Discover Westray

Westray brings together historic buildings, archaeological sites and a landscape shaped by the Atlantic coast and seabirds. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay on Westray, thinking about the focus of your trip can help you decide: would you like to explore the island’s history, experience its coastal scenery, or combine the two? The places and activities below show how these different interests can be enjoyed on Westray.

Castles, churches and archaeological traces

Noltland Castle is a Z-shaped castle built from 1560 onwards by Sir Gilbert Balfour. The main building has 71 gunloops arranged in rows. The castle is of national significance for understanding domestic and military architecture of the 16th and 17th centuries. Its floor plan, construction date and orderly arrangement of gunloops offer several concrete points of interest if you are interested in architectural history.

Links of Noltland is a well-preserved farming settlement dating from around 3300 BC to 800 BC. Its Neolithic remains include twelve buildings and the figurine known as the Westray Wifie. It was the first Neolithic representation of a human figure to be found in Scotland. Separate from this, the Bronze Age settlement in Grobust Bay is another archaeological point of interest: it is the largest Bronze Age settlement in Orkney.

The churches also differ in their histories. Westside Church is a roofless medieval church with an associated graveyard; its oldest section probably dates from the 12th century. It is of national significance as one of several surviving small Romanesque churches in Orkney. Pierowall Church was first built in the 13th century and extensively rebuilt in the 17th century. Its old graveyard lies in an area that had been inhabited since at least the Norse settlement of Orkney.

Collections and local culture

The Westray Heritage Centre serves as an information point for Westray. Information about walks and other island activities is available at reception. The centre is wheelchair accessible throughout all public areas. Its extensive collection includes fish and plant fossils as well as geological specimens, all collected on Westray. This brings natural and geological history into focus alongside the island’s buildings.

The Westray Gallery showcases work by local artists. Near the airfield, the Wheeling Steen Gallery displays work by local artist Edwin Rendall. When planning your trip, bear in mind that activities and works on display may change; the Wheeling Steen Gallery’s opening arrangements may also change. Check the latest information before visiting.

Island products include home-smoked salmon and scallops, sold by Pierowall Fish Ltd. Westray Chutney makes chutneys and preserves from local vegetables and other ingredients. Westray Bakehouse produces breads, rolls and biscuits. If you plan to buy products from Pierowall Fish Ltd, Westray Chutney and Westray Bakehouse, confirm their availability locally.

Coastal scenery and activities

The Westray West Coast Walk follows the cliffs facing the Atlantic, past sea-sculpted rock formations and seabird colonies. The route also leads to Fitty Hill, the island’s highest point; from there, the view extends to the Shetland Islands. The walk thus combines striking coastal scenery with a specific destination inland.

Noup Head Lighthouse is a Stevenson lighthouse built in 1898 and stands almost 80 metres above sea level. Many seabirds can be seen below the lighthouse: puffins in summer, as well as kittiwakes, razorbills and guillemots. Sightings and seasonal numbers may vary. Near Pierowall, the beach is characterised by turquoise water and rocky outcrops. Paddling is possible at Grobust Beach; suitable conditions depend on the weather and tides.

The Westray Golf Club course offers sea views and is about a ten-minute walk from Pierowall. Westraak Tours offers guided tours of Westray’s highlights, including Noltland Castle and Noup Head. Confirm tour availability before travelling. The golf course and guided tours offer different ways to experience the scenery and its sights.

Getting around and connections

The Westray Bus operates as a hail-and-ride service: passengers can get on and off along the route. Check the latest operating arrangements before travelling. Orkney Ferries operates daily return sailings between Kirkwall and Westray; timetables may change, so check the current timetable before travelling. Daily passenger-only sailings connect Gill Pier on Westray with Papa Westray. There is also a scheduled flight between the two islands, which normally takes about 90 seconds. The flight timetable is also subject to change; check the latest service information. This helps you distinguish between the different connections when planning, rather than treating the bus, ferry and flight as interchangeable options.

Discover more destinations: Stromness, Orkney, Hackness, Finstown, Kirkwall, Tingwall, Orphir, Burray Village.

For the main travel overview: Orkney Islands.