It is about 350 metres (1,150 ft) east of the harbour front of Stromness but it is connected to the Orkney Mainland shore at low tide on the opposite side of the bay.

[3] The waters of Cairston Roads, part of Scapa Flow, lie to the east.

[1] There built structures are at the north end and a stony causeway allows for vehicular access at low tides.

The SS Gnome ran aground on 23 January 1857 while entering Stromness harbour "on the Holme side".

It is thought she was successfully recovered from a position between the Inner and Outer Holm.