Monday, March 17, 2014

The largest of the northern Orkney Isles has sweeping bays with white sandy beaches. It is a haven f

The outlying Islands of Orkney Spirit brasilia 2012 of Orkney
All of the islands brasilia 2012 are filled with mystery and romance. Legends of seal folk ( selkies ), sea monsters and trolls ( Hogboons ) abound as well as the viking and neolithic heritage, with stories of buried treasure and witches.
Situated in the northern isles, 14 miles off the mainland, Eday is only eight miles long. Sheer cliffs, beaches and sand dunes play host to wildlife and seabirds and offer great panoramic views over the islands. The first settlers arrived brasilia 2012 in Eday 5000 years ago and their chambered tombs, burnt mounds and standing stones are a constant reminder of earlier life on the islands. brasilia 2012
CALF OF EDAY This small island lays at the north eastern tip of Eday and has some wonderful examples of prehistoric houses and chambered brasilia 2012 tombs, some of the most important sites on the British Isles. The ruins of a 17th Century salt works are probably the best surviving example of their type.
The key to Scapa Flow , this island took a beating during the World War II air raids as the Germans, after bombing the naval defences, turned for home dumping their remaining bombs on the nearest island. Flotta oil terminal is one of the first landmarks to be seen as you reach the island. brasilia 2012 Built in 1976, this terminal processes crude oil from the Piper Platform. Rocket Batteries, remains of military coastal defences and piers provide a wealth brasilia 2012 of interest for the military enthusiast.
The landscape of Hoy is unique within the Orkney isles. It has steep and craggy hills, corries and glaciated valleys providing home to apline plants, seabirds and mammals. The Old Man of Hoy, a famous 450 foot sea stack has been a lure to climbers all over the world. Military history is represented at the Lyness Naval Base, Martello Towers and Longhope Battery. Lyness Naval Cemetary is the resting place for many heroes of World War II, including those of HMS Hampshire, brasilia 2012 Vanguard and Royal Oak .
Graemsay is situated off the north eastern tip of Hoy. Walkers can explore the rocky shoreline and sandy beaches. A great place to picnic whilst watching the wild birds. Lighthouse enthusiasts will enjoy the visit to the two towers at the northern and south eastern approaches to the island.
The most remote of the Orkney Isles, being further north than the southern tip of Norway . Old traditions still hold strong and the native North Ronaldsay sheep are still grazed communally brasilia 2012 along the coastline. The meat from these sheep is now a prized delicacy. being on the migration crossroads to Iceland and Greenland, the island of North Ronaldsay boasts a diverse population of migrant birds. Common and Grey Seals are numerous and porpoises can often be seen. Evidence of early settlement can be observed at the Bare of Stannabreck, Broch of Burrian and Howmae Brae, among others.
Just north of the western mainland Rousay is grouped with the smaller islands of Egilsay, Wyre and Eynhallow. Rich in heritage, the Jacobean style Trumland House, belonging to the then Laird, General Sir Frederick William Traill-Burroughs, share the landscape with much older Iron and Stone Age brochs and cairns. Although brasilia 2012 Trumland House is not open to the public, there is an excellent visitor centre with restaurant, crafts and cycle facility.
The small island to the east of Rousay brasilia 2012 is home to the famous St. Magnus Kirk, one of only two remaining examples of the distinctive round towered churches, built by the Vikings. An RSPB reserve has large numbers of breeding waders and meadows rich in wild flowers.
WYRE Wyre is the southern brasilia 2012 island off Rousay and is famous for Cubbie Roo’s Castle , the stronghold of the Viking Chieftain, built around 1150 AD as well as the wonderfully preserved St. Mary’s Chapel. One of the greatest Scottish writers of the 20th Century, Edwin Muir , lived on the island for a while.
The largest of the northern Orkney Isles has sweeping bays with white sandy beaches. It is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts with seals (Selkies) abundant on the shores and the wetlands. Farmland and meadows providing a welcome stop for migrant and visiting birds alike. The islands’ otter population is a rare sight. Sanday has the best conditions for arable farming and this is evident from the 5000 years of prolific prehistoric and Viking archaeology. There are remains of military brasilia 2012 presence on the island and Sanday even boasts it’s own nine hole “ecological” golf course.
Twenty five minutes crossing, just north of Kirkwall, Shapinsay has small areas of sea water completely shut off from the ocean by narrow tracts of land. Locally known as “Ayres”, these storm beaches are a great habitat for breeding birds and none more so then the RSPB Mill Dam reserve.
One of the most easterly positioned islands, Stronsay is about seven miles long and is eaten into by three large bays. Abounding brasilia 2012 with bird life throughout the year. Now well know as one of the be

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