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Westray
Westray (ON Vestr-ey, West Isle), often referred to as “The
Queen of the Isles”, is the second largest of the North
Isles, and in many ways could be described as “Orkney
in miniature”. The island has dramatic cliffs, good
beaches, several ancient monuments, and is the best place
in Orkney to see Puffins easily. Westray can be reached daily
by ro-ro ferry, or by air.
 Pierowall has a very good harbour, and was settled in Pictish
and Viking times. Norse remains have been found in several
places, including here and at Tuquoy Church. There was a
Neolithic settlement at the Links of Noltland, near the gaunt
16th century shell of Noltland Castle, commenced about 1560
by Gilbert Balfour.
Ruins of several chambered cairns exist,
though little remains to be seen today. At Point of Cott
the outline of an excavated cairn can be seen, while a carved
stone found at Pierowall is in the Orkney Museum in Kirkwall.
 Broch mounds can be seen at Burrastae and Queena Howe. Westray
has been intensively farmed for thousands of years which
explains the relative dearth of prehistoric monuments in
good condition. Recent excavations at Quoygrew (Norse) and
Knowe o’Skea (Iron Age) have thrown some light on the
island’s past.
The landscape more than makes up for this with the dramatic
cliffs at Noup Head RSPB Reserve, which is second in numbers
of breeding seabirds to St Kilda. In the south the Castle
of Burrian near Rapness is the easiest place to see Puffins
in Orkney and during the breeding season this rock stack
is home to many of the cheeky little birds.
Sandy beaches are another feature of Westray, with Grobust
in the north being perhaps the best, but in fact a sheltered
beach can be found for every wind direction for picnics.
In rough weather it can be very exhilarating to take a brisk
walk and watch the waves.
 Westray can be visited for a day, but merits at least an
overnight stay. The Pierowall Hotel has been recently refurbished
and offers fish fresh from the local whitefish fleet, as
well as a warm welcome.
With its diverse range of habitats, Westray is a good place
for the nature enthusiast. With sandy beaches, the maritime
heath of the northwest coast with Primula scotica, and charming
agricultural countryside, the island offers much to birders
and botanist. |
