S from Nes; farther S the holding ground is good
but swinging room is limited. A submarine cable is laid
across the fjord 1 miles S of Nes; its landing positions
are marked by beacons on the shores.
Small piers or landings are situated at the following
locations:
Landing at Elduvk.
Small pier, depth at head about 3 m at Funningur.

7.242
Position. Klaksvk (6214N 635W) is a narrow
landlocked inlet in the SW coast of Boroy.
Function. Klaksvk has three terminals: general cargo,
container and cruise ships; a fish quay; and a tanker
terminal.
Topography. The S side of the entrance to Pollurin rises
to Klak (7.219) and for this reason the S shore of Pollurin
is known locally as Klak.
The town of Klaksvk extends around the inlet.
Port limits. As indicated on the chart.
Approach. The harbour is approached from
Kalsoyarfjrur through Pollurin or KlaksRed (6215N
637W), the landlocked area of water between the S side
of Kunoy and the coast of Boroy S and SE.
Port Authority. Klaksvkar Havn, Pstrm 26, FO700
Klaksvk, Froyar. The Port Office is situated on the W
side of the harbour 5 cables SSE of the beacon on
uklettur.

Limiting conditions
1

7.243
Longest berth. Quay at Ksini (7.248).
Deepest berth. Nordborg N extension (7.248).
Maximum size of vessel handled: normally length
180 m, draught 85 m.

Arrival information
1
2

7.244
Notice of ETA required: 24 hours. For further details
see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6 (1).
Outer anchorage. Pollurin affords good anchorage with
excellent holding; it is advisable to lie at single anchor
because of violent squalls from any direction (7.245). In
1959 HMS Bermuda, 8000 tonnes displacement and 164 m
in length, anchored with Kalsoy Light (62146N
6395W) (7.228) bearing 266, distant 16 miles. The best
berth, but suitable only for small craft, is in a depth of
about 24 m (13 fm), clay and sand, on the alignment (272)
of the N extremity of Klak and Kalsoy Light and about
cable W of the charted leading line into Klaksvk.
Pilotage. On request the Harbour Authority can arrange
for a competent person to give pilotage assistance. Pilots
board in Pollurin.
Tugs. Available on request.
Regulations. Klaksvk is a port of entry (1.69).

Harbour
1

332

7.245
General layout. All the principal berths are situated on
both sides of the inlet within 5 cables of the entrance.
Farther S depths decrease and berths and moorings in the
inner part of the harbour are suitable only for small craft.
Laidup vessels may be encountered in the S part of
the harbour, especially in winter; they do not exhibit
regulation lights or make sound signals.
Tidal streams in Pollurin are not known following the
construction of a causeway (7.221) (Chart 117) across
Haraldssund, but previously they were weak.
Weather. During gales Pollurin is subject to violent
squalls which may come from any direction. Klaksvk is

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CHAPTER 7

Klaksvk Ksini Filetfabrik berth from NNW (7.248)

(Original dated 2004)
(Photograph D Given, MV Doulos)

also subject to strong and irregular mountain squalls,

particularly during W gales.

Directions for entering harbour

1

7.246
Pollurin. From a position in Kalsoyarfjrur abreast
Kalsoy Light the route through Pollurin to a charted
leading line into Klaksvk leads E passing between Klaks
and the S side of Kunoy, both of which are fringed by a
narrow bank. Marine farms (1.19) are moored in a broad
fringe, extending up to half the width of the inlet E and
NE of Kunoy Ns.
At night a white sector (256269), astern, of Kalsoy
Light leads through Pollurin.
7.247
Klaksvk Leading Lights:
Front light (grey framework tower, 3 m in height) on
head of mole extending from W side of Klaksvk.
Rear light (similar structure also 3 m) (1 cable S of
front light) near middle of pier extending from W
side of Klaksvk.
The alignment (170) of these lights leads in
midchannel through the entrance and outer part of
Klaksvk.

Port services
1

Berths
1

7.248
Anchorage. Klaksvk affords good anchorage, subject to
weather (7.245) but only for small, craft as space is much
restricted. The best berth is in midchannel about 1 cable S
of the harbour limit, but mariners must anchor as directed
by the Harbour Authority. Anchorage is prohibited within
1 cable of a submarine pipeline laid diagonally across the
inlet about 3 cables S of the harbour limit. The inner part
of the fjord is obstructed by moorings for laidup vessels.
Alongside berths. There are a number of berths on both
sides of the harbour the more important of which are (with
positions from harbour limit):

Oil Terminal (about cable S on E side of inlet), about

55 m in length including berthing dolphin, depth alongside
80 to 90 m.
Quay at Ksini (2 cables S on E side of inlet),
250 m in length, depth alongside 6.3 m
Quay at Nordborg (3 cables S on W side of harbour)
total length about 400 m but angled into two
sections, the longer tending N, with a N extension
of lesser width, depth alongside 43 to 85 m.
Outer arm of mole (5 cables S on W side of inlet),
75 m in length, depth 60 m along both sides.
RoRo ferry pier (5 cables SSE on E side of inlet),
depth 4 to 5 m.
There is a marina close SSE of the RoRo terminal.
7.249
Repairs: shipyard undertakes all types of repairs; patent
slip, lifting capacity 800 dwt; divers.
Other facilities: hospital (close WSW of rear leading
light); customs; reception facilities for some oily wastes.
Supplies: fuel oils; water; provisions; bottled gas; ice.
Communications: regular sea links with Denmark;
calling place for interisland ferry.

Anchorage and minor harbours in

northern part of Kalsoyarfjrur
Chart 117 (see 1.28)

Anchorage
1

7.250
There is no secure anchorage in N part of
Kalsoyarfjrur.

Minor harbours
1

333

7.251
There are piers or jetties suitable for small craft at the
following villages (with positions from Kalsoy Light):

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CHAPTER 7

Klaksvk Nordborg Quay N section from NNE (7.248)

(Original dated 2004)
(Photograph D Given, MV Doulos)

Syradalur (Sydredal) (close N) on the E coast of

Kalsoy. Works in progress (2003) to construct a
ferry berth including 2 moles.
Hsar (Husum) (1 miles NNW) on the E coast of
Kalsoy.
Kunoyarbygd (Kun) (3 miles N) on W coast of
Kunoy.
Mikladalur (Mygledal) (6 miles NNW) on E coast of
Kalsoy.

1 mile S of Norberg (Nordberg), the N extremity of the

island, which itself rises steeply to a height of 549 m;
Eystfelli, the E side of the island, is 440 m high and falls
vertically to the sea.
Vioy (Vider), of which Enniberg (6223N 633W)
(7.140) is the N extremity, is high with coasts that fall
steeply to the sea.

Major light
7.254
Nlsoy Light (6157N 636W) (7.210).

PASSAGE SOUTHEAST OF NOR
OYAR

Directions
(continued from 7.212)

General information
Chart 117

Description
1

7.252
Passage SE of Noroyar describes the coastal waters
from Mjvanes (6208N 635W) in the SE approaches to
Kalsoyarfjrur to the island of Fugloy, about 15 miles NE,
and crosses the S entrances to Svnoyarfjrur (Svin
Fjord) (7.256) and Fugloyarfjrur (Fugl Fjord) (7.258).

Topography
1
2

7.253
Svnoy (Svin) (6216N 620W) is high with coasts
that fall steeply to the sea.
Fugloy (Fugl) (6220N 617W), the most NE of
Froyar, is separated from Svnoy by Fugloyarfjrur. The
island is high with steep sides and attains its summit about

334

7.255
From a position E of Mjvanes (7.211) the coastal
passage leads NE passing:
SE of Skorin (Skoren) (6211N 626W), the SE
extremity of Boroy, thence:
SE of the SE extremity of Svnoy (6215N 619W)
(7.253); the SE side of the island is fringed in
many places by abovewater and belowwater
rocks close offshore. Thence:
SE of Fugloy (6220N 617W). Fugloy Light (white
framework tower, red band, 8 m in height) is
exhibited from the NE part of Eystfelli (7.253); a
light (white pedestal, red band) stands on Stapi
(Bispen), a detached rock, 45 m high, lying
2 cables off the E side of Eystfelli.
Useful mark:
Skansen Light (6200N 645W) (7.147).

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CHAPTER 7

offshore along the NE side of Svnoy between the vicinities

of Eysturhvdi (Osterhovde) (6217N 617W) and Selnes
(2 miles WNW), and nearly 2 cables offshore in the vicinity
of Kirkja (Kirke) village on the S side of Fugloy.

Side channels
Svnoyarfjrur
1

7.256
General information. Svnoyarfjrur (Svin Fjord)
(6215N 624W) separates Svnoy from the E extremity
of Boroy and the SE extremity of Vioy.
Overhead cable. An overhead cable (7.7), vertical
clearance 50 m, spans the narrow part of the fjord between
S extremity of Vioy and the NW side of Svnoy.
Tidal streams. The Ngoing tidal stream begins at
0425 HW Reykjavik and the Sgoing at +0120 HW
Reykjavik. Both streams run strongly and irregularly in the
vicinity of Havsblli (Havsbodl) (7.257) close off the W
extremity of Svnoy. During the Sgoing stream eddies
form off the S extremity of Vioy.
7.257
Directions. Svnoyarfjrur is entered from S between
Heltnin (Heltnen) (6214N 622W), the S extremity of
Svnoy, and the coast of Boroy 1 miles W, whence the S
part trends NNW to the vicinity of Havnartangi (2 miles
NNW of Heltnin), a low point at the W extremity of
Svnoy, which is fringed by a reef and which rises 5 cables
inland to the summit of the island. Belowwater rocks lie
close offshore on both sides of the channel and care is
necessary to avoid Havsblli (Havsbodl), a group of rocks,
over which there is a depth of 46 m (15 ft), lying
2 cables WSW of Havnartangi; in bad weather the sea
breaks over Havsblli and even in calm conditions its
position is usually marked by tiderips.
At Havnartangi the channel bifurcates, the N part of
Svnoyarfjrur, changing direction NE, leads through
narrows between the SE end of Vioy and the NW side of
Svnoy, while the S part of Hvannasund (7.262) leads
WNW. The N entrance to the fjord lies between Selnes
(6218N 620W), the N extremity of Svnoy, which is
fringed by rocks, and the E extremity of Vioy (1 miles
W).

Fugloyarfjrur
1

7.258
General information. Fugloyarfjrur (Fugl Fjord)
(6218N 617W) separates Svnoy from Fugloy.
The bottom is uneven and tidal streams (see below) run
strongly causing heavy seas at times. Fugloyarfjrur
should, therefore, not be used in bad weather.
Tidal streams run as follows:

Anchorages and harbours

Boroyarvk
1

rnafjrur
1

NWgoing tidal stream begins.

0340

Eddies form on both sides of the

channel; they are strongest on the Fugloy
side and particularly at the NW end of
the channel.

+0105

SEgoing tidal stream begins.

+0205

Eddies form on both sides of the

channel; they are strongest on the Fugloy
side and particularly at the NE end of
the channel.

Both tidal streams run across the whole width of the

fjord at its narrowest part until about 30 minutes before
they end.
7.259
Directions. Belowwater rocks fringe both sides of the
channel in several places; they extend up to 1 cable

7.261
General information. rnafjrur (Arne Fjord), a deep
inlet in the SE side of Boroy, is entered between
Lissahvdi (Lissahvde) (6213N 626W) and the coast
about 1 miles NNE. rnafjrur village lies at the head
of the fjord. Rocks lie close offshore in several places
along both sides of the inlet. Marine farms (1.19) are
moored in areas, within 1 mile of the head of the fjord on
both sides, leaving a clear channel, 2 cables wide, on a line
of bearing of 332 to the head of the fjord.
Tidal streams. During the strength of the tidal stream in
Svnoyarfjrur (7.256) an eddy forms off rnafjrur and
runs inwards on the S side and outwards on the N side of
the fjord.
Anchorage and landing. Good anchorage is available at
the head of the fjord in a depth of about 40 m (22 fm),
clay, but E gales cause a swell. There is a small quay at
rnafjrur village, depth alongside 28 m.
Chart 117 (see 1.28)

Hvannasund: south part

1

Interval from Remarks

HW Reykjavik
0440

7.260
General information. Boroyarvk (Bordvig), a deep
inlet in the SE side of Boroy, is entered between
Boroyarnes (6210N 632W) and Sklanes (1 miles
NE). Noroyri (Nordore) village stands on the E shore
2 miles N of Boroyarnes. Winds from SSE cause heavy
seas within the inlet. Rocks lie close offshore in several
places along both sides of the inlet. Marine farms (1.19)
are moored in most of the open water of the fjord as far N
as Noroyri.
Anchorage. Boroyarvk should be used as an
anchorage only in an emergency. Above Noroyri depths
decrease regularly towards the head and sides of the inlet
and the bottom is mud in midchannel changing to fine
sand towards the shore. A temporary berth is in the middle
of the inlet in a depth of about 20 m (11 fm).

335

7.262
General information. Hvannasund (Kvanne Sund)
separates Vioy from Boroy but is closed to through
navigation by a road causeway across the narrows of the
sound about 3 cables N of the village of Hvannasund
(Kvannesund) (6218N 631W) which is situated on the E
side of the S end of the narrows. The sound N of the
causeway is described at 7.142. In the S part of the sound
there are harbour installations at Nordepil (Norddeble), a
village on the Boroy shore opposite Hvannasund, and on
the Vioy shore close S of the causeway.
Controlling depth: 4 to 5 m (13 to 16 ft) in the
narrows.
Local knowledge is advised for navigation of the
narrows.
Laidup vessels may be encountered, especially in
winter, close off the Vioy side of the sound; they do not
exhibit regulation lights or make sound signals.
7.263
Directions. The S part of Hvannasund opens from
Svnoyarfjrur (7.256) between the S point of Vioy
(6217N 625W) and the Boroy coast 1 mile S and leads

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CHAPTER 7

WNW for about 2 miles to a leading line for the S part

of the narrows; the fairway is deep and clear but rocks lie
close offshore in several places along both sides of the
sound. Marine farms (1.19) are moored in areas, on both
sides of the sound in the vicinity of Nortoftir (7.264),
leaving a clear channel to the upper part of the sound,
2 cables wide on a line of bearing of 295 slightly
favouring the coast of Vioy.
Leading lights:
Front light (framework tower, red triangular daymark,
9 m in height) near the centre of the S side of the
causeway.
Rear light (framework tower, red inverted triangular
daymark, 13 m in height) (90 m NNW of front
light) on boat harbour mole N of the causeway.
The alignment (346) of these lights and daymarks leads
through the S part of the narrows to the causeway in a
least depth of 40 m.
7.264
Anchorage can be found anywhere in the S part of
Hvannasund, apart from the areas mentioned below; a good
berth is between the villages of Nortoftir (Nordtofte) and
Depil (Deble), respectively, about 1 mile S and 5 cables
SSW of Hvannasund village, in a depth of about 26 m
(14 fm), clay, and on the alignment of the Boroy shore at
the N end of the narrows with the NW extremity of Vioy.
Anchoring is prohibited within 150 m of laidup vessels
and care is necessary to avoid a submarine cable laid
across the narrows 1 cables S of the causeway; the E
landing place of the cable is marked by beacons on the
shore.
Alongside berths. There are several small piers, close S
of the causeway at Hvannasund which extend into depths
of 4 to 5 m. At Nordepil there is a pier and a small quay,
the latter having a depth of 54 m alongside.

Fugloy
1
2

7.266
There are no good anchorages around Fugloy. The
following locations are suitable only for small craft
Hattarvk. During N and NW winds temporary
anchorage may be had off Hattarvk (Hattervig) (6220N
616W), a village with a church, at the head of a small
bay on the SE side of Fugloy; the berth lies about
2 cables from the head of the bay in a depth of about
42 m (23 fm). There is a small quay at the village.
Kirkja. At Kirkja (Kirke), a village on the S side of
Fugloy, there is a small jetty with depths of 2 to 5 m
alongside.

Vioy: east side

1

Chart 117

Svnoy

extremity of Svnoy, and Dragin (1 mile SE), is exposed to

E and SE winds and should be only be used as an
anchorage temporarily in an emergency, when the most
suitable berth is in the middle of the bay in a depth of
about 24 m (13 fm), sand. The S side and head of the bay
are fringed by belowwater rocks. Svnoy (Svin) village
lies at the head of the bay. VHF radio channels are
available; for details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 6 (2).
Svnoyarfjrur. Temporary anchorage can be found
about 1 cables offshore in a bight on the NW coast of
Svnoy 1 miles ENE of Havnartangi (7.257) in a depth of
about 17 m (56 ft), sand.

7.265
There are no good anchorages around Svnoy.
Svnoyarvk (Svin Vig), entered between the S
extremity of Eysturhvdi (6217N 617W), the NE

336

7.267
Vivk (Vedvig) is entered between Gshvdi (6219N
626W), the N extremity of a promontory which rises
steeply a short distance S to Talvbord, and the coast
1 miles NW. The bay is exposed N and NE and is
dangerous as an anchorage; marine farms (1.19) are moored
in an area just S of the entrance. The head of the bay is
shallow and rocky.
During the Ngoing tidal stream in Svnoyarfjrur
(7.256) a large eddy forms off the entrance to the bay and
runs into the bay on its E side and out on its W side.
Landing Eisvk (Ejdsvig) (6221N 630W) village has
a boat landing.

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APPENDIX I
TERRITORIAL WATERS ORDER IN COUNCIL, 1964
AT THE COURT AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE
The 25th day of September, 1964
Present,

THE QUEENS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY IN COUNCIL

Her Majesty, by virtue and in exercise of all the powers
enabling Her in that behalf, is pleased, by and with the
advice of her Privy Council, to order, and it is hereby
ordered, as follows:
1. This Order may be cited as the Territorial Waters Order
in Council 1964 and shall come into operation on
30th September 1964.
2.(1) Except as otherwise provided in Articles 3 and 4 of
this Order, the baseline from which the breadth of
the territorial sea adjacent to the United Kingdom,
the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man is measured
shall be lowwater line along the coast, including the
coast of all islands comprised in those territories.
(2) For the purposes of this Article a lowtide elevation
which lies wholly or partly within the breadth of sea
which would be territorial sea if all lowtide
elevations were disregarded for the purpose of the
measurement of the breadth thereof and if Article 3
of this Order were omitted shall be treated as an
island.
3.(1) The baseline from which the breadth of the territorial
sea is measured between Cape Wrath and the Mull
of Kintyre shall consist of the series of straight lines
drawn so as to join successively, in the order in
which they are set out, the points identified by the
coordinates of latitude and longitude in the first
column of the Schedule to this Order, each being a
point situate on lowwater line and on or adjacent to
the feature, if any, named in the second column of
that Schedule opposite to the coordinates of latitude
and longitude of the point in the first column.
(2) The provisions of paragraph (1) of this Article shall
be without prejudice to the operation of Article 2 of
this Order in relation to any island or lowtide
elevation which for the purpose of that Article is
treated as if it were an island, being an island or
lowtide elevation which lies to the seaward of the
baseline specified in paragraph (1) of this Article.
4. In the case of the sea adjacent to a bay, the baseline
from which the breadth of the territorial sea is
measured shall, subject to the provisions of Article 3
of this Order:
(a) if the bay has only one mouth and the distance
between the lowwater lines of the natural
entrance points of the bay does not exceed
24 miles, be a straight line joining the said
lowwater lines;
(b) if, because of the presence of islands, the bay has

more than one mouth and the distances between

the lowwater lines of the natural entrance points
of each mouth added together do not exceed
24 miles, be a series of straight lines across each
of the mouths drawn so as to join the said
lowwater lines;
(c) if neither paragraph (a) nor (b) of this Article
applies, be a straight line 24 miles in length drawn
from lowwater line to lowwater line within the
bay in such a manner as to enclose the maximum
area of water that is possible with a line of that
length.
5.(1) In this Order:
the expression bay means an indentation of the
coast such that its area is not less that of the
semicircle whose diameter is a line drawn across
the mouth of the indentation, and for the purposes of
this definition the area of an indentation shall be
taken to be the area bounded by lowwater line
around the shore of the indentation and the straight
line joining the lowwater lines of its natural
entrance points, and where, because of the presence
of islands, an indentation has more than one mouth
the length of the diameter of the semicircle referred
to shall be the sum of the lengths of the straight
lines drawn across each of the mouths, and in
calculating the area of an indentation the area of any
islands lying within it shall be treated as part of the
area of the indentation;
the expression island means a naturally formed area
of land surrounded by water which is above water at
mean highwater spring tides; and
the expression lowtide elevation means a naturally
formed area of drying land surrounded by water
which is below water at mean highwater spring
tides.
(2) For the purpose of this Order, permanent harbour
works which form an integral part of a harbour
system shall be treated as forming part of the coast.
(3) The Interpretation Act 1889 ([]a) shall apply to the
interpretation of this Order as it applies to the
interpretation of an Act of Parliament.
6. This Order shall be published in the London Gazette, the
Edinburgh Gazette and the Belfast Gazette.
W.G. AGNEW
(a) 52 and 53 Vict.c.63.

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APPENDIX I

EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This Note is not part of the Order, but it is intended to indicate its general purport).
This Order establishes the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea adjacent to the United Kingdom, the Channel
Islands and the Isle of Man is measured. This, generally, is lowwater line round the coast, including the coast of all islands, but
between Cape Wrath and the Mull of Kintyre a series of straight lines joining specified points lying generally on the seaward side
of the islands lying off the coast are used, and where there are welldefined bays elsewhere lines not exceeding 24 miles in
length drawn across the bays are used.

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APPENDIX I

TERRITORIAL SEA (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1998

For the schedule to the Territorial Waters Order in Council 1964 (a) there shall be substituted the schedule set out below:
SCHEDULE
POINTS BETWEEN CAPE WRATH AND LAGGAN JOINED BY
GEODESICS TO FORM BASELINES
Co-ordinates of latitude and
longitude of point

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.

58
58
58
58
58
58
58
58
58
58
57
57
57
57
57
56
56
56
56
56
56
56
56
55
55
55
55
54

Latitude North

37
31
30
29
18
17
17
14
14
10
59
41
32
14
00
58
56
56
49
48
47
19
07
41
40
35
17
58

40
12
44
09
28
36
09
30
01
39
08
19
22
33
50
07
57
05
21
00
07
17
58
36
24
24
57
29

Name
of
feature

Longitude West

5
6
6
6
6
6
6
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
6
6
6
6
5
5

00
15
16
20
47
52
55
02
02
06
17
43
43
27
31
33
34
34
39
39
39
07
38
32
30
20
47
11

13
41
55
17
45
43
20
06
57
54
42
13
58
44
42
24
17
55
32
57
36
02
00
02
59
18
54
07

Cape Wrath
Lith Sgeir
Gealltuing
Dell Rock
Tiumpan Head
Ms Sgeir
Old Hill
Gallan Head
Islet SW of Gallan Head
Eilean Molach
Gasker
Haskeir Eagach
Huskeiran
Rubha Ardvule
Greuab Head
Doirlinn Head
Aird a Chaolais
Biruaslum
Guarsay Mr
Srn an Din
Skate Point
Skerryvore
Dubh Artach
Frenchmans Rocks
Orsay Island
Mull of Oa
Mull of Kintyre
Laggan

The positions of points 1 to 28 are defined by coordinates of latitude and longitude on the Ordnance Survey of Great Britain
(1936) Datum (OSGB 36).
The Territorial Waters (Amendment) Order 1996 (b) is hereby revoked.
N. H. Nicholls
Clerk of the Privy Council

EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Order)
The Order amends the Schedule to the Territorial Waters Order in Council 1964 by adding a new baseline between Mull of
Kintyre and Laggan, as well as making minor changes to points 5, 9 and 22, which result from the publication of a new, larger
scale chart of the area.
(a) 1965 III, p.6452A; revised Schedules were substituted by the Territorial Waters (Amendment) Order in Council 1979 and the
Territorial Sea (Amendment) Order 1996.
(b) SI 1996/1628

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APPENDIX II

TERRITORIAL SEA ACT 1987

Be it enacted by the Queens Most Excellent Majesty, by
and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and
Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament
assembled, and by the Authority of the same, as follows:
1.(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act
(a) the breadth of the territorial sea adjacent to the
United Kingdom for all purposes be 12
nautical miles; and
(b) the baselines from which the breadth of that
territorial sea is to be measured shall for all
purposes be those established by Her Majesty by
Order in Council.
(2) Her Majesty may, for the purpose of implementing
any international agreement or otherwise, by Order
in Council provide that any part of the territorial sea
adjacent to the United Kingdom shall extend to such
line other than that provided for by subsection (1)
above as may be specified in the Order.
(3) In any legal proceedings a certificate issued by or
under the authority of the Secretary of State stating
the location of any baseline established under
subsection (1) above shall be conclusive of what is
stated in the certificate.
(4) As from the coming into force of this section the
Territorial Waters Order in Council 1964 and the
Territorial Waters (Amendment) Order in Council
1979 shall have effect for all purposes as if they
were Orders in Council made by virtue of subsection
(1) (b) above: and subsection (5) below shall apply to
those Orders as it applies to any other instrument.
(5) Subject to the provisions of this Act, any enactment
or instrument which (whether past or made before or
after the coming into force of this section) contains a
reference (however worded) to the territorial sea
adjacent to, or to any part of, the United Kingdom
shall be construed in accordance with this section
and with any provision made, or having effect as if
made, under this section.
(6) Without prejudice to the operation of subsection (5)
above in relation to a reference to the baselines from
which the breadth of the territorial sea adjacent to
the United Kingdom is measured, nothing in that
subsection shall require any reference in any
enactment or instrument to a specified distance to be
construed as a reference to a distance equal to the
breadth of that territorial sea.
(7) In this section nautical miles means international
nautical miles of 1,852 m.
2.(1) Except in so far as Her Majesty may by Order of
Council otherwise provide, nothing in section 1
above shall affect the operation of any enactment
contained in a local Act passed before the date on
which that section comes into force.
(2) Nothing in section 1 above, or in any Order in
Council under that section or subsection (1) above,
shall affect the operation of so much of any
enactment passed or instrument made before the date
on which that section comes into force as for the
time being settles the limits within which any
harbour authority or port health authority has
jurisdiction or is able to exercise any power.

(3) Where any area which is not part of the territorial

sea adjacent to the United Kingdom becomes part of
that sea by virtue of section 1 above or an Order in
Council under that section, subsection (2) of section 1
of the Continental Shelf Act 1964 (vesting and
exercise of rights with respect to coal) shall continue,
on and after the date on which section 1 above of
that Order comes into force, to have effect with
respect to coal in that area as if the area were not
part of the territorial sea.
(4) Nothing in section 1 above, or in any Order in
Council under that section, shall affect
(a) any regulations made under section 6 of the
Petroleum (Production) Act 1934 before the date
on which that section or Order comes into force;
or
(b) any licences granted under the said Act of 1934
before that date or granted on or after that date in
pursuance of regulations made under that section
before that date.
(5) In this section
coal has the same meaning as in the Coal Industry
Nationalisation Act 1946;
harbour authority means a harbour authority within the
meaning of the Harbours Act 1964 or the Harbours Act
(Northern Ireland) 1970; and
port health authority means a port health authority for the
purposes of the Public health (Control of Disease) Act
1984.
3.(1) The enactments mentioned in Schedule 1 to this Act
shall have effect with the amendments there specified
(being minor amendments and amendments consequential
on the provisions of this Act).
(2) Her Majesty may by Order in Council
(a) make, in relation to any enactment passed or
instrument made before the date on which
section 1 above comes into force, any amendment
corresponding to any of those made by Schedule 1
to this Act;
(b) amend subsection (1) of section 36 of the Wildlife
and Countryside Act 1981 (marine nature
reserves) so as to include such other parts of the
territorial sea adjacent to Great Britain as may be
specified in the Order in the waters and parts of
the sea which, by virtue of paragraph 6 of
Schedule 1 to this Act, may be designated under
that section;
(c) amend paragraph 1 of Article 20 of the Nature
Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern
Ireland) Order 1985 (marine nature reserves) so as
to include such other parts of the territorial sea
adjacent to Northern Ireland as may be specified
in the Order in the waters and parts of the sea
which, by virtue of paragraph 9 of Schedule 1 to
this Act, may be designated under that Article.
(3) Her Majesty may by Order in Council make such
modifications of the effect of any Order in Council
under section 1 (7) of the Continental Shelf Act 1964
(designated areas) as appear to Her to be necessary
or expedient in consequence of any provision made
by or under this Act.

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APPENDIX II

(4) The enactments mentioned in Schedule 2 to this Act

are hereby repealed to the extent specified in the
third column of that Schedule.
4.(1) This Act may be cited as the Territorial Sea Act
1987.
(2) This Act shall come into force on such day as Her
Majesty may by Order in Council appoint, and
different days may be appointed for different

provisions and for different purposes.

(3) This Act extends to Northern Ireland.
(4) Her Majesty may by Order in Council direct that any
of the provisions of this Act shall extend, with such
exceptions, adaptations and modifications (if any) as
may be specified in the Order, to any of the Channel
Islands or to the Isle of Man.

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APPENDIX III
REGULATIONS FOR THE CALEDONIAN CANAL
Copies of the Byelaws of the British Waterways Board,
regulating navigation of the Caledonian Canal, can and
should be obtained from the Canal Offices at Clachnaharry
and Corpach. The following are extracts.
11. When the view of the canal ahead is obstructed by a
bend in the canal and until such view is no longer
obscured, a powerdriven vessel making way through the
water shall sound, at intervals of 20 seconds, a prolonged
blast.
12. The master of a powerdriven vessel approaching a
lock and requiring the lock to be opened shall sound one
prolonged blast.
13. The master of a powerdriven vessel intending to pass
a movable bridge and requiring the bridge to be opened
shall sound one prolonged blast.
17(b). The master of a vessel shall not cause or permit his
vessel to be navigated on the canal at such speed as to
cause risk or damage to the canal or to any vessels thereon
or their moorings or so as to cause a wave or wash on the
banks, and shall not in any case exceed 6 m.p.h. in any
part of the canal whereof the waterway has been formed
artificially.
18(a). Every vessel navigating on the canal shall at all
times be navigated with care and reasonable consideration
for all persons using the canal or being on the banks
thereof and in particular in such a manner as will not
obstruct the passage of any other vessel using the canal or
involve risk of collision or endanger the safety of other
vessels or their moorings or cause damage thereto on the
banks of the canal or to any part of the Boards property.
23. A master shall not cause or permit his vessel to be
navigated on the canal without proper fenders of suitable
material in good condition and properly secured and check
ropes to prevent his vessel striking other vessels or the lock
gates, bridges and other works of the canal and shall use
such fenders and check ropes when necessary.
24. The owner of every vessel navigating on the canal shall
take proper steps to ensure that inflammable spirit taken on
to or carried on such vessel and intended for use on the
vessel shall be loaded, stowed and used in such a manner
as not to be or to become a danger or a nuisance to
persons or property and shall have available at all times
adequate equipment and materials for firefighting.
25. A master shall not without prior permission of an
authorised officer navigate his vessel on the canal through
locks and bridges during the night.
Any craft of over 50 ft in length overall navigating at
night shall have a person stationed at the bow as a
lookout.
26. A master shall not navigate his vessel through any lock
(other than a sealock) or any swing bridge on Sunday,
except with the permission of an authorised officer.
27. The master of a vessel shall not bring his vessel
alongside the piers at Clachnaharry or Corpach without the
permission of an authorised officer, unless preparing to
enter the canal.
28. The master of a vessel passing along the canal must
give place to another vessel which may be going faster,
unless within 880 yards of a lock or bridge; in which case

no vessel shall be permitted to overtake another.

29(b). The master of a powerdriven vessel, with or
without other vessels in tow, overtaking another vessel
proceeding in the same direction shall steer his vessel in
such manner that his vessel shall pass with her starboard
side nearest to the vessel overtaken and the master of the
vessel overtaken shall steer his vessel to her starboard side
so as to permit the overtaking vessel to pass in safety on
the port side of the vessel overtaken.
31. All masters of vessels are prohibited from approaching
the entrances to the Sea Locks when they observe a red
flag flying from the flagstaff on the pier during the day or
a red light during the night, but are to remain anchored in
the offing until the flag is hauled down, or the red light
changed to white, as the case may be.
32(e). Where a signal light is in operation to indicate when
a lock is open for vessels to pass the master of a vessel
approaching such lock shall not permit his vessel to
proceed beyond the said signal unless it is showing green
and shall not permit his vessel to proceed while such light
is showing red.
33. No person shall open or shut bridges or lockgates or
handle the sluices or other gear on the canal except with
the permission and under the direction of the lockkeeper
or bridgekeeper.
34. Where a signal light is in operation to indicate when a
movable bridge is open for vessels to pass the master of a
vessel approaching such movable bridge shall not permit
his vessel to proceed beyond the said signal unless it is
showing green and shall not permit his vessel to proceed
while such light is showing red.
35. The master or owner of a vessel shall not allow his
vessel when not being navigated:
(a) to be left without a person capable of taking care
thereof or without being securely moored at a
place appointed for the purpose:
(b) to be moored or fastened to any bridge, fence,
tree of other object being the property of the
Board and not being provided for the purpose, or
to any other fence, tree or object on or adjacent
to the banks of the canal without the permission
of the owner thereof;
(c) to be moored or placed in or within 20 yards of
any lock, sealock, basin or swing bridge except
at a place which may, from time to time, be
indicated by the lockkeeper;
(d) to be moored or placed alongside any other vessel
or otherwise so as to obstruct the traffic on the
canal;
(e) to obstruct the fairway in the entrance to the
sealock;
(f) to drop anchor in any situation so as to impede
the navigation;
(g) to run down or make fast to any beacons or guide
buoys or marking buoys.
43. Masters of vessels are expressly prohibited from
discharging ballast in the offing or approach to either of the
sealocks, or within mile of the channels leading thereto.

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Distance table - North Coast of Scotland

)
ce

190

205

102

224

140

262

276

174

93

113A

57

75

91

31

112

184

183A

105

77

92

91

151

221

71

103B

60

82

96

38

115

192

5A

95

213

127B

249C

259C

162

71C

24

172C

239B

230

107

232

242

145

54

41

155

194

160

17

204

213B

341B

355B

261

277B

186

239A

319B

230A

181

198

130A

71

61

74

51

128

201

18

64

24

188

171

an
tr

En

En
(E

(N
e
Vo

Vo
m

vn
ha
W

ic

rs
T

Su

llo

Su

llo

Sc

tr

En

(S
ow
Fl

ap

Ra

ttr

Pe

nt

ay

la

He

nd

kl
uc

Le

tr

)
(4
ad

rw

Sk

Fl

ic

rk
Ki

177C

68

ce

125

225B

an

111

ce

an

18

53

er

142

152A

129

201A

In

190A

343

ce

s
rie

ug

wa

(S

ll

ga

En

es

(2

tr

an

do
rn
ve

In

157B

ve

Fa

rg

ir

or

Is

tt

le

of

(3

Le

wi

(1

Notes:
1 10 miles NW of Butt of Lewis
2 5 miles N of Muckle Flugga
3 10 miles SW of Fair Isle
4 5 miles NE of Rattray Head
5 Routes around Orkney and Shetland Islands
are to seaward of charted Areas to be Avoided
6 Routes marked "A" are via Pentland Firth
7 Routes marked "B" are via Fair Isle S Channel
8 Routes marked "C" are via Yell Sound

Bu

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INDEX
Names without a paragraph number are for gazetteer purposes only
Achlit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.38
Aa Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6002N 121W
Aberchalder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.296
Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.299
Aberdeenshire Council . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.83
Aberdour Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.117
Achastle Shore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.60
Achiniver Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.57
Achnacarry Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.306
Ackergill Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.37
Ackergill Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.37
uvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.214
Aigeach, Ant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.31
Aiker Ness: Eynhallow Sound . . . . . 5.372
Aiker Ness: Westray . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.187
Aikerness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.159
Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.187
House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.373
Aith Baa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6003N 112W
Aith Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.59
Aith Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.59
Aith Ness: Bressay . . . . . 6011N 105W
Aith Ness: Swarbacks Minn . . . . . . . . 6.96
Aith Voe: Bressay . . . . . . 6011N 105W
Aith Voe: Helli Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.149
Aith Voe: Saint Magnus Bay . . . . . . . 6.97
Aithness, Stead of . . . . . . 6019N 125W
Aithsting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.97
Akraleite; see Akraleiti . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.38
Akraleiti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.38
Akranessker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.107
Akrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.49
Akratangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.39
Aldourie Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.294
Alness Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.183
Alness Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.183
Alness, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.183
Alta Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.41
Alta Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.41
Altars of Linnay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.172
Alturlie Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.254
Alturlie Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.252
Alvah, Hill of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.107
Am = the; see proper name
An = the; see proper name
Ande Fjord; see Oyndarfjrur . . . . . 7.240
Ander Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.159
Annes Brae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.187
Ard = height, promontory; see proper name
Ardersier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.242
Ardjachie Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.72
Ardmore Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.23
Ardrishaig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.300
Ardroy Sands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.183
Ardullie Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.186
Arge; see Argir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.160
Argir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.160
Armadale Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.62
Armli, Rubh . . . . . . . . . . . 5828N 445W
rnafjall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.95
rnafjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.261
Arne Fjord; see rnafjrur . . . . . . . 7.261
Arthur, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.49
Arva Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72
Aswick Skerries . . . . . . . . 6015N 107W
Augustus, Fort see Fort Augustus . . 4.297
Auskerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.226
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.256
Automatic Identification System . . . . . 1.38
Avelshay, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.316
Avevig; see uvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.214
Avoch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.270

Avoch Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.257

Ayre = open beach; see proper name
Ayre, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.144
Ayre Dyke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.17
Ayre Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.75
Ayre, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.208
Ayre, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.24

Ba Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.333
Baa, Baas of = sunken rock; see proper name
Baa Gruna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.234
Baa, The:
Bluemull Sound approaches . . . . . . . 6.328
Back of the Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.391
Backaland, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.299
Backaquoy, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.365
Backaskail Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.237
Backiskaill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.194
Skerry of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.187
Backs, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.231
Bgh Loch Sian . . . . . . . . 5832N 440W
Bagi Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.270
Baglaholm; see Baglahlmur . . . . . . . 7.64
Baglahlmur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.64
Bakie Skerry . . . . . . . . . . 5915N 259W
Balconie Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.183
Balfour Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.341
Balg, Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.20
Baligill Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.90
Balintore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.179
Balla Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . 6008N 110W
Ballast Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.367
Ballone Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.170
Balnakeil Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.27
Balta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.358
Black Skerries of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.366
Balta Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.362
Balta Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.362
Baltasound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.362
Banavie Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.308
Banff Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.108
Banff Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.116
Banks Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.103
Banks, Head of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.69
Bar Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.50
Bar, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.163
Bard Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.154
Barid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.101
Bardister, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.288
Baret; see Barid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.101
Barn, Taing of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.260
Barr Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Barrel of Butter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.132
Barswick . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5846N 259W
Barth Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.46
Bass, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72
Basta Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.348
Basta Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.348
Baxter Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.136
Bay of; see proper name . . . . . . . . . . 5.213
Bea Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.236
Beag, Caol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.58
Beatrice Oil Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.12
Beaufort Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.275
Beauly Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.240
Beeman, Taing of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.261
Beinisvr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.22
Beinn = mountain; see proper name
Bejnesvr, see Beinisvr . . . . . . . . . . 7.22
Bellister, Bight of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.230
Belmont mansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.330

344

Belmont, Wick of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.345

Ben = mountain; see proper name
BenaChielt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.48
Benelip Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.227
Benlin Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.272
Bents Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.140
Beosetter, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.191
Beosetter, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.184
Berg, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.151
Bergstange; see Bergstangi . . . . . . . . . 7.22
Bergstangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.22
Berriedale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.42
Berry, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.65
Berst Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.314
Berstane, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.347
Berstane, Taings of . . . . . 5905N 250W
Bettyhill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.59
Bhaideanach, Rubh Ard . . . . . . . . . . . 3.39
Bheag, Dubhsgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.54
Bhr, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.91
Bhragaidh, Beinn a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.64
Bhuic, Sgeir a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.38
Bick Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.332
Big Audle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5742N 403W
Bigga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.280
Bighouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.91
Bight of; see proper name
Bigore Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.206
Bigton Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.33
Bill Baileys Bank . . . . . 6035N 1020W
Billia Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.225
Billy Baa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.57
Bin of Cullen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.130
Binn Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.130
Binna Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.48
Birsay Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.149
Birsay, Brough of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.156
Bis Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.248
Bispen; see Stapi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.255
Bixter Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.59
Black Craig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.150
Black Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.75
Black Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.208
Black Skerry: Lax Firth . . . . . . . . . . 6.168
Black Skerry: Otters Wick 6033N 102W
Black Skerry:
Scalloway approaches . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.44
Black Stane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108
Blacks Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.52
Blade, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.121
Blotchnie Fiold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.302
Blue Mull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.128
Bluemull Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.316
Boars Head Rock . . . . . . 5742N 311W
Boatsroom Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.307
Bodach Dearg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.19
Boatangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.32
Boddam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.150
Bodhatangi; see Boatangi . . . . . . . . . 7.32
Boin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.148
Boinna Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.105
Bona Ferry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.292
Bor Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5902N 321W
Boray, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.376
Boray Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.377
Boran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.148
Bordhsteinur; see Borsteinur . . . . . . 7.105
Bord Ns; see Boroyarnes . . . . . . 7.226
Bord; see Boroy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.226
Bordvig; see Boroyarvk . . . . . . . . 7.260
Boroy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.226
Boroyarnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.226

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Contents

Index
INDEX

Boroyarvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.260
Borsteinur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.105
Bore Rst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.164
Borgie, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.59
Borin; see Boran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.148
Bsdala Fos; see Bsdalafossur . . . . 7.100
Bsdalafossur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.100
Bottlenose Dolphins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.9
Bound Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.204
Bur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.108
Boursa Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.62
Bow Fiddle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.124
Bow Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.171
Bow of Hermaness,
see Hermaness, Bow of . . . . . . . . . 5.176
Bow of Hoy; see Hoy, Bow of . . . . 5.105
Bow Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.156
Bow, The: Lashy Sound . . . . . . . . . . 5.292
Bow, The: Stronsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.227
Bow, The: Westray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.171
Boyndie Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.124
Boyne Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . 5741N 238W
Boyne Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.124
Brae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100
Brae Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.89
Braebuster Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.260
Braebuster Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Braehead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.185
Braes Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . 5913N 241W
Braewick House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.97
Braga Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.69
Braga Reef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.372
Braga Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Braga, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Braga:
Bluemull Sound approaches . . . . . . 6.328
Braga: Scalloway approaches . . . . . . . 6.42
Brandansvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.91
Brandarsvig; see Brandansvk . . . . . . . 7.91
Breakon, Wick of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.131
Breck Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Breckness House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Brei Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.102
Brei Wick:
Bluemull Sound approach6040N 053W
Brei Wick: Lerwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.196
Breibister, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.78
Breibister, Wick of . . . . . 6038N 119W
Bressay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.154
Bressay Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.114
Bressay East Ground . . . . . 6030N 130E
Bressay Ground . . . . . . . . . 6022N 025E
Bressay Shoal . . . . . . . . . . 5925N 025E
Bressay Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.171
Bressay, Ward of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.154
Brethren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.193
Brides Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.241
Bridge End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.34
Bridge, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.75
Brig, Voe of the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.293
Briga Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.73
Brims Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.76
Brims Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.63
Brims Ness: Hoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.129
Brims Ness: N coast of Scotland . . . . 3.76
Brims, Port of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.93
Brindister Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108
Bring Deeps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.85
Bring Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.106
Brinkies Brae . . . . . . . . . . 5858N 318W
Brinian Ferry Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.387
Broad Haven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.39
Broad Shoal: Westray Firth . . . . . . . . 5.314
Broad Shoal: Wide Firth . . . . . . . . . . 5.391
Broad Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.390

Broch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.284
Brook, The . . . . . . . . . . . . 5845N 304W
Broomhill House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.256
Brora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.71
Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.71
River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.71
Brother Isle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.280
Brough Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.147
Brough, Bay of: Sanday . 5916N 236W
Brough, Bay of: Westray . . . . . . . . . 5.193
Brough, Bay of: Yell . . . . 6043N 100W
Brough, Castle of the . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.255
Brough, Cletts of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.147
Brough Head: Hoy Sound . . . . . . . . . 5.156
Brough Head: Moray Firth . . . . . . . . . 4.37
Brough, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.46
Brough House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.185
Brough Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.331
Brough Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.132
Brough, Ness of: Fetlar . . . . . . . . . . . 6.333
Brough, Ness of: Sanday . . . . . . . . . 5.176
Brough, Ness of: Westray . . . . . . . . . 5.188
Brough of; see proper name
Brough Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.92
Brough Taing . . . . . . . . . . 6043N 050W
Brough: Brough Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.147
Brough: Yell Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.256
Browland, Voe of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.77
Brown Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.232
Brownies Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.151
Bruddans, The . . . . . . . . . 6029N 138W
Bruna Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.41
Brunt Hamarsland, Hill of . . . . . . . . 6.170
Bruray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.204
Bruse Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.222
Bu Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.24
Bu Point: Burra Sound . . . . . . . . . . . 5.110
Bu Point: Cairston Road . . . . . . . . . . 5.120
Buckie Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.140
Buckle Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.236
Buckquoy, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.156
Buen; see Boin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.148
Bugarth, Point of . . . . . . . 6037N 112W
Bullia Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.41
Bulta Sound . . . . . . . . . . . 6008N 123W
Bumbie Geo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.105
Bunchrew House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.260
Buness House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.368
Bur Wick: Scalloway approaches . 6009N
118W
Bur Wick: South Ronaldsay . . . . . . . . 5.53
Burga Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.313
Burgar Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.367
Burgar, Reef of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.372
Burgastoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100
Burger Rst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.370
Burgh Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.226
Burgh Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.218
Burghead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.137
Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.163
Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.171
Burgo Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.302
Burki Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.96
Burki Skerries . . . . . . . . . 6021N 126W
Burkwell, Point of . . . . . . 6040N 056W
Burland, Bay of . . . . . . . . 5920N 253W
Burland Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.46
Burness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.173
Burnett Buss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.96
Burra Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.375
Burra Ness: Colgrave Sound . . . . . . 6.333
Burra Ness: Mainland, Yell Sound . . 6.235
Burra Ness: S coast of Yell . . . . . . . 6.313
Burra Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.109
Burra Voe: S coast of Yell . . . . . . . . 6.312

345

Burra Voe: Yell Sound . . . . . . . . . . . 6.302

Burrafirth, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.97
Burraland, Ward of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.139
Burrastow, Holm of . . . . . 6013N 136W
Burravoe, North Holm of . . . . . . . . . 6.272
Burravoe, South Holm of . . . . . . . . . 6.272
Burray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.199
Haas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.213
Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.206
Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.57
Burries Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.121
Burwick Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.43
Burwick, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.47
Bush, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.121
Buss Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.209
Busta, a mansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100
Busta Pund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.328
Busta Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100
Byre of Scord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.123
Byrgistangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.148
Cadboll Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.159
Cadha an tSagairt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.48
Cagar Feosaig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.64
Cailc, Ard na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.72
Cairn Head, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.57
Cairn Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.100
Cairn Islet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.298
Cairnbulg Boathaven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.97
Cairnbulg Briggs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.88
Cairnbulg Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.91
Cairnbulg Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.88
Cairston Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.120
Calback Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.254
Caledonian Canal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.271
Calf Sound: Eday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.278
Calf Sound: Scapa Flow . . . . . . . . . . . 5.52
Callie Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.77
Camas an Din . . . . . . . . 5830N 440W
Cambuslochy Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.292
Cameron Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.252
Canniesile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.212
Cantick Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.24
Cantick, Ruff of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.62
Cantick Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.61
Caol = narrow, strait, firth, kyle,
see proper name
Cape Wrath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.17
Caple Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.128
Car Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.344
Cara, Ayre of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.57
Carnarc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.259
Carness, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.349
Carrick, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.299
Carrick House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.293
Carrol Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.64
Carse = low flat land near river,
see proper name
Castle Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.302
Castle Craig Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.161
Castle of; see proper name
Castle, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.260
Castlecraig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.183
Castlehill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.95
Castletown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.95
Cat Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.169
Cata Sand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.235
Catta Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.231
Cauldale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.304
Cava . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.108
Cava, Calf of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.108
Ceann Geal, An (see Whiten Head) . . . 3.19
Ceann Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.303
Ceann Loch Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.304
Ceannabeinne, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.31

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Contents

Index
INDEX

Chait Fhaidhaich, Poll a . . . . . . . . . . 3.30

Challister Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.221
Chalmers Hope . . . . . . . . 5853N 314W
Chaluim, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.302
Channer Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.151
Chanonry Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.228
Chanonry Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.228
Chaoil, Eilean a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.45
Chapelton Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.182
Charts, charting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.27
Cheynies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.26
Choille rais Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.305
Choraidh, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.32
Christies Hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.81
Clach Mhr na Faraid . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.19
Clachnaharry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.272
Sea Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.288
Works Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.291
Clapper, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.128
Clardon Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.79
Cleat, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.193
Cleat: Sanday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.243
Cleat: Westray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.189
Clit an tSeabhaig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.17
Clit Dubh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.19
Cleiver, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.121
Clestrain, Skerries of . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.106
Clestrain Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.85
Clett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.78
Clett Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.220
Clett, The: Fetlar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.328
Clett, The: Rousay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.315
Clett, Ward of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.203
Clettack Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.145
Cletts of Brough,
see Brough, Cletts of . . . . . . . . . . . 3.147
Cletts, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.78
Cletts, Skerry of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Clibberswick, Hill of . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.358
Clift Hills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.27
Clift Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.27
Climate information pages
Cape Wrath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.157
Fair Isle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.156
Invergordon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.161
Rosehearty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.159
Kirkwall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.162
Lerwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.163
Kinloss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.160
Trshavn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.164
Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.158
Climnie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.211
Cl Kearvaig, Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.19
Cloa Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.279
Clogg, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.235
Cloiche, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.76
Cloki Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.25
Closure of ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.60
Clousta, North Voe of . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108
Clousta, Voe of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108
Climhrig, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.31
Clumly Baas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.144
Clumly Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.144
Clumps, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.314
Clyth Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.18
Cnoc = hill, knoll; see proper name
Coastal conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2
Coille Faileige . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.298
Coiltry Reach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.298
Cole Deep . . . . . . . . . . . . 6021N 122W
Cole Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.110
Colgrave Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.331
Colla Firth: Noness Head . . . . . . . . . 6.310
Colla Firth: Yell Sound . . . . . . . . . . . 6.293
Colli Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.243
Collie Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.112

Collifield Baas . . . . . . . . . 6020N 107W

Collifield Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.230
Colonel Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.88
Colsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.25
Colsie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6015N 108W
Colvidale Baas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.358
Colvister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.348
Comely, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.229
Compass Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.137
Copinsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.205
Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.208
Copister, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.284
Copister, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.313
Corbie Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.333
Corbie Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.92
Corn Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.208
Cornquoy, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.213
Corpach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.310
Sea Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.310
Top Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.309
Costa Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.157
Costa Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.157
Cott, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.186
Couba Clett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.364
Coubister, Skerries of . . . 5901N 305W
Couse Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.212
Covesea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.130
Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.137
Cow Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.109
Cowhythe Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.124
Cowhythe Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.124
Craig Dagerty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.118
Craig Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.135
Craiggate, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.65
Craigan Roan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.155
Craigiehowe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.241
Craigmee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.236
Craigolie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.235
Craigton Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.259
Crampie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5909N 236W
Cranstackie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.32
Crathie Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.124
Creag = crag, rock, cliff; see proper name
Creag Dhubain Cairn . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.299
Creagach, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.54
Creekland, Bay of . . . . . . 5855N 319W
Creel, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.53
Crees, Head of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.139
Creig Airde, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.44
Cribba Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108
Croagle, Inner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.228
Crock Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.68
Crog Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.102
Crogodale, Hill of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.13
Cromarty Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.209
Cromarty Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.190
Cromarty Firth
Arrival information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.195
Berths and basins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.215
Directions for entering harbour . . . 4.209
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.180
Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.202
Limiting conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.189
Port services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.224
Cromarty Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.217
Croo Taing: Burra Sound 5855N 316W
Croo Taing: Sound of Hoxa . . . . . . . . 5.50
Croo Taing: South Havra . . . . . . . . . . 6.28
Croo Taing: Uyea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.342
Crook, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.312
Crookness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.363
Crooksetter, Hill of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.267
Cross Sand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.73
Crosskirk Bay . . . . . . . . . 5837N 341W
Crotaing, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.147

346

Crovie Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.106

Crow Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.356
Crow Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.243
Cruachan, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.41
Cruester, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.189
Crussa Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.329
Cubsey Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.212
Cuilags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.75
Cul Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.306
Culadain, Na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.56
Culbin Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.163
Culla Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.104
Cullen Bay and Harbour . . . . . . . . . . 4.128
Culli Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.350
Cullingsburgh, Voe of . . . 6010N 104W
Cullivoe, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.329
Cullochy Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.298
Culloden Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.70
Cullykhan Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.119
Culswick, Broch of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.76
Culswick Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.76
Cumlewick Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.151
Cummingstown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.130
Curach Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.78
Current turbines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.26
Curries Firth . . . . . . . . . . . 5850N 306W
Customs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.63
Cuthe Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.176
Cuthill Sands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.72
Da Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72
Daaey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.328
Daal, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.71
Dal; see Dalur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.73
Dal, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.195
Dales Voe: Lerwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.184
Dales Voe: Yell Sound . . . . . . . . . . . 6.310
Dalmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.199
Dalrymple Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.95
Dalsnpa: Sandoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.72
Dalsnpa: Streymoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.88
Dalsnipen: Sandoy,
see Dalsnpa: Sandoy . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.72
Dalsnipen: Streymoy,
see Dalsnpa: Streymoy . . . . . . . . . . 7.88
Dalur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.73
Dam of Hoxa; see Hoxa, Dam of . . . 5.57
Damsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5900N 304W
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5900N 303W
Darroch Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.292
David Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.46
Deble; see Depil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.264
Decompression chamber . . . . . 1.112, 6.295
Deepdale, Bay of:
Mainland, Shetland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.63
Deepdale, Bay of: Scapa Flow . . . 5855N
257W
Deeps, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.56
Deer Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.259
Deerness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.200
Brough of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.255
Delny Dock . . . . . . . . . . . 5742N 406W
Den Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.261
Dennis Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.226
Dennis Rst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.223
Dennis Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.295
Denwick Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.254
Depil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.264
Deratting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.110
Deveron, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.108
Dimon Fjord; see Dmunarfjrur . . . 7.28
Dmunarfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.28
Dingwall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.202
Dingyshowe Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.200
Dionard, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.27

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INDEX

Dishan, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.351

Distress and Rescue
Froyar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.90
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.74
United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.76
Djupene; see Djpini . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.216
Djpini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.216
Dochfour House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.292
Dochfour, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.292
Dochgarroch Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.291
Docking facilities Summary . . . . 1.109
Dlgsteinur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.129
Dore Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.87
Dores Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.295
Dornoch Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.72
Dornoch Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.64
Dornoch Sands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.72
Doune, Hill of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.113
Dowie Sand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.270
Dragasund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.109
Dragin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.265
Dragon Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.219
Drangarnir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.109
Drelnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.56
Dronger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5933N 138W
Drongs, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.87
Drumnadrochit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.295
Drynachan, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.300
Dubh, Eilean: Kyle of Durness . . . . . 3.27
Dubh, Eilean: Loch Eriboll . . . . . . . . . 3.38
Dubh, Eilean: Loch Oich . . . . . . . . . 4.300
Dubhsgeir, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.37
Duff House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.107
Dulse Skerry . . . . . . . . . . 5822N 254W
Dunbeath Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.62
Dunbeath Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.51
Dunbeath Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.62
Dunbeath Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.62
Duncansby, Boars of . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.139
Duncansby Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.126
Duncansby, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.139
Duncansby Race . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.116
Duncansby, Stacks of . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.18
Dundarg Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.101
Dunnet Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.95
Dunnet Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.75
Dunnet Sands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.95
Dunrobin Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.69
Dunrobin Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.64
Durga Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.71
Durn Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.124
Durness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.56
Durness, Kyle of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.27
Dury Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.230
Duslic Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.19
Dutch Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.114
Dwarwick Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.95
Ealaidh, Eilean na h . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.300
East Ayre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.142
East Burra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.17
Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6018N 121W
East Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.124
East Head of Papa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.41
East Lesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.293
East Linga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.209
East Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.304
East Weddel Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.212
East Wini Skerry . . . . . . . 5844N 304W
Easter Score Holm . . . . . 6010N 122W
Easter Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.226
Easter Rova Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.159
Easter Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.78
Eathie Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.234
Ebbing Eddy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105

Echnaloch Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.143

Eday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.280
Gruna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.289
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.278
Effirth Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.59
Egilsay: Orkney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.315
Egilsay: Saint Magnus Bay . . . . . . . . 6.111
Egilsnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.128
Eide; see Eii: Eysturoy . . . . . . . . . . 7.207
Eii: Eysturoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.207
Eii: Nlsoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.144
Eisvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.267
Eilean = island; see proper name
Eiriksbodhi; see Eiriksboi . . . . . . . . 7.106
Eiriksboi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.106
Ejde: Nlsoy; see Eii: Nlsoy . . . . 7.144
Ejdsvig; see Eisvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.267
Eldevig; see Elduvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.241
Elduvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.241
Els Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.236
Elsness, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.236
Elwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.351
Embo House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.70
Embo Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.77
Enni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.233
Enniberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.140
Eriboll, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30
Ernes Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.145
Esha Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.119
Eshaness, Skerry of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.82
Eswick Holm . . . . . . . . . . 6016N 108W
European Community Regulations:
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.50
Ship reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.51
VTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.52
AIS and VDR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.53
Notification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.54
Incident and accident reporting . . . . 1.55
Bad weather, measures to take . . . . . 1.56
Incidents, measures to take . . . . . . . 1.57
Places of refuge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.58
Singlehull tankers, phasing out . . . 1.45
Evanton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.222
Evie, Sands of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.381
Examination Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.62
Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.20
Eynhallow Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.366
Eystara Vg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.156
Eystfelli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.253
Eystnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.150
Eysturhvdi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.259
Eysturoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.4
Fada, An tEilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.300
Froe Bank Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.113
Froe Bank; see Froyar Bank . . . . . 1.18
Froe Islands; see Froyar . . . . . . . . . . 7.1
Froe Shetland Channel . . . . . . . 1.113
Fair Isle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.24
Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5920N 130W
Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.10
Faither, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.119
Fmarasund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.22
Famien; see Fmjin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.23
Fmjin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.23
Faoilinn, Creag na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.36
Fara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.24
Faraclett Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.314
Faraid Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.19
Faray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.319
Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.319
Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.319
Farr Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.60
Farr Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.23
Fast Geo Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.18

347

Fea Hill: Deerness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.259

Fea Hill: Sanday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.219
Feadda Ness . . . . . . . . . . . 6008N 101W
Fearn Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.179
Ferry Point: Loch Fleet . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.76
Ferry Point: Wide Firth . . . . . . . . . . . 5.365
Ferryton Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.212
Fers Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.320
Fersness Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.322
Fethaland, Isle of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.272
Fethaland, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.272
Fetlar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.317
Fhreiceadain, Cnoc an . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.50
Fiddes Fort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.119
Filla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.225
Filla Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.226
Findhorn Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.179
Findhorn, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.179
Findlater Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.124
Findochty Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.155
Findon Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.186
Finstown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.365
Fiord, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.272
Firth, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.365
Firth Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.306
Firth, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.59
Firths Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.252
Fish Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.279
Fishing
Fishery limits
Froyar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.102
United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.94
Fishing grounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.13
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.10
Marine farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.19
Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.12
Fisk Hellia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.372
Fiska Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.229
Fissla Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.103
Fitful Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.23
Fitty Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.169
Five Fathom Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.356
Fladda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.119
Fladen Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.114
Flaeshans of Rumble . . . . 6020N 054W
Flaeshans of Sandwick . . . . . . . . . . . 6.220
Flaeshans, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.221
Flaeshins, The . . . . . . . . . 6038N 054W
Flaess, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.302
Flaughton Hill . . . . . . . . . 5910N 247W
Fleet, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.76
Fleet, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.76
Flesen: Suuroy; see Flesin:
Suuroy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.66
Fleserne: S of Suuroy,
see Flesjarnar: S of Suuroy . . . . . . 7.21
Fleserne: Tangafjrur,
see Flesjarnar: Tangafjrur . . . . . . 7.165
Fleshes, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.110
Flesin: Suuroy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.66
Flesjarnar: S of Suuroy . . . . . . . . . . . 7.21
Flesjarnar: Tangafjrur . . . . . . . . . . 7.165
Fleskia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.146
Fltnstange; see Fltunestangi . . . . . 7.22
Flotta Baa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.58
Flotta, Calf of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.49
Flotta Marine Oil Terminal . . . . . . . . 5.135
Flotta, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.58
Flotta: Scapa Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.24
Flotta: Weisdale Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.58
Fltunestangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.22
Flubersgerdie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.128
Flugarth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.230
Fogla Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.70
Foot, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.270

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INDEX

Footabrough, Voe of . . . . 6014N 139W

Fora Ness: Cloki Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.25
Fora Ness: Dales Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.310
Fora Ness: Lerwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.195
Fora Ness: The Deeps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.59
Foraness Voe . . . . . . . . . . 6013N 110W
Fore Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.57
Fore Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.91
Forewick Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.92
Forewick Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.92
Froyar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.1
Froyar Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.18
Forse Cove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.60
Fort Augustus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.297
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.297
Reach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.298
Fort Charlotte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.187
Fort George . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.229
Fortrose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.241
Forty mile Ground . . . . . . . 5955N 030E
Fosky Reef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.236
Foul Baas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.47
Foula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.71
Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72
Foulis Point . . . . . . . . . . . 5738N 421W
Fowl Craig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.175
Foyers Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.295
Foyers, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.294
Franks, Bay of . . . . . . . . . 5909N 236W
Fraserburgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.92
Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.92
Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.92
Freisgill Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.37
Freswick Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.36
Freswick House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.36
Froba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.53
Frobiarnpa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.38
Frodeb Nipen; see Frobiarnpa . . . . 7.38
Frodhba; see Froba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.53
Fugla Ness:
NW coast of Mainland . . . . . . . . . . 6.119
Fugla Ness: Sullom Voe . . . . . . . . . . 6.286
Fugla Ness: West Burra . . . . . . . . . . . 6.41
Fugla Stack . . . . . . . . . . . 6003N 121W
Fuglafjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.233
Fugle Fjord; see Fuglafjrur . . . . . . 7.233
Fuglfjarareyga . . . . . . . . 6230N 710W
Fugl Fjord; see Fugloyarfjrur . . . 7.258
Fugl; see Fugloy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.253
Fugloy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.253
Fugloyarbanki . . . . . . . . . 6223N 520W
Fugloyarfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.258
Funding Fjord,
see Funningsfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.241
Funding; see Funningur . . . . . . . . . . 7.241
Fundingsbotn,
see Funningsfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.241
Funningsfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.241
Funningur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.241
Funzie Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.278
Furrowend, Bay of . . . . . 5903N 255W
Fyrish, Cnoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.214
Gaada Stacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.76
Gaasholm; see Gshlmur . . . . . . . . 7.100
Gairlochy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.305
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.308
Gairsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.367
Hen of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.391
Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.391
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.388
Gairy Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.206
Glgatangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.58
Gallo Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.159
Gallow Hill: Cromarty Firth . . . . . . . 4.182

Gallow Hill: Fetlar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.317

Galt Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.273
Galt Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.273
Galta Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.78
Galta Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.107
Galtagarth, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.313
Galti Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.121
Galvur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.215
Gamrie Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.118
Garbh, Creag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.23
Garbheilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.23
An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.19
Garda Baas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.225
Gardaness Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.310
Gardenstown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.118
Gardie House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.187
Garmus Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.122
Garness, Head of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.106
Garron Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.129
Garry, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.300
Garsow Wick . . . . . . . . . . 5923N 224W
Garths Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.24
Garths Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.292
Gshlmssund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.109
Gshlmur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.100
Gshvdi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.267
Ge, Geodha = rocky creek, chasm, rift,
see proper name
George, Fort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.229
GhoilSgeir, A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.41
Giannre; see Gjnoyri . . . . . . . . . . . 7.205
Gibraltar Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.77
Giljanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.126
Gill Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.182
Gills Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.149
Giltarump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.69
Givv, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.365
Gizzen Briggs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.64
Gjnoyri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.205
Glas Leacan, Na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.22
Glass, Cnoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.45
Gletness, North Isle of . . . . . . . . . . . 6.164
Gletness, North Voe of . . . . . . . . . . . 6.164
Gletness, South Isle of . . . . . . . . . . . 6.167
Gletness, South Voe of . . . . . . . . . . . 6.164
Glimps Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.144
Glivursns; see Glyvursnes . . . . . . . 7.148
Gloup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.124
Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.128
Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.131
Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.133
Gluggarnir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.15
Gluggerne; see Gluggarnir . . . . . . . . . 7.15
Gluss Isle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.268
Gluss Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.305
Glyvrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.188
Glyvursnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.148
Gobhar Sgiathach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.294
Golspie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.75
Gomlurtt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.92
Gon Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.110
Gossabrough, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.332
Gossabrough, Wick of . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.346
Gte; see Norragta . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.229
Gtens; see Gtunes . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.229
Gtevig; see Gtuvk . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.229
Gtueie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.192
Gtunes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.229
Gtuvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.229
Graand, Point of the: Egilsay . . . . . . 5.273
Graand, Point of the: Stronsay . . . . . 5.229
Graand, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.299
Graemsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.85
Grames Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.308
Grandatange; see Grandatangi . . . . . . 7.65

348

Grandatangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.65
Grass Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.391
Grave Point . . . . . . . . . . . 5832N 439W
Green Head: Hoy Sound . . . . . . . . . . 5.108
Green Head: Lerwick . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.191
Green Head: Whites Ness . . . . . . . . . . 6.77
Green Holms, Sound of the . . . . . . . 5.275
Green Holm: Lerwick approaches . . 6.162
Green Holm: S coast of Yell . . . . . . 6.313
Green Holm: Scalloway . . . . . . . . . . . 6.41
Green Isle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.230
Green Point: Vementry . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108
Greena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.58
Greenan Nev . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.320
Greenli Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.276
Greenmow, Ward of . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.144
Greentoft, Bay of . . . . . . . 5908N 246W
Greeny Brae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.291
Gremista Quay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.191
Grey Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.292
Grice Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.229
Grif Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.209
Grim Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.206
Grimbister, Holm of . . . . 5900N 305W
Grimsetter, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.329
Grmsfjall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.22
Grinds, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.49
Griosaich, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.41
Grobs Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.99
Groin Baa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.96
Gronataing, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.78
Grnhlmur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.169
Groot Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.28
Grounds, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.86
Gruna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108
Gruna Baas: Lunning Sound . . . . . . . 6.222
Gruna Baas: Mousa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.147
Gruna Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.121
Grunavi Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.173
Grunay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.204
Gruney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.270
Grunna Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.230
Gruting, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.77
Gruting, Ness of: Fetlar . . . . . . . . . . 6.338
Gruting, Ness of: Gruting Voe . . . . . . 6.77
Gruting Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.77
Gruting, Wick of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.338
Grutness Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.150
Guillam Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.169
Gulber Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.165
Gumpick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.260
Gunnald, Point of the . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.348
Gunnista, Holm of . . . . . . 6011N 106W
Gunnister, Isle of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.112
Gunnister Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.112
Gutcher, Head of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.329
Gutcher, Wick of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.349
Guttagrynna . . . . . . . . . . . 6155N 707W
Gutter Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.78
Haa Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6020N 101W
Haa of Stova . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.150
Haaf Gruney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.328
Haafs Hellia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.157
Hackness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.62
Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.70
Hacks Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.295
Hacos Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.342
Haddock Sands . . . . . . . . 6011N 123W
Hlur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.86
Haerie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.212
Hagdale, Baas of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.373
Hagdales Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.130
Haggersta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.58

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Contents

Index
INDEX

Haggrister, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.289

Halcro Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.206
Haldarsvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.206
Haldorsvig; see Haldarsvk . . . . . . . . 7.206
Halibut Bank: E of Unst . . 6055N 020E
Halibut Bank: ENE of Rattray Head 5745
N 015W
Hall of; see proper name
Hall, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.328
Halladale River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.91
Hallbreck, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.385
Hallilee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.138
Halliman Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.137
Ham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.147
Ham, Bight of . . . . . . . . . 6009N 107W
Ham Geo . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5844N 255W
Ham Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.358
Ham, Taing of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.188
Ham Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.73
Hamar, Keen of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.368
Hamar, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.103
Hamars Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.333
Hamna Voe: Lunna Ness . . . . . . . . . 6.307
Hamna Voe: Papa Stour . . . . . . . . . . 6.104
Hamna Voe: S coast of Yell . . . . . . . 6.313
Hamna Voe: Scalloway approaches . . 6.45
Hamna Voe: W coast of Mainland . . 6.122
Hamnaayre, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.96
Hamnafield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.71
Hamnavoe, Ayre of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.307
Hamnavoe: Scalloway approaches . . . 6.45
Hamnavoe: Stromness . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.115
Hamranes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.66
Hangaback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.134
Harald Sund; see Haraldssund . . . . . 7.141
Haraldssund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.141
Harolds Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.373
Haroldswick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.373
Harpa Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.47
Harpy Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.330
Harrabrough Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.46
Harris Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.42
Hascosay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.331
Baa of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.333
Hascosay Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.348
Hatston Ferry Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . 5.360
Hattarvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.266
Hattervig; see Hattarvk . . . . . . . . . . 7.266
Haven, The: Brough Bay . . . . . . . . . 3.147
Haven, The: Moray Firth . . . . . . . . . . 4.40
Haven, The: Stroma . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.151
Haven, The: Swona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.60
Havey, Bay of . . . . . . . . . 5918N 254W
Havnartangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.257
Havra Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.47
Havra, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.57
Havsbodl; see Havsbolli . . . . . . . . . . 7.257
Havsblli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.257
Hawk Baa . . . . . . . . . . . . 6013N 109W
Hawks Ness: Lerwick approaches . . 6.166
Hawks Ness: Uyea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.335
Hazardous cargoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.50
Head; see proper name
Heag, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.107
Heathery Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.78
Heilam, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.31
Heill Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108
Heimari Glgi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.61
Hell Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.139
Hellan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.148
Helli Bass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72
Helli Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.144
Hellia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.145
Hellia Baa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.41
Hellia, Point of: Eynhallow Sound . . 5.372

Hellia, Point of: Wyre . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.315

Helliar Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.341
Helliness, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.147
Hellister Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.58
Helman Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.13
Helmsdale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.52
River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.52
Heltnen; see Heltnin . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.257
Heltnin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.257
Hemp Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.145
Heock Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.77
Heoga Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.279
Heogan, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.184
Heogland, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.329
Herma Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.128
Hermaness, Bow of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.176
Hermaness Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.128
Herston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.46
Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.46
Hesta Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.206
Hesta Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . 5846N 255W
Hestfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.88
Hesti Geo . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5857N 300W
Hest Fjord; see Hestfjrur . . . . . . . . 7.88
Hest; see Hestur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.78
Hestur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.78
Heugg, The . . . . . . . . . . . 6003N 122W
Hevda Skerries . . . . . . . . . 6026N 046W
Hevda Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.211
Hevdadale Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.119
Hevdagarth, Head of . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.347
Hevden Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100
Heyganes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.129
Heyspan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.76
Hich Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.25
Highland Deephaven Causeway . . . . 4.223
Highland Deephaven Jetty . . . . . . . . 4.223
Hildasay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.42
Hill of; see proper name
Hills Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.103
Hillswick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.103
Hillswick, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.103
Hilton of Cadboll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.179
Hinderayre, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.380
Hisber, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.372
Hoan, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.37
Hoclen; see Hlur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.86
Hoe Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . 6008N 121W
Hvdi Grund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72
Hvdi Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72
Hog, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.328
Hoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.147
Hoga Ness: Bluemull Sound . . . . . . . 6.329
Hoga Ness: Gruting Voe . 6013N 130W
Hogan, Taing of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.47
Hogg of; see proper name
Hogg Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.57
Hogg, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.228
Hgnaboi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.211
Hgnebue; see Hgnaboi . . . . . . . . 7.211
Hogo Baas, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.215
Hoivig; see Hoyvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.160
Holborn Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.86
Hole oRow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.156
Hole, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.10
Holes, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6025N 100E
Holland, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.276
Holland farmhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.242
Holland, Head of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.342
Holland House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.276
Holm = islet; see proper name
Holm of Tafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.107
Holm Sound: Burray . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.212
Holm Sound: Elwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.351
Holm Sound: Sanday . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.236

349

Holm Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.277

Holms, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.34
Hlmssund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.60
Hlmurin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.59
Hoo Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.160
Hope, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.31
Hope, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.31
Hope Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . 6008N 103W
Hopeman Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.155
Horn, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.64
Horse Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.24
Horse of Copinsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.206
Horse Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.214
Hos Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.151
Hosta, Head of . . . . . . . . . 6036N 046W
Hoston Bay . . . . . . . . . . . 5846N 259W
Hoston Head . . . . . . . . . . 5846N 259W
Hsvik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.200
Hoswick, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.151
Houbansetter, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.98
Houbie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.337
Houll Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.347
Houlland, Ness of: Yell, N coast . . . 6.131
Houlland, Ness of: Yell Sound . . . . . 6.302
Houllnan Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.132
Housa Baas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.105
Housa Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.105
Housa Wick . . . . . . . . . . . 6036N 100W
Housay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.204
Houseby, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.258
Housebay, Ward of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.257
Houss Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.17
Houssness, Stacks of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.28
Houton, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.147
Houton Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.106
Houton, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.108
Hov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.65
Hvdaberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.58
Hvdasund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.27
Hove Bugt; see Hovsfjrur . . . . . . . . 7.65
Hove; see Hov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.65
Hovsfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.65
Hovshlmur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.65
Howana Geo, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . 5.150
Howdman, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.119
Howe, Ness of . . . . . . . . . 5902N 251W
Howe, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.121
Howequoy Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.144
Howie Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.315
Hoxa, Dam of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.57
Hoxa Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.49
Hoxa, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.23
Hoy, Bow of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Hoy, Hoggs of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.57
Hoy, Kame of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.75
Hoy Mouth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.85
Hoy Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.110
Hoy Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.85
Hoy, Sound of:
Weisdale Voe approach . . . . . . . . . . 6.57
Hoy: Orkney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.64
Hoy: Weisdale Voe approach . . . . . . . 6.57
Hoyvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.160
Hoyvksgrynna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.148
Hoyvkshlmur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.148
Hugh Millers Monument . . . . . . . . . 4.208
Huip, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.295
Huip Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.229
Huip, Oyce of . . . . . . . . . 5909N 238W
Hulkn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.189
Humla Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.76
Huna, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.139
Hunda Reef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.142
Hunda Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.142
Hunder Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.222

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Index
INDEX

Huney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.365
Hunts Holm . . . . . . . . . . . 6041N 050W
Huro, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.314
Hsagrynna . . . . . . . . . . . 6202N 615W
Hsar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.251
Hsavk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.74
Husevig; see Hsavk . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.74
Husum; see Hsar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.251
Hutig, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.23
Huxter Baas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.92
Hvalba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.66
Hvalbiarei . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.23
Hvalbiarfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.66
Hvalnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.86
Hvalvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.203
Hvannafelli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.15
Hvannasund
North part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.142
South part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.262
Hvannhlmur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.38
Hvidens,
see Hvtanes: Tangafjrur . . . . . . 7.165
Hvtanes: Suuroy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.56
Hvtanes: Tangafjrur . . . . . . . . . . . 7.165
Hyndgreenie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.160

Iceland Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.356

Icelanders, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108
Inga Ness: Mainland, Orkney . . . . . . 5.156
Inga Ness: Westray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.159
Ingas Holm, Point of . . . 6020N 126W
Ingale Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.257
Ingale Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.258
Inganess Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.347
Innan Neb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.68
Innari Glgi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.59
Inner Flaess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.358
Inner Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.115
Inner Holm of Skaw . . . . 6023N 055W
Inner Skerry: Burra Sound . . . . . . . . 5.110
Inner Skerry:
Scalloway approaches . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.26
Inner Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.97
Inner Voder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.211
Innis, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.46
Innis Mhor . . . . . . . . . . . . 5751N 356W
Innse Mire, Rubh na h . . . . . . . . . . . 4.65
Inver Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.79
Inver Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.79
Inverallochy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.88
Inverallochy Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.91
Inverbreakie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.214
Invergarry Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.302
Invergloy Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.305
Invergordon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.181
Invermoriston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.295
Inverness Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.265
Inverness Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.240
Inverness Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.262
Inveroich Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.297
Inzie Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.84
Iosal, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.46
Ire, Holms of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.176
Ireland, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.121
Ireland, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.25
Isauld Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.92
Isbister, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.364
Isbister Holm . . . . . . . . . . 6022N 054W
Isle of West Burrafirth . . . . . . . . . . . 6.107
Isle of Stenness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.82
Isle Rough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.208
Islesburgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.111

Jacks Hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacks Reef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jeenies Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
John oGroats Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.232
5.231
6.367
3.138

Kabelen; see Kapulin . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.211

Kadlur; see Kallur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.140
Klns; see Kjalnestangi . . . . . . . . . 7.195
Kaili Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.79
Kalbak Fjord,
see Kaldbaksfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.173
Kaldbaksfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.173
Kaldbaksnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.165
Kallee Ness . . . . . . . . . . . 6006N 119W
Kallur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.140
Kalso Fjord; see Kalsoyarfjrur . . . 7.215
Kals; see Kalsoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.220
Kalsoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.220
Kalsoyarfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.215
Klvanesbodhi; see Klvanesboi . . 7.100
Klvanesboi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.100
Kame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.60
Kame, The: Foula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.71
Kame of; see proper name
Kapulin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.211
Kay Baa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.348
Kay Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.347
Kebister Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.184
Keels, Rst of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.26
Keen Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.96
Keen, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.329
Keiss Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.37
Keiss Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.37
Keld, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.296
Kessock Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.255
Kessock Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.240
Ketligill Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.115
Kettla Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.17
Kettletoft Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.236
Kierfea Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.327
Kilfinnan Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.304
Kili Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.312
Kilmuir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.211
Kilmuir Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.258
Kingston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.155
Kinloch River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.45
Kinnaird Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.88
Kirbister House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.226
Kirk Baas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.221
Kirk Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.69
Kirk Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.60
Kirk Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.63
Kirk Ness: South Ronaldsay . . . . . . . 5.206
Kirk Ness: Whalsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.221
Kirk Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Kirk Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.47
Kirk Sound: E part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.212
Kirk Sound: W part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.144
Kirk, The: Eday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.271
Kirka Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.60
Kirka Taing . . . . . . . . . . . 5851N 309W
Kirkabister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.348
Kirkabister Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.159
Kirke; see Kirkja . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.266
Kirkeb Ns; see Kirkjubnes . . . . . . 7.86
Kirkeb; see Kirkjubur . . . . . . . . . . . 7.77
Kirkhouse Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.206
Kirkja . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.266
Kirkjubhlmur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.88
Kirkjubnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.86
Kirkjubur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.77
Kirkjugrunnur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.59
Kirkstyle Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.138
Kirkwall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.352
Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.352

350

Kirtomy Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.61

Kirtomy Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.23
Kitchener Memorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.156
Kjalnestangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.195
Kjthlmur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.169
Klak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.219
KlaksRed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.242
Klaksvig; see Klaksvk . . . . . . . . . . . 7.242
Klaksvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.242
Klettabodhi; see Klettaboi . . . . . . . . . 7.42
Klettaboi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.42
Klraratangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.22
Kloraretange; see Klraratangi . . . . . . 7.22
Kluftin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.242
Knab, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.188
Knitchen Hill . . . . . . . . . . 5909N 300W
Knock Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.124
Knockhall Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.58
Knockhall, Taing of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.57
Knoll, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.212
Knpur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.22
Knucker Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.159
Knkur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.27
Kobbatangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.22
Kobbetange; see Kobbatangi . . . . . . . 7.22
Kodlur; see Kollur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.134
Kollafjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.195
Kolle Fjord; see Kollafjrur . . . . . . 7.195
Kollur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.134
Kolter; see Koltur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.79
Kolter Sund; see Kolturssund . . . . . . . 7.89
Koltur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.79
Kolturssund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.89
Kongshavn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.176
Krossli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.46
Krosslidh; see Krossli . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.46
Kuno Nakke; see Kunoyarnakkur . . . 7.140
Kun; see Kunoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.221
Kunoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.221
Kunoyarbygd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.251
Kunoyarnakkur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.140
Kvalbo Eide; see Hvalbiarei . . . . . . . 7.23
Kvalb Fjord; see Hvalbiarfjrur . . . 7.66
Kvalb; see Hvalba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.66
Kvalns; see Hvalnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.86
Kvalvig; see Hvalvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.203
Kvanne Sund; see Hvannasund
Kvannholm; see Hvannhlmur . . . . . . 7.38
Kvanestangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.48
Kvivig; see Kvvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.131
Kvvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.131
Kvrntangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.29
Kyle = strait; see proper name
Kytra Cairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.298
Kytra Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.298
Ladys Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.24
Laggan Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.301
Laggan Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.301
Lama Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.243
Lamaness Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.243
Lamb Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.226
Lamb Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.144
Lamb Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.226
Lamba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.272
Lamba Head . . . . . . . . . . . 6020N 127W
Lamba Ness: Lashy Sound . . . . . . . . 5.292
Lamba Ness: Unst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.358
Lambatangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.88
Lambavig; see Lambavk . . . . . . . . . 7.213
Lambavk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.213
Lambgarth Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.166
Lambhoga Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.144
Lambhoga, Head of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.337
Lang Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.111

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INDEX

Lang Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.130

Lang Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.34
Lang Sound Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.46
Lang Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.235
Langa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.43
Langa Skerry . . . . . . . . . . 5900N 304W
Langasandur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.195
Langitangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.59
Lash, The: Hoy Sound . . 5856N 317W
Lash, The: Swanbister Bay . . . . . . . . 5.146
Lashy Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.292
Lashy Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.278
Latheronwheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.61
Lavey Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.321
Lax Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.168
Laxo Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.230
Lea Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5859N 247W
Leagarth House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.337
Leake Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.188
Leathan, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . 5834N 442W
Lech Robie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.71
Leeans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.60
Leinum; see Leynar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.117
Leira Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.188
Brough of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.188
Leiraness, Voe of . . . . . . . 6009N 107W
Leirinbeg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.56
Leirvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.239
Leirvksfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.216
Leitirfearn Cairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.300
Lera Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.78
Lervig Fjord; see Leirvksfjrur . . . 7.216
Lervig; see Leirvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.239
Lerwick Harbour
Arrival information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.179
Berths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.196
Directions for entering harbour . . . 6.188
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.171
Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.184
Limiting conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.178
Port services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.200
Less, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.171
Lesser Sand Eel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Leven Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.151
Levenwick Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.151
Leynar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.117
Liath, Creag Cairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.300
Libbers Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.123
Liddel Eddy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.117
Lighthouse Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.297
Lille Dimon; see Ltla Dmun . . . . . . 7.38
Lime, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . 5849N 254W
Ling Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.277
Ling Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.169
Linga, Baa of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.78
Linga, Calf of: East Linga 6021N 053W
Linga, Calf of: Linga Sound . . . . . . . 6.221
Linga Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.289
Linga, Skerries of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.78
Linga Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.377
Linga Sound: Bluemull Sound . . . . . 6.336
Linga Sound: Stronsay . . . . . . . . . . . 5.298
Linga Sound: Whalsay . . . . . . . . . . . 6.219
Linga: Bluemull Sound . . . . . . . . . . . 6.329
Linga: Scalloway approaches . . . . 6008N
121W
Linga: Swarbacks Minn . . . . . . . . . . . 6.94
Linga: Vaila Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.78
Linga: Vementry Sound . . . . . . . . . . 6.108
Link Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5741N 241W
Linklet Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.245
Links Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.280
Linna Baa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.276
Linnhe, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.310
Linton, Baas of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.270

Lions Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.119

Lissahvde; see Lissahvdi . . . . . . . . 7.261
Lissahvdi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.261
Litla Billan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.213
Ltla Dmun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.38
Little Bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.130
Little Green Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.271
Little Halibut Bank . . . . . 5820N 120W
Little Havra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.17
Little Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.85
Little Holm: Bay of Quendale . . . . . . 6.32
Little Holm: Cat Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.169
Little Holm: Yell Sound . . . . . . . . . . 6.272
Little Linga: Eday Sound . . . . . . . . . 5.278
Little Linga: Lunning Sound . . . . 6022N
103W
Little Ossa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.119
Little Roe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.281
Little Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.236
Little Seal Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.376
Little Skerry: Out Skerries . . . . . . . . 6.225
Little Skerry: Pentland Skerries . . . . 3.102
Little Skerry: Westray . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.193
Little Wart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.199
Littleferry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.76
Liviness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.351
Loch; see proper name
Lochan Havurn . . . . . . . . 5827N 445W
Lochend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.293
Lochy, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.303
Lochy, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.307
Loder Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.160
Loder, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.32
Logie Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.124
London, Bay of, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.281
Long Guen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.225
Long Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.155
Long Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.70
Long, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.128
Long Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.243
Long Taing of Newark . . . . . . . . . . . 5.234
Longa Skerries . . . . . . . . . 6020N 052W
Longataing, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.315
Longgeo Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.148
Longhope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.70
Longman Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.242
Loofa Baa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.189
Loose Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.33
Looss Laward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.137
Lop Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.233
Lopness, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.233
Lopra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.39
Lopransfjrdhur,
see Lopransfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.39
Lopransfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.39
Lossie, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.147
Lossiemouth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.147
Loth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.300
Lothan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.102
Lothan Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.102
Lothbeg Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.50
Lother Eddy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.33
Lother Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.132
Lotheran, The . . . . . . . . . 5919N 237W
Lousy Bank . . . . . . . . . . 6030N 1230W
Louther Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.145
Luggies Knowe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.191
Lunda Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.132
Lung Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.59
Lunga Skerries: Auskerry . . . . . . . . . 5.257
Lunga Skerries:
Scalloway approaches . . 6010N 123W
Lunna Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.279
Lunna Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.306
Lunning Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.222

351

Lunning, Skerry of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.222

Lunning Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.219
Lussetter, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.347
Lybster Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.59
Lybster Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.59
Lygnns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.196
Lyness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.82
Lyra Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.70
Lyrawa Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.80
Lyren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.289
Maa Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.53
Macduff Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.108
Maes Taing . . . . . . . . . . . 5905N 259W
Magnetic anomalies, local
Balta Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.364
Between Suuroy and Sandoy . . . . . 7.34
E of Akraberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.34
Haaf Gruney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.323
Harolds Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.373
Helli Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.135
Kirkjubnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.81
No Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.140
Papa Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.19
S of Vgar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.97
Shetland Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.11
SW side of Suuroy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.19
Trllhvdi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.26
Vgur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.41
Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.139
Mainland: Orkney Islands . . . . . . . . . . 5.10
Mainland: Shetland Islands . . . . . . . . . . 6.1
Malcolms Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.17
Mallow Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Mangaster Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.111
Manse Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . 5849N 255W
Manse Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.206
Manse, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.337
Mar Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5906N 321W
Mara Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.77
Mare of Lunna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.267
Marine exploitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.23
Marine farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.19
Marknoyri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.45
Marra Flaeshins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.222
Marrister, Skate of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.221
Marwick Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.156
Masewell Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.241
Matta Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.70
Maywick, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.28
Maywick, Taing of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.28
Meall Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.46
Meall Mr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.46
Measured distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.111
Meavie Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.108
Meikle Mee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.243
Meikle Mee Lightbuoy . . . . . . . . . . . 4.254
Meil, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.348
Melby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.104
Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.92
House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.92
Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.91
Mell Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.139
Melness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.46
Melsetter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.70
Melvich Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.91
Men of Mey Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.139
Meo Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Merry Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.41
Merry Men of Mey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.110
Mey Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.148
Mey, Castle of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.138
Mhuilt, Rubhaa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.31
Mid Yell Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.347
Middle Bank: Inverness Firth . . . . . . 4.243

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INDEX

Middle Ground: Lerwick . . . . . . . . . . 6.191

Middle Skerry: Burra Sound . . . . . . . 5.110
Middle, The: Dornoch Firth . . . . . . . . 4.73
Middle Voder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.212
Midgarth, Taing of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.381
Midland, Hill of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.103
Midland Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.147
Midsound Baa . . . . . . . . . 5901N 304W
Midsound Baas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.92
Midsound Shoal . . . . . . . . 6012N 136W
Midvaag; see Mivgur . . . . . . . . . . 7.126
Mivgur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.126
Miffia, Hill of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.156
Migga Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.130
Mikladalur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.251
Mill Bay: Hoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.83
Mill Bay: Eday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.299
Mill Bay: Stronsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.227
Mill Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.178
Mill Sand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.259
Millburn Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.393
Mio Ness: Out Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . 6.227
Mio Ness: Yell Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.281
Miovens; see Mjvanes: Suuroy . . 7.38
Mirkady Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.259
Mittfjrsboi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.65
Mjovans; see Mjvanes:
Eysturoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.211
Mjvanes: Eysturoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.211
Mjvanes: Suuroy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.38
Moa Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.381
Moclett, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.194
Moclett, Head of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.186
Mol Mhr . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5835N 436W
Moness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.110
Moo Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6020N 124W
Moo Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . 6030N 137W
Mooa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6022N 054W
Mopul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5933N 136W
Mor Stein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.255
Mr, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.62
Moray Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.83
Moray Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1
More Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.106
Moriston, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.295
Mormond Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.87
Morrich More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.65
Morven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.51
Mossbank . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6028N 111W
Mossy Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.143
Mou Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.364
Moul of Eswick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.160
Mound, The: Loch Fleet . . . . . . . . . . . 4.76
Mousa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.144
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.146
Mouth of Spey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.155
Moy Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.308
Mu Ness: Mainland,
Shetland Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.70
Mu Ness: Unst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.358
Muckla Billan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.202
Mucklabery Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.63
Muckle Ayre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.195
Muckle Bard . . . . . . . . . . 6000N 110W
Muckle Fladdicap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.202
Muckle Flaes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.76
Muckle Flugga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.353
Muckle Green Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.271
Muckle Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.230
Muckle Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.272
Muckle Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.230
Muckle Ossa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.119
Muckle Roe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.84
Muckle Skerry of Neapaback . . . . . . 6.279
Muckle Skerry: Pentland Skerries . . 3.102

Muckle Skerry:
Yell Sound approaches . . . . . . . . . . 6.278
Muckle Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.25
Muckle Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.83
Muirtown Basin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.291
Muirtown Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.291
Mula, Head of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.329
Mlatangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.33
Mulen: Boroy; see Mlin: Boroy . 7.141
Mulen: Eysturoy; see
Mlin: Eysturoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.241
Mulen: Streymoy; see
Mlin: Streymoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.125
Mlin: Boroy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.141
Mlin: Eysturoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.241
Mlin: Srvgsfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.106
Mlin: Streymoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.125
Mlin: Vgar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.124
Mull, Chip of the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.255
Mull Head: Deerness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.255
Mull Head: Papa Westray . . . . . . . . . 5.171
Mulla, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.99
Muness Baas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.358
Muness Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.358
Munken Rock; see Sumbiarsteinur . . . 7.21
Munlochy Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.241
Murbie Stacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.96
Murkle Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.95
Murkle Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.95
Mussel Scalps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.72
Myggens Fjord; see
Mykinesfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.102
Myggens; see Mykines . . . . . . . . . . . 7.96
Mygledal; see Mikladalur . . . . . . . . . 7.251
Mykines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.96
Mykinesfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.102
Mykineshlmur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.96
Myling; see Mlingur . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.133
Mlingur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.133
Myre Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.72
Myre, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . 5855N 310W
Nabben; see Nabbin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.38
Nabbin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.38
Nacka Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.225
Ns: Hvalbiarfjrur,
see Nes: Hvalbiarfjrur . . . . . . . . . 7.66
Ns: Funningsfjrur,
see Nes: Funningsfjrur . . . . . . . . 7.241
Nairn Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.179
Nairn, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.179
Nakkur: Koltur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.79
Nakkur: Suuroy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.38
Narr Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5920N 300W
Narrows, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.289
National limits
Froyar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.101
United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.93
Naver, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.59
Navershaw, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.120
Navigational aids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.30
Navity Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.235
Nazegeo Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.121
Neackie, Ard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.32
Neap = lofty headland; see proper name
Neap, Hill of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.229
Neap Manse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.207
Neapaback, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.299
Neave Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.23
Neban Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.156
Neean Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108
Neeans Neap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108
Needle Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.58
Needle, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.43

352

Neil and Jane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.137

Neptunes Staircase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.308
Ner Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . 5900N 305W
Nes: Funningsfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.241
Nes: Hvalbiarfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.66
Nesi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.129
Nesidh; see Nesi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.129
Ness Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.36
Ness, Hog of the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.31
Ness House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.235
Ness, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.293
Ness of; see proper name
Ness, Point of: Basta Voe . . . . . . . . . 6.348
Ness, Point of: Stromness . . . . . . . . . 5.115
Ness, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.262
Ness, Skerry of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Ness, The: Cromarty Firth . . . . . . . . 4.209
Ness, The: Deer Sound . . . . . . . . . . . 5.259
Ness, The: Papa Stronsay . . . . . . . . . 5.229
Ness, The: South Havra . . . . . . . . . . . 6.28
Ness: Hoy Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Nether Scapa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.133
Nev . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.211
Nev of Stuis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.270
Nev, The: Faray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.320
Nev, The: Mainland, Shetland . . . . . . 6.25
Nev, The: Scapa Flow approaches . . . 5.46
Nev, The: Unst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.358
Nev, The: Westray . . . . . . 5916N 236W
Neven, Point of: Westray 5914N 253W
Neven Point: Eday . . . . . 5909N 248W
Nevi Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.49
Nevi, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.106
Newark, Bay of: Sanday . . . . . . . . . . 5.234
Newark, Bay of: South Ronaldsay 5848N
255W
Newark Bay: Deerness . . 5855N 245W
Newark Bay: South Ronaldsay . . . 5848N
255W
Newhall Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.182
Nibon, Isle of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.112
Niddister, Stack of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.103
Nigg Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.182
Nigg, Hill of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.161
Nigg Oil Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.219
Nigg Sands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.182
Nista . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6022N 054W
Nive Baa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.167
Nizz, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.27
No Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.139
Nolso Fjord; see Nlsoyarfjrur . . . 7.143
Nols; see Nlsoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.144
Nlsoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.144
Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.148
Nlsoyarbanki . . . . . . . . . 6207N 515W
Nlsoyarfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.143
Noltland Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.185
Noness Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.309
Noonsbrough, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108
Nor Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.374
Norby, Neap of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.92
Norasti Grnutangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.39
Norberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.253
Nordberg; see Norberg . . . . . . . . . . 7.253
Norddeble; see Nordepil . . . . . . . . . 7.262
Nordepil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.262
Nordhasti Grnutangi,
see Norasti Grnutangi . . . . . . . . . . 7.39
Nordhskli; see Norskli . . . . . . . . . 7.168
Nordore; see Noroyri . . . . . . . . . . . 7.260
Noroyar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.5
Noroyri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.260
Norragta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.229
Norskli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.168

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Contents

Index
INDEX

Nordtofte; see Nortoftir . . . . . . . . . . 7.264

Nortoftir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.264
North Bay: Sanday . . . . . 5916N 236W
North Benelip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.227
North Booth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.329
North Channel: Balta Sound . . . . . . . 6.366
North Channel:
Inverness Firth approaches . . . . . . . 4.231
North Channel: Scalloway . . . . . . . . . 6.43
North Garth, Wick of . . . 6041N 100W
North Gavel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.24
North Harbour: Lerwick . . . . . . . . . . 6.184
North Haven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.28
North Havra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.43
North Head: Gairsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.389
North Head: Swona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.101
North Head: Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.31
North Hill: Papa Westray . . . . . . . . . 5.160
North Hill: Westray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.159
North Holms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.130
North House, Voe of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.29
North Isles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.1
North Kessock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.241
North Mouth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.228
North Ness: Lerwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.189
North Ness: Long Hope . . . . . . . . . . . 5.70
North Nevi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.206
North Point: Fara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.79
North Roe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.298
North Ronaldsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.221
North Ronaldsay Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.238
North Score Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.57
North Shoal: NW of Mainland . . . . . 5.157
North Shoals:
W of Shetland Islands . . . . . . . . . . . 6.70
North Sound, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.173
North Sound: Gunnister Voe . . . . . . . 6.112
North Stane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.374
North Sutor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.161
North Taing: Auskerry . . . . . . . . . . . 5.257
North Taing: Bay of Meil . . . . . . . . . 5.348
North Taing: South Ronaldsay . . . . . 5.206
North Taing: Stronsay . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.298
North Taing: Switha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.49
North Taing: Yell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.279
North Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.223
North Ward . . . . . . . . . . . 6020N 123W
North Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.177
Northeast Mouth: Out Skerries . . . . . 6.228
Northness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6008N 116W
Northquoy Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.259
Northra Voe . . . . . . . . . . . 6020N 128W
Norwick, Ward of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.357
Noss Head: Isle of Noss . . . . . . . . . . 6.155
Noss Head: Moray Firth . . . . . . . . . . . 4.17
Noss, Isle of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.155
Noss Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.163
Noup, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . 5920N 302W
Noup Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.169
Noup, The: Foula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.71
Noup, The: Unst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.360
Nousta Ness . . . . . . . . . . . 6035N 047W
Nouster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.244
Novar House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.210
Nun Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.25
Nun Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.25
Npur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.39
Ockran Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.119
Od, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.260
ODAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.31
Oddsta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.339
Odin Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.226
Odin Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.388
Odnafjeld; see rnafjall . . . . . . . . . . . 7.95

Odness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.226
Odness, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.227
uklettur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.242
Offshore oil and gas fields . . . . . . . . . 2.33
Oich, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.299
Oich, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.296
Oirig, Hill of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.78
Olas Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6012N 129W
Old Bar, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.163
Old Castle Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.37
Old Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.132
Old Man of Hoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.65
Old Manse of Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.363
Old Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.206
Old Wick, Castle of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.18
Old Wife Bank . . . . . . . . 5739N 420W
Ollaberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.304
Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.304
Olna Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.99
Olnesfirth, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.103
Omunsgarth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.59
Ool, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.62
ravk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.61
Ord Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.252
Ord, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.154
Ore Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.81
re; see Oyri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.200
Orfasay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.279
Ork, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.270
Orka Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6029N 116W
Orkney Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.1
Orkney Islands Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.3
Ormal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.70
Orphir Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . 5855N 309W
Ossen Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.257
ssursdrangur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.38
Osterhovde; see Eysturhvdi . . . . . . 7.259
ster; see Eysturoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.4
stfald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.11
Ostns; see Eystnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.150
Otter Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . 6005N 338W
Otter Geo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.39
Otter Hadd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.304
Otters Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.346
Otterswick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.243
Our Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5920N 301W
Ouse Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.188
Ouse Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.236
Out Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.204
Out Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . 5844N 255W
Out Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.353
Out Taings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Outer Booth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.277
Outer Brough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.328
Outer Flaess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.358
Outer Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.79
Outer Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.115
Outer Holm of Skaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.225
Outer Score . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.162
Outer Skerry: Burra Sound . . . . . . . . 5.110
Outer Skerry: Otterswick . . . . . . . . . 5.243
Outer Skerry: Yell Sound . . . . . . . . . 6.272
Outer Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.97
Outshore Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.150
Outsta Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.131
Oxafirth, Baa of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.92
Oxan, Baas of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Oxan, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Oxna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.26
Oyce of; see proper name
Oyndarfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.240
Oyrarbakki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.169
Oyrargjgv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.127
Oyri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.202
Oyrnafjall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.53

353

Oyrnanestangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.48
Oyster Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.260
Pan Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.56
Papa Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.19
Papa Gruna . . . . . . . . . . . 5910N 235W
Papa, Hogg of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.44
Papa, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.175
Papa Little . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.95
Papa Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.44
Papa, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.91
Papa Sound: Stronsay . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.228
Papa Sound: Westray . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.179
Papa Stour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.81
Papa Stronsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.229
Papa Westray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.160
Papil Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6043N 100W
Papil, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.34
Papil Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.329
Peat Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.84
Peat Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.79
Peatworth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.298
Pegal Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.80
Pegal Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.80
Pennan Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.119
Pennan Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.101
Pentland Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.96
Pentland Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.102
Pentland Skerries Ground 5840N 200W
Perie Bard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.144
Peter Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.106
Petty Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.254
Pickling Skerries . . . . . . . 5845N 305W
Pierowall Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.179
Pierowall Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.179
Piggar, Sands of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.146
Pilotage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.32
Pitsligo Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.91
Pittulie Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.91
Pobie Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . 6040N 010W
Pocan Smoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.56
Point; see proper name
Point, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.83
Poll = pool; see proper name
Pollurin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.242
Pollution of the sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.44
Pool of Cletts . . . . . . . . . . 5848N 255W
Pool, Point of The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.62
Pool, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5913N 240W
Porkere Ns; see Porkerisnes . . . . . . . 7.38
Porkeri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.48
Porkerisbodhi; see Porkerisboi . . . . . 7.42
Porkerisboi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.42
Porkerisnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.38
Port regulations: Froyar . . . . . . . . . . . 1.68
Port; see proper name
Portclair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.294
Portessie Bay . . . . . . . . . . 5741N 256W
Portgordon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.155
Portknockie Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.155
Portmahomack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.78
Portnancon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.44
Portskerra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.91
Portsoy Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.127
Position fixing systems . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.37
Pow, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5856N 321W
Presttangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.124
Protected wrecks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.65
Protection of wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.66
Puldrite Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.380
Puldrite farmhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.380
Puldrite Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.377
Pund, Point of the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.43
Punds Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.151
Pundsgeo, Point of . . . . . 6009N 100W

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INDEX

Quanter Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.358

Quanterness Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.363
Quarantine
Froyar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.70
United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.63
Quarff, East Voe of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.153
Quarff, Valley of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.153
Quarff, West Voe of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.29
Quarry Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.101
Quarsdale House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.59
Quendale, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.32
Quey Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.303
Queyfirth, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.272
Queyon, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.332
Quiabow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.231
Quidan Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.307
Quoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.372
Quoy Ness: Sanday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.294
Quoy Ness: Sound of Hoxa . . . . . . . . 5.49
Quoyelsh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.120
Quoynalonga Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.157
Quoys, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.111
Quoys, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.149
Rabbit Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.46
Rabies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.64
Rack Wick: NW side of Westray . 5920N
259W
Rack Wick: SE side of Westray . . 5916N
253W
Rack Wick: W side of Hoy . . . . . . . . 3.65
Rae, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.100
Rttarargjgv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.46
Railsbrough, Taing of . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.169
Raineach, Caol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.53
Raktange; see Raktangi . . . . . . . . . . . 7.165
Raktangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.165
Rams Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.76
Ramberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.358
Ramna Stacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.119
Ramnageo, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.342
Rams Ness: Colgrave Sound . . . . . . 6.332
Rams Ness: Sandsound Voe . . . . . . . . 6.59
Ramsay Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.193
Rapness Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.323
Rth Fhinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.300
Rattray Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.88
Rvan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.39
Rea Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.60
Reay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.92
Red Head: Eday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.293
Red Head: Saint Magnus Bay . . . . . 6.103
Red Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.320
Red Nev . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5918N 301W
Red Nose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.232
Red Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108
Red Stacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.105
Redhythe Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.124
Reefdyke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.241
Reitta Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . 6012N 136W
Rendall, Hall of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.376
Rendall, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.376
Rendall Manse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.376
Rerwick Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.342
Rett, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.366
Retta Skerries . . . . . . . . . . 6008N 123W
Riddock Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.106
Ridevig; see Rituvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.214
Riff Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.230
Righ, Port an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.161
Risen; see Risin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.137
Risin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.137
Rispond Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.44
Rispond Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.44
Rispond Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.44

Rit Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6021N 123W

Rituberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.124
Ritunv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.101
Rituvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.214
Rituvksgrynna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.211
Riv Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.107
Riv, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.241
River; see proper name
Rivtange; see Rivtangi . . . . . . . . . . . 7.137
Rivtangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.137
Roan Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.49
Rockfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.179
Roe Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.61
Roe Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.102
Roeberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.51
Ron, Eilean nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.46
Ron, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.87
Rona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.24
Rona, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.96
Ronas Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.117
Ronas Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.121
Roo Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5856N 302W
Roodrans, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.121
Rook Craig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.144
Roos Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . 5918N 236W
Rora Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.64
Rose Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.206
Rosehearty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.100
Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.89
Rosemarkie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.228
Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.236
Rosskeen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.212
Rst, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.183
Rothiesholm Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.276
Rothiesholm Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.263
Rough Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.95
Round Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.130
Rousay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.302
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.315
Routeing measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.47
Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds (RSPB) . . . . . . . 1.67
Row Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.156
Ruadh, Creag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.59
Ruadh, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.32
Ruberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.79
Rubh, Rubha, Rudha = point,
see proper name
Ruff of Cantick; see Cantick,
Ruff of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.62
Ruff, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.68
Rull Rst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.308
Rullard Rst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.309
Rumble Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.209
Rumble, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.279
Rumblings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.353
Rumley Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.202
Runabrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.241
Runavk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.187
Rusk Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.312
Rusness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.387
Russa Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.57
Russa Taing . . . . . . . . . . . 5919N 303W
Russness Bay . . . . . . . . . . 5905N 257W
Rysa Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5851N 312W
Rysa Little . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.78
Rysa Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.78
Rysa Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.80
Sacquoy Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.314
Saddle of Swarister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.346
Saint Catherines Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.298
Saint Combs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.88
Saint Johns Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.65
Saint Johns Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.218

354

Saint Johns Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.139

Saint Magnus Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.80
Saint Magnus Cathedral . . . . . . . . . . 5.355
Saint Margarets Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.58
Saint Marys Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.144
Saint Ninians Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.33
Saint Ninians Isle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.25
Saint Peters Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.259
Sakshavn; see Sakshvn . . . . . . . . . . 7.138
Sakshvn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.138
Salt Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.391
Salt Ness Spit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.59
Salt Ness: Linga Sound . . . . . . . . . . . 6.221
Salt Ness: Sandsound Voe . . . . . . . . . 6.59
Salt Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6035N 101W
Salta Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . 6044N 048W
Saltburn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.202
Salthvi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.27
Salthoved; see Salthvi . . . . . . . . . . . 7.27
Saltnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.176
Saltness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.78
Samphrey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.279
Sand Eel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Sand Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.306
Sand Voe: NW side of Mainland . . . 6.122
Sand Voe: The Deeps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.60
Sand Wick: No Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.151
Sand Wick: Saint Magnus Bay . . . . . . 6.89
Sand Wick: South Ronaldsay . . . . . . . 5.54
Sanda Stour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.57
Sandagersvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.157
Sandavgur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.126
Sanday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.219
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.216
Sandber, Bay of . . . . . . . . 5853N 255W
Sandend Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.129
Sandevaag; see Sandavgur . . . . . . . 7.126
Sandgarth, Bay of . . . . . . 5901N 250W
Sandhaven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.99
Sandisbrae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.200
Sandisons Wharf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.367
Sandness Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.70
Sand; see Sandoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.24
Sandoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.24
Sandoyarbanki . . . . . . . . . 6150N 530W
Sandoyne, Bay of . . . . . . 5854N 256W
Sandquoy, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.243
Sands of; see proper name
Sands Taing . . . . . . . . . . . 5850N 306W
Sands, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5839N 328N
Sands Vaag; see Sandsvgur . . . . . . . . 7.32
Sandsayre, Wick of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.149
Sandside, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Sandside Bay: Deerness . . . . . . . . . . 5.248
Sandside Bay: Scotland, N coast . . . . 3.92
Sandside Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.76
Sandside Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Sandside, Taing of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Sandsound Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.59
Sandsvgur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.32
Sandur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.32
Sandvig; see Sandvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.67
Sandvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.67
Sandwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.151
Sandwick, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.220
Sandwick, Stack of . . . . . 6005N 121W
Sandy Riddle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.130
Sango Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.56
Sarclet Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.40
Sava Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.220
Saville House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.243
Saviskaill Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.327
Saviskaill Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.314
Saxa Vord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.352
Scabra Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.374

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INDEX

Scad Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.108

Scalloway Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.52
Scalloway, East Voe of . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.52
Scalloway Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.49
Scapa Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.145
Scapa Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.10
Scapa Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.145
Scar Nose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.124
Scara Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.375
Scaraben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.48
Scaraber, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.320
Scarf Skerry: East Burra . . . . . . . . . . . 6.29
Scarf Skerry: Shapinsay Sound . . 5900N
248W
Scarfa Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.29
Scarfhall Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.182
Scarfi Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.191
Scarfitaing, Skerries of . . . . . . . . . . . 6.191
Scarfskerry Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.147
Scargun Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.356
Scartan Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.152
Scarton Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.139
Scarvar Ayre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.310
Scat Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.31
Scat Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5849N 307W
Scattland, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.181
Scatsa Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.260
Scatsta Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.288
Scock Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.315
Scockness, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.315
Score Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.160
Score Holm . . . . . . . . . . . 6022N 103W
Scotlands Haven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.149
Scottle Holm . . . . . . . . . . 6011N 109W
Scousburgh, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.33
Scousburgh, Ward of . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.138
Scrabster Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.79
Scrabster House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.85
Scuthvie Bay . . . . . . . . . . 5917N 224W
Scutta Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . 6014N 130W
Seageo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.94
Seal Skerry: Eynhallow Sound . . . . . 5.376
Seal Skerry: North Ronaldsay . . . . . 5.172
Seal Skerry: Westray Firth . . . . . . . . 5.312
Sealskerry Bay . . . . . . . . . 5910N 249W
Seanachaisteal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.19
Sebay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.259
Seggiatangs bue,
see Sekkjatangsboi . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.226
Sekkjatangsboi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.226
Selatra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.199
Seli Voe: Gruting Voe . . . 6013N 129W
Seli Voe: The Deeps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.60
Selie Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.98
Selki Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . 5844N 304W
Sella Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.238
Sellafirth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.348
Selletr; see Selatra . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.199
Selnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.257
Selvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.110
Selwick, Taing of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Setter, Ness of: Gulber Wick . . . . . . 6.165
Setter, Ness of: Yell Sound . . . . . . . . 6.306
Sgeir = rock, skerry; see proper name
Sgribhisbheinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.19
Shandwick Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.160
Shapinsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.263
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.334
Sheep Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.24
Shell Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.187
Shetland Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.1
Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.2
Short Guen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.225
Showbelly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.105
Shunni, Wick of . . . . . . . . 5955N 122W

Siggar Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.24

Siglifelli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.39
Signabur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.198
Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.73
Sillock Baas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.188
Silver Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.69
Silver Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.48
Sinclairs Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.37
Sinna Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.306
Sinsoss, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.223
Siil, Rubh Ard an t . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30
Sjgv: Kollafjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.198
Sjgv: Sklafjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.193
Skaale Fjord; see Sklafjrur . . . . . 7.176
Skaalebotn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.193
Skaalevig; see Sklavk . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.75
Skaalhoved; see Sklhvdi . . . . . . . . . 7.72
Skadan Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.22
Skae, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.374
Skaildaquoy Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.144
Skaill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.248
Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.248
Bay of: Mainland, Orkney . . . . . . . 5.156
Bay of: Westray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.184
Sklafjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.176
Sklanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.260
Sklar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.66
Sklavk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.75
Sklhvdi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.72
Skli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.191
Skansen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.147
Skarvanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.29
Skarvatangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.58
Skarvens; see Skarvanes . . . . . . . . . . 7.29
Skate Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.243
Skate, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.221
Skaw, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.358
Skaw Rst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.356
Skaw Taing: Whalsay . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.225
Skaw Taing: Yell Sound . . . . . . . . . . 6.254
Sklingsfjall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.195
Sklling Fjeld; see Sklingsfjall . . . 7.195
Skea, Ayre of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.272
Skea, Neap of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.272
Skea Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.314
Skel Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.193
Skelda Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.42
Skelda Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.61
Skelwick Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.186
Skeo Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.121
Skeo Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.196
Skeo, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.174
Skerhlmur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.107
Skerry Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.26
Skerry or Skerries; see proper name
Skerry Sound: E part . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.212
Skerry Sound: W part . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.144
Skerry, The: Fair Isle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Skerry, The: Otterswick . . . . . . . . . . 5.243
Skersi, Ayre of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.385
Skersund Skerry . . . . . . . . 6008N 110W
Skertours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.391
Skervie Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.43
Skibby Baas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.191
Skinid, Ard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.46
Skipanes: Sklafjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.192
Skirvil Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.277
Skirza Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.18
Skopen Fjord; see Skopunarfjrur . . 7.87
Skopen; see Skopun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.90
Skopun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.90
Skopunarfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.87
Skoren; see Skorin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.255
Skorin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.255

355

Skroo Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.22

Skroo, Stacks of . . . . . . . 5933N 138W
Skrowa Skerry . . . . . . . . . 5859N 322W
Skua Flaes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.58
Skuda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6044N 104W
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.340
Skullomie Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.54
Sku Fjord; see Skvoyarfjrur . . . . 7.29
Sku; see Skvoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.24
Skutnesgil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.165
Skuvans; see Skvanes . . . . . . . . . . . 7.22
Skvanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.22
Skvoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.24
Skvoyarfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.29
Slattaratinde; see Slttaratindur . . . . . . 7.4
Slttanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.125
Slttaratindur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.4
Sleiteil Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.52
Sletta, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.97
Slettens; see Slttanes . . . . . . . . . . 7.125
Sligga Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.281
Slocka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.121
Smith Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.12
Smoo, Geodha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.56
Smoogro House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.146
Smoogro Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.146
Snabrough, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.333
Snap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.61
Snap Hiv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.107
Snap, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.337
Snarra Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.106
Snarra Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . 6042N 058W
Snarraness, Voe of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.106
Sneckan, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.211
Sneug, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.71
Sneuk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.186
Solan Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . 5904N 456W
Sldarfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.190
Soldian Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.162
Solmundefjord: see Sldarfjrur . . . 7.190
Srvaag Fjord,
see Srvgsfjrdur . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.105
Srvgsfjrdur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.105
Srvgur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.111
Sound Gruney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.328
Sound, Hill of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.57
Sound, Ness of: Lerwick . . . . . . . . . 6.188
Sound, Ness of: Yell Sound . . . . . . . 6.276
Sound; see proper name
Sound, Voe of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.196
Sour Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.106
South Baa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.167
South Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.244
South Benelip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.227
South Channel: Balta Sound . . . . . . . 6.365
South Channel:
Inverness Firth approaches . . . . . . . 4.231
South Channel:
Scalloway approaches . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.41
South Clett . . . . . . . . . . . . 5844N 303W
South Gavel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.24
South Harbour: Fair Isle . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
South Harbour: Lerwick . . . . . . . . . . 6.184
South Haven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.31
South Havra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.17
South Head: Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.18
South Holms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.130
South Ladie Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.275
South Mouth: Out Skerries . . . . . . . . 6.228
South Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.188
South Ness: Foula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.71
South Ness: Long Hope . . . . . . . . . . . 5.70
South Nesting Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.229
South Ronaldsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.198

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Contents

Index
INDEX

South Skerry:
Eday Sound approaches . . . . . . . . . 5.289
South Sound: Colgrave Sound . . . . . 6.347
South Sound: Gunnister Voe . . . . . . . 6.112
South Sound: Mangaster Voe . . . . . . 6.111
South Sutor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.182
South Taing, Auskerry . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.226
South Taing: Linga Holm . . . . . . . . . 5.298
South Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.34
South Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.24
South Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.95
South Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.178
Southern Trench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.81
Southladie Voe . . . . . . . . . 6034N 111W
Sow Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.106
Sparrow Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.42
Spear Head . . . . . . . . . . . . 5837N 333W
Spey Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.154
Spey Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.155
Spey, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.155
Spit, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.289
Spo Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.186
Spoo Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.130
Spoose Holm . . . . . . . . . . 6008N 122W
Spur Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.291
Spurness, Holms of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.291
Spurness Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.294
Srath Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . 5827N 445W
Srn, An t . . . . . . . . . . . 5829N 440W
Staba Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.102
Stacan Bna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.19
Stack = precipitous rock; see proper name
Stack oda Noup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.25
Stack of the Horse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.332
Stack Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.26
Stackaback, Bight of . . . . 5909N 236W
Stag of Port Skerra, The . . . . . . . . . . . 3.91
Stags, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.92
Stake Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . 5741N 236W
Stakka, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.28
Stakkarnir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.124
Stakken: Streymoy; see Stakkur . . . . 7.133
Stakken: Vgur; see Stakkarnir . . . . 7.124
Stakkur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.133
Stangarnestangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.45
Stanger Head: Flotta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.49
Stanger Head: Westray . . . . . . . . . . . 5.175
Stanshi, Head of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.119
Stany Hog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.220
Stap Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.78
Stapi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.255
Stapness, Holm of . . . . . . 6013N 135W
Start Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.226
Stava Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.220
Stavaness, Bight of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.230
Staxigoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.38
Steggies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.41
Stepping Stones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.202
Steratan Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.88
Stews, Kame of . . . . . . . . 5847N 255W
Stews Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.206
Stocked Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.106
Stolr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.22
Stra Dmun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.38
Strasund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.109
Store Dimon; see Stra Dmun . . . . . . 7.38
Stormy Bank . . . . . . . . . . 5856N 408W
Stotfield Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.135
Stoura Baa: Lunna Ness . . . . . . . . . . 6.306
Stoura Baa: Yell Sound . . . . . . . . . . . 6.276
Stoura Baas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108
Stove, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.300
Strahangles Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.101
Strandburgh Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.328
Strangquoy Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.292

Strathbeg Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.84

Strathmarchin Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.124
Strathy Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.90
Strathy Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.23
Stream Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.34
Strem Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72
Strendur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.186
Streymnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.203
Streymnev . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.86
Streymoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.3
String, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.334
Stringa Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.228
Strom Ness: Muckle Roe . . . . . . . . . . 6.84
Strom Ness: North Ronaldsay . . . . . 5.241
Strom Ness: Scalloway approaches . . 6.48
Strom Ness: Vaila . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.63
Stroma, Island of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.100
Stroma Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.139
Strombery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.344
Strmmen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.168
Strmnb; see Streymnev . . . . . . . . . . 7.86
Strmns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.104
Stromness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.112
Stromness Taing . . . . . . . 5907N 258W
Stromness Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.48
Strmnoes; see Strmns . . . . . . . . . 7.104
Strm; see Streymoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.3
Strond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.221
Strone Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.294
Stronsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.218
Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.247
Stuis of Graveland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.270
Sty Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.235
Submarine pipelines and cables . . . . . 1.41
Suckquoy, Bay of . . . . . . 5856N 249W
Suuroy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.15
Suuroyarbanki . . . . . . . . 6130N 600W
Suuroyarfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.33
Sula Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.24
Sule Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.26
Sule Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.26
Sullom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.288
Sullom Voe Oil Terminal . . . . . . . . . 6.232
Arrival information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.248
Berths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.290
Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.270
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.232
Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.258
Limiting conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.239
Port services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.294
Sumba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.22
Sumbiarhlmur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.22
Sumbiarsteinur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.21
Sumb Holm; see Sumbiarhlmur . . . 7.22
Sumb; see Sumba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.22
Sumburgh Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.143
Sumburgh Rst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.21
Sumburgh, West Voe of . . . . . . . . . . . 6.31
Sund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.173
Sundalagi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.168
Sundene; see Sundini . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.161
Sundini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.161
Sunken Ship Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.60
Sunnasti Grnutangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.64
Surhoose Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.177
Suther Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.221
Sutherland, Kyle of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.68
Sutherland Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.77
Suthra Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108
Sutors, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.182
Svinaaer; see Svnar . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.204
Svnar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.204
Svin Fjord; see Svnoyarfjrur . . . 7.256
Svin; see Svnoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.253

356

Svin Vig; see Svnoyarvk . . . . . . . 7.265

Svnoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.253
Svnoyarfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.256
Svnoyarvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.265
Swanbister Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.146
Swanbister House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.146
Swannies Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.142
Swarbacks Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.83
Swarbacks Minn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.94
Swarbacks Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.96
Swarf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.289
Swarf, The: Sanday . . . . . 5913N 234W
Swarf, The: Spurness Sound . . . . . 5911N
241W
Swart Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.144
Swarta Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.209
Swarta Skerry: Balta Sound . . . . . . . 6.365
Swarta Skerry: Dury Voe . . . . . . . . . 6.230
Swarta Skerry: Fitful Head . . . . . . . . . 6.25
Swarta Skerry: Lunning Sound . . . . . 6.222
Swarta Skerry: Sound of Papa . . . . . . 6.92
Swarta Skerry: Vidlin Voe . . . . . . . . 6.231
Swartmill, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.193
Sweinna Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.275
Swevers Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.222
Sweyn Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.388
Sweyn Ness . . . . . . . . . . . 6011N 106W
Swilkie Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.100
Swilkie, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.112
Swine Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.326
Swining Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.309
Swinister Voe . . . . . . . . . . 6026N 110W
Swinna Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.366
Switha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.24
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.64
Swona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.101
Swordly, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.61
Syder Fjord,
see Suuroyarfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.33
Syder; see Suuroy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.15
Syradalur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.251
Sydredal; see Syradalur . . . . . . . . . . 7.251
Syrugta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.232
Symbister Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.223
Symbister House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.220
Symbister Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.220
Snisns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.165
Tafts, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.326
Tails of The Tarf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.111
Tain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.72
Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.73
Sands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.72
Scalps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5751N 356W
Taing = rocky point; see proper name
Taing Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.377
Taing, The: Gairsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.376
Taing, The: Seli Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.60
Taing, The: Vidlin Voe . . . . . . . . . . . 6.231
Taing, The: Wyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.375
Taingar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.348
Talmine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.46
Talmine Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.54
Talmine Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.54
Talvbord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.267
Tamhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.119
Tang Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.148
Tangafjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.161
Tangpool, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.150
Tankerness, Hall of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.260
Tarbat Ledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.70
Tarbat Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.159
Tarf, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.101
Tarff, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.297

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Index
INDEX

Tarlogie Scalps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.72

Tarri Clett . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5852N 255W
Teistie Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.178
Temple Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.295
The; see proper name
Thieves Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.344
Thomsons Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.24
Thorshavn; see Trshavn . . . . . . . . . 7.153
Thorsvig; see Hsvik . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.200
Three Kings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.169
Thrumster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.16
Thurso Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.79
Thurso Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.94
Thurso, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.94
Tind, Head of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Tind, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6036N 056W
Tindholm; see Tindhlmur . . . . . . . . 7.100
Tindhlmur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.100
Tindur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.24
Tinga Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.281
Tinganes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.156
Tingwall: Orkney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.382
Tingwall: Shetland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.200
Tiornens; see Tjrnunes:
Suuroy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.66
Tiornens: Nlsoy,
see Tjrnunes: Nlsoy . . . . . . . . . . 7.148
Tirnevig; see Tjrnuvk . . . . . . . . . . 7.208
Tjaldavk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.61
Tjaldavkshlmur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.58
Tjrnens: Vgar,
see Tjrnunes: Vgar . . . . . . . . . . . 7.112
Tjrnunes Bue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.66
Tjrnunes: Nlsoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.148
Tjrnunes: Suuroy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.66
Tjrnunes: Vgar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.112
Tjrnuvk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.208
Toft Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.311
Tofte; see Toftir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.185
Toftens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.235
Toftir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.185
Tofts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.242
Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.241
Tofts Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.311
Tokka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.103
Tklettur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.108
Tomnahurich Swing Bridge . . . . . . . 4.291
Tonga, peninsula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.128
Tonga Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.128
Tongue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.46
Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.45
House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.46
Kyle of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.45
Too of the Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.65
Tor Ness: Hoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.129
Tor Ness: North Ronaldsay . . . . . . . . 5.172
Tor Ness: Stronsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.257
Tor Ness: Wide Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.380
Tor Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.294
Tor Sker, Taing of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.243
Torrisdale Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.59
Trshavn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.153
Torsker House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.243
Torvean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.291
Torvanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.167
Torvens; see Torvanes . . . . . . . . . . 7.167
Toy Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.146
Tratland House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.375
Tratland, Taing of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.375
Trlanpan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.100
Trllenipen; see Trlanpan . . . . . . . 7.100
Tres Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.235
Tresness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.235
Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.235
Tressa Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.328

Tressaness, Holm of . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.328

Tresta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.337
Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.59
Wick of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.337
Trevan, Baa of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.241
Triton Bank . . . . . . . . . . . 5846N 304W
Troldhoved; see Trllhvdi . . . . . . . . . 7.27
Troldkonefinger,
see Trllkonufingur . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.124
Trllhvdi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.27
Trllkonufingur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.124
Tronach Head . . . . . . . . . 5742N 253W
Trondra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.17
Trondra Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.46
Trongisvgsfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.53
Trongisvgur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.53
Troswick Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.144
Troup Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.105
Trouts Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.60
Trumba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.254
Tuberry Point . . . . . . . . . . 5853N 309W
Tuir, Rubha an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.76
Tunasdaal, Skerries of . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.77
Tuo, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5919N 237W
Tuquoy, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.326
Tuquoy, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.326
Tur Ness: Skuda Sound . . . . . . . . . . 6.342
Tur Ness: Ura Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.103
Turbot Bank . . . . . . . . . . . 6000N 230W
Turls Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.121
Turra Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.191
Turvalds Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.102
Tvroyri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.53
Twageos Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.188
Twi Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5902N 256W
Twiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.326
Twinyess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.241
Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.241

Uaille, Port na h . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.54

Uan, Rubha Ard nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.300
Udale Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.182
Ulbster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.41
Ulsta, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.314
Umgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.287
Ungla Skerry . . . . . . . . . . 6020N 056W
Unicorn, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.167
Unst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.1
Upskud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.130
Upper Scapa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.145
Ura Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.103
Urarboi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.100
Urdarbue; see Urarboi . . . . . . . . . . 7.100
Urie Lingey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.328
Urie Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.328
Urquhart Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.295
Urquhart Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.294
Ushat Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.76
Usta Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.47
Uyea Baas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.119
Uyea Sound: Saint Magnus Bay . . . 6.109
Uyea Sound: Unst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.340
Uyea: Bluemull Sound approaches . . 6.328
Uyea: Shetland, W coast . . . . . . . . . . 6.119
Uyeasound, Holms of . . . . . . . . . . . 6.109
Uyeasound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.340
Uynarey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.283

Vaag Fjord; see Vgafjrur . . . . . . 7.114

Vaag; see Vgar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.95
Vgafjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.114
Vgar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.95
Vgsei . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.22

357

Vgsfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.39
Vagso, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.54
Vgur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.39
Vaila . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.63
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.78
Vaila Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.78
Valla Kames . . . . . . . . . . . 6034N 127W
Vlur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.130
Vasa Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.390
Vasa, Skerry of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.391
Vasa Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.390
Vastray, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.375
Vats Houllands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.288
Vatsetter, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.347
Vatsetter, Wick of . . . . . . 6035N 101W
Vatsland, Bight of . . . . . . 6012N 109W
Vatty Ground . . . . . . . . . . 6020N 151W
Ve Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.146
Ve Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.70
Veantrow Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.277
Vedvig; see Vivk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.267
Vee Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.340
Veester, Ward of . . . . . . . 6001N 115W
Velbastaur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.88
Velbestad; see Velbastaur . . . . . . . . . 7.88
Vementry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.83
House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.109
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108
Veness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.289
Veniver, Point of . . . . . . . 5902N 248W
Venus, Temple of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.113
Vere Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 5920N 257W
Vere, The: E coast of Unst . . . . . . . . 6.358
Vere, The: W coast of Unst . . . . . . . 6.130
Vest Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.186
Vestara Vg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.156
Vestfald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.11
Vestmanna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.128
Sund,
see Vestmannasund . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.115
Vestmannasund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.115
Vian, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5922N 256W
Vi ir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.201
Viareii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.142
Viarnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.153
Viderejde; see Viareii . . . . . . . . . . 7.142
Vider; see Vioy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.253
Vidh ir; see Vi ir . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.201
Vidharnes; see Viarnes . . . . . . . . . . 7.153
Vidlin Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.231
Vidlin Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.231
Vioy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.253
Vivk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.267
Vig; see Vkar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.112
Vigum; see Vkar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.112
Vkar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.112
Fjrdhur; see Vkarfjrur . . . . . . . . 7.64
Vkarbodhi; see Vkarboi . . . . . . . . . 7.42
Vkarboi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.42
Vkarfjrur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.64
Vkarsker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.42
Vkartangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.42
Villians of Hamnavoe . . . 6031N 134W
Villians of Ure . . . . . . . . . 6030N 137W
Villingadalsfjall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.140
Villingatangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.22
Vinstrick Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.132
Virdi Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.329
Virkie, Pool of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.150
Voe = long narrow inlet; see proper name
Voe, small bay near Virkie . . . . . . . . 6.150
Voe, village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.99
Vongs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.225
Vord Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.317

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INDEX

Voxter Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.289

Voxter Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.260
Wadbister Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.166
Wadbister, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.329
Wadbister Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.170
Wald Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.364
Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.78
War Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.271
Warbister Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.101
Ward Hill: Eday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.280
Ward Hill: Fair Isle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.24
Ward Hill: Hoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.75
Ward Hill: Mainland, Orkney . . . . . . 5.130
Ward Hill: Shapinsay . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.263
Ward Hill: South Ronaldsay . . . . . . . 5.198
Ward Hill: Stronsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.218
Ward Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.208
Ward of; see proper name
Ward Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.143
Ward, Point of the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.108
Warness, Fall of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.271
Warsetter House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.219
Wart Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.314
Wart, Point of the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.316
Wart, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.219
Warthill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.214
Wass Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . 5905N 301W
Wastbist, Skerry of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.326
Water Sound: eastern part . . . . . . . . . 5.211
Water Sound: western part . . . . . . . . . 5.57
Wats Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.69
Watsness, Skerries of . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.69
Waulkmill Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.134
Weal Race . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.370
Weather Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.323
Weatherness Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.323
Wedder Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.328
Weelies Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.177
Weinnia Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.70
Weisdale Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.58
West Burra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.17
Firth, Isle of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.107
Firth: Saint Magnus Bay . . . . . . . . 6.107
Firth: Scalloway approaches . . . . . . 6.46
West Harbour: Invergordon . . . . . . . . 4.222
West Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.107
West Lesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.293
West Linga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.219

West Lunna Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.308

West Muck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.144
West Sandwick, Holm of . . . . . . . . . 6.275
West Sandwick, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . 6.275
West Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.363
West Skerry: Scalloway approaches . . 6.26
West Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.310
West Voe: East Burra . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.34
West Voe: Out Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . 6.228
West Voe: Papa Stour . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.104
West Weddel Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.75
West Wini Skerry . . . . . . 5844N 304W
Wester Hvdi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72
Wester Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.78
Wester Tail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.341
Wester Whale Geo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.41
Westermill, Ayre of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.57
Western Reach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.307
Westness, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.381
Westness House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.373
Westray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.159
Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.301
Tidal Test Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.304
Westshore, Ness of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.53
Wether Holm, Baa of . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.221
Wether Holm: Linga Sound . . . . . . . 6.221
Weyland, Bay of . . . . . . . 5900N 257W
Wha Taing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.57
Whal Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.121
Whale Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.301
Whale Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.176
Whale Wick . . . . . . . . . . . 6004N 121W
Whales Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.76
Whaleback Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.43
Whalpa Taing . . . . . . . . . . 6009N 107W
Whalsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.203
Whalsies Ayre . . . . . . . . . 6006N 118W
Wharth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5849N 308W
Whether Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.306
Whida Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.360
Whinna Skerry . . . . . . . . . 6008N 107W
White Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.38
White Hill of Vatsetter . . . . . . . . . . . 6.333
White Ness Sand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.229
White Ness:
Dornoch Firth approach . . . . . . . . . . 4.65
White Ness:
Scalloway approaches . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.47
White Stones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.124

358

Whitehall Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.228

Whitehill, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.332
Whitehills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.126
Whitehouse Rocks . . . . . . 5858N 317W
Whitemill Bay . . . . . . . . . 5918N 232W
Whitemill Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.241
Whitemill Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.241
Whiten Head (see Ceann Geal, An) . . 3.19
Whiten Head Bank . . . . . 5848N 415W
Whiteness Sands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.65
Whiteness Voe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.47
Whites Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.75
Whiting Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.131
Whyntie Head . . . . . . . . . 5741N 237W
Wick Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.20
Wick Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.20
Wick of; see proper name
Wick River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.20
Wick Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.346
Wide Firth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.328
Wideford Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.371
Widewall Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.55
Wilkhaven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.179
Willy White Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.53
Wind Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.210
Windi Clett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.279
Windyheads Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.105
Wing, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.53
Winna Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.328
Wirrvie, Stacks of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.29
Witch Ground . . . . . . . . . . 5802N 025E
Wood Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.241
Wood Wick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.381
Work, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.348
Work, Head of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.344
Work, Skerry of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.348
Wyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.383
Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.375
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.383
Wyville Thomson Ridge . . . . . . . . . . 1.113
Yei, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.372
Yell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.1
Yell Baa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.279
Yell Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.236
Yessness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.28
Yinstay Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.346
Yinstay Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.342
Yinstay Spit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.342

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PUBLICATIONS OF THE
UNITED KINGDOM HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE
A complete list of Sailing Directions, Charts and other works published by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, together
with a list of Agents for their sale, is contained in the Catalogue of Admiralty Charts and Publications, published annually.
The list of Admiralty Distributors is also on the UKHO website (www.ukho.gov.uk), or it can be obtained from:
The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office,
Admiralty Way,
Taunton, Somerset
TA1 2DN

Printed in the United Kingdom by UKHO

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