Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
JOHN BAIN: INTERISLAND PILOT
Best time to visit?
The summer, but it's the busiest. Not a lot of visitors like the climate in winter, and a lot of
places close down. Ferries are less frequent; you don't have the same chances to move around. But you do get some
beautiful winter days.
Ferry or plane?
If you've got time, experience both. I'm biased but I would say that from the aircraft you see more,
and you can fit more into your trip. You can see nearly all the main islands in a few days.
Most beautiful island?
Oh, no - I'd get hung, drawn, and quartered if I picked just one! I live up on North Main-
land and look out on the islet of Eynhallow every morning. The stories say that's where strange folk, the Finmen,
lived. That's one of the great things about Orkney, the storytelling. Go to a storytelling night, you'll be hooked.
A rainy day?
Stay home! No, go round the craft shops in Kirkwall. And the town's got some good pubs, like
Helgi's, for a quiet drink.
Favourite out-of-the-way spot?
The Brough of Birsay. Go up there for a picnic.
Local Words?
Peedie - it means little. It's a very common word on the islands.
SHAPINSAY
POP 300
Just 20 minutes by ferry from Kirkwall, Shapinsay is an intensively cultivated island with
a fine castle and good beaches along its western edge.
Sights & Activities
Balfour Castle
(
www.balfourcastle.co.uk
;
tours £20)
Completed in 1848 in the turreted Scottish Baronial
style, Balfour Castle dominates the southern end of the island. It's only open for guided
tours; these run on Sundays in August and must be booked in advance. The price includes
admission to the castle and afternoon tea.
CASTLE
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Burroughston Broch
(admission free; 24hr)
About 4 miles from the pier, at the far northeastern corner of the
island is Iron Age Burroughston Broch, one of the best-preserved brochs (defensive
towers) in Orkney.
