Helliar Holm, Tidal island with lighthouse in Orkney Islands, United Kingdom
Helliar Holm is a tidal island off Shapinsay with a distinctive white cylindrical lighthouse built in the 1890s. The tower features black and ochre details and rises around 18 meters above the water.
The Northern Lighthouse Board built this navigation beacon in 1893 to guide ships through the challenging waters around the Orkney Islands. Automation came in 1967, allowing it to operate without resident keepers.
The name comes from Old Norse and refers to a cave island, reflecting the Viking heritage of the Orkney Islands. This linguistic link shows how medieval seafarers named landmarks they encountered.
You can only reach the island at low tide, when a natural causeway connects it to Shapinsay. Plan your visit using tide tables and check the weather, as conditions can change quickly in these waters.
The beacon runs entirely on solar power, making it a striking blend of Victorian architecture and modern self-sufficiency. This addition allowed the structure to survive without any staff, preserving its historic character while meeting contemporary needs.
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