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Aerial view of with Loch Saintear on bottom right, Aikerness top left and Papay on top right site at Links of Noltland The structure had been filled and there is little to see except (HY428493) above the beach in deliberately and many arte- for a few walls in the sand. of Grobust. A well-preserved facts with parallels to Skara There may well be more building was excavated, but Brae finds, including structures still to examine at of a different internal plan to Grooved Ware pottery, were this extensive site. the houses at Skara Brae. It found. The midden material consists of two rather irregu- contained skulls and cattle At Berstness (HY440420) larly shaped rooms, with bones, plus skeletons of an there are remains of a prehis- small cells leading off, in Otter and a Sea Eagle. toric settlement with curving shape rather like Vinquoy Evidence of cultivation and walls and a possible heel- on . many Red Deer bones were shaped house. The layout of Radiocarbon dating gave a also found. As at Skara Brae old field boundaries can be range 2900-2200 BC. There the ruins were protected by made out, while the Mound is nothing to see on the site the sand but at present the of Skea (HY441418) on the today. house has been back-filled shore is eroded, to reveal WESTRAY (ON Vestrey, fleet. Like other parts of Pierowall, and much evi- West Isle), the second largest , there are a diverse dence of the Norse settlers Puffin at Noup Head Pierowall from Broughton of the North Isles, is in many range of things to see and do. has been found here in the ways Orkney in miniature. It form of graves in the links has been described as “The Pierowall (HY437485) is (dunes) to the north and west Queen of the Isles” with its one of the best harbours in the of the village, which is one of good farmland, hilly moor- North Isles, the name derives the very few settlements in land, magnificent cliff from Pier o'Wa. Wa, (ON Orkney which is not modern scenery and lovely sandy Vagr, Bay), is the old name of in origin. beaches. Westray is also the the area on the west shore of most prosperous of the North Pierowall Bay. The Hofn, Neolithic Age Westray also Isles, producing a large num- (ON Hofn, haven), mentioned has many prehistoric remains, ber of quality cattle and hav- several times in the one of the most interesting of ing much of Orkney's fishing Orkneyinga Saga, is which is a Skara Brae-like

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the sea. The south side had a Iron Age There are several forecourt and was enclosed broch mounds on Westray, by low banks or "horns". A the best preserved of which is further stalled tomb at Vere the Knowe o’Burrastae (HY458505) is a low mound (HY432429) on the shore in front of Vere farmhouse. near Langskaill. The sea has The stall divisions can still be eroded most of the inside, made out on the top of the leaving a curved wall with a mound. square doorway into an intra- mural passage. The mound is There is a prominent round steep on the landward side Point of Cott chambered cairn cairn on a ridge near and structures can be seen in Knowe o’Skea, Berstness Powdykes (HY434436), the ground around it. S During quarry operations at M where some upright slabs can H

A Pierowall, a carved stone was

C still be made out. There are At Queena Howe

R discovered with a spiral and also remains of chambered (HY425495) a series of stone lozenge design (now in cairns at Fitty Hill structures can be seen in the House Museum) (HY433445), Knucker Hill eroded shoreline. These which may have been the lin- (HY428470) and Couter’s appear to be circular walls, tel over the entrance to a Hill (HY422491). None of the outermost of which has chambered tomb of the these cairns is in a good state beach boulders built as a pos- Maeshowe type. This tomb of preservation, but they are sible breakwater. It is proba- had been demolished about worth visiting for the view bly a broch. There are several 2100 BC and then used as a and as part of a longer walk. other mounds which may flint tool workshop. Finally a Archaeologists at work on Knowe o’Skea No doubt many other cairns well be settlements. large round house was built existed, but have been hearth and stone box beds but the moulds for casting similar here in the Iron Age. destroyed during subsequent The Knowe o’Skea is a large very little pottery or other pins turned up. It may be that millennia. mound on an exposed head- domestic debris. the metalworking was related Near Cleat, at the Point of land at Berstness to death and burial. Cott (HY465474), is a long Bronze Age A badly eroded (HY441418) which has been There were no burials within Point of Cott chambered cairn plan stalled cairn which dates from burnt mound near Gill Pier investigated by archaeolo- this building, but a large num- Until now, very few Iron Age stone walls and midden about 3000BC. Nine stall (HY450492) has many gists for several years. A ber of remains have been burials have been examined. deposits. This was originally slabs were visible above the exposed broken burnt stones, large rounded building with a found in the buildings and Remains of over 100 individ- thought to be a chambered surface in the centre of this over black earth. Several rectangular interior and very walls on the north side of it. uals have so far been found, cairn, but excavation has grassy mound and traces of other burnt mounds also exist thick walls which had been Two of these small buildings over half of which were from revealed a complex Iron Age walling could be seen, but lit- but are not obvious. No defi- repeatedly added to over per- were metalworking work- young babies. There were burial and metalworking site. tle is now left after a rescue nite Bronze Age settlement haps 500 years was revealed. shops. A metal pin was found few grave goods apart from excavation due to erosion by has been identified as yet. The interior had a central by one of the skeletons and shells buried with some of the Remains of chambered cairn and roundhouse, Pierowall Noltland Links with wildflowers - site of settlement Queena Howe Broch, Grobust Knowe o’Burrastae Broch

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Viking Age The Viking Quoygrew, or Lower graves found at Pierowall Trenabie (HY443506), on the date from the 9th century. north side of Rackwick, was Those of men contained first noted as two mounds swords, spearheads, axes, near the shore where coastal knives and combs, while erosion was revealing midden those of women had trefoil material and walling. brooches, penannular Excavation has now revealed brooches, tortoise-shaped a series of structures stretch- brooches in pairs, bracelets, ing over 50m inland from the knives, combs and beads. shore, the oldest of which Some boat-burials were pres- dates from the 9th or 10th cen- ent, and dogs or horses were tury. The upper house was Excavating a skeleton on the Knowe o’Skea Mae Sand is a fine south-facing beach backed by dunes and machair sometimes buried in the same only finally vacated in 1937. infants. The high incidence the one on the headland oppo- grave. The original house was built of small babies is unusual but site. Thus the site may have some distance from the shore, may just mean that there was been in use as a burial ground It seems that the Vikings but about 1000AD a new high infant mortality. for a very long time. The set- became Christian quite soon building was put up near the tlement which used the after the main influx and shore which may have had to Some Bronze Age burials Knowe o’Skea as its grave- there are at least two church- do with the extensive fishing were also found in the yard may be situated to the es on Westray which were which was being done from mound, which may well have north of the nearby farm of established in Norse times. In here. been built on a Neolithic Langskaill, or at the Broch the past many such graves During the 12th century and chambered cairn similar to o’Burrastae. were uncovered, both in the later this structure was Pierowall area and in the extended several times, and at vicinity of Trenabie. The sur- least 15 different fireplaces viving records are scanty and were excavated. Many St Mary’s Kirk graveyard, Pierowall, is a probable broch site most of the artefacts are now steatite artefacts were found lost or untraceable. The from this period, whereas implication is of a substantial from about 1500 manufac- Viking presence at an early tured pottery was being used. date in the north of Westray, Until this series of buildings which is not a surprise given was excavated the only Norse Norse comb found near Pierowall the excellent harbour and houses which could be visited th agricultural land in the area. in Orkney were those on the results of studies on the many the 13 century but was much th Brough of . Quoygrew finds will be very interesting. rebuilt in the 17 century, as Quoygrew Norse settlement, Rackwick is the basis of a study into the seen from the carved skew- St Mary's Kirk (Lady Kirk) putt (the lowest stone of the Quoygrew - eroding midden and buildings on shore Quoygrew Norse settlement, Rackwick transitions which took place in Orkney during and after (HY439488), in the centre of gable coping) on the east the Viking Age, and the full Pierowall, dates from perhaps gable with the date 1674.

Norse pin and ring found near Pierowall Norse tortoise brooch found near Pierowall

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What had been the chancel became the “laird’s aisle”, and there are two well-pre- served and finely carved fam- ily gravestones from the same period which are now pro- tected under a rather intrusive glass and steel object.

The kirkyard has many inter- esting old headstones, while

the southern part to the west St Mary’s Kirk dates from the 13th century of the kirk itself covers a con- inally vaulted. The nave was Although the farmstead here siderable mound, which may extended at a later time to the was no doubt impressive well enclose the missing west. The adjacent cemetery when built, unfortunately its Pierowall broch. While the is still in use and contains a foundations seem to have oldest visible parts of the kirk number of interesting head- been on sand, and consider- may date from the 13th centu- stones. able repairs and remodelling ry it may overlie an even ear- went on during its occupancy. lier church site. There are also the remains of Bay of Tuquoy winter sunset a considerable Viking Age Further visible evidence of The remains of a chapel, chapel underlie a sheep shel- much of the is sub- Near the south shore at settlement nearby, with mas- the Norsemen comes from Peter Kirk, with its sur- ter. Seven nuns are said to merged, but at low springs a Tuquoy, the Westside or sive walls being exposed by the many boat nousts around rounding ancient graveyard, have been buried here, and large skerry is revealed. Cross Kirk (HY454431) is erosion along the shore. the coast. These have been lie west of Russland in the chapel was built to com- Terns nest here in summer, one of the best-preserved Excavations have revealed a maintained over the centuries (HY500402). It memorate them. At high tide and many seals haul out too. medieval churches in Orkney. complex of buildings, flag- as shelters for boats at the top appears to be built on top of a Probably built by Haflidi stone floors, drains and mid- of the shore and are very sim- broch as erosion has revealed Thorkelsson of Tuquoy in the den deposits. Part of a large ilar to those found in Norway. stonework and pottery. There mid-12th century and dedicat- hall was discovered, with The Westray skiff is not very was said to be another near ed to the Holy Cross, the old some 12th century runes on an different from the type of Cleat, while near Surrigarth, part is largely intact, despite internal wall. Many Norse small boat used in Norse there was a farm called “Old nearly being demolished in artefacts were found, includ- times and may still be seen in Kirkhouse” and the name the 19th century. ing steatite bowls, pottery and use today. The abundance of Kirbest also suggests a chapel metal objects. There may these nousts suggests that site. Very little remains to Apparently a very sensible have been a small defensive fishing and the sea were as mark these ancient Christian older person asked that “the tower on the extensive site, important in Westray in the sites. Dane’s work not be pulled but only the part in danger of past as at the present. On the Holm of Aikerness down.” It consists of a nave erosion has been examined. the foundations of a small and chancel, which was orig- The Cross Kirk at Tuquoy dates from the 12th century

Interesting old grave marker, St Mary’s Kirk Grave slab with symbols of death Doorway and window on the Cross Kirk Plan of the Cross Kirk S M H A C R

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Sheriff of Orkney and Master lairds’ whereabouts and the of Mary Queen of Scots’ roof was said to have been Household and had received pulled off the castle in retalia- grants of land in Westray tion. It may still have been from his brother-in-law, partly habitable after that, as Adam Bothwell, Bishop of in a 1761 marriage contract Orkney, in 1560. Balfour was between Dennison and a involved in the murders of Helen Traill part of the Cardinal Beaton and Darnley “Mansion House of and was finally executed in Noltland” was to be left to Sweden in 1576. her in the event of his death.

Lower Ouseness, a typical 19th century croft Loch of Burness and Noltland Castle - sunrise from Gallow Hill The Castle was prepared to There is a panoramic view of Noltland Castle (HY429487) during the time of Mary called, settled along the North shelter Mary if she had man- Pierowall harbour from the is a very fine example of a Queen of Scots. Some confu- Shore and married local girls, The boy was adopted by the aged to escape from Loch parapet of the castle, which is Scottish fortified Z-plan sion exists over the exact date taking Orkney surnames. Rendalls of Seaquoy and Leven Castle. Further addi- remarkable for the number of house. Much of Westray was of the building, but the main The mixture of Norse and since no one knew his name tions were made in the 17th gun loops, 71 arranged in Bishopric property and the structure was commenced Spanish blood seems to have he was called Archie Angel, and 18th centuries, when the tiers. The basement gunloops Castle was built as a result of about 1560 on the instigation produced very good seamen after the assumed homeport south range and courtyard had wooden gun-mountings the various political intrigues of Gilbert Balfour, who was and some of the traits - dark of the ship, which was found and later further extensions to fitted and there are even two hair and eyes and a quick wit on a name-board in the the east and west were added. in the kitchen. The Orcadian - can still be seen in Westray wreckage. Although the It was never properly fin- author Eric Linklater com- people today. name "Angel” has died out, ished, but does have some pared the castle to a ship-of- Shipwrecks were common in there are still descendants of interesting detail, including a the-line, while others have the days before Archie Angel in Westray large stairway with carved suggested that it was built for and other navigational aids. today. newel at the top, which is an a man with a bad conscience. In about 1730, during a addition by Earl Patrick severe storm from the north, a Witchcraft In July 1627 a Stewart. The great hall is spa- Spanish Armada In 1588 ship went ashore at Westrayman, Benjamin cious, but the conditions in one small boatload of sur- Rammigeo (HY451525) on Garrioch, and three compan- the dungeon-like kitchen can- vivors from a ship of the the Head of Aikerness. In the ions went fishing one day, not have been so salubrious. Spanish Armada is said to morning a little boy was despite a warning from his On the first floor there are have reached Pierowall. found clasped to his drowned girlfriend that something ter- apartments, and a probable Their ship, which had lost its mother's breast, alive but rible would happen. They strong room with secret com- rudder and mainmast in a Noltland Castle exterior from the southeast cold. Another version says were caught in the fog and partments while there is an storm, sank in the Dennis that he was washed up tied to failed to return whereupon Old plan of Noltland Castle attractive courtyard on the Röst off .

S a piece of a mast. she became suspected of

M south-east side. The Dons, as they were H

A Noltland Castle ground floor kitchen Noltland Castle stairway to first floor with newel C

R The castle belonged to Balfour of prior to 1728, when it was sold to Jerome Dennison, a merchant in Sanday. He is said to have helped several lairds, who had supported the Jacobite cause in the 1745 rebellion, to hide in Gentlemen's Cave near Noup Head. He refused to answer questions about the

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seaweed collection, and thus they had fished since the 13th kelp-making, allowed the or 14th century, landed chilled lairds to make plenty of and gutted cod at Pierowall, money during the Kelp where it was salted and dried, Boom, some of which was before being shipped south. spent on houses. These They also had large tanks in include several 18th and 19th their hulls and by this means century mansions, such as kept the bulk of their catches Brough, Cleat and Fribo, as alive for sale in England. well as several mills and the large fishing store at Gill Pier. also has a very old

“Queen of the Isles” leaving for Wart Holm to clip the sheep connection with Westray and Brough farmhouse dates from the 19th century but is now falling into disrepair Fishing Westray was the in the past was much more witchcraft. After the death of British Navy ship and pressed terms of numbers of breeding here and in 2005 there were only Orkney island to be closely related to Westray her father she took to going into service. When he found seabirds. The smell and noise about 27 nests with 14 chicks. much involved in the Cod than Dunrossness, in out in bad weather in his boat, out about Jane’s plight he that greet the visitor from this The nearby colony of Arctic fishery. Although English . Many Fair Isle folk but always returned. Later, in plied the hangman and jailers vast seabird colony never Tern should not be disturbed, smacks called at or moved to Westray, spite of saving a ship which with whisky and made good fails to impress. Good views but the birds may be observed Longhope for crew as well, or to seek a living, was in danger of being their escape on the ship that of Guillemots, Razorbills, from a distance. At other sea- they preferred the including ancestors of the wrecked, or perhaps because she had saved. Many years Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Puffins sons Noup Head makes an Westraymen, who had for author. of this, she was tried in St later a visiting Kirkwall man and Black Guillemots can be excellent spot for sea watch- centuries gone to the haaf Magnus Cathedral and con- happened past a shop called had from the clifftops. ing, for whales in late sum- fishing up to 80 miles off- Noup Head (76m, demned to be tied to a stake “Benjamin Garrioch” in mer, and for migrating shore in open boats of the HY392500) has a , and worried to death by the Manchester, where the couple Recently a small number of seabirds in spring and sixareen type. Thus devel- completed in 1898. It was the hangman. were thriving. Again this Gannets have been nesting autumn. oped an industry which by the first to use mercury flotation may be fanciful legend, but it 19th century was employing 7 for its revolving light and That day some Naval vessels still remains a fine story. or 8 small sloops of about 30 became automatic in 1964. had arrived in Kirkwall and tons. The Herring fishery The accommodation block there was a wild night of cel- Westray has many interesting was never very important in was demolished at the time ebration in the town. Even domestic and farm buildings Westray, unlike in Stronsay. and thrown over the craig. the hangman and prison which reflect its fertile agri- The lighthouse is now pow- guards became comatose. cultural land and relative The English smacks returning ered by a solar array. Benjamin and his compan- affluence. The extensive from Icelandic waters, where ions had been picked up by a beaches which are good for The cliffs on the west side of Midsummer sunrise from Gallo Hill with Loch of Saintear, Bay of Pierowall and Papay Westray are about 8km (5 miles) long, and the most northerly 3km (2 miles) are A few larger trawlers are still based in Westray an RSPB Reserve. In May Many small boats fish for crabs and lobsters and June the ledges are crowded with Auks and Kittiwakes and hold Orkney’s largest “seabird city”, when the noise, activity and aroma of the tens of thousands of breeding birds are quite spec- tacular.

In Britain, the Westray cliffs are second only to St Kilda in

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Arctic Skua, Great Skua and Follow the coast south past Arctic Tern also nest in this the attractively situated farm area. Apart from the wildlife of Bisgeos, which has recent- there are many dramatic vis- ly been renovated. The bay tas of cliff scenery to the west with the storm beach below and south towards the farm is called North Bis and Birsay, which are bal- Geo and is dramatic when a anced by the fine views over big sea is running. Either fol- Westray and the North Isles, low the coast the whole way especially from the top of the to Skea Hill (HY422441), or hill. the ridge from Knucker Hill (113m), with its chambered Below North Hill, cairn on top, to Fitty Hill Noup Head has off lying skerries called the Grip of Cleaton Gentlemen's Cave (169m) for excellent views. (HY398486) can be reached After Inga Ness (HY417439) from here and often good surf the north end of the bay and by a long ledge on the cliffs follow the coast and either to watch. Continue along the then return along the road to and was used as a hiding return to the car park at East shore to Rackwick, where Pierowall. place by Jacobite lairds in Kirbest, or continue along tang often gets washed up in 1746, while their homes were the shore past Muckle Water huge quantities and until Aikerness Walk A walk being burned by to the Knowe o'Burristae, a recently was dried for pro- around the Aikerness shore at Cumberland’s men during ruined broch. cessing into alginates. Visit the north-east end of the reprisals after the 1745 the Quoygrew Norse site at island is relatively easy going Jacobite rebellion which cul- There is a natural arch at Cuin minated in the Battle of Geo on the point of Noup Head (76m) is an RSPB Reserve has a lighthouse built in 1898 Culloden in 1746. The coast Berstness, while the Knowe West Coast Walk There is a Parnassus, Bird’s-foot here has many caves, natural of Skea lies to the south of very satisfying waymarked Trefoil, Sea Campion, Spring arches and interesting geos. the ness. There are fine views walk down the west side of Squill and many other plants Great care should be taken in across the Westray Firth to the island from Noup Head to adding colour in a succession the vicinity of the cliffs, espe- Rousay from this shore. Kirbest which takes in Fitty which lasts from April cially after rain or on a windy Either take the road back, or Hill (HY430448, 169m), the through until late August. day, and access to follow the attractive beach at highest point on Westray. Primula scotica grows here, Gentleman’s Cave should Mae Sand with its extensive as well as a number of plants only be attempted with local sand dunes on to Cross Kirk The rich maritime heath veg- which are normally associat- knowledge and by the suit- (HY453432) at Tuquoy with etation is spectacular in sum- ed with high altitudes farther ably equipped. its Norse remains, before mer with Thrift, Grass of south. returning to Pierowall. Noup Head is home to many thousands of seabirds in the breeding season There is now a small Gannet colony on Noup Head Serried ranks of Guillemots line the many ledges Gentlemen’s Cave is below North Hill and can be reached by scrambling North Coast Walk Other ideas for interesting walks include taking the road to Noup Head from Pierowall, and visiting Noltland Castle, then crossing Noltland Links, where a Neolithic village lies buried in the sand, and which are a blaze of colourful flow- ers in summer, to Grobust Beach. There is a good view along the cliffs to Noup Head

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along the low coast and apart Rapness Walk The walk seen here in the gloaming. from Seals, and many starts from the Old Mill at Either return via the road, or seabirds, with luck Otters Rack Wick (HY502424), and continue to the Point o’Huro may be seen, especially in follows the cliffs past the (HY497388) at the southern early morning. The coast can Point o’Burrian to Stanger tip of the island. Return via be followed from Gill Pier Head, where there are inter- the Point o’Peterkirk right around to Rackwick, esting caves and the attractive (HY500401) on the west side passing an eroding Burnt Bight of Stanger Head. The of Rapness where there is a Mound (HY451492) on the Geo o’Rustling Stones is large ruined chapel built on way. There are good views also good for Puffin, and the the site of an old broch with across to Papay from near the track leads from here back to various walls exposed which airfield at Skaill. On the the road. may relate to different peri- Holm of Aikerness ods. (HY470525) there was a The Rapness walk can take in small chapel, but it was prob- Gentlemen’s Ha' Cave Beaches There are many ably incorporated into the (HY517419), where some good sandy beaches on present hut on the island. 18th century Jacobite lairds Westray, notably Grobust are said to have hidden. (HY430495), mentioned There are several small sandy Access is difficult and should above, Mae Sand coves along this coast which not be tried without local (HY445423), which has can be good for finding knowledge. Weatherness, at attractive sand dunes, Groatie Buckies and other the south end, has an interest- Swartmill Bay (HY480462), interesting shells. A danger- ing off-lying rock called The facing Papay, Rackwick ous tide race, the Bow Röst, Ship. Return past the large (HY500426), which has Grobust on the north side of the Links of Noltland is one of the finest beaches in Orkney - Noup Head is in the background forms off Bow Head in cer- quarry which was used to interesting pebbles and often tain conditions. Return via build the ferry terminal. The much seaweed, Sands o'Woo WESTRAAK the west side, where low wild flowers along this (HY512408) which is good PIEROWALL cliffs and small geos are stretch of coast are particular- for a stroll whilst awaiting the Quarry Road, Pierowall, Westray, topped with maritime heath. ly colourful in summer and ferry as is Bay of Tafts Orkney, KW17 2DH Visit Quoygrew before there are good views across to (HY496416), also near the Tel: 01857 677 777 HOTEL returning to Pierowall. the Red Head of Eday and south end. There will always Experience the beauty of Westray. Let Kathy and . Manx be a sheltered bay, beach or Graham Maben bring Westray to life for you. We will Shearwaters are sometimes cove somewhere! take you to experience the sights, sounds and solitude ***INN of the 'Queen of the Isles'. Our guided tours of Westray are available all year round, and can vary in content Fitty Hill (169m) from Skelwick with the Bay of Tuquoy on the centre left and timing to be tailored to your wishes. We look forward to meeting you!

W.I. Enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere of a family-run hotel in the heart of Pierowall. GROCERS, BUTCHERS, IRONMONGERS Our rooms are comfortably furnished. We are known throughout Orkney for the fresh- FRESH BREAD, MILK, VEGETABLES ness of our seafood and famed for serving the best fish and chips in the isles SOUVENIRS, FILMS, NEWSPAPERS Tel 01857 677472 KINCRAIG, WESTRAY Fax 01857 677707 Tel (01857) 677389/677312 [email protected] Fax (01857) 677479 www.orknet.co.uk/pierowall

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NORTH ISLES - WESTRAY WESTRAY, “THE QUEEN OF THE ISLES”

WESTRAY WESTRAY SERVICES ATTRACTIONS Heritage Centre Getting To Westray Both St Mary's Kirk , Tel (01856) Noltland Castle 872044 and Loganair, Tel (01856) Links of Noltland Gill Sands 872494, operate daily services to Grobust Beach the island from Kirkwall. Please Queena Howe Broch refer to their latest timetables for Quoygrew Norse site details. Car and Bicycle hire is The Ouse available locally and minibus tours Aikerness Walk are also run. A minibus connects Holm of Aikerness The Castle o’Burrian in Rapness is Westray Airfield with ferries and meets the Papay a good place to see Puffins Loch of Burness boat. Connections with Papay by Loch of Saintear walling. A visit to the Puffin boat from Pierowall and by plane Noup Head Lighthouse colony can be the start of a Noup Head RSPB Reserve Tours Westraak, Pierowall Tel Gentlemen's Cave (01857) 677 777 see advert longer walk around the head- West Coast Walk land of Rapness. Fitty Hill - highest hill Local Transport M&J Harcus, Bay of Kirbist bus service, Pierowall Tel 677212 Craft and Industry There Knowe o'Burristae Broch T Rendall, Papay Boat hire, Knowe o’Skea are a whole range of crafts Pierowall Tel 677216 Mae Sand Midsummer sunset over Noup Head producers on Westray which Tuquoy Walk Birdwatching places The times unusual species often rock stack set in a small natu- can be visited. They range Where to Stay and Where to Eat Cross Kirk Bay of Tuquoy saltmarshes and beaches at turn up and they are also pop- ral amphitheatre. An alcove from traditional and modern The Pierowall Hotel dates from the early 19th century. This friendly, Loch of Swartmill Letto Sands, Bay of Tuquoy ular with overwintering on the west side is an excel- knitwear and Orkney chairs Swartmill Bay family-run hotel has comfortable (HY455450) and The Ouse Whooper Swan and various lent place from which to to jewellry, artwork cushions Castle o' Burrian (Puffin) (HY450510), and the beaches ducks such as Goldeneye. watch the many Puffin which rooms and serves “perhaps the best Stanger Head (Puffin) and throws as well as sou- fish and chips anywhere”, with a at Sand o’Gill, Pierowall and nest in burrows on the grassy Bay o’Tafts venirs and other products. large variety of very fresh fish, and Faray & Holm of Faray the Bay o’Tafts are good Noup Head is a most spec- cliffs. other produce ***INN, Tel (01857) places for waders. There are tacular “seabird city” during The local Fish Factory at 677208. Cleaton House Hotel, is several good vantage points the breeding season with its Afternoon and evening tend Pierowall processes much of a former Victorian mansion “where WESTRAY from where the car may be thousands of auks. A number to be the best times to see the shellfish and some of the the relaxing atmosphere is compli- CRAFT TRAIL used as a convenient hide. of Puffin are always present, Puffin, which are present mented by outstanding cuisine, whitefish caught by the Hume Sweet Hume, Lizza & but Rapness, at the south end, from May until July. The Westray fleet. Visitors are accommodation, hospitality and Jenna Hume, Cushions and throws The lochs of Burness, offers the best place in Castle is the site of an early welcome and fresh or frozen sea views.” ****SMALL HOTEL, Tel 677 259 Saintear and Swartmill all Westray to see these popular Christian retreat. On the top seafood can be bought. Tel (01857) 677508. “Winter West-Ray jewellry, George warmers” deals are available out of Thomson Tel 677 400 hold breeding waterfowl in little birds. The Castle of it there are remains of two Westray Knitters, Marlene Bews, season which are especially good summer. During migration o’Burrian (HY504429) is a or more buildings, as well as Heritage Centre The Knitted garments Tel 677 366 value. Westray Building Westray Straw, Edith Costie, Orkney Chairs Tel 677 411 Sand o’Gill at Pierowall is good for waders and gulls Westray skiff at the regatta Preservation Trust Heritage The Haf Yok Cafe in Pierowall is run by Westraak and serves deli- Wheeling Steen Gallery, Edwin Centre in Pierowall features a cious homebakes, soup, tea and Rendall, , Artist Tel 677 464 mock-up geo, and as well as coffee. Essence of Orkney, Lauren giving an insight into Harcus, Skincare Products Shops WFM Brown, Baker, Tel 677 432 Westray’s past, it features Pierowall, WI Rendall, General Westray Cards, John Cable, Cards, Bookmarks & Pictures regular exhibitions, and many Merchant, Pierowall, JC Tulloch hands-on things for children Tel 677 287 General Merchant & Post Office, Aak Work, Linda Drever, Helzie and their parents. It is open Pierowall, Peter Miller, Shop & House Tel 677 530 Mugs, from May from September. Sub Post Office, Skelwick Placemats, Keyrings, T-Shirts

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