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 while Wilson’s of Westray produce three award-winning cheeses at their farm at Noltland, next door to the medieval castle.”

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.

Explore More

Want to find out more about Westray and explore more of our amazing islands?

Download the free Scottish Islands Passport app to:

  • discover your perfect island match,
  • find out about the experiences each island has to offer,
  • collect passport stamps for the islands you visit,
  • find information on accommodation, travel and island amenities.

Get Your Passport

You can find lots more information about things to see and do on the island, see some amazing island photography and collect your island stamp by downloading our app.

Download the app

App in phone

Download the Scottish Island Passport app to collect your island stamps! The app also provides lots more information on each island including recommendations from locals about things to see and do, info on how to get around, more stunning photos and useful offline maps.

  • Unlock Stamps - Collect them all! Stamp your passport when you visit each island - with an individual stamp designed to represent a unique aspect of island heritage.
  • Experiences - Discover the best experiences each island has to offer – from local boat trips to exciting traditional festivals, there is something for everyone.
  • Maps - Navigate the islands with useful offline maps, handy for areas where internet connectivity is weak.
  • Travel Jounals - Create an in-location travel journal with pictures from your island adventures, to look back on your trip.
  • Favourites - keep track of your most loved islands with the favourites feature. Available to access from your account on both the app and web.