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Home , Damsay, Eday, Gairsay, Helliar Holm, Orkney, Sanday Light Railway

ogb 3 collated.qxp 26/10/2005 21:41 Page 498

NORTH ISLES - SHAPINSAY - HJALPANDISEY OR “HELPING ISLE” t

h confusing due to later walls. g i r

y A standing stone, the Mor p o

c Stein (HY524169), stands n w

o 3m high where it is said to r

C have landed after being thrown by a from the Mainland at his fleeing wife!

The of Burroughston (HY541211) was excavated in 1862 and had fallen into ruin, but has now been tidied up and repaired, and is well Elwick and Balfour Village from the east worth visiting. This typical broch site faces the sea and It is possible that the the arrival and muster of Odin's Stone (HY506193), is surrounded by good agri- Romans may have visited King Haakon of 's a large stone about 2m SHAPINSAY (ON Hjalpandisey, rigs was rationalised and cultural land. An impressive Shapinsay. Agricola's fleet great fleet with which he square on the beach below either Helping Island, for much new land reclaimed, ditch and rampart enclose a is said to have subdued planned to arrest the decline Lairo Water, is different ships, or, Shipping Island, or with the result that produc- settlement on the shore side. in AD83 and other of Norse power in . from other stones on the maybe Hjalpandi’s Isle) lies tion increased dramatically. contacts with Orkney’s Apparently they arrived on a beach and tradition has it northeast of and As in most parts of Orkney, The doorway and interior are recorded. Roman arte- Saturday and after holding that offerings to the Norse less than 30 minutes away the farms are all owner- are particularly well pre- facts have also been found at mass in his land tent the God were made there. It has by ferry, making it almost occupied nowadays. served. The walls survive to broch sites. Near Stromberry King entertained all the local also been suggested that part of St. Ola. This highly a height of about 3m and the there is a small jetty called people. It is said that one of Ting meetings were held cultivated island is com- Shapinsay has intramural staircases and Grukalty Pier (HY467173), his ships was lost on Haco’s here. The nearby farm of posed mostly of few major archaeological spaces are clearly visible. which is traditionally named Ness, but there is no hard Skenstoft (ON Skeidarnaustopt, flags, with some flags sites on display, but is rich in There is a hole in the centre after Agricola, due to the evidence for this! House at a Noust for a Skeid, in the southeast, while at unexcavated mounds and of the floor with steps loss of a Roman ship near Haco's Ness (HY525149) possible prehistoric sites. At descending to a probable here. This could all be leg- there are volcanic rocks. Castle Bloody (HY537165) well, and an interesting cell end, and Roman goods The whole island is overlain a mound covers a cham- with a corbelled roof leading could have come to Orkney with a layer of boulder clay. bered cairn, on the island’s off to the left of the entrance by trade. It was one of the first areas last remaining . passage. Both have echoes of Orkney to be successfully There is also a stalled cairn of Minehowe. Although Shapinsay is not "improved". The regular at Haco’s Ness mentioned in the ten-acre fields are the result (HY525149), with six There are several other , it is fea- of land reform in the 1850s, upright stones set in a large brochs, including Steiro tured in Haakon's Saga. In when the old system of run- chamber. The site is rather (HY503163), below the old 1263, Elwick Bay witnessed The Mor Stane with Castle Bloody in the background The Hillock of Burroughston encloses a well-preserved broch , the large mound at Broch of Burroughston - corbelled cell at entrance Broch of Burroughston - well Howe (HY512160), and The Hillock at Ness of Ork (HY536221), where walls and midden can be seen eroding from the shore. Clearly the eastern approaches to the and Shapinsay Sound were important in the Iron Age.

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NORTH ISLES - SHAPINSAY SHAPINSAY - HJALPANDISEY OR “HELPING ISLE”

rebel army, as a result of His father William had recent- which the house was burned ly purchased the rest of down in 1746 by government Shapinsay, and he immediate- soldiers. The only remnant ly set about changing the face today is “Buchanan’s Gate”, of the island. The Scottish the west entry to the Castle architect David Bryce was gardens that incorporates the engaged to enlarge the exist- initials of Arthur Buchanan ing house into the present and Margaret Buxton and the Balfour Castle, complete date 1674 from the entrance with castellated tower, corner to their house of Sound. turrets, crowstep gables and Sandy on the north side of the Ness of Ork below The Hillock broch large picture windows. Balfour Castle from the sea - it dates from 1847 The Balfours were Jacobites, a type of longship), may most likely on the site of a stones taken from Noltland arable, but by 1874 this area and suffered financially as a The Scottish Baronial style have been the landing place much earlier chapel. castle, including one with a exceeded 6,000 acres. result, but Thomas Balfour mansion originally had 12 out- for such meetings. Renovations were carried date of 1725. married Frances Liginier in side doors, 52 rooms and 365 out on at least two subse- Today the home of the 1775, whose money allowed window panes. The Christian sites At Linton quent occasions. There are Although he did not succeed Zawadski family, Balfour them to buy the Sound Estate Gatehouse, now the island’s (HY530187) there is a 12th several interesting tomb- in changing the name Castle makes an interesting in 1784. They built a new only public house, used to be century chapel dedicated to stones here and elsewhere in “Shapinsay” to his own, visit. The interior has not house, Cliffdale, and estab- the Porter’s Lodge of the St Catherine which resem- the graveyard. The present Balfour did manage to per- changed much since David lished the village, then called Castle and was built in 1851. bles the Wyre chapel. It has “Old Kirk” was built in the suade the Postmaster Balfour's time and remains Shoreside, to house cottars Crenellations and turrets add a walls nearly 1m thick, an graveyard and initially had General to change the postal totally unspoilt. The gar- cleared from Sound. military feel to the whole area. oblong nave and a small an earth floor. Apparently address of the island to Extensive woods and gar- chancel. A lintel from here the smell was so strong that “Balfour”. Presumably this Farm buildings and dykes dens were laid out, the pier, was used in building a byre women sometimes fainted, rather pretentious change were erected. Soon the estate a school and the home farm on a nearby farm in the early prompting the installation of increased his pride. was transformed, with fields built. 1900s, but it was promptly a wooden floor. enclosed and modern farming returned when two of the The whole of Shapinsay, practices adopted. Following South of the pier The farmer's cattle were discov- The Balfours The house of apart from the Church- generations of Balfours Douche, a salt-water shower ered hanged in the byre. Sound was originally built owned Glebe, was squared amassed money, but did not with a dovecote on top was about 1674 by Arthur into 10-acre fields, with continue the rapid develop- constructed. Balfour also In the kirkyard near the now Buchanan. Their grand extensive drains and dykes. ments of the late 1700s. installed a gasworks in about roofless old kirk, which daughter married James Fea New breeds of cattle and 1856 to illuminate the Castle dates from 1802 are the of Pirate Gow fame, who was sheep were brought in and the Balfour Castle This all and village. The circular remains of Lady Kirk, said a Jacobite sympathiser and latest crops introduced. In changed when David Balfour stone tower remains near the to have been built in 1559, sent a supply of arms to the 1841 only 748 acres were inherited the estate in 1846. school. It incorporates some Dishan Tower - salt water shower The “Old Kirk” is now roofless “Master ” with nearby date “1656” Balfour Castle interior Elwick Lodge (1784) and sea-washed toilet

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NORTH ISLES - SHAPINSAY SHAPINSAY - HJALPANDISEY OR “HELPING ISLE”

Washington Irving, though dry the salted , but the born in New York, is one of workers lived in bothies in Shapinsay's distinguished the village and used the sea- grandsons. His father was washed toilet near the pier. born at Quholme The cleaned out the con- (HY522214) about 1740, tents twice a day, but it can- where the original house still not still have been very salu- stands. He went to sea and brious. Elwick Mill was a petty-officer aboard a (HY486169) is one of the packet ship, which ran from largest watermills in Orkney, Falmouth to New York. though it no longer grinds corn. There is a pottery He married a Falmouth girl workshop and studio in the The Wide Firth from one of the searchlight houses at Saltness Galtness WWII Coastal Battery house a twin 6-pounder gun in 1761, emigrated to New nearby old mill. dens are used to supply a neck upon a gibbet until she York in 1763 and they had on. The coastal lochs of Vasa Grey and Common Seals fre- wonderful variety of vegeta- be dead.” The execution three sons. One of the sons, World War II Coastal (HY472185), Little Vasa quent the skerries and rocky bles and fruit for the family cost £15 8s, of which a large Washington, became the first Batteries During the two Water and Lairo Water shores. There are many and guests. There is a large part was spent on ale to the American author to gain World Wars, Kirkwall Bay (HY500190), are good places places where close views plantation of trees sheltering Wrights, Smiths and international fame, as well as was used to detain and search to see wildfowl in winter, may be had without distur- the gardens. Described as Officers. being a diplomat and US neutral ships to ensure that while the moorland, low bance. Otters are also pres- “the most northerly castle Ambassador to Spain. "Rip they were not carrying goods cliffs and rocky shores of the ent and may often be seen at hotel in the world” it offers It took the Magistrates and Van Winkle" and "Tales of the for Germany. At Salt Ness east coast, have terns, skuas Lairo Water in the early exclusive accommodation Council, 24 armed men plus Alhambra" are two of his (HY475199) are remains of a and gulls in summer. morning or late evening. for up to ten guests. officers, several workmen best-known works. WWII coastal gun battery, and a hangman to perform which was called Galtness The Ouse and the tidal mud The RSPB The last Judicial Killing A the grim deed, for which the During the mid-19th century and was operational by flats of Veantrow Bay are Reserve (HY485175) Shapinsay woman was the last was paid 2/- after the the Herring fishing was sea- March 1941. Its function good for waders from mid- extends northwards up a last person to be executed in poor woman had been killed. sonally important here and was to defend the entrance of July and all winter. Vasa small valley to the north of Orkney, in 1728. This Perhaps they all felt very salt was stored in the stores at the Wide Firth from MTBs. is consistently one the Elwick Bay. Originally the young serving woman, a badly about their actions, for the top of the pier. Cod pro- best places to see Whooper water supply for the Elwick Marjory Meason from there are no further records cessing was also carried out The emplacement for a twin Swans in the winter, with up Mill, this small artificial loch Frustigar, was accused of of ritual judicial killing of in Elwick Bay for a time. 6-pounder, the director to 100 being present then. holds many species of water- “child murder” and hanged young mothers, or indeed The shingle beaches on tower, searchlights and other There is a useful carpark at fowl and waders. There is an in Kirkwall. She was sen- anyone else, in Orkney. Helliar were used to buildings remain. The near- Skenstoft, east of the Ouse excellent view of the reserve tenced “to be hanged by the by Castle Battery had two and Lairo Water. from the hide on its west side, Sunset over the Wide Firth from near Vasa Skerry 4.7in guns, and two search- The Ouse and Odinstone from Chapelbrae with Veantrow Bay behind lights, as well as unusual gun emplacements, but was only in use from 1941 to 1943. An AA battery completed this little arsenal, which was manned by over 250 soldiers. There is a very good panoramic view of the Wide Firth from here.

Wildlife Though the land is mostly cultivated there are several good wildlife haunts

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NORTH ISLES - SHAPINSAY SHAPINSAY - HJALPANDISEY OR “HELPING ISLE”

The “” was the ferry from 1893 until the 1970s MV “Shapinsay” makes frequent daily runs to Kirkwall which is about 1.5km north of Parts of the East Hill and a somewhat precarious land the village and has a nearby East Craigs (Holm of bridge. carpark. Burghlee, HY536160) form a Scottish Wildlife Trust The coast from Dog Geo to Pintail breed here, along with Reserve, which occupies part Haco’s Ness is low cliffs up Aerial view of Shapinsay from the southeast Wigeon, Shoveller, Pochard of the southeast corner of to 30m high with many geos, and other wildfowl. In winter Shapinsay. It covers 18.7ha caves and off-lying rocks and SHAPINSAY Whooper Swans are often of maritime heath and sup- stacks. Park at a quarry near ATTRACTIONS seen here, while Greylag ports breeding gulls, terns, Dog Geo or beside the Mor “by the sun” Geese are now present all skua and waders as well as Stein. Castle Bloody cham- Balfour Castle year. Hen Harrier and Merlin abundant wild flowers in bered cairn is prominent on Point of Dishan & Douche may be seen quartering the spring and summer. The the top of the hill to the east, Balfour Village area for voles. Water Rail Holm of Burghlee itself from which the summit of The Gatehouse breed here and are regularly (HY536158) is a large , Warthill (64m) and the stand- Smithy Restaurant heard but rarely seen. which is joined to the cliff by ing stone are in line. There is Smithy Heritage Centre Gas House "We work with what we see Elwick Mill The Mill Dam RSPB Reserve from the hide around us, the colours of the Mill Dam RSPB Reserve sea and sky, the shapes and a coastal path from Dog Geo Vasa Loch patterns of the waves and tan- to Castle Bloody, but there- SHAPINSAY SERVICES Little Vasa Loch gles, wherever possible draw- after the going gets tougher. Salt Ness ing on material and inspiration Getting To Shapinsay Orkney from Shapinsay itself.” Galt Ness & Skerry The many caves can be Ferries, Tel (01856) 872044 oper- GALLERY & WORKSHOP Orkney Stained Glass entered by small boat, but are ate daily services to the island from AT MONQUHANNY not accessible from the land. Kirkwall.using “MV Shapinsay”. The Ouse & Lairo Water Please refer to their latest timeta- Odin Stone ORKNEY STAINED bles for details. Skenstoft Beach (Veantrow Beaches There are several Bay) GLASS BALFOUR CASTLE fine beaches on Shapinsay Where to Stay and Eat on Shapinsay Balfour Castle private Quholm “The most northerly Castle Hotel in which can be accessed by castle accommodation with own Sandy Geo, Ness of Ork road or on foot. These chapel for weddings. Tours on the world” offers exclusive accom- Broch of Burroughston include Skenstoft, Sandside, Sundays (01856) 711282 Smithy Smithy modation for up to ten guests Restaurant Tel (01856) 711722 Linton Chapel Innsker, Noust of Erraby and (open daily May to Sept), B&B East Hill & East Craigs Restaurant Tel (01856) 711282 Sandy Geo on the north side. and self-catering is available on Holm of Burghlee Perhaps the best beach on the Shapinsay. Please check the latest Mor Stein & Heritage Guided Tours of the Castle and island is the south-facing Bay “Islands” and VisitOrkney Pool of Harroldsgarth Gardens with home-baked teas brochures. Open May to September Centre of Sandgarth (HY520158) on Howe Broch for lunches & evening Sundays only Shops and fuel Shoreside Shop & Old Kirk and graveyard the southeast corner, said to PO, Balfour Village, general store meals, with exhibits, and Balfour Village May to September Steiro Broch be the Shapinsay folk’s and fuel (01856) 711300 local crafts upstairs Tel (01856) 711722 To book call (01856) 711282 favourite.. Elwickbank view

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NORTH ISLES - & THIEVES HOLM SMALL ISLANDS OFF SHAPINSAY

THIEVES HOLM is a mys- t

h teriously-named small holm g i r

y off Carness, passed by every p o c boat entering Kirkwall Bay. n w

o Whether thieves were ban- r

C ished there is not clear, but now it is home to a few sheep. Perhaps the strong were thought enough to deter any poor souls abandoned on this Helliar Holm broch not very isolated small island. Thieves Holm lies off Carness at the west end of The String HELLIAR HOLM (ON about 18m in diameter. Head of Work in 1891 finally Since execution was expen- The opportunity of escape, or In 1973 the cargo ship, St Elliarvik Holm, Elwick Holm The remains of a small broch ensured that this leading light sive, it was cheaper to leave more likely being saved in Rognvald, accidentally went or possibly Hellia Holm, Cave lie on the northeast corner was erected. The squat 13m- condemned prisoners on the exchange for payment was aground here, perhaps the Holm), shelters Elwick from (HY486158) above Kirk Geo. high provides safe island to die on Thieves Holm. presumably not lost on the island's main claim to fame. the south and east Holm Many of the stones are no sectors for entering and leav- If they tried to swim for the authorities. It is said that a girl The ship was pulled off by a Sound, between Helliar Holm doubt incorporated into the ing Kirkwall Bay and was Mainland, they were likely to was banished here in a canvas tug and continued in service, and Shapinsay, is not naviga- nearby sheepfold. made automatic in 1967. be swept away by the tide. A bag in the 1600s, for stealing but the skipper, Captain ble, except with care by very There is a small pier below it final variation is that the her own sheep, but was res- Moncrieff, was dismissed. small craft, and dries at spring The east side of the island has with deep water, which can be accused were banished to cued and escaped to ebbs. Like the Brough of low cliffs with several small used by small boats in settled Thieves Holm, tied up in a . Later she returned recently installed a small the islands were proba- caves, which could possibly conditions. canvas bag and tied to a stake, and ended up marrying the son flashing beacon on the north bly connected by land in for- have been the source of the where they starved to death, of the Baillie who sentenced end of the island mer times. name. A small boat could be no doubt first being attacked her to such a cruel punish- hidden in the largest of them. by Black-backed Gulls. ment. Persons condemned to die Helliar Holm has an Orkney- The shore between the North were said to have been given Cromarty type stalled cham- Pier and Holm Sound is a the choice of being hanged at bered cairn at its highest point favourite place for Common Gallowhill, or of being tied to (HY484154, 28m). A large Seals to haul out. a rock at low tide on Thieves cairn has been built on its Holm and being left to drown. north side in recent times. was built in No doubt the executioners The tops of three pairs of 1893 by David A Stevenson. charged extra for this. There upright stalls can be made out Until then the narrow passage was also at one time a custom as well as the southeast-facing through the String was unlit, to display the cadavers of entrance passage. The cairn is but the grounding of the wrong-doers on or rocks full of loose stones and is steamer St Rognvald on the Chambered cairn at entrances to harbours as an The east coast of Helliar Holm has low cliffs with several caves Aerial view of Helliar Holm, Elwick, Balfour Castle and Balfour Village example to others. Common Seals often lie up at Helliar Holm Cod were processed and dried on Helliar Holm

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NORTH ISLES - AND SMALL HOLMS GAIRSAY - THE HOME OF THE “ULTIMATE VIKING” t

h to spend the winter on Sweyn Asleifson's Great Hall g i r

y Gairsay. Sweyn had a high or Skali may lie beneath p o

c reputation for bravery, but was Langskaill (HY435218, ON n w

o also a politician and figures in Langi skali, Long Hall), which r

C many saga exploits and was rebuilt about 1653 for Sir intrigues. He was eventually William Craigie and his wife killed at in 1170, on Margaret Honeyman. The what was to be his last Viking original house had three wings trip. round a central courtyard completed by a screen wall GAIRSAY (ON Gareksey, Sweyn’s sons Olaf and with a parapet and balustrade Garek's Isle). The home in Andrew are not mentioned facing the sea. The east wing further in the Orkneyinga was restored around 1900 by Viking times of the chieftain Aerial view of Gairsay from the southeast - Holm of Boray on left, Millburn Bay centre and Sweyn Holm on right Olaf Rolfson and his famous Saga, except to state that Olaf the author Storer Clouston but married Bishop Bjarni’s the rest is derelict. There are The third farm is Boray the first settlers picked the best marshy areas. Russland Bay Viking son, Sweyn Asleifson, (HY444213, ON Bore, tide sites for their farms and there is a particularly good place to Gairsay is one of the most daughter, Frida, granddaugh- various interesting ruins near- ter of Kolbein Hruga of Wyre by, including a large kiln at race), but it was perhaps the will be a whole succession of observe seals swimming and attractive islands in Orkney site of a broch. This unexca- occupation debris beneath the playing. and with its excellent haven at and settled down as a farmer. The Taing. The family had considerable vated site will no doubt hold present three farms. Millburn Bay (HY450218) treasures for the archaeologist A large part of the island has and fertile, south-facing land it other landholdings in Gairsay was well populated th of the future. The old build- Wildlife Gairsay has colonies recently been fenced off to would have been a natural , the Mainland and up until the early 20 century Stronsay and presumably and there are several interest- ings give a sense of long occu- of Arctic Terns, Arctic Skuas, limit grazing. This is already place for a Viking chieftain to pation, which has only rela- Tysties and many Eider having an effect on the wild live. Few places evoke the plenty of wealth from all ing farmstead remains, as well Sweyn’s booty, some of which as a chambered cairn tively recently been interrupt- Ducks, as well as a few Great flowers and is allowing many proximity of our Viking past ed by abandonment. Skuas. Golden Plover and species to regenerate which more than Gairsay. may well be buried. (HY449224) on the hill above the farm of Skelbist Grouse nest on the hill, while might otherwise have been Sweyn’s Castle , the mound (HY447221, ON Skala bol- The southern side of the island Redshank and Snipe nest in eaten before flowering. According to the Orkneyinga has all been cultivated, but the Saga, after the spring work in Millburn Bay (HY451219) stadr, Hall Farmstead). The has been described as a grave panoramic view of the North hill and north side remain as was done on the farm, Sweyn moorland, except at North Asleifson and his of some Viking chieftain, but Isles and Wide Firth from the it is actually a top of the hill (102m) is one of Head (HY448231) where went on their "Spring Cruise", there are remains of dykes and plundering down the west of , as confirmed by the best in Orkney. Sitting in stones on it. There is also a the lea of the cairn on a sum- buildings. There are further Scotland, and ruins along the shore of , before returning for large boat noust in the bay, mer's day watching the ferries which is a very sheltered har- and fishing boats creeping Russness Bay, probably of a the harvest. They then had an homestead, (ON Hrossa nes, "Autumn Cruise" and returned bour. The Langskaill pier may among the islands it is easy to also date from Viking times. have a sense of timelessness. Horse Ness). In common with other islands in all probability Langskaill may be the site of Sweyn Asleifson’s Hall The Hen of Gairsay, Millburn Bay and Skelbist from the Hill Boray was said to be the best farm for corn Chambered cairn above Russness Bay

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NORTH ISLES - THE WIDE FIRTH & ITS HOLMS NORTH ISLES - THE WIDE FIRTH & ITS HOLMS

another very good place to The Legend of Boray see seals hauled out on the Holm is one of many rocks at low tide. The whole about seals. It is said that area is hazardous without the souls of believers in local knowledge due to the Odin reside in Grey Seals, many skerries, strong tides of which the Holms like and eddies. the Holm of Boray are favourite haunts. On GRASS HOLM, a well- Johnsmas Eve (midsum- named grassy island, has a mer) each year the Vikings small flock of native come ashore to revisit Sweyn Holm and Russness Bay from Gairsay "holmie" sheep. A few gulls is said to have had a house belonging to the Bishop Earth, leaving their seal- nest here and many Greylag The HOLM OF BORAY The HOLM OF their presence is obvious of the loch which is an skins on the shore while Geese roost. It has attractive (ON Borey, Tide Race Isle) is a small, flat island which from the characteristic fishy excellent place to view wild- they spend a night of rev- little beaches on both the lies south of Millburn Bay. lies off the Rendall shore spraints. fowl and waders in winter elry. At midnight, on the north and the south sides. The strong tides which flow and with a tiny area of vege- and in migration times. strike of St Magnus past it ensure plenty of food tation at its centre. At low DAMSAY (ON Damisey or Cathedral, they re-don In winter the sounds around for the large Cormorant tide its area expands dramat- Daminsey, from Celtic HOLM OF GRIMBISTER their skins and go to sea these islands are home to colony on the west side. ically. There is normally a Dimun, referring to twin is the twin island of Damsay again for another year. large numbers of Long- Many Great Black-backed colony of Arctic Terns here islands) is frequently men- and joined to the Mainland One evening a tailed Duck, Great Northern Gulls also breed among the and also some Sandwich tioned in the Orkneyinga by a tidal . There young fisherman was pass- Diver, and even the occa- Scentless Mayweed which Terns, which are uncommon Saga. It had a small castle is a there which is ing and hearing the sounds sional White-billed Diver. covers the top of the island. in Orkney. Nearby Seal on it in the 12th century and presently uninhabited, of music and dancing Velvet Scoter and Red- Common and Grey Seals are Skerry and Puldrite Skerry was probably Bishopric although some animals are approached to see what breasted Merganser are also often to be seen lying up on are both dry at low ebbs. land. There are extensive grazed on the fields. was happening. He crept to be seen. the north end. overgrown ruins to the east ashore and hid one skin, so TAING SKERRY is south that at midnight one lovely Seals lie up on the many SWEYN HOLM to the of Gairsay, and has a small sea maiden could not drying skerries and points all northeast of Gairsay must area of shingle with some return. He asked her to be over this area. They can take its name from its vegetation at high tide. The his wife and they had three often be approached quite famous previous Viking Boray Cormorant colony blissful years together, but closely. In autumn Grey owner. Grey Seals come sometimes moves here and then she became ill, and Seals come ashore to pup on ashore to pup here in the birds build their nests asked to return to Boray, the Hen of Gairsay, Grass autumn. In summer Eiders, right down to the high tide saying that "she would Holm and Sweyn Holm. gulls and some terns nest. mark. The colony seems to hold a cross, and that if his There are Otters along most Being lightly grazed it has flit between here and the Christ was strong enough of these shores, and an interesting flora. Holm of Boray. This is to save her, she would although they are rarely seen The Holm of Rendall has a large Tern colony in summer remain for him after mid- The Holm of Boray Cormorants on Taing Skerry The Holm of Grimbister is joined to the Mainland by a tidal causeway night." The Viking souls tried very hard to persuade her to return to the sea, but she did not, and her husband returned to find her clutch- ing her cross, but dead. This is a variation on the many people tales common in Orkney

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