South Ronaldsay Tourist Information Orkney Islands Ferries

South Ronaldsay Tourist Guide

South Ronaldsay is the most southerly island conneced to East Mainland by the Churchill Barriers. The main settlement is St Mary's Hope which is also serviced by the ferries from mainland Scotland.

What was the village smithy has now been turned into the Smiddy Museum. Here you can see old farming and blacksmith tools. Open Jun-Aug 12-4pm. May-Sept 2-4pm. Oct 2-4pm. Admission is free.

One of the big agricultural events is The Boys Ploughing Match in August. Traditionally boys would dress up as horses for the Horse Parade where they are judged. Then the boys with fathers and grandfathers would take part in a ploughing match on the Sand O'Right. The miniature ploughs used would be handed down from father to son. The Match takes the same format today although girls do now take part too. Check the picture links right to see some of the fun.

Another attraction is the Marine-Life Aquarium at Pool Farmhouse. Here you can see some of the creatures that live in the Orkney seas. It is run on a relatively small scale on admission fees, contributions from the local community and local fishermen who have donated some of the inhabitants. The Orkney Marine-Life Aquarium, Pool Farmhouse, Grimness, South Ronaldsay, Orkney KW17 2TH. Tel: 01856 831700. Fax: 01856 831711. Email: orkneymarinelife@btinternet.com.

Tomb of the Eagles South Ronaldsay Orkney

The Tomb of the Eagles is one of the best attractions on Orkney. It's a family run centre with exhibition centre, shop, toilets and coastal walks to two historic sites.

The Tomb of the Eagles was discovered by Ronnie Simison, the farmer whose family still owns the land, when he was looking for rocks for corner posts. What he discovered was a 5,000 year old chambered tomb. In the tomb bones of around 340 people, white-tailed sea eagle claws and a number of other animal bones, ceremonial and working tools, pottery and beads were also found.

It makes a hugely interesting story that is told by staff and family members in the exhibition centre. You even get to touch some of the skulls, beads and tools that have been found which makes it much more interesting for children. After a very entertaining and informative presentation you're left free to follow the walk to the tomb. On the way you pass a Bronze Age site which is thought to have been some sort of building although there is still some debate as to its original purpose.

Once you reach the Tomb at the cliffs edge you have the most fun entry to see a tomb on the island. There's a home-made skateboard contraption which you have to lie on and pull yourself through the narrow, low passage into the tomb itself. The Tomb of the Eagles is open March 10am-12pm. Apr-Oct 9.30am-6pm. Check their website for more information. Tel: 01856 831 339. Email: info@tomboftheeagles.co.uk

Pentland Ferries Gills Bay Caithness to St Margaret's Hope South Ronaldsay Orkney

Pentland Ferries run a ferry crossing from Gills Bay, west of John O'Groats in Caithness to St Margaret's Hope on South Ronaldsay, Orkney.

The crossing takes just an hour and four run a day in summer and three in winter. Fewer crossings run on Sundays. Check their website for the latest details on crossings and prices. The ferries take both foot passengers and vehicles but you do need to book in advance.

Phone or book online by contacting Pentland Ferries, Pier Road, St Margaret's Hope, Orkney KW17 2SW. Tel: 01856 831226.

John O'Groats Ferries Caithness to Burwick South Ronaldsay Orkney

John O'Groats Ferries run a service from John O'Groats int the far north east of Scotland to Burwick on South Ronaldsay which is connected to Mainland Orkney by the Churchill Barriers. The ferry crossing takes just 40 minutes. A connecting coach takes you to Kirkwall once on Orkney.

They also offer tours of Orkney, including ones from Inverness, as well as a 90 minute Wildlife Tour. Services run every day from 1 May to 30 September. Two services each way run throughout most of the year around four from July to September. Check their website for the latest details on crossings and prices. Email to make a booking.

John O'Groats Ferries Limited, The Ferry Office, John O'Groats, Caithness KW1 4YR. Tel: 01955 611353 or 01955 611342. Fax: 01955 611301. Email: office@jogferry.co.uk

Hoxa Head WWII History Coastal Walks

There is another ruined broch in the Howe of Hoxa bay. This is apparently the site where Earl Thorfinn - Skullsplitter - was buried in 963AD. The Wart on top of Hoxa Hill is a ruined chambered cairn. There is a good circular walk around the Dam of Hoxa to St Margaret's Hope.

There are several buildings left from World War I and World War II at Hoxa Head including several gun mounts and Balfour Battery.

The nearby island of Flotta is also rich in World War history. Check the links right for more information.