STEEPED IN HISTORY
With more than 166 sites of archaeological interest and an important crofting history, Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre provide a rich environment for the visitor.
ROUSAY
Rousay is the largest of the three islands, and is home to one of the best-preserved Neolithic burial chambers in Scotland — Midhowe, the “great ship of death,” which lies along a fascinating path of cairns and brochs.
In 1932, the landowner and whisky magnate Walter Grant, of Trumland House, began a series of excavations on Midhowe that gradually revealed the remains of a stalled burial chamber, thought to date from approximately 3,500BC.
Working down through the stones from the collapsed roof, the excavators uncovered a 23-metre-long chamber, divided by upright flagstones into a series of 12 stalls. Each of these stalls contained a stone “bench” on which bodies had been laid.
The remains of 25 individuals — 17 adults, six youths and two children under four — were found on the floor of the cairn.
After the excavations, a large warehouse-like structure was built over the cairn for its protection.
These days, you can look down into the cairn’s interior using raised walkways.
This wealth of archaeological sites — particularly Stone Age tombs — has earned the island the name “the Egypt of the North.”
Rousay’s most spectacular relic, the Westness Brooch, was found in 1963 in the grave of a Viking woman at Westness.
The island boasts plenty of flowers, birds and seals, and some spectacular views.
On a clear day, from Sourin Brae, which is the highest road in Orkney, you can see all the other North Isles.
Sometimes grey and common seals can be seen from Saviskaill Bay, and there have even been sightings of killer whales along the shoreline.
There are fantastic walks on the island, many along shores and also up the hills, with beautiful views of the other North Isles and Mainland of Orkney. Good, comfortable footwear is advised, and maps are available locally.
The RSPB reserve has the choice of two walks, again with beautiful views. Puffins can be seen on the west side of the island in June and July.
See www.discoverrousay.co.uk for more information.
WYRE
Wyre, the island just across the water, is steeped in legend and history.
On the western side of Wyre are the ruins of one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles.
Known as Cubbie Roo’s Castle, the site takes its name from the giant of Orkney folklore, Cubbie Roo. This fact has led to the widespread connection between the mythical Cubbie Roo and the castle’s actual builder, the Norse chieftain Kolbein Hrúga.
Although there are no distinctive features to allow the experts to conclusively date the structure, it is generally agreed to have been built around 1145.
EGILSAY
The roofless remains of St Magnus Church stand on the western side of Egilsay — dominating the island on which Saint Magnus was executed early in the 12th century. Built towards the end of the 12th century, the church is made up of a rectangular nave and a square chancel, with a tall, round tower on the western end. Despite the lack of a roof, the remains are still in good condition.
There are also RSPB reserves on the island for birdwatching, and miles of deserted sandy beaches on which to relax.
A short ferry journey from Tingwall in the West Mainland transports passengers to Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre.