An extensive spread of features related to the kelp industry were identified at Linklet, an open flat area of grass-covered sand on the east coast of North Ronaldsay (NGR HY 76666 53452 to HY 76862 54693). The area forms part of the shoreline on to Linklet Bay and lies outwith the sheep dyke, which defines the west boundary of the site.
Recording of the site was undertaken by the ORCA team and local volunteers in September 2024. Due to time constraints, approximately half of the site area was surveyed.
A total of 89 features were identified, with 88 of these being kelp pits. The remaining feature was a ware slip.
The kelp-pits were seen as circular depressions within a generally flat ground surface, often easy to spot due to more abundant or varied flora (Fig 1). Some of these had visible stone elements, including stone lining. The pits varied from 1.3m to 4.3m in diameter, and had an average preserved depth of 0.18m.
Ware slip
A ware slip was cut through the sand and pebbled stone forming the coastal section to allow the gathered kelp to be dragged from the beach up to the area of the kelp-pits (Fig 2). The cutting measured 26m in length and was approximately 8.2 wide, although there was some collapse of its south edge, resulting from erosion.