Thieves Holm

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View of Thieves Holm

Thieves Holm is a small island in Orkney, Scotland.

Geography and geology

Thieves Holm is due north of Mainland, Orkney at the mouth of Kirkwall Bay, between the Mainland and the isle of Shapinsay. It is at the west end of the strait between Mainland and Shapinsay, known as the String. It is south west of the tidal island of Helliar Holm.[1]

The name is said to derive from the practice of banishing thieves and witches there. The island is uninhabited and home to a variety of wildlife including Cormorants, Kittiwakes and seals.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Haswell-Smith, Hamish. (2004) The Scottish Islands. Edinburgh. Canongate.
  2. ↑ "Thieves Holm". Gazetteer of Scotland. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
North East Orkney Islands

Coordinates: 59°01′N 2°56′W / 59.017°N 2.933°W / 59.017; -2.933

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