Westray

Island intro

Westray is a fantastic place to enjoy fresh, local produce and wonderful scenic beauty.

Ask an Islander

Andy and Karen from Westraak Tours share their favourite time of the year in Westray.

“Our isle flourishes in the long summer days and a particular highlight is a visit to Orkney’s largest puffin colony. Between April and August, they can be seen at close quarters along a readily accessible cliff top path at the Castle O’Burrian.”

Summer is a great time to visit Westray, and according to Andy and Karen, the “Westray Regatta in July is the largest such event in Orkney. It’s lovely to see the traditional Skiffs alongside the modern catamarans. The whole community gathers for a dance in the evening and a family picnic on Sunday afternoon.”

Summer sounds great, but Andy and Karen also know there are delights to be had in winter:

“The winter weather and long dark nights can be a challenge but life goes on and we get plenty of crisp sunny days where there is nothing better than an invigorating walk along one of our fantastic beaches. You can even go for an exhilarating trek along the westside coastal walk up to Noup Head.”

Westray is also a fantastic place to enjoy fresh, local produce as Karen and Andy tell us. “Westray has a long-established farming and fishing industry, so local produce is readily available in the local shops, hotel and cafes. The family-run bakehouse and fish processors supply much of Orkney.”

Saving the best for last, Karen and Andy share their favourite place in Westray. “The North End is our favourite part of Westray. Near the spectacular ‘Scaan’ rock arch is ‘Ramni Geo’ where, in 1730, a young boy, Archie Angel, was the only survivor of a shipwreck.

“Close by is the airfield where you can witness the world’s shortest scheduled passenger flight, it sometimes takes less than a minute to get from Westray to Papay.”

Getting Here

Orkney Ferries runs two sailings a day between Westray and Kirkwall on Mainland Orkney. There is also a small passenger ferry that runs from Gill Pier on Westray to Papa Westray.

Loganair operates two daily flights that link Westray with Kirkwall on Mainland Orkney and Papa Westray.

Find out more about getting to Mainland Orkney.