South Ronaldsay is the southernmost island in the chain linked by the Churchill
Barriers, and the closest island to Scotland lying only six miles north
of John O' Groats.
The village of St Margaret's Hope lies in a sheltered bay, and is one of
the most picturesque spots on Orkney. The village houses the Smiddy Museum
with tools and artefacts from the skilled craft of the Blacksmith.
Festival of the Horse
(C) Richard Welsby
The Howe of Hoxa is a mound concealing a ruined broch, and is reputed to
be the place where Earl Thorfinn Skull-Splitter was buried around 970 AD.
The Sands O' Right is a lovely sandy beach which is the venue for the unique
Boys Ploughing Match.
The village of Herston, built around 1823, was originally a fishing village,
and a curing station for herring. The wooden coaster grounded at the southern
end of the village is the 'Monarch'.
The Tomb of the Eagles is a chambered tomb dating from approximately 3000
BC. The name comes from the many sea eagle claws found among the burials.
There is a small museum at the farmhouse.
Windwick bay is a lovely location with dramatic cliff scenery. It is a breeding
ground for grey seals which can be seen with their pups in the autumn.