On this great beach a wild Atlantic storm Sculptures in stone its huge And wave like form. Robert Rendall.

Introduction

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 10 p.m (Tullochs) and Sunday (Summer only) from 2.00 pm. to 4.30 pm.

  • Buy fresh fish from the Pierowall Hotel, 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 are available from the Pierowall Hotel.

  • Cups of tea and coffee can be purchased throughout the day at both hotels, the Heritage Centre during the season and the Haff Yok Cafe 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 the Pierowall Petrol station or Peter Millers shop located at Skelwick in the south end of the island (petrol only).

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.

  • The Papa Westray Co-operative is open Monday to Saturday - limited hours.

  • Petrol and diesel can be bought just outside the shop. Binocular hire at the shop.

  • Papay Peedie Tours will provide a guided tour around the island's many attractions on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

  • Puffins, skuas, arctic terns and many other birds can be seen on the North Hill. Guided tours of the Reserve are given by the RSPB warden on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday afternoons (tel: 01857 644240)

  • If you want to tour the island alone, car hire is available from Papay Car Hire (tel: 01857 644202)

  • Household rubbish collection is on Thursdays.

  • The recycling centre is at the new pier.

  • St Anne's Kirk services (Church of Scotland), Sundays 2:30pm.

  • St. Boniface Kirk services Wednesday 8:00pm summer only.

  • Gospel Hall services Sundays 6:00pm.

  • The Post Office at Daybreak, open Mon 9:00am to 11:00pm, Mon - Fri 2:00pm to 4:00pm Closed Saturday and Sunday. (Tel: 01857 644275)