Helliar Holm
Island Uninhabited islet off Orkney's coast
Near Orkney, Helliar Holm is a tidal islet with archaeological remains and seabird colonies; boaters and birdwatchers visit in calm weather.
Helliar Holm is a small, uninhabited islet in the Orkney Islands of Scotland. It lies off the coast of the Orkney archipelago and is principally of interest for natural history and coastal landscape.
Like many small Orkney islets, Helliar Holm has a history of occasional use for seasonal bird and egg gathering in past centuries, but it has no continuous permanent settlement. Any archaeological remains present are limited and not prominent compared with larger Orkney sites.
Helliar Holm sits off the coast of Orkney in northern Scotland; it is reached visually from nearby inhabited islands in the archipelago and lies within the council area of Orkney.
- Access: Uninhabited and exposed to Atlantic weather, best visited or observed from nearby Orkney shores or by boat rather than by land.
How to Get to Helliar Holm #
Helliar Holm is a small islet off the Orkney coast and is not served by regular public transport; it is reached only by private boat or charter. The usual embarkation point is Kirkwall (the main town on Mainland Orkney); arrange a private boat or wildlife/cruise operator from Kirkwall harbour or from nearby Orkney settlements to land or view the islet offshore.
Tips for Visiting Helliar Holm #
- Arrange any visit through an Orkney-based boat operator or wildlife tour rather than trying to land independently; Helliar Holm is tidal and landing is only safe in calm conditions with local knowledge.
- Aim for late spring or early summer (breeding season) to see seabird colonies from the boat; photographers and birdwatchers will get the best views from a circumnavigation rather than attempting to go ashore.
- Check weather and sea forecasts closely before booking; seas around Orkney can become rough quickly, and many operators cancel or alter itineraries for safety-respect skipper guidance about landing or staying offshore.
Best Time to Visit Helliar Holm #
Best visited in late spring to summer (May-August) when seas are calmer and seabird activity peaks.
Weather & Climate near Helliar Holm #
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1055 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (97 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 (65 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 (53 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 (55 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 (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (125 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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