Copinsay is an uninhabited island in the Orkneys, famous for its large colonies of kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills. Fulmars and puffins also breed along the cliffs of Copinsay. The RSPB purchased the entire island as a memorial to naturalist James Fisher.
The island is set about 1.5 miles off the south-east coast of Orkney Mainland. In addition to the island of Copinsay, the RSPB reserve takes in the small islets of Black Holm, Ward Holm, and Corn Holm.
The ground cover on Copinsay is mainly grass, creating a habitat for corncrakes. The sheer cliffs, reaching over 9 metres high in places, are home to over 20,000 guillemots, and over 1,000 nesting pairs of fulmars. The bird population is swelled by 4,500 kittiwakes, 700 razorbills and about 600 puffins.
In the autumn months, a colony of over 2,000 grey seals come here to pup. The best time to visit is April-June and August-October.
Visiting
The island of Copinsay can only be accessed by boat from Skaill, on the Deerness peninsula - the closest point to the island.
More Photos
About Copinsay RSPB
Address: Copinsay,
Isle of Copinsay,
Orkney,
Highlands and Islands,
Scotland
Attraction Type: Countryside
Location: Island is 2 miles east of Mainland. Accessible by boat from Skaill (day trips)
Website: Copinsay RSPB
Email: orkney@rspb.org.uk
RSPB
Location map
OS: HY583039
Photo Credit: Des Colhoun, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence
HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
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NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Brough of Deerness - 3.1 miles (Prehistoric Site) 
Mull Head Nature Reserve - 3.4 miles (Countryside)
Mine Howe - 4.7 miles (Prehistoric Site) 
Italian Chapel - 6.2 miles (Historic Church)
Churchill Barriers - 6.9 miles (Historic Building)
St Magnus Cathedral - 9.4 miles (Cathedral) 
The Orkney Museum - 9.4 miles (Museum)
Bishop's Palace, Kirkwall - 9.4 miles (Historic Building)
Nearest Holiday Cottages to Copinsay RSPB:
Nearby accommodation is calculated 'as the crow flies' from Copinsay RSPB. 'Nearest' may involve a long drive up and down glens or, if you are near the coast, may include a ferry ride! Please check the property map to make sure the location is right for you.
John o Groats, Highlands and Islands
Sleeps: 12
Stay from: £1842 - 5792
More self catering near Copinsay RSPB
