PAPA WESTRAY

A new multi-purpose facility was opened on the tiny island of Papa Westray last year.

The island residents worked together and transformed the parish church of St Ann’s Kirk into a major focal point for the island. The building was previously only a place of worship, but now contains a doctor’s surgery, community room and a three room flat on the new first floor.

Papay also boasts the oldest house in northern Europe at the Knap of Howar– work was being carried out there before the Pyramids were built in Egypt.

The shortest scheduled air flight in the world – it lasts two minutes – will take you from Westray to Papa Westray.

In the Dark Ages the island took on great religious significance and St Boniface Kirk, one of the oldest Christian sites in the north of Scotland, was a pilgrimage site and missionary out station. It has been lovingly restored and is open to the public.

Eday >