Westray is known as the ‘Queen o’ the Isles’ and for good reason. It offers stunning sea cliffs, beautiful bays, sandy beaches and plenty of locally produced food.

 

Westray has a rich history dating back to Neolithic times, with fascinating, nationally recognised archeology.

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A tiny carved sandstone figurine, found in 2009 at Links of Noltland is known as ‘the Westray Wife’. It’s the earliest evidence of human habitation in Scotland. You can find ‘the Westray Wife’ at the Heritage Centre in Pierowall, plus plenty of other interesting facts and information about Westray. 

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Orkney’s Norse history is evident throughout Westray. The island was an important place during the Viking era, the Quoygrew settlement is the site of a medieval Norse settlement dating to between 900 and 1000 AD. 

 

The 12th century Cross Kirk at Tuquoy is also well worth a visit. Another must-see historical site is the imposing Noltland Castle, a fortress built during the 16th century and full of menacing character – including musket holes in the walls!

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There’s plenty of wildlife on Westray too, from the seals (known locally as selkies) in Pierowall to the puffins at Castle O’Burrian. The cliffs on the west side of the island offer incredible views with plenty of seabirds to keep you company.  A trip to Noup Head and its beautiful lighthouse, looking over the Atlantic Ocean is highly recommended.  The cliffs here are an RSPB reserve and home to breeding seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, kittiwakes and gannets. Westray’s finest stretch of sand at Grobust is a must-see too.

 

As previously mentioned, Castle O’Burrian is the best place to find the puffins on Westray during their brief stay onshore between late-April and early-August. The protruding sea stack can be absolutely covered in these colourful characters during the summer, and they are more than happy for you to sit and observe them going about their day!

 

There is a lot going on throughout the year in Westray’s community life, with regular events and activities available for visitors to enjoy. Westray is lucky to have a range of wonderful local food products, including Pierowall Fish (which also offers delicious fish and chips), Westray Bakehouse, Wilsons of Westray and Westray Chutney. There are three well-stocked shops (two in Pierowall village and one further out) and a popular 9-hole golf course. You will be spoilt for choice in places to have food and drink - Groatie Buckies café, Saintear, the Pierowall Hotel and Wheeling Steen Gallery are all highly recommended. 

 

It’s an island that has also inspired many artists and makers. Hume Sweet Hume is a local knitwear and design business based in Pierowall, with a shop in Kirkwall too. Two galleries – the Westray Art Gallery and the Wheeling Steen Gallery – also offer the chance to visit local artists and see some of their work.

 

Make sure you have a tour of the island with Westraak, the local tour guides for visitors. Westray is served by a regular ferry service from Kirkwall on mainland Orkney, and you can fly to the island with Loganair’s Inter-Isles service too. You can treat yourself to the shortest scheduled flight in the world, between Westray and Papa Westray, which can only add to your island experience. There is an excellent marina on offer for visiting yachts and there is also a local bus service which meets every ferry arrival and operates on request throughout the island.