Local Information
The hostel is situated right at the start of Pierowall village, over-looking the bay about 7 miles from the ferry terminal. A bus service, provided by M&J Harcus, runs all the year round from the ferry terminal, but during the winter is only on request. You can contact Kenneth Harcus on 01857 677 758 to organise transport.
Westray, with its population of around 600, is one of the largest of Orkney’s North Isles, known locally as Queen o’ the Isles. Its superb scenery ranges from sandy beaches (all around) to grassy hills which rise to the 300ft cliffs at the Noup Head RSPB Reserve.
Westray boasts one of Europe’s largest bird colonies. From late April to early August the puffins will be found at Noup Head (right) and Castle o’ Burrian and terns, fulmars, kittiwakes and guillemots will all be nesting on the island.
From October to December seals can often be seen playing in the bay outside the hostel, and are found all year round on other sandy and rocky beaches.
There are three shops on Westray, two located in the village of Pierowall within 5-10 minutes walking distance of the hostel and one in the south end of the island.
The post office is also situated in Pierowall village at JC Tulloch's shop.
The swimming pool is located in the middle of Pierowall village alongside the school. Public swimming timetables are available on request
There are 2 hotels, the Pierowall Hotel just 5 minutes walk from the hostel and Cleaton House Hotel just a few miles to the south. Pierowall Hotel is famous for its Fish and Chips. Haff Yok cafe is available for snacks, light lunches and home bakes as well as evening mills by arrangement during the summer months.
There is a play park in Pierowall village. It has swings, climbing frames, see-saws and even a zip-line.
Petrol, diesel and bio diesel can be bought from W I Rendall's shop in Pierowall Village or Peter Miller's shop located at Skelwick (petrol only).
There is a strong heritage of arts and crafts in these two north Westray & Papa Westray and in order to share our skills, we have created a craft trail. When you get to Westray look out for a craft trail leaflets at the shops or at the Haff Yok cafe and tourist information point in Pierowall, and it will guide you round the galleries and studios on the islands
Links to other web sites
www.westray-orkney.co.uk is a web site with general information about Westray
www.westraypapawestray.co.uk is the web site for the Westray & Papa Westray Tourist Association and has lots of tourist information about both islands
www.westrayjewellery.com web site for West-ray Jewellery hand made jewellery in both silver and gold made in Westray.
www.visitorkney.co.uk Orkney's official tourism website.
www.visitscotland.com The official web site of the Scottish Tourist Board.
www.hostel-scotland.co.uk The Scottish Independent Hostels web site.
www.orcadian.co.uk Website of The Orcadian, Orkney's local paper since 1854.
www.orkney.org is a general website about Orkney
www.michaelharcus.com Michael Harcus website, music and biography.
www.westraak.co.uk Westraak provide guided tours of Westray.
www.hotel-base.com Hotel Base is a large online accommodation direcotry, listing more than 60,000 hotels, bed & breakfast, guest houses, hostels and self catering in over 200 countries.
www.movingtoorkney.co.uk Thinking of moving to Orkney? This website has information on work, education, housing, and more.
MillWestray - Have four self-catering properties to rent covering all requirements from small to very large parties.
www.pierowallcharters.co.uk - While in Westray why not take a boat trip round the island for views of the coast and wildlife that can only be had from the sea. Pierowall Charters provide boat tours and fishing trips.
ScottishCamping.com - lists all the campsites and caravan parks in Scotland that accept tents, campervans and caravans.
