Westray and Papa Westray

Orkney Ferries will be providing extra sailing between Westray and Kirkwall.

Sunday, 8th June 2008

Depart Westray: 11:00
Arrive Kirkwall: 12:25

Depart Kirkwall: 16:10
Arrive Westray: 17:35

This ferry is being provided to accommodate delegates attending an Archaeological Conference in Westray - but is available for anyone to use.

Please ring Orkney Ferries on 01856 872044 for booking details.

Cleaton House are proud to announce that they have gained "Taste of Orkney" accreditation.

The Taste of Orkney initiative works with local food and drink producers in the Orkney islands to bring our world class products to the attention of discerning food lovers everywhere.

The Taste of Orkney visitor guide, published annually, is designed to raise awareness of locally available food and drink.

Restaurants, bars and cafes applying for membership need to provide evidence that they use local food and drink wherever and whenever possible in order to qualify for membership of Taste of Orkney.

You can visit the Cleaton House web site at www.cleatonhouse.co.uk for more information on the hotel and its services.

MillWestray are pleased to announce a Fair Trade Evening and Photographic Exhibition Opening, to be held at the West Manse on the 18th April at 19:00. The exhibition will run from the opening to the 1st June and will be open from 14:00 - 16:00 daily.

Westray Digital Art has given its online store a complete makeover and added to cards to its range of print, calendar and digital media products.

Products can be ordered and paid for online using the popular PayPal payment processor.

Visit the online store at www.westraydigitalart.co.uk

Hume Sweet Hume are proud to announce the launch of their new web site www.humesweethume.co.uk showcasing their hand crafted contemporary knitted textiles.

The site also has an online store where you can browse their whole product range and order items for postal delivery.

The web site was created for Hume Sweet Hume by Westray Web Design www.westraywebdesign.co.uk

Now open for its first first full season, the Old Manse in Pierowall Westray is pleased to be able to offer an extended range of breakfasts and evening meals.

For full details of our facilities please visit our web site at www.bandbwestray.co.uk. Dogs welcome by arrangement.

Evening Menu

Main Courses
Orkney Salmon Steak
Chicken Breast with a bacon and cheese sauce
Orkney Beef Stew with dumplings
Pork Steak with a mushroom and cider sauce
Orkney Minute Steak with mushrooms, tomatoes and onion rings
Vegetable Stew with cheesy dumplings
Cheese, onion and pepper Quiche

All served with a range of seasonal vegetables and potatoes.

Desserts
Profiteroles
Raspberry Cheesecake
Orkney Fudge Ice-cream Sundae
Fruit Crumble
Bread and Butter Pudding

Tea or Coffee

Please note that evening meals are served between 7pm and 8pm and that we cannot serve alcohol, but will provide a soft drink. Please order by breakfast time on that day.

Cost £10 per head.

Wheeling Steen Gallery has launched a new web site, and wish to remind visitors that, although the new gallery is still under construction (opening early next year), the old gallery is still open for business.

You can see the new web site at www.wheeling-steen.co.uk. Over the coming weeks we will be adding more pages and samples of Edwins work.

Please feel free to make any enquiries regarding sales, opening times or anything else that you would like to know about Wheeling Steen via the Contact Us page on the new web site.

We are pleased to announce the launch of our mobile web site www.wpwta.mobi designed for use on mobile devices.

This web site uses minimal graphics to provide quick access for mobile devices and provides contact details (telephone links) to Westray & Papa Westray Tourist Association members.

So, remember to add www.wpwta.mobi to the list of favourites on your mobile before coming to Orkney.  

28th September 2007: Alex Salmond, Scotlands First Minister looks over Westray's all electric disabled friendly car.

William McEwen, Stephen Hagan and Alex Salmond

The car is electrically powered an can be re-charged at any of the islands wind turbines (or from any mains socket if necessary). It has a range of approximately 50 miles and a top speed of 55mph.

The car has wheelchair access and will be based at the care centre in Pierowall.

There are a few minor details to complete, before the car goes into full service providing disabled friendly green transport for locals and visitors.

I spotted an otter this morning whilst returning from the shops. It was at the side of the road eating a rabbit. I was amazed that it didn't run away when I stopped to watch it, it seemed totally unconcerned by me.

I was cursing myself for not having my camera with me (ALWAYS carry your camera!). Imagine my surprise then, when I returned (I only live a few hundred yards from were I spotted the otter) with my camera, to find it still there.

He had finished feeding and started to wander off when I stopped. I got out of my car and followed him on foot as far as the bend in the road, by the links.

Otter on road, I followed him along the road for a while, he didn't seem particulary bothered.

Then he went under the fence and into a field.

He still, strolled along quite happily, just the other side of the fence.

I took this last picture of him before leaving him in peace.

MillWestray are pleased to announce the launch of their new look web site www.millwestray.co.uk

They are also running a winter promotion: "Storm" fortnights. Stay at Trenabie Mill for a fortnight November to March (excluding Christmas and New Year) for just £850, and they'll even give you £50 cashback if you don't get a gale and spectacular seas.

Please note that Sea Life Westray will not be taking any bookings from the 29th August to 24th September, due to annual holidays.

Andrew and Ruth King have recently launched a new web site www.bandbwestray.co.uk.

The Old Manse (c1835 with later additions) has been recently renovated to a high standrad to provide a beautiful family home and Bed and Breakfast accommodation.

We are located centrally in Pierowall village within easy walking distance of the shops, hotel, cafe, Heritage Centre, Noltland castle and the shore. A bus runs from the ferry to the village.

We have two double rooms which are spacious, warm and comfortable. Both are decorated to a high standard and have ensuite shower rooms. They each have their own seating area where you can watch television, read or simply enjoy the view over the bay to Papa Westray.

A wide selection of DVDs and books, including local books and maps, are available for you to use.

We provide a good choice of freshly prepared breakfasts, using Westray and Orkney produce as much as possible.

Packed lunches and evening meals can be provided.

We have private parking and undercover storage for bicycles.

Whether you come for a fortnight's holiday or just one night, a warm welcome awaits you at The Old Manse Westray.

We look forward to seeing you Rutha and Andrew King

FAIRTRADE ISLAND AWARDS FOR WESTRAY AND PAPAY.

Mosbrae Holiday Caravan and Jewellery have a new web site at www.bonnimin.co.uk where you can find details of their self catering caravan accommodation as well as Ann Kents hand made jewellery.

Swimming Pool Opening Times

Summer Holidays 9th July - 18th August

Monday
Public: 15:00 - 16:00
Lane Swimming: 19:30 - 20:30 (Primary 7 upwards)

Tuesday
Lane Swimming 07:00 - 08:30 (Primary 7 upwards)
Water Fitness 17:00 - 18:00

Wednesday
Water Fitness 10:30 - 11:30
Public 18:00 - 19:30
Lane Swimming 19:30 - 20:30 (Primary 7 upwards)

Thursday
Lane Swimming 07:30 - 08:30 (Adult only)

Friday
Private 15:00 - 16:00
Public 16:00 - 17:00
Water Fitness 17:00 - 18:00

Saturday
Parent and Toddler 10:00 - 11:00
Public 11:00 - 12:00

Sunday
Public 15:00 -16:00

Private Sessions available - Phone 677430 or 677521

Free Public Sessions for under 18s funded by DASAT 

This years Bisgeos Run/Walk will take place on the 1st of September.

This annually held run/walk provides much needed funds for local charities and this year is helping Crossroads Orkney, a charitiy that helps carers in Orkney.

The run/walk is over a twelve mile course from Rapness Pier to Bisgeos Hostel, with shorter sections for junior and senior children.

Check out the web site at www.bisgeosrun.co.uk

The Haff Yok cafe and tourist information point is now opening form 9AM - 5PM, during the summer, serving breakfasts in the morning. Porridge, toast, bacon roll, scrambled, poached, boiled eggs, fruit and yoghurt are all available.

Light snacks are also available throughout the day.

Evening meals are being served which need to be pre-booked by calling Kathy on 01857 677777.

You can find more information on Westraaks website www.westraak.co.uk.

The Orkney Ferries summer timetable comes into effect today (6th May).

This means that the number of daily ferries to Westray increases to three on most days, making getting here even easier.

Check the Orkney Ferries website for more details.

Millwestrays Cooking at the Manse' cookery course "Cooking for Kids" on the 31st of March was a great success.

They had eleven "students" all brimming with enthusiasm.

The children made Easter cakes, fruit kebabs, beanie pies, and proper pot noodles. All good wholesome food that kids can enjoy making an eating.

Fruit Kebebs

The children on this course had a great time learning to cook fun food from scratch, let's hope we're helping to encourage children to cook and eat real food made with fresh ingredients.

Beanie Pies

The course was presented by Anne Hill of Orkney College.

Cooking at the Manse have many exciting courses planned for 2007 from baking bread to butchering a pig. Check their web site at www.millwestray.co.uk for more details.

The WPWTA Dance was last night and was enjoyed by all. Here are a few pictures from the dance. We'll maybe set up a separate web page with more picture later.

 One of the slower dances from the Westray Band.

Then the pace speeded up a bit.

Even faster!

After the raffle draw Peter (WPWTA Chairman) was a bit surprised to get a card and a cake for his birthday. We're not saying how old he is, but he'll be getting his bus pass any day now.