Black Craig observation point

Perched high on the dramatic cliffs of Black Craig, this modest concrete building offers some of Orkney’s most spectacular views, stretching across Billia Croo to Hoy and the Scottish mainland. While it began life as a coastguard lookout, it has since become part of Orkney’s pioneering renewable energy story.

The former observation post was transformed by the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) into a monitoring station equipped with cameras and radar to oversee activity at the Billia Croo wave energy test site. It has also played an important role in environmental research, helping scientists study seabirds, diving birds and cetaceans to better understand how marine energy technologies interact with local wildlife.

From this remarkable vantage point, look out for the cardinal buoys marking EMEC’s wave energy test area. Though difficult to appreciate from the shore, the site covers an impressive 4 km by 2 km. On a good day, you may even spot wave energy devices or marine operations taking place offshore, offering a glimpse of Orkney’s continuing role at the forefront of marine renewable energy.