SHAPINSAY

Shapinsay has excellent ferry links with Kirkwall – it is only a 25 minute sailing from Kirkwall pier.

The most famous feature on the island is undoubtedly the Victorian Balfour Castle, easily visible from the Mainland.

One of the island’s bed and breakfasts, Girnigoe, is a traditional Orkney farmhouse situated in the north of the island, boasting excellent sea views and beaches nearby.

Situated in the island’s picturesque Balfour village is the Shapinsay Heritage Centre – which boasts an adjoining cafe – where it is possible to find out a lot more about the island and its past.

Shapinsay’s farms specialise in beef and lamb, exporting thousands of cattle and sheep each year.

Wildlife abounds in the island, and Common and Grey Seals bask on the shores at low tide and can often be seen around the coast.

The island also hosts an RSPB reserve, and keen bird-watchers will see a wide range of different birds throughout the year.

The island also has several mounds, cists, underground structures and brochs which have remained partly, and in some cases completely, unexcavated.

And for anybody who likes the beautiful scenery, a well preserved and very impressive broch stands at Burroughston, on the north east shore of the island, overlooking the Stronsay Firth.

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Shapinsay harbour (Picture: Orkney Photographic)