ROUSAY, EGILSAY AND WYRE

With over 166 sites of archaeological interest and an important crofting history, Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre provide a rich spectrum of settlement.

Rousay is the largest and is home to one of the best preserved ancient sites in Scotland – Midhowe, the “Great Ship of Death”, which lies along a fascinating path of cairns and brochs. The island is known as “the Egypt of the North”.

Rousay’s most spectacular relic, the Westness Brooch, was found in 1963 in the grave of a Viking woman at Westness.

The Rousay History Tour takes visitors to the island on a leisurely drive to the north and west of the island, making plenty of stops to look for flowers, birds, seals and some of the island’s spectacular views.

Rousay’s Westness Walk is approximately one mile long, and runs along the Westness coastline, taking in a fascinating variety of archaeological and historical features.

Wyre is steeped in legend and history, and was once home to the famous poet, Edwin Muir.

The island is also home to Cubbie Roo’s Castle, which was built around 1150.

The small island of Egilsay is dominated by St Magnus Church – one of only two remaining examples of the distinctive round towered churches built by the Vikings.

Sanday >