Orkney Image Library

They are very similar to what remains of the old windmill structure on the Eastside of South Ronaldsay

These are the lime kilns on Papa Stronsay.

I'll let this run a day or two longer before revealing all, but don't get too fixated on the North Ronaldsay tag, which wasn't my doing.

[I've detagged it pending revelation. Or Revelation. - Steven]

Anonymous is nearly right. They are kilns and they are on Papa Stronsay, but their purpose - never properly fulfilled - was kelp-burning. They date from around the turn of the 19th-20th centuries, and were intended by their designer, James Chalmers, to be a more efficient means of reducing kelp to ash than the traditional open pits. The kilns' fatal flaw turned out be their cast-iron firebars; the extreme heat of the burning kelp consumed them.

I was lucky enough to be able to visit these a couple of years ago. Also very proud as James Chalmers was my Great Grandpa.

Splendid Carolyn! Speaking as one myself, I say all Great Grandpas need great-grandchildren who are proud of them.

Please add your comments about this picture using the form below.

Comments

Your Name

Your email address - this will be shown on the page and will allow the system to notify you of further comments added to this picture.