Return
To Main Map
|
|
| Don't miss our bird gallery. Follow the RSPB link in Points Of Interest. |
Return
To Main Map |
Much of Rousay has been officially designated as a site of Special Scientific Interest and has a wealth of rare and beautiful wild flowers. The wildlife and especially birds such as Red Throated Divers. Hen Harrier. Merlin and large colonies of Arctic Terns. Arctic Skua. Guillemots. Kittiwakes and Fulmars are a magnificent sight and a treat for birdwatchers. There are many interesting and spectacular walks for both the energetic and not so fit. |
 |
|||
Sourin
Beck Bridge |
||||
| Rousay Heritage Centre | ||||
The
Rousay Heritage Centre, adjacent to the pier, is well worth a visit as
it gives a comprehensive overview of island life both in the past and
in the present mainly in pictures. The building also accommodates the
ferry waiting room, toilets and showers. Rousay has a remarkably rich
archaeological heritage, much of which has been excavated for all to see,
thanks to the efforts of Walter Grant of Trumland House, a laird in the
1930’s. His investments in whisky enabled him to invite some of
the most influential archaeologists of the time to excavate many of the
sites. These are now in the care of Historic Scotland and admission is
free. The best preserved are signed and accessible to the visitor but
many more lie on privately owned land and permission for access should
first be sought from the landowner. |
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
|||
| tThe Westness Walk | ||||
The
Westness Walk, which is just over a mile long, has been described as ‘the
most important archaeological mile in Scotland’. It spans settlements
from the first Stone Age farmers, the Pictish Iron Age, the Viking Invaders,
the period of the Earls and the troubled crofting evictions, all set along
a shoreline of outstanding beauty surrounded by a modern working farm.
The views and wildlife in this area are all part of an experience that
will live on long after you have left Orkney. Many people return for a
longer visit to explore more thoroughly. |
||||
 |
In
this area Earl Paul Hakonson was kidnapped by Swein Asleifson and disappeared
from Orkney forever. Earl Paul was hunting otter and you can still find
them along this shore.FFaraclett
Head walk is an exciting new route covering several different habitats
and early settlements. Access is from Faraclett Farm in the north east
of the island. Quandale and Westness were the only areas in Orkney to
have suffered a major Clearance (when crofters were evicted from the land
to make way for more profitable sheep rearing). 210 people were evicted
during the mid 19th Century by George William Traill as part of the modernisation
of his Westness Estate. Traill was succeeded by his nephew General Sir
Frederick William Traill-Burroughs who commissioned Trumland House. Within
this wild and open landscape of Quandale you can see the relics of traditional
crofting – turf dykes, run-rig (strip farming) and ruined crofts.
This deserted community is now home for some of our most rare and beautiful
wild flowers and birds. |
|||
|
||||
| Trumland House | ||||
Trumland
House is a Jacobean style mansion situated above the Pier, designed by
David Bryce and finished in 1876. Burroughs, known as the ‘Little
General’, created such difficulties for crofters that he gained
a reputation of being the worst landlord in Orkney. His efforts resulted
in troubled times and shaped the recent history of the Island. Since that
time the house has had a number of owners and became increasing run down
due to ever increasing costs. In 1985 workmen were called in to repair
the roof. They camped out in the house and one night the ghost of the
Little General was clearly seen. The following night the roof caught fire
and considerable damage was done to the house. |
 |
|||
| Natural Heritage | ||||
 |
 |
The
visitor to Rousay cannot help but be struck by the Islands rich natural
heritage. The very factors which have made it so difficult for man to
eke out a living from the land has ensured that the wildlife and plants
have survived to be enjoyed by everyone today. Even the roadside verges
abound in wild flowers – orchids, primroses, thyme and heathers
are worth watching for. |
||
| Farming and Fishing | ||||
Farmers
on these Islands are almost entirely dependant on the rearing of high
quality beef and sheep. The mild climate and long summer daylight allows
grass to form a rich feed to sustain the animals through the winter. Modern
farmers now utilise land that once echoed to the voices of hundreds of
crofters who occupied these fertile Islands. Visitors are often surprised
by the quantity and quality of the farm stock. This quality is also the
hallmark of the lobster, crab and scallops caught by local fishermen in
some of the best fishing grounds in Europe. Most of the shellfish is prepared
locally and exported to some of the finest restaurants all over the world.
Salmon farming and cod husbandry are a recent welcome addition to the
traditional economy of farming and fishing. All these gourmet products
are available on the Island – ever tasted really fresh crab? |
 |
|||
| Points Of Interest On Rousay | ||
| Trumland Visitor Centre & Waiting Room | Exhibition
on all aspects of this group of islands, with waiting room, toilets and
picnic area. Just above ferry terminal. |
|
| Trumland House | The
Jacobean style mansion of the then laird, General Sir Frederick William
Traill Burroughs, was designed by the architect David Bryce and finished
in 1876. Not open to the public. |
|
| RSPB Reserve | A
moorland reserve with a long and a short walk (a seperate leaflet is available). |
|
| Click To View Birds and Reserve Map Showing Both 1 Mile and 3 Mile Walks. | ||
| Taversoe Tuick | A
rare two storied cairn. |
|
| Blackhammer Cairn | An easily accessible stalled cairn. | |
| Knowe Of Yarso Cairn | The
highest situated of the famous Orkney tombs with spectacular views out
over Eynhallow Sound and south towards Orkney Mainland and Hoy. |
|
| Westness House | Historic laird's house (17th century). Private house, not open to the public. | |
| Westness Walk | Described
as the most important archaeological mile in Scotland it spans settlements
from the first Stone Age settlers, the Pictish Iron Age, the Viking invaders,
the period of the Earls and the troubled crofting times (separate leaflet
available). |
|
| Midhouse Broch | A fine example of a fortified dwelling built during the Bronze / Iron Ages; this Stone Age cairn is the largest known of its kind and is protected by a modern building. | |
| and Cairn | ||
| Quandale Viewpoint | A landscape frozen during the Clearances with traces of runrig farming and the ruins of Tofts, the oldest known two-storied building in Orkney. | |
| Wasbister Loch | This attractive loch is the site of two crannogs or Iron Age fortified settlements built on artificial islands. | |
| Saviskaill Bay | A sheltered sandy beach with a nearby seal haul-out. | |
| Green Gairsty | A rare example of the ancient earth dykes found across the islands. | |
| Leean Viewpoint | Panoramic views from the hillside across to Westray and the Atlantic. | |
| Faraclett Head Walk | This excursion covers several different habitats and early settlements and offers some stunning views towards the outer isles. | |
| And Yetnasteen | ||
|
Return
To Main Map
|
