Ancumtoun facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ancumtoun |
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 Sheep on the rocky shore at Ancumtoun, with the North Ronaldsay lighthouse in the distance |
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 Ancumtoun
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| OS grid reference | HY761551 |
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| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ORKNEY |
| Postcode district | KW17 |
| Dialling code | 01856 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Ancumtoun is a small settlement located on the northern part of North Ronaldsay, which is one of the many beautiful Orkney Islands in Scotland. This tiny community is part of the larger area known as Cross and Burness parish. It's a quiet place, perfect for experiencing island life.
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Discovering Ancumtoun and North Ronaldsay
Ancumtoun is found on North Ronaldsay, the most northerly island of the Orkney archipelago. This island is famous for its unique sheep and a very tall lighthouse. Life here is closely connected to the sea and the island's natural beauty.
What Makes North Ronaldsay Special?
North Ronaldsay is known for a few interesting things:
- North Ronaldsay Sheep: These sheep are very special. They are a rare breed that mostly eats seaweed! They live on the rocky beaches, kept away from the island's fields by a special drystone wall called the "sheep dyke." This wall goes all the way around the island.
- North Ronaldsay Lighthouse: This lighthouse is one of the tallest in Scotland. It stands proudly at the northern tip of the island, guiding ships safely past the rocky shores. It's a landmark you can see from Ancumtoun.
- Wildlife: The island is a great place for birdwatching. Many different kinds of seabirds visit or live here. You might also spot seals playing in the waters around the coast.
Life in a Small Island Settlement
Living in a place like Ancumtoun means being part of a close-knit community.
- Quiet and Peaceful: It's a very calm and quiet place, far from busy cities.
- Nature's Playground: The island offers amazing opportunities to explore nature. You can walk along the coast, watch the waves, or look for interesting shells and stones.
- Island Traditions: The people of North Ronaldsay have kept many old island traditions alive. This includes how they manage their unique sheep and their way of life.
Exploring the Orkney Islands
Ancumtoun is part of the Orkney Islands, a group of islands off the northern coast of Scotland. The Orkneys are rich in history and natural beauty.
A Glimpse into Orkney's Past
The Orkney Islands have a long and fascinating history.
- Ancient History: People have lived in Orkney for thousands of years. There are many amazing ancient sites, like Skara Brae, a Stone Age village, and the Ring of Brodgar, a mysterious stone circle.
- Viking Influence: The Vikings settled in Orkney a long time ago. Their influence can still be seen in place names and local traditions.
- Modern Orkney: Today, the Orkney Islands are known for their beautiful landscapes, friendly communities, and renewable energy projects.
Getting Around the Orkneys
While Ancumtoun is on a small island, it's connected to the rest of Orkney.
- Ferries: Ferries are the main way to travel between the islands. They connect North Ronaldsay to the larger island of Mainland Orkney.
- Island Hopping: Many visitors enjoy "island hopping" to see different parts of the Orkney archipelago.
Images for kids
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Sheep on the rocky shore at Ancumtoun, with the North Ronaldsay lighthouse in the distance
