Hoy, Orkney

Hoy is an island in the Orkney archipelago off the north coast of Scotland, known for its dramatic sea cliffs, rugged interior and maritime scenery. It is among the larger Orkney islands and combines crofting communities, wartime heritage and prominent coastal landmarks.

The island’s best-known feature is the Old Man of Hoy, a tall sea stack on the west coast rising to about 137 metres that formed from coastal erosion and is a popular subject for climbers and photographers. Hoy also has towering cliffs such as St John’s Head which support large seabird colonies.

Hoy has a long human presence with scattered settlements and historical sites including remains related to World War I and II in the Scapa Flow area. The island’s landscape is a mix of moorland, sandstone cliffs and narrow bays used for fishing and recreation.

Hoy lies at the southern end of the Orkney Islands, reachable by a regular ferry from the mainland town of Stromness; it forms part of the Orkney island group off Scotland’s northern coast.

• Cliffs and wildlife: Hoy is the most dramatic of Orkney's islands for cliffs and seabird colonies, with high sea cliffs such as St John's Head that host significant seabird populations.

What to See #

• Old Man of Hoy (c. 137 m): The Old Man of Hoy, a detached sea stack rising about 137 metres from sea level on Hoy's west coast, is one of Britain's most photographed rock formations and a classic sea-cliff climbing objective.