Auskerry Island

Auskerry is a small island in the Orkney archipelago of northern Scotland, notable for its isolation and coastal habitat.

The island’s shoreline and surrounding waters support seabird life and it is visited for wildlife observation and the experience of a remote island landscape. There are no large settlements and access is by private boat or scheduled local transport when available.

Historically the island was used for small-scale farming and fishing; it has remained sparsely inhabited into the present and retains limited built infrastructure. Over time habitation levels have stayed low and land use has been dominated by crofting and wildlife habitat.

Auskerry lies off the northeastern coast of Mainland Orkney, within Scotland’s island group. The nearest larger Orkney settlements are several kilometres away by sea; the island is surrounded by shallow channels and skerries.

• Wildlife and isolation: The island is small and sparsely populated, with visitors mainly interested in seabird colonies and remote coastal scenery.