Westray is the largest of Orkney's North Isles, and has one of the largest seabird breeding grounds in Britain at Noup Head, with bird numbers second only to remote St Kilda.


Noup Head cliffs and lighthouse
(C) Richard Welsby

The remains of St Mary's Church in Pierowall largely date from the 17th century, with the south wall a remnant from an earlier 12th century building. Two well preserved 17th century gravestones have been built into the wall at the east end of the church.

Noltland Castle is an excellent example of a Z-plan castle with square towers at diagonally opposite corners of a rectangular main block. Building of the main structure started in 1560 by Gilbert Balfour who was Sheriff of Orkney at the time. The building has a preposterous number of gun-loops arranged in tiers (71 in all) suggesting something about the character of the builder.

The Castle of Burrian is an imposing rock stack on the south east coast of the island which was the site of an early Christian hermitage. The remains of several buildings can be seen on the top of this stack from the cliffs opposite.

Tuquoy church is one of the best preserved medieval churches on Orkney. Built in the mid 12th century, the older, east, part of the building is mostly intact and consists of chancel and nave. The original entrance and window are beautifully arched. There are the remains of a large Norse settlement approximately 70 metres to the east of the church.

The Gentleman's cave, in the cliffs south of Noup Head was once the hiding place of a number of Orkney Lairds who supported the failed 1745 Jacobite rebellion. It can be reached by a long sloping ledge on the cliff face, but it is probably wise to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable local before attempting to do so!


Photograph courtesy of Richard Welsby

Cleaton House offer superior accommodation and fine food.

Westray Buildings Preservation Trust - society dedicated to the preservation of Westray's historic buildings