Mouth of the Kirn - Scottish Cave and Mine Database Site Details

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Mouth of the Kirn

NGR:	HU 42569 22223
WGS84:	59.98270, -1.23901
Length:	120 m
Vert. Range:	30 m
Altitude:	-1 m
Geology:	Bressay flagstone formation - sandstone & [subequal/subordinate] argillaceous rocks, interbedded
Tags:	Cave, SeaCave, Shake
Registry:	main

A subtidal subterranean passage with a sink or shakehole called The Kirn 56 m in. The tunnel is estimated by Ridley to be 100 to 150 m long. The tunnel faces SW.

Links and Resources:

1st Ed OS 6 in shows the tunnel extending as far as the Kirn.
OS Namebook for Shetland, parish of Sandwick: The Kirn - "A hole about 50 feet in depth, caused by the action of the sea, situate on the North west side of Comelywick Ness, about 1 mile south east of Hoswick." The OS contour lines suggest 25 m asl rather than 15 m. Mouth of the Kirn - "Applies to the entrance of the sub-terranean passage, connecting the Kirn with the sea, it is situate a short distance south east of Muckle Geo."
Dive Scotland vol III by G Ridley, 1992, has this as dive site 2344 Cumlewick Ness HU425221. There is a cave that runs 100-150m into the cliffs here. (p182)
Canmore Aerial showing the entrance and the Kirn.

This entry was last updated: 2024-04-30 14:11:46

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