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The north-eastern corner of Caithness has some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in Scotland with views out to Orkney, Stroma and the Skerries. The 70 meter high cliffs are cut out of Old Red Sandstone and sculpted by the sea into sea stacks, arches, caves and gees. The horizontally bedded rocks provide breeding sites for birds such as guillemot, razorbill, puffin, shag and fulmar, their numbers adding up to nationally important populations. 

All can be seen from safe viewpoints as the cliff edge is fenced. Great and Arctic skuas and gulls frequent the site during the breeding season which lasts from May to June and groups of passing gannets can be spotted out to sea. 

The salt spray has produced an area of maritime heath along the top of the cliff edge dominated by thrift, and salt tolerant plants - scurvy grass, sea campion and mayweed - grow on the cliff faces. Although summer is the best time to see the plants and bird colonies, the sea provides good viewing year round. 

The site is exposed and can be windy, so wrap up well and wear good footwear. Do not cross over the fence as the cliffs are eroding and dangerous, and avoid the area when there is a haar. There is ample parking space at the lighthouse car park.