Pentland Firth

The Pentland Firth separates the Orkney Islands from Caithness on Scotland's northern coast, connecting the Atlantic with the North Sea. Islands including Stroma and Swona divide the passage into smaller channels. Tidal streams race through the strait, creating turbulent water where currents meet islands and headlands; their strength changes with the tide. The crossing joins two neighboring shores, but the narrow waters and swift currents have long demanded care from those navigating them.