Set
within the wild Atlantic Ocean lie the three small Islands of Rousay.
Egilsay and Wyre. From the Stone Age to the present day the seas have
brought settlers and visitors alike to these beautiful Islands. Rousay
is the largest of the three with a population of some 222. Egilsay and
Wyre have a population of 26 and 24 respectively. A modern roll on, roll
off ferry serves the three Islands. With a journey time of just 20 minutes
and a ferry from mainland Orkney every two hours we are easily accessible.
With over 166 sites of archaeological interest and an important crofting
history, the three Islands provide a rich and rewarding spectrum of mans
settlement in these ancient Isles. Farming. on both land and sea, is the
mainstay of employment. An established organic salmon farm and the newer
venture of a cod farm can be found on Rousay. Traditional methods of land
farming are still carried out here. Calves stay with their mothers until
well grown and the bull runs with the herd! Sheep graze the heather covered
hills.
An abundance of wildlife can be seen - seals basking on the rocks, otters
fishing in the shallows and a wide variety of resident and migratory birds.
In the summer the roadside verges are covered with many wild flowers,
including orchids. The air is pure, the sea a deep azure blue, the views
stunning. Peace and tranquillity are all around and the natives are friendly
— if one of the locals waves to you from his car, please wave back
— it is one of our customs.
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