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Hole of the Head

Effies Geo, Skirza Head Broch, NE of Freswick, Caithness.

Cave marked on OS map.

About 20-25 yards from the 'Cairn' (built with stones from the Broch) is the 'Hole of the Head' which must go down to a depth of about 129 feet to the sea where there are three entrances to the 'Hole'. It is an awesome and very dangerous hole and there is nothing to indicate its position until you are on it, and you realize why so much care must be taken when approaching it. Effie's Geo is accessible with care, and near its mouth, one small entrance to the 'Hole of the Head' can be seen at low water. It is supposed that McAlpine's Purse containing a fortune is still at the bottom of the Goe! [HER]

Seven stones at the entrance to Rushy or Rushie Geo are the grave markers for seven ship-wrecked sailors.

If James Traill Calder was out by a few decades, then Elizabeth fits the bill. She was an Aberdeen-registered ship under a Captain McAlpin that was wrecked on Skirza Head in 1708. [Helpful-mammal]

Alternative Names: Skirza Head Broch (cave)

Notes: Canmore photos show what appears to be a natural arch with a passage through one side of the headland connecting to a large (or at least deep) gloup or sinkhole into the approx. 30 m cliffs.

Skirza Head Broch (locally known as the Mound) is some distance north of Skirza Head between Rushy Geo and Effie's Geo. Dr Curle excavated 1937-38 but the site was later much overgrown.