Damsay Island
Small uninhabited Scottish island with archaeological remains
Tiny Orkney island with Norse and early Christian archaeological remains; accessible by private boat and of interest to walkers and birdwatchers.
Damsay at a Glance#
Address: Damsay, Orkney, Scotland
About Damsay#
Damsay is a small island in Orkney, Scotland, situated off the northwest coast of Mainland Orkney in the archipelago. The island is low-lying and has historically been used for grazing and small-scale agriculture.
Archaeological and historical accounts associate the island with Norse and earlier occupation, and it contains traces of past settlement and field systems. Damsay is uninhabited today and accessed only by private boat.
Geographically it lies within Orkney’s island group off the northern tip of mainland Scotland, set among the surrounding sounds and sheltered waters of the archipelago.
How to Get to Damsay#
Access to Damsay is by small boat from nearby Orkney harbours. Arrange local boat transport and check tidal conditions; some landings are weather-dependent.
Tips for Visiting Damsay#
- Respect island archaeology and private property; Damsay is small and access can be sensitive.
- Bring binoculars for seabird and seal watching from the coastline if landing is restricted.
- Check ferry and local boat services from mainland Orkney or nearby islands for scheduled landings.
Best Time to Visit Damsay#
Damsay is best visited in summer or shoulder seasons when sea conditions are calmer and wildlife is more visible.
Weather & Climate near Damsay#
Damsay's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1071 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 6° | -1° | 110 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.9h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 6° | -1° | 85 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.1h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 99 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 2° | 66 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.2h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 6° | 55 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.6h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 14° | 11° | 56 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.9h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 15° | 12° | 62 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.2h |
| August | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 74 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.1h |
| September | Acceptable | 8° - 14° | 11° | 102 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 11° | 6° | 118 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.0h |
| November | Poor | 4° - 8° | 2° | 127 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.6h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 117 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.2h |
