Scarfskerry brings together coastal scenery, wildlife watching and maritime history as different ways of exploring the area. At the harbour, opportunities to watch birds take centre stage; the chapel foundations and shipwrecks tell of other historical connections. If you choose a destination based on specific nature and cultural themes, you can weigh these highlights against one another: Is your main interest birds, historical traces or both? In Scarfskerry, you will find several different points of interest to explore.

Coast, birdlife and route connections

Numerous bird species can be seen at Scarfskerry Harbour, including gulls and puffins. Whales and dolphins are also found in the waters around Scarfskerry; sightings are possible, but not guaranteed. The area’s natural attractions therefore extend from the named harbour to the surrounding waters. This distinction matters when setting expectations for a stay: birdwatching at the harbour is a specific opportunity, whereas encounters with whales or dolphins remain uncertain.

The name Scarfskerry derives from the Old Norse expression for “cormorant cliffs”. Historically, the cliffs were home to a colony of cormorants. This connection adds a historical dimension to the nature themes: cormorants are part of the history behind the name and the cliffs, while gulls and puffins are examples of the birdlife to watch at the harbour. The references to birds thus differ in location and time period.

Scarfskerry is part of the self-guided “Stories Etched in Stone” route through north-east Caithness. The route is designed to be travelled by car and offers a regional perspective on the area. In addition to Scarfskerry’s own coastal and historical themes, you can also consider it in the context of a self-guided drive through the region.

Chapel foundations and shipwrecks

Kirk o’Banks near Scarfskerry is designated as a Scheduled Monument. The grass-covered foundations of the Kirk o’Banks chapel are clearly visible by the sea, east of the Burn of Rattar. Here, a named monument designation and recognisable structural remains sit side by side. Its location by the sea, and more precisely east of the Burn of Rattar, give this historical feature a clear geographical setting.

Shipwrecks are also part of Scarfskerry’s maritime history. On 3 December 1866, the Gulnare struck rocks east of Scarfskerry Head in the Pentland Firth. After a line had been secured to the wreck, five crew members were brought safely ashore. The Victoria was wrecked at Scarfskerry, five miles south-east of Dunnet Head. Another point of interest is the wreck of the SS Linkmoor: the ship sank in 1930 and is designated as a dive site at Scarfskerry.

These examples differ in their focus: the rescue method and number of crew members are part of the story of the Gulnare; for the Victoria, the location of the wreck is highlighted. The SS Linkmoor adds another aspect, as its wreck is designated as a dive site. Together with the chapel foundations, these examples offer a range of historical themes—from structural traces on the coast to events at sea.

Discover more destinations: Knockbain, Lairg, Duror, Golspie, Strome Ferry, John o' Groats, Portree, Isle Of Raasay.

For the broader travel overview: Highland.