South Ronaldsay
South Ronaldsay is the nearest Orkney Island to Scotland, being just 6.5 miles across the Pentland Firth from John O'Groats. The main town is the picturesque village of St. Margarets Hope which lies is a sheltered bay with houses round the shore. St Margarets Hope is the departure point for the car ferry Pentland Ferries which departs daily for Gill’s Bay in Caithness.
The island of Burray lies to the north of South Ronaldsay and the two islands are connected by the 4th Churchill Barrier. Burray has several lovely sandy beaches and is a centre for many water sports including: diving, canoeing, sailing and water skiing. In both Burray village and St. Margaret’s Hope the visitor will find many facilities hotels, cafes, restaurants, shops, post offices, garages and craft shops.
The islands of Burray and South Ronaldsay are paradise for birdwatchers. The various habitats on the islands - such as heathland, beaches, lochs, cliffs and rocks - give rise to a wide variety of birds. Common and Grey Seals can also often be seen as you walk along the coast. The more elusive otter can be seen occasionally at dusk or dawn off the 4 barriers - footprints in the sand giving a clue as to their locations.
Being islands, many leisure activities are associated with the sea. Scapa Flow is arguably one of the best diving locations in Europe with the remnants of the scuttled German fleet to explore as well as the sunken blockships. The clean pollution free water allows for clear vision under water enabling diver’s good views of the wrecks as well as varied marine life. Visitors can also enjoy fishing off the barriers and local boats are available for hire.
The Churchill Barriers - The Barriers were built
with the assistance of Italian Prisoners of War after the sinking of
HMS Royal Oak in October 1939 to protect the fleet anchored in Scapa
Flow. Italian Chapel - The Italian Chapel is know as the “The Miracle of Camp 60”. The Prisoners of Camp 60 that arrived in Orkney in 1942 to help construct the Churchill Barriers, left behind an unusual memorial on the small island of Lamb Holm. Two Nissan huts were converted into this beautiful chapel and inside beautiful paintings were created by Domenico Chiocchetti, one of the prisoners. This is one of the most visited sites in Orkney and is a fitting memorial to those lost in wartime as well as monument to hope and faith in exile.
Northfield Chambered Cairn - The remains of a chambered cairn which was unfortunately destroyed. Over 20 human and 7 dog skeletons were found.
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Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre - Here you’ll find a fascinating display of fossils, some of which are over 350 million years old. There is also a café and small gift shop.
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Hunda - The small island of Hunda is on the west side of Burray joined by its own barrier, built during the war to form part of the boom-defences against small surface craft. Hunda is uninhabited except for sheep and goats, reared for their wool. A walk round Hunda will allow you to see many birds and seals. Please call at the farm of Littlequoy first.
Burray Village - Burray village has a licensed grocer, post office, garage, hotel, bar and restaurant.
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St. Margaret's Hope - This picturesque town is
the third largest town in Orkney, and has a first class restaurant,
craft shops, cafes, shops and hotels. St Margarets Hope is the port
for the ferry from Gills Bay - Pentland Ferries. Howe of Hoxa - Although this broch is a prehistoric fortress; it is also reputed to be where Earl Thorfinn The Skullsplitter was buried in 967 AD.
Hoxa Head - Military enthusiasts will enjoy Hoxa Head. Follow the marked walkway and explore coastal battery sites. Area also noted for its wild flowers and superb views of Scapa Flow.
Sands O'Right - A lovely sandy beach which is the scene of the Annual Boy's Ploughing Match every August. There is an interesting coastal footpath through an area of high quality wetlands.
Herston Village - A peaceful village originally built for the herring fishing about 1830. A good place to see wading birds.
Harrabrough - An impressive rock formation with a natural arch and magnificent cliffs. Good place to see puffins but be careful as the cliffs are very steep.
Olad Brae - A marvellous viewpoint from which to see panoramic views of the Pentland Firth, mainland Scotland and many islands of Orkney.
Tomison Academy - An imposing disused school, built at the bequest of William Tomison who made a fortune working for the Hudson Bay Company. Tomison is buried in his own garden at Dundas House across the road.
Old St Mary's Church - The site of one of the earliest chapels in Scotland. Inside there is a curious stone, said to have come from Caithness, with a pair of footprints carved into it. Several interesting old tombstones add to the atmosphere of the old kirk. The key is available locally. Tel. 01856 831212
Burwick - Arrival and departure point for the short sea crossing from John O'Groats. The crossing takes 45 minutes. There is a large seal colony off the cliffs and it is also an excellent place to see puffins.
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Tomb of the Eagles - This impressive chambered tomb was discovered by local farmer Mr Ronald Simison of Liddle Farm. Dating from approx. 3000 BC the name comes from the many talons and claws of sea-eagles found among the burials. Analysis of the bones found during excavation indicate that up to 340 people were buried here. This is a fascinating site to visit.
Halcro Head - The coastal walk from the Tomb of the Eagles passes dramatic cliff scenery and a gloup at Halcro Head.
Windwick Bay - Beautiful views from the cliff tops and there is a rocky beach where you can see seals. Good place to see migrant birds when conditions are right.
Hesta Head - In 1918 HMS Narborough and HMS Opal returning to Scapa Flow at night, ran at full speed into the cliffs during a blizzard. There was one survivor out of a crew of 180.
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Millennium Stone - This large stone, thought to be an old standing stone, lay undisturbed in a ditch near St Peter's church for at least 30 years. Three local men decided to move and re-erect the stone as their own Millennium project. They decorated the weathered stone with many carvings including a cross, a viking ship, a foot. a pair of hands. and put the letter M at the top which represents the Millennium. Access is free across farmland so watch out for animals.
