About North Ronaldsay
North Ronaldsay is a favourite with ornithologists, and is the temporary home of many species of migrant birds from March to November.
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| Bird |
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Rare visitors are also seen at the island, along with the more common groups from Artic Terns to Meadow Pipits.
Grey and Common Seals breed on the island and are relatively tame. Out to Sea, dolphins and porpoises are often spotted. North Ronaldsay sheep are native to the island and unique.
They graze on sea-weed and are kept on the beaches by a dry stone dyke, almost 2 m high and 19 km long, which encloses the whole island. The sheep are leaner and
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| Seal |
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fitter than ordinary sheep and have a characteristic dark, shaggy coat. They are now the main users of the sea-weed, formerly so important in the kelp-making industry, at its height in the 18th and 19th centuries.
With the dangerous seas surrounding the island, North Ronaldsay has been notorious for Shipwrecks near its Shores.
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| Old Lighthouse |
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Because of this one of the first
lighthouses in Scotland was built here and lit in 1789. It is disused. The present lighthouse at Dennis Head was lit in 1853, and stands 41 m high. It is the highest land-based lighthouse in Britain.
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| New Lighthouse |
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Holland House, the home of the Trails, the old laid of North Ronaldsay, is still lived today. Three cannons believed to be from the wreck of the 'Crown Prince', thought to have gone aground in 1760, stand on the lawn here.
The remains of ancient dykes, originally dividing the island into three, can be seen, including the Muckle Gairsty which is 10 wide and 2 m high in one place.
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| Holland House |
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There are some ancient Chapel Sites, as well as The Old Kirk, which is 19th century.
Burrian Broch, the Iron Age tower and Settlement, was occupied until about the 9th century. When it was excavated, a stone bearing the famous Burrian Cross was found, which is now much reproduced in local jewellery.
More Photos? Click here.
Usefull data:
British Airways
Homepage
Northlink Ferries
Homepage
Loganair
Tel: 01856 872494/873457
Orkney Ferries
Tel: 01856 872044
Fax: 01856 872921
e-mail
Garso No. 1 - taxi, self-drive cars, minibus hire and tours.
T. & C. Muir
Tel: 01857 633244
The Doll's House, Roadside, Self-catering and B&B and evening meals.
Tel: 01857 633221
Fax: 01857 633241
Quoybanks, Self-catering Croft,B&B or evening meals supplied, 3 fully equipped bedrooms.
Tel: 01857 633221
Fax: 01857 633241
Burian Inn and Restaurant, Orkney's most northerly pub.
Tel: 01857 633221
Fax: 01857 633241
Off Licence/Tea Room, North Ronaldsay woollen products and jewellery.
Tel: 01857 633221
Fax: 01857 633241
Golf-Course, nine-hole links course, clubs available for hire;
Inquiries to Mr P. Donnelly.
Tel: 01857 633242
Lighthouse Tour
The tours are available on Sundays, May to September, 12 noon - 5:30 p.m., and the other time by arraangement.
Contact Mr W. Muir
Tel: 01857 633257
Created, maintained and Copyright © 2005, Alex
