Pier Problems

The residents of North Ronaldsay are alarmed about the way in which their pier at Nouster has deteriorated during the winter gales. Delicate manoeuvres have been needed and, on occasions, additional air services provided.

This photograph of the pier, with the MV Earl Thorfinn docking, was taken in 1960. Conditions appear to be halcyon, but the structures took the same battering on the exposed shores of the Orkney island.

Bewan Pier, at the north end of the island, offers no alternative. It was where the lighthouse supplied were landed. The Orcadian has the details of the current difficulties at the main harbour, close to The Bird Observatory.

Scottish Islands Explorer - shipping copies is certainly less arduous