Deer Sound, a spacious natural harbour on the E side of the Mainland of Orkney, entering from Stronsay Firth, and separating the parish of Deerness from that of St Andrews. Lying nearly due SW and NE, and measuring 4 miles in length, by from 1 mile to 2½ miles in breadth, it has beautifully winding shores, a clean sandy bottom mixed with clay, and a depth of 6 or 7 fathoms. It is well sheltered from all winds, and affords in many parts good anchorage. Any number of vessels might here find refuge; and it was formerly frequented by whaling ships on their way to the Arctic seas, but is now very little used.
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