Sunday, 22 November 2009
Written by Phill Hellewell
Westray Pottery produces hand made pottery to original designs and glazes capturing the atmosphere and spirit of Orkney. Workshop and shop is open to the public in Pierowall village. See the hanging sign outside the house on the left hand side of the road facing the sea, the first house as you come round the corner at Chalmersquoy from the ferry terminal.
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Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Written by John Cable
A wide selection of hand-made cards, bookmarks, gift tags and pictures using wild grasses and plants sourced on Westray and backed by beautiful mulberry or painted watercolour paper. Each one unique and evoking the sea, sky and land you will find on this exquisite island. Come and visit John in his workshop at Lightcost - watch him craft his cards, or maybe have a go yourself . . . If you wish a more permanent reminder, John can frame your card or select a picture and have this framed if you choose. Come and visit - a warm Westray welcome always awaits. Opening hours: Each Day 11 - 5 or by arrangement. WEDNESDAY CLOSED
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009
Written by Myra Kent
Caravan can sleep 6. Double bed pulls out in sitting room. Picnic bench for visitors use.
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009
Written by Isabell Harcus
Situated on the edge of Pierowall village, our newly extended campsite caters for tents, caravans and motorhomes. Extra electric hookups are now installed and a camper's kitchen is provided for campers' use.
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009
Written by Phill Hellewell
Static caravans and campsite.
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009
Written by Isabell Harcus
High quality hostel accommodation with excellent self-catering and lounge facilities. Situated near Pierowall village. Superb views over Pierowall Bay. Ideal base for exploring Westray. Warm welcome guaranteed.
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009
Written by Phill Hellewell

Recently renovated, well equipped and comfortable flat, overlooking Pierowall Bay and close to all local attractions. Parking is available outside the flat.
NOTE:There is also a downstairs cloakroom and a sofa bed in the living room.
The pier is a few strides away, as is the island's bakery and the doctor's surgery, and sea angling or sightseeing tours can be booked next door with Pierowall Charters. www.pierowallcharters.co.uk
Ideal location for sailing, sea angling, wild life tours, walking or simply strolling along the beautiful beaches. Pierowall village is a ten minute stroll away where there are two shops that sell everything, a café, post office, weavng shed, and a little further on there is the Pierowall Hotel. www.pierowallhotel.co.uk
Click on any photograph to enlarge.
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The bedroom
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The bathroom
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The lounge
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The kitchen
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Rates are per week, but a weekend let can be arranged. Prices are to follow shortly.
Contact details to follow shortly.
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009
Written by Teanie Harcus
Newly renovated flat situated right in the heart of Pierowall village. This self contained flat has a kitchen/living room combined, a double bedroom and an ensuite. The kitchen/living room also has a sofa bed. The flat has a ‘butt and ben’ feel with its stone built walls and is comfortable, well equipped and homely. Daily let is available and we are open all year.
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009
Written by Catherine Ewen
Attractive, modernised, detached country cottage, overlooking spectacular sea views. Peacefully situated with walks to nearby beaches and cliffs with seabird colonies including Puffins! Ideal for a relaxing holiday.
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009
Written by Phill Hellewell
Centrally heated cottage situated beside the seashore. Ideal location for peaceful holiday with panoramic sea views, bird life and seals nearby.
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009
Written by Linda Hagan
Well equipped and comfortable semi-detached farm cottage in the north of the island. Variety of beaches close by with abundant wildlife and wild flowers. Families well catered for with spacious walled garden.
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009
Written by Phill Hellewell
Cottage beside Pierowall village. Noltland Castle and airport. Also available on B&B basis. Open all year. Ferry 0.25 miles, airport 2 miles. Daily let available. Car hire and cycle hire available.
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009
Written by Phill Hellewell
New modern cottage overlooking Pierowall Bay. Shops close by, airport 2.5 miles, ferry 7 miles. Open all year.
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009
Written by Linda Drever
Helzie House accommodation comprises one public room containing dining area and fully equipped kitchen, one double bedroom, one family room containing a double bed, bunk beds and a cot, and a bathroom with bath and shower.
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009
Written by Suzie Rendall
Beautifully renovated traditional cottage, with steps leading to shoreline. Situated in Pierowall Village. Centrally heated with additional open fire. Glass-fronted lounge with un-spoilt views of Pierowall Bay.
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009
Written by Netta Harcus
Modern bungalow in Pierowall Village. Convenient for shops, swimming pool, beaches and bird life. Open all year. Ferry 7 miles, airport 3 miles.
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009
Written by Sandy McEwen
Situated on a headland steeped in "prehistory" and within close walking distance of dramatic Atlantic cliffs and stunning sandy beach Brotchie is the perfect accommodation for those looking for a peaceful holiday away from the hustle and bustle of modern living.
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009
Written by Alena Tulloch
An almost certain cure for stress! Sitting high on Westray's western cliffs, commanding a spectacular view. Traditionally rebuilt croft of exceptional standard with all mod cons. open fireplace, under-floor heating, flagstone floors.
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009
Written by Phill Hellewell
Cottage beside Pierowall village. Noltland Castle and airport. Also available on B&B basis. Open all year. Ferry 0.25 miles, airport 2 miles. Daily let available. Car hire and cycle hire available.
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Tuesday, 07 July 2009
Written by Phill Hellewell
Westray and Papa Westray have much to offer the visitor interested in either natural or archaeological history.
In Westray
The Heritage Centre is a "must see" starting point for anyone interested in Westray's past. Situated in the centre of Pierowall village The Heritage Centre is a Visit Scotland 4 Star Visitor Attraction.
The photograph right shows the Quoygrew Norse Settlement site.
Inside there is an an annual display plus permanent exhibition panels on walls, and a simulated geo with model seabirds and authentic bird sounds. There are also interactive displays which will attract youngsters. Many records of the island’s history and gravestone records available to browse.
Over the years the Heritage Centre has built up a large collection of black and white photos of historic significance, collated the kirk yard records from the island’s three cemeteries and gathered memories of past activities in Westray e.g. schools, kirks, sports, sea transport, Noup Head lighthouse, royal visits, fishing, crafts, World Wars 1 and 2, and the Heritage Trust continues to research a fresh subject each year.
In the Heritage Centre there is now a database of many local families dating back to early 17th Century and the Trust has published a number of books and booklets on local subjects.
There are now two new sections on the Centre's web site, taking visitors to Noltland Castle and Westray's milestones. Both these sections are in the process of construction and are being updated as and when information is available.
Admission is £2 per person with concessions at £1.50, or you may choose to become a friend of the Heritage Centre for an annual fee of £6 per household (or £3 retired) or a lifetime member for £60 (or £30 retired).
The Heritage Trust has its own web site at www.westrayheritage.co.uk
In Papa Westray
Papay has five principle ancient and historic monuments:
STONE AGE- THE KNAP OF HOWAR. The earliest standing dwellings in north-west Europe were occupied by neolithic farmers. Local stone, easily split to form large flagstones, is ingeniously used to make room partitions, cupboards and hearths.
BRONZE AGE-
The Island’s dead were buried separately in small circular mounds to be found on the North Hill. Burnt mounds were associated with kitchens.
IRON AGE-
Part of a huge settlement can be seen in the eroding cliff face to the west of ST BONIFACE CHURCH.
PICTISH AND EARLY CHRISTIAN-
Triduana (Tredwell), one of the saints associated with Pictland, is said to have traveled north with St Boniface in 710 AD. King Nechtan fell in love with her and praised her beautiful eyes; to spare him from temptation and to preserve her chastity she is said to have torn her eyes out and presented them to him skewered on a thorn branch. Waters associated with Triduana, such as the Loch of St Tredwell, were thought to cure eye diseases. ST TREDWELL’S CHAPEL was an important pilgrimage centre. ST BONIFACE’S CHURCH, founded in the 8th century, recalls the arrival of Christianity in Orkney. The main fabric of the former parish church is 12th century.
EARLY NORSE-
There are few conspicuous reminders of Papay’s Norse connections. FARM MOUNDS have certainly a very restricted distribution, the most significant being in Arctic Norway, and NAUSTS may have sheltered bea”hed longships. Papay’s most obvious link with the Viking age is the “hog-backed” stone in St Boniface churchyard. The Orkneyinga Saga states that Earl Rognvald Brusason, was buried on the island, but not where. Perhaps this stone, in the shape of a Norse house, is a clue.
Islanders recall being told the stone came from the beach and was laid over a witch’s grave to make it secure.
Tuesday, 07 July 2009
Written by Phill Hellewell
Westray can be “done” in a day, either on foot, by bike, car or organised tour. It makes a lovely day out, but much better to take your time of course, and stay a day or two, or a week or two – there is so much to see and do.
The exquisite workmanship and artistic talent of the ancient peoples encountered on other islands is illustrated by the Westray Stone, a rock carving found in a tomb at Pierowall, the island's largest settlement, in 1981. The spiral and lozenge design is the finest of its kind in Scotland and is on display at Tankerness House Museum in Kirkwall (soon to be moved to the Heritage Centre in Pierowall).
Of the earliest Christian settlers the best evidence is again found in the lonely rock-stack or island hermitages such as at the Castle o' Burrian (also a marvelous place to see Puffins) and on the Holms of Aikerness. The Orkneyinga Sagas, the tales of the Viking occupation of Orkney paint a vivid picture of Westray during the early 12th century and Westray families operating from power bases at Rapness, Pierowall and Tuqouy played important roles in the political life of the isles.
Westray has an excellent range of accommodation, a craft trail round the galleries and studios, a not to be missed Heritage Centre, which is next to the hotel in Pierowall (famed for its fish and chips).
Westray also has a four star country house hotel, a four star hostel overlooking Pierowall Bay and a five star hostel at the north end of the West Westray walk, looking out over the cliffs towards Rousay. Pierowall village hosts a brilliant children’s play park, two general stores and another in the south of the island at Skelwick, a swimming pool at the school, a challenging nine-hole golf course, Noltland Castle, and of course the harbour and marina at Gill Pier where there are changing facilities for visiting yachtsmen. Coffee, tea and light snacks are available at the Tourist Information Point opposite Lady Kirk, both hotels, the Haff Yok cafe and the Heritage Centre.
Westray has two coastal walks and the Westray Walks leaflet describing more walks is available form the Tourist Information Point.
Wildlife abounds with seals, birds, especially puffins between late April and late July, clean sandy beaches where you can catch “spoots” in February and March, or go fishing in the lochs or from the shore.
You may choose to watch the sky which changes with the weather and enjoy the landscape, cliffs and beaches.
Whatever you choose, you will be made very welcome and we know you will be reluctant to leave our island.
Throughout your visit to Westray you’ll be tantalisingly aware, out to the Nor’east, of the coastline, chimney pots and charm of Westray’s magical little sister...
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Written by Peter Brown
The Westray Art Gallery is situated on the magical North Orkney Island of Westray. The Island is renowned for its sparkling light, dramatic sky and contrasting sea and landscapes. Since 2004 The Gallery has been the home, studio and exhibition gallery of artist Peter Brown. Westray has a progressive community, which is attracting a growing number of artists and crafts people. The aim of The Gallery is to present ongoing exhibitions of contemporary paintings, prints and artworks by Peter in an inviting and stimulating setting. Also on show is the work by guest artists.
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Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Written by Linda Drever
Aak Work offers a wide range of printed garments and gifts from bookmarks, cards and key rings to ripper wallets, coasters and stag/hen night T-Shirts. No minimum order. You can choose from a wide range of photos or use your own photo or design. Private orders welcome. Opening to the public by arrangement, or whenever sign is displayed.
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Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Written by Lizza Bain
Hume Sweet Hume was established in 1998 by sisters Lizza and Jenna Hume as an interior design business specialising in hand crafted ranges of cushions and throws. Recently the business has diversified to include fashion accessories such as wraps, scarves and bags. All the products are produced on the premises and each incorporates a pebble button gathered from local beaches. Our well-stocked shop is situated in Pierowall village and carries a wide range of unique gift items. You are welcome to visit and view the products at your leisure.
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Monday, 29 June 2009
Written by Sheila Wood
No. 1 Broughton stands at the water's edge looking across the sweep of Pierowall Bay and out across to Papa Westray and is home to Sheila, Jerry and Marianne. Across the bay creel boats and other sea traffic set out and return to Gill Pier - and from there you can take a day trip to Papay (Papa Westray) Part of our home is used as an artist's study, and you might like to have a look at Jerry's studio. We hope that you will come to visit us, and come back again. A warm welcome awaits you. Packed lunches available on request.
No1 Broughton also has a sauna, for guest use.
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Monday, 29 June 2009
Written by Denise Spurgeon
Come and relax and unwind in our newly renovated Old Manse!
We have three lovely, large bedrooms, two double and one family/twin room all with ensuite, sea views and seating areas.
A genuinely warm welcome awaits you.
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Monday, 29 June 2009
Written by Alan Drever
Enjoy the friendly atmosphere of a family run hotel right in the heart of Pierowall, between the Heritage Centre and the Art gallery.
Enjoying views over Pierowall Bay with Papa Westray visible in the near distance, the Pierowall Hotel is ideally situated for visitors to Westray.
The Hotel is within easy walking distance of the village shops, a children's playground and playing field opposite the community school, a swimming pool and gym at the school complex and of course Pierowall Bay.
For guests wishing to explore the island, we can arrange for a guided tour to pick you up from the hotel and return you for your meals here, or you could take a packed lunch with you.
As a special treat why not take a flight on the plane to Papay for the world's shortest scheduled flight, as recorded in the Guinness Book of Records?
We provide good home cooking to suit all tastes with varied and special diets catered for; the hotel restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients and fresh vegetables from its own garden wherever possible.
Fish, local shellfish and Orkney beef are all well renowned for their melt in the mouth flavours and feature on our menus.
Fresh homebakes and special dishes are available each day.
As well as the residents' dining room, there is a public bar, a lounge bar and a snug with leather settees. Meals are available to both residents and non-residents and are served in either the dining room or the lounge bar. Our aim is to make all our visitors feel welcome, relaxed and well-fed, right in the heart of the village. For more information or a chat before booking, do please email or telephone us and ask for Alison or Alan.
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Monday, 29 June 2009
Written by Tony Thorpe
Quality and informality are key words at this former Victorian mansion. The relaxing atmosphere is complemented by the traditional cuisine, accommodation, hospitality and sea views.
VISITORS COME TO WESTRAY to relax and get away from their busy lives "sooth". We like to think of them coming here to enjoy "the sound of silence". The island has plenty of places to go and see, walks along the beach or the cliff, and many come here to see the birdlife. There is the Noup Head RSPB reserve where all kinds of seabirds nest, not to mention the puffins both there and at Castle o'Burrian, from late April to early August. The lochs of Burness, Swartmill and Saintear all attract birdlife along with the White Moss just a short walk from the hotel.
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