The Orkney Islander

THE HIGH ISLAND

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Derived from the Old Norse word, “haey”, Hoy means High Island. Standing at 1,570ft, Ward Hill is Orkney’s highest hill and, together with the Cuilags, stands in splendid contrast to the rest of Orkney.

The north of the island is more “Highland” in character while, in the south, the more low-lying and fertile lands are more typical of Orkney.

The unique landscape of Hoy attracts geologists, botanists, birdwatche­rs and hillwalker­s alike.

Hoy’s RSPB reserve provides a haven for a wide variety of birds, which in 2018 saw sea-eagles nesting for the first time in Orkney for 142 years.

Hills and stunning sea cliffs offer excellent hill-walking opportunit­ies, with sights such as the Old Man of Hoy and St John’s Head.

The Hill of White Hamars is an Orkney reserve with impressive coastal features.

Cliffs, caves, natural arches, stacks and blowholes can be encountere­d during an adventure in the area, which offers excellent short-range views of cliff-nesting seabirds.

Scottish primrose, white campion and heath spotted-orchid are among the wildflower­s that blossom in the reserve each spring.

No trip to Hoy is complete without a visit to Rackwick Bay — a stunning, secluded beach on the west coast of the island.

Seals and seabirds abound at this unique spot, where the boulder and fine sand-strewn beach is bounded by towering 200-metre cliffs. The walk to the Old Man of Hoy begins here, in one of the most unspoilt, beautiful corners of Orkney.

Berriedale Wood is Britain’s most northerly native woodland, providing a picture of the landscape dating back to 5,000 BC.

Hoy is steeped in history, with sites dating from prehistori­c times, through the Viking period and into the 20th century.

Visit the lonely grave of Betty Corrigall on the parish boundary, and enjoy many viewpoints providing panoramic views over Orkney.

Enter the Dwarfie Stane, Britain’s only rock-cut tomb, dated about 3000 BC.

Evidence still remains from the Broch of Braebister and Broch at Green Hill of Hesti Geo, dating back to the Iron Age.

The sheltered bay of Osmundwall was a favourite Viking anchorage, and is now home to the Longhope Lifeboat Memorial, in memory of the 1969 disaster, in which all hands were lost.

The Longhope Lifeboat Station at Brims opened in 1834, and has since been converted into a museum, commemorat­ing the 500-plus lives saved.

In time for the disaster’s 50th anniversay in 2019, an appeal raised over £50,000 for much-needed renovation­s to the building.

The new RNLI Tamar Class lifeboat sits at Longhope Pier, overlooked by the new Lifeboat Station, complete with gift shop. Check out the Facebook page “RNLI Longhope Lifeboat” to keep up with what’s on.

Hoy and Walls has its own community theatre. Visit its Facebook page, Gable End Theatre, for news and updates.

The Hoy Kirk is now a community venue, and runs heritage projects, with exhibition­s and local films.

Visit www.hoyorkney.com for more informatio­n

Lyness was an important naval base during wartime, and remains of those buildings still scatter the area.

The Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum is closed for a major refurbishm­ent. When it reopens, it will again reflect those dark wartime years, when the island was such a hive of activity.

When visiting, take a quiet moment and pause to remember those who lost their lives, by calling at the Lyness Naval Cemetery.

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 ?? ?? The Dwarfie Stane.
The Dwarfie Stane.

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