Orkney Islands - Area 59

Overview

The Orkney Islands form an exposed archipelago off the north coast of mainland Scotland, characterised by low-lying land, indented coastlines, and numerous tidal channels. The area is defined by its open aspect to the North Sea and Atlantic, with few natural barriers to prevailing winds.

Settlements are generally small and dispersed, with maritime access influenced by strong tidal flows and limited all-weather shelter. Conditions can change quickly, and the surrounding waters require careful navigation, particularly around headlands and between islands.

Local Operating Context (for Liveaboard Boaters)

Liveaboard activity in Orkney tends to be seasonal and weather-dependent, with extended stays requiring a cautious approach to anchoring and passage planning. Infrastructure is relatively sparse compared to mainland coastal areas.

Harbour access and anchorage suitability can vary significantly depending on wind direction and tidal state. Many locations offer only partial shelter and may become uncomfortable or unsafe with changing conditions.

Strong tidal streams are a defining feature, particularly in sounds and channels between islands. Timing movements to coincide with favourable tides is often necessary.

Isolation and limited services mean that self-sufficiency is important. Provisions, fuel, and support facilities are not uniformly available across the islands.

Typical Conditions

• Frequent strong winds, often from westerly and northerly directions
• Significant tidal streams, especially in narrow channels
• Short, steep seas in wind-against-tide situations
• Rapid weather changes, particularly outside summer months

Access & Shelter

• Limited number of naturally sheltered anchorages
• Some bays offer partial protection depending on wind direction
• Harbour entrances may be affected by tidal flow and swell
• Access between islands often constrained by tidal timing

Shore Interaction

• Shore access may be restricted by tidal range and exposed landing areas
• Facilities ashore are limited outside main settlements
• Landing points can be affected by swell and changing weather
• Interaction with local infrastructure may require planning ahead

Risk Factors

• Strong tidal races and overfalls in confined waters
• Exposure to open sea conditions with limited refuge
• Navigational hazards including submerged rocks and skerries
• Weather systems moving quickly across the region

Overall Character

The Orkney Islands present a remote and weather-exposed cruising environment, where careful timing and conservative decision-making are central to safe operation. The area rewards thorough preparation but offers limited margin for error in unsettled conditions.

Notable Locations

• Kirkwall – principal settlement with harbour access; conditions may vary with wind and traffic.

• Scapa Flow – large natural harbour offering some protection, though exposure can remain in stronger winds.

• Stromness – sheltered harbour area with constrained approaches influenced by tides.

• Westray Firth – open water area between islands, known for strong tidal streams and variable sea states.

Practical Mooring & Anchorage Locations

Kirkwall Harbour

• Type: Harbour / Marina
• Shelter: Good protection from westerly and southerly winds within the inner harbour.
• Exposure: Northerly and easterly winds can create surge and uncomfortable conditions.
• Key Constraints: Commercial ferry traffic, limited visitor space at busy periods, tidal streams outside harbour approaches.
• Traffic Level: High
• Liveaboard Suitability: Medium
• Notes: Main servicing location in Orkney with access to fuel and provisions. Harbour movements require attention to commercial traffic.

Stromness Harbour

• Type: Harbour / Marina
• Shelter: Well sheltered from northerly and easterly conditions.
• Exposure: Strong westerlies can produce swell and difficult harbour approaches.
• Key Constraints: Strong tidal streams nearby in Hoy Sound, constrained manoeuvring space, ferry activity.
• Traffic Level: Medium
• Liveaboard Suitability: Medium
• Notes: One of the more practical sheltered harbour options in Orkney. Access timing may be influenced by tides and sea state.

Scapa Bay

• Type: Anchorage
• Shelter: Generally sheltered from westerly winds within Scapa Flow.
• Exposure: Exposed to easterly and south-easterly winds.
• Key Constraints: Open anchorage with changing holding conditions, commercial and naval history areas nearby.
• Traffic Level: Medium
• Liveaboard Suitability: Medium
• Notes: Common temporary anchorage area with relatively easy access to Kirkwall. Conditions deteriorate quickly with easterly weather.

Longhope

• Type: Harbour / Anchorage
• Shelter: Strong protection from northerly and easterly winds within South Walls and Hoy.
• Exposure: More exposed during strong southerly winds entering Pentland Firth.
• Key Constraints: Strong nearby tidal streams, limited facilities, careful navigation required in poor visibility.
• Traffic Level: Low
• Liveaboard Suitability: Medium
• Notes: Historically used as a sheltered natural harbour. Suitable as a waiting location for weather and tide windows.

Lyness

• Type: Harbour / Mooring
• Shelter: Good shelter from most westerly and northerly conditions inside Scapa Flow.
• Exposure: Some exposure to stronger easterly winds.
• Key Constraints: Limited marina-style infrastructure, weather exposure outside protected basin areas.
• Traffic Level: Low
• Liveaboard Suitability: Medium
• Notes: Quiet location with access to sheltered waters in Scapa Flow. Facilities are limited compared with Kirkwall or Stromness.

Pierowall Harbour

• Type: Harbour
• Shelter: Best sheltered from southerly and easterly winds.
• Exposure: Northerly and north-westerly winds can create difficult surge and entrance conditions.
• Key Constraints: Limited space, exposed approaches in poor weather, tidal influences around Westray.
• Traffic Level: Low
• Liveaboard Suitability: Low
• Notes: Practical as a temporary stop in settled conditions. Not generally considered an all-weather long-term base.