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 at a Glance#
About Copinsay#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 4° - 8° | 2° | 104 mm | overcast | 82% | 7.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.9h |
| February | Poor | 4° - 8° | 1° | 81 mm | overcast | 82% | 7.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.1h |
| March | Poor | 3° - 8° | 1° | 92 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 3° | 61 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.2h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 6° | 50 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.6h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 11° | 53 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.9h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 15° | 12° | 59 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.2h |
| August | Good | 11° - 16° | 13° | 70 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.0 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.1h |
| September | Acceptable | 10° - 14° | 12° | 94 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.1 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 8° - 12° | 7° | 110 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.0h |
| November | Poor | 6° - 10° | 4° | 120 mm | overcast | 82% | 7.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.6h |
| December | Poor | 5° - 9° | 3° | 110 mm | overcast | 82% | 7.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.2h |
