Deerness

Aerial view of Deerness from the northeast with the Mull Head in the foreground

DEERNESS (ON Dyrnes, Animal Ness, perhaps from the shape of the Mull of Deerness (ON Múli, Snout) as it is like an animal's head) is joined to the rest of the Mainland by a narrow isthmus. On the south side the lovely sandy beach of Dingishowe backed by extensive dunes is one of Orkney’s finest. By contrast St Peter's Pool, on the north side, is a large shallow bay which ebbs dry. It is very good for watching waders, as well as for collecting shells. Deer Sound is a fine anchorage and was much used by sailing ships.

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