Gills Bay

Gills Bay lies on the northern coast of Caithness, about five kilometres west of John o’ Groats. The shore here is mostly low rock, with a small harbour and a pier that serves as the mainland terminal for Pentland Ferries. Local boats shelter in the harbour, and some work the sheep on the island of Stroma. When the sea is calm enough, surfers take to the waves near the pier. The bay faces the Pentland Firth, a stretch of water known for its strong currents. The short sea crossing from Gills Bay is the quickest and safest route to Orkney. Pentland Ferries run a year-round service to St Margaret’s Hope on South Ronaldsay. The idea of a regular crossing was first tried in 1989 but failed because of bad weather. In the late 1990s, Andrew Banks revived the plan and spent two years improving the terminal. He lengthened the pier by sinking an old floating dock and added rock armour to protect it. Seals are common around the bay, with grey seals in large numbers and common seals also present. Wild dogs from Orkney are sometimes seen near the ferry terminal. Porpoises swim close to shore all year, and basking sharks appear between May and August. The rocks and waters around Gills Bay offer good views of this wildlife. The pier and harbour provide a quiet spot to watch the comings and goings of the ferry.