Map courtesy of National Library of Scotland

North Ronaldsay pier

The North Ronaldsay pier.
The remains of a kelp pit, predominately comprising the stone from the pit lining exposed by the eroding sand, close to the main pier in North Ronaldsay. (📷 ORCA)
The remains of a kelp pit, predominately comprising the stone from the pit lining exposed by the eroding sand, close to the main pier in North Ronaldsay. (📷 ORCA)

The North Ronaldsay pier (Canmore ID 3676) is located at the south-west tip of the island (NGR HY 75020 52233).

A group of kelp pits are situated on a small area above the coastal section to the south-west of the landward end of the pier and outwith the sheep dyke (NGR HY 74961 52264).

The site was visited as part of the project launch in North Ronaldsay in April 2024, followed by recording by the ORCA team and local volunteers in September 2024. 

At the site is a group of five kelp pits, varying in size from 1.55m to 1.8m in diameter and c. 0.10m deep. Much of the earthwork of the pits had eroded leaving earth-fast and in-situ stonework clearly visible.