Useful general information for visitors to Westray and Papa Westray.

In Westray

• General provisions including fresh Westray bread and biscuits can be bought at the two shops in Pierowall village and at Skelwick in the south east of the island
• These shops are open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m (Tullochs to 9:30 p.m) and Sunday (Summer only) from 2.00 pm. to 4.30 pm.
• Buy fresh fish from Pierowall Fish, crabmeat from Westray Processors or approach the creel boats for fresh crabs as they arrive home in the evening at Gill Pier.
• Take-away fish and chips and various specials are available from JACKS at Broughton in Pierowall on Wednesday and Saturday evenings 5PM - 9PM.
• Take-away meals from the Pierowall Hotel
• Cups of tea and coffee can be purchased throughout the day at both hotels, the Haff Yok Cafe, and the Wheeling Steen Gallery during opening hours
• Wine & Spirits can be bought from the Pierowall Hotel, Cleaton House Hotel and Hume Sweet Hume.
• The Bottle bank is across the road from the graveyard and behind the Fire Station.
• Petrol and diesel can be bought from WI Rendall in Pierowall.
• The Post office is located in JC Tulloch's shop in Pierowall. Opening times are 9:00 - 1:00pm and 2:00 - 5.30pm Mon, Wed - Fri and 9:00 - 1:00pm on Tues and Sat.
• The Sub Post Office is at Peter Miller's shop in the south east of the island. Opening times: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9:00 - 1:00pm and Wed 9:00 - 11:00am. Closed Saturday.
• Puffins are a special visitor attraction on Westray. They arrive to nest in late April and usually leave at the end of July. Greatest numbers can be seen mid-afternoon and evening at Noup Head Lighthouse and the Castle o' Burrian.
• Bike / Car hire from Sand O'Gill (tel: 01857 677374) and bike hire from Twiness (tel. 01857 677319). Bike hire is also available from Westraak (tel: 01857 677 777)
• Rubbish collection is on Tuesdays. One week is for black bags and the next week is for recycled glass, paper, plastic bottles and cans (separate coloured bags are provided).
• Sunday morning Kirk services usually start at 11:30am. See notices in shop windows to check worship times. United services on 3 Sundays each month.
• The swimming pool at the school can be hired for £15/hour with a life guard, excellent for wet days.
  The pool is also open for pre-school swimming on Saturday mornings for £1.20 for parent and toddler.

In Papa Westray

The shop at Beltane House can provide most food, wines and spirits and necessary household provisions that you might require. Locally produced fruit and vegetables are also available in season. Fresh fruit and other food supplies come by boat on Tuesdays and Fridays. Fresh bread is sent over by boat from Westray on Wednesdays.

• Come by plane with Loganair or by boat with Orkney Ferries.
• The Papay Cooperative Shop at Beltane House provides most food, drink and household provisions, including fresh milk, fruit, bread and other supplies. Petrol and diesel can be bought from the shop, and binoculars can be hired. (Phone 644 321)
• Beltane House also provides hostel accommodation and serves bar meals on Saturday evenings. (Phone 644 321)
• B&B and full board accommodation are available at School Place, and meals for non-residents by arrangement. (Phone 644 268)
• Self-catering is available at Holm View (phone 644 211) and Peatwell (phone 644 353).
• The Post Office at Daybreak is open from 2.00 to 4.00 pm on weekdays. The island Craft Shop is also at Daybreak and is nearly always open. (Phone 644 275)
• Papay’s Peedie Tours provide a guided tour around the island’s many attractions on Wednesdays and Saturdays; lunch and tea/coffee are included. (Phone 644 321)
• Car hire is available from Papay Car Hire. (Phone 644 245)
• Access is free to all historical sites, including the Knap of Howar, St Boniface Kirk and St Tredwell’s Chapel.
• The island is rich in birdlife; listen out for calling corncrakes. The North Hill has puffins, skuas, arctic terns and other birds and is famous for Scottish primrose; guided tours by the RSPB Warden are on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. (Phone 644 240)
• There is a coastal walk all round the island, with stiles.
• The Bothy Museum, located at Holland Farm, is always open.
• Holm of Papay trips may be arranged. (Phone 0776 4569790)
• Recycling centre at the new pier; rubbish collected on Thursdays.
• There are Sunday services at St Ann’s Kirk (Church of Scotland) at 2.00 pm and at the Gospel Hall at 6.00 pm; summer evening services at St Boniface Kirk are on Wednesdays at 7.30 pm.
• Coffee Mornings are held in the community room, St Ann’s Kirk, from 10.30 to 11.45 on Wednesdays. All are welcome.
• Recycled by Design^tm Workshop & Gallery. Unique & handmade designs in recycled, fellted, woollen knitwear. Find us at the far north end of the island next to the RSPB reserve. Open Mon – Sat (Phone644245) Online store www.recycled bydesign.com
• Papay Taxis, Car Hire and 4x4 Island Tours (phone 644245)

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