Copinsay
Island Uninhabited Orkney isle important for seabird colonies
Off Orkney, Copinsay is a seabird reserve with cliffs, grassy slopes and an isolated lighthouse. Day trips focus on birdwatching-puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes-and seasonal boat landings operate under conservation rules.
Copinsay is a small island off the coast of Orkney in northern Scotland, recognised for its seabird colonies and coastal wildlife. The island’s cliffs and grasslands provide breeding habitat for a range of seabirds.
Human habitation on the island is minimal; it has been managed for conservation and traditional grazing and is visited by birdwatchers and naturalists by boat during the season. Access is by private or chartered boat and conditions can be exposed.
Copinsay lies off the eastern coast of Orkney’s Mainland, within the archipelago’s maritime landscape.
- Wildlife: Noted for large seabird colonies including puffins and other coastal species, making it important for birdwatching and conservation.
How to Get to Copinsay #
Access to Copinsay is by private boat from the Orkney mainland or the Scottish northeast coast; local boat operators can provide seasonal trips focused on birdwatching. Weather and sea conditions determine landings, and some operators land passengers by zodiac or remain offshore for viewing.
Tips for Visiting Copinsay #
- Bring binoculars: the island is a seabird colony and distant hides reveal a lot.
- Respect wildlife closures - certain cliffs and areas are seasonally restricted to protect nesting birds.
- Plan for changeable weather and sea conditions; landings are often by small boat and can be wet.
Best Time to Visit Copinsay #
Island nature reserve - best visited in breeding season for seabird colonies; access depends on boat services and weather.
Weather & Climate near Copinsay #
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1004 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (120 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
