Westray Island, Orkney, Scotland
The 'Queen of the Isles' rewards those who make the journey — windswept clifftop puffin colonies, a 5,000-year-old carved figurine, and a ruined castle tied to Mary Queen of Scots await on this remote Orcadian gem.
The 'Queen of the Isles' rewards those who make the journey — windswept clifftop puffin colonies, a 5,000-year-old carved figurine, and a ruined castle tied to Mary Queen of Scots await on this remote Orcadian gem.
All cruise ships tender to Westray — tenders land at Gill Pier on the north edge of Pierowall Bay.
💡 Pro move: Pre-book a local guide or bicycle hire before arrival. The island has around 600 residents and facilities fill quickly when a ship is in.
Westray has no deep-water cruise berth — all vessels tender ashore to Gill Pier in Pierowall.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition/small ships | Anchor in Pierowall Roadstead → tender to Gill Pier, Pierowall📍 | Tendered |
| Larger ships (shore excursion from Kirkwall) | Orkney Ferries from Kirkwall to Rapness Ferry Terminal (south end of island)📍 | Tendered |
Westray's highlights range from clifftop puffin colonies and Neolithic archaeology to empty white-sand beaches — best explored with a local guide or bicycle.
A sea stack on the southeast coast hosts hundreds of puffins from May to August. Walk right up to the cliff edge to watch them at close range — no boat needed. Guillemots and razorbills share the stack.
Find Westray wildlife tours →This community museum in Pierowall houses the 5,000-year-old 'Westray Wife' — the earliest representation of a human face found in the UK. Viking-age exhibits and the island's archaeological story round out the visit.
Book a guided heritage tour →A striking 16th-century ruin built by Gilbert Balfour — a man linked to the murder of Lord Darnley, husband of Mary Queen of Scots. Free to explore, famous for its massive spiral staircase and unusual gun-loops.
Find Orkney history tours →The island's northwest tip hosts over 40,000 nesting seabirds — gannets, kittiwakes, guillemots — along dramatic clay cliffs. An 1898 Stevenson lighthouse crowns the headland.
Find Orkney birdwatching tours →White-sand dunes and turquoise water on the north coast, adjacent to an active Neolithic archaeological dig (Links of Noltland). Often entirely empty — bring a jacket.
Find Westray island tours →Stroll Pierowall, grab a crab sandwich at the hotel, and watch the tiny Loganair aircraft make the 2-minute scheduled flight to Papa Westray — officially the world's shortest commercial flight.
Explore Pierowall on foot →Pierowall village and Noltland Castle are easily walkable from the tender pier; most other island highlights require a bike or taxi.
Walk the coastal road from Gill Pier into Pierowall village. Visit the Heritage Centre (Orkney Venus), Lady Kirk ruins, and grab lunch at the Pierowall Hotel.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →From the village, follow the road southwest to the imposing ruin of Noltland Castle. The walk passes open farmland with sea views on both sides.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Westray Island, Orkney, Scotland (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 45°F / 7°C | 41°F / 5°C | 24 | 8:54 AM | 3:48 PM |
| Feb | 45°F / 7°C | 41°F / 5°C | 19 | 7:47 AM | 5:05 PM |
| Mar | 45°F / 7°C | 41°F / 5°C | 19 | 6:28 AM | 6:14 PM |
| Apr | 46°F / 8°C | 43°F / 6°C | 12 | 5:57 AM | 8:28 PM |
| May | 49°F / 9°C | 46°F / 8°C | 14 | 4:39 AM | 9:39 PM |
| Jun | 53°F / 12°C | 50°F / 10°C | 11 | 3:56 AM | 10:29 PM |
| Jul | 56°F / 13°C | 53°F / 12°C | 15 | 4:22 AM | 10:12 PM |
| Aug | 57°F / 14°C | 54°F / 12°C | 15 | 5:30 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Sep | 56°F / 13°C | 53°F / 12°C | 18 | 6:41 AM | 7:31 PM |
| Oct | 53°F / 12°C | 50°F / 10°C | 22 | 7:50 AM | 6:03 PM |
| Nov | 50°F / 10°C | 46°F / 8°C | 22 | 8:06 AM | 3:45 PM |
| Dec | 47°F / 8°C | 43°F / 6°C | 24 | 9:03 AM | 3:10 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
The Westray Bus Service runs a hail-and-ride route connecting Rapness ferry terminal with Pierowall village. Adult single fares are capped at £2 until March 2027.
W. I. Rendall offers an informal taxi service bookable by phone. Orkney-regulated fares apply; pre-booking is strongly recommended on this small island.
Westraak Tours provides bus-based guided day tours including lunch, refreshments, transfers, and entry fees. Evening puffin tours also available. Pickup from Rapness terminal or airfield.
Westray is compact and largely flat — ideal for cycling. Bike hire may be available locally. Pierowall village and key attractions like Noltland Castle are accessible on two wheels.
Upcoming cruises that call at Westray Island, Orkney, Scotland. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.