Shapinsay, Helliar Holm
Dyke(S) (Period Unassigned)
Site Name Shapinsay, Helliar Holm
Classification Dyke(S) (Period Unassigned)
Canmore ID 2405
Site Number HY41NE 22
NGR HY 4820 1535
NGR Description From HY 4814 1539 to HY 4817 1527
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/2405
- Council Orkney Islands
- Parish Shapinsay
- Former Region Orkney Islands Area
- Former District Orkney
- Former County Orkney
HY41NE 22 4820 1535
On an even W-facing grassy hillside, immediately S of a drainage ditch, the foundation of a dyke begins at the shore edge; here it is of the distinctive construction of many sub-peat dykes, with two parallel rows of edge-slabs occasionally linked by transverse slabs giving a cist-like effect. It runs uphill, at first parallel with the ditch, then curves E and then S, becoming turf-covered, and after reaching the 14m contour returns SW to meet the shore again, thus enclosing approximately one hectare. It may be compared with the dyke at Linkataing, Eday (HY53NE 13).
RCACHMS 1987, visited July 1986.
