THREE VARIED ISLANDS
The islands of Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre provide a varied environment for visitors, no doubt due to the presence of more than 166 sites of archaeological interest there — coupled with an important crofting history, beautiful walks with stunning views, and plenty of wildlife.
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,” lies along a fascinating path of cairns and brochs, and is thought to date from approximately 3500BC.
The wealth of archaeological sites — particularly Stone Age tombs — led to the island becoming widely known as “the Egypt of the North.”
Near Rousay’s pier, visitors will find the recently refurbished Rousay Heritage Centre, which boasts many new displays on all aspects of the island’s past, as well as picnic benches in the garden behind the building.
As well as a rich history, 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.
This year, it’s planned that there will be a viewpoint and picnic bench at the site of the Ian Hamilton Finlay sculpture Gods of the Earth, Gods of the Sea, showing what can be seen from the point.
There are also fantastic walks on the island, many along shores and up the hills, with beautiful views of the other North Isles and Mainland of Orkney.
The RSPB reserve has the choice of two walks — again with beautiful views — and in June and July, puffins can be seen on the west side of the island.
The Heart of Rousay project, organised by the Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre Development Trust, offers a boardwalk on to a beautiful hilly moorland from Sourin.
The viewpoint is easily accessible for wheelchairs and buggies, with parking signposted from the main road and available by the start of the boardwalk, which is located next to the Community Wind Turbine.
To explore the island at a brisker pace, electric and standard bikes are available for hire from Trumland Farm, located to the left from the top of Pier Road.
In 2024 the annual Peedie Lap 5k fun run will be held on Sunday, June 9, and the Rousay Lap Half-marathon (fun run, cycle or walk) will be held on Saturday, August 24. Both events are free to enter. See www.visitrousay.co.uk for more information.
For food, drink and excellent accommodation, there’s The Taversoe Hotel (opening hours can be found on its website).
There’s also Shore T’s cabin, which provides refreshments for donations, and is found near the pier off Johnston’s Road, with lovely views across the Rousay Sound.
WYRE
The island of Wyre lies just across the water from Rousay, and 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 thought to have been built around 1145. St Mary’s Chapel is located just below the castle. It is now roofless, but largely complete with Romanesque architecture. This is a rare surviving example of a medieval church.
Wyre has a heritage and community centre full of interesting displays, and somewhere to sit and relax during your trip to the island. Refreshments are available there for a donation.
EGILSAY
The roofless remains of St Magnus Church stand on the western side of Egilsay, dominating the island in 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.