Hoy

Second largest of the Orkney Islands, Scotland, 7 km/4 mi south of Stromness, from which it is separated by the Sound of Hoy; population (2001) 400. Rising abruptly from the sea, it is 21 km/13 mi long, and up to 10 km/6 mi wide. Its highest crags are St John's Head (347 m/1,138 ft), Ward Hill (477 m/1,565 ft), and Cuilags Hill (433 m/1,421 ft). The spectacular sandstone stack of the Old Man of Hoy, rising to 137 m/449 ft, lies 2 km/1 mi west of Rora Head.

During World Wars I and II, Lyness contained a major Royal Navy base, now deserted. To the south, the bay of Longhope forms an excellent natural harbour.