Brough of Birsay

#6886 among destinations in the United Kingdom

Island

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Facts and practical information

Located on the northern coast of Mainland, Orkney, the Brough of Birsay is a small tidal island that offers visitors a glimpse into Scotland's rich history and stunning natural beauty. The island is accessible by foot during low tide, allowing visitors to explore its rugged coastline and historic ruins.

One of the main attractions on the Brough of Birsay is the remains of a Norse settlement, dating back to the 8th century. Visitors can wander around the well-preserved ruins of a Norse church and dwellings, gaining insight into the lives of the early settlers in this remote corner of Scotland. The site also offers panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, making it a picturesque spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

In addition to its historical significance, the Brough of Birsay is also a haven for birdwatchers, with a variety of seabirds and waders making their home on the island's cliffs and shores. Visitors can spot puffins, guillemots, and razorbills during the breeding season, adding a touch of wildlife to their visit.

For those interested in geology, the Brough of Birsay offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's ancient past, with its rugged cliffs and rock formations providing a glimpse into Orkney's geological history. The island's unique landscape and remote location make it a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 59°8'19"N, 3°19'58"W

Location

ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Day trips

Brough of Birsay – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Earl's Palace, Brough of Birsay, Loch of Boardhouse, Loch of Swannay.

0.8 miSE
Forts and castles
Earl's Palace, Birsay
22 min walk • The Earl's Palace in Birsay, Orkney, Scotland, is a ruined 16th-century castle. It was built by Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney, illegitimate son of King James V and his mistress Euphemia Elphinstone. The palace is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
~1350 ftSW
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Brough of Birsay, Birsay
7 min walk • The unmanned Brough of Birsay Lighthouse lighthouse was built in 1925 by David A Stevenson. It is located on the Brough of Birsay, an uninhabited tidal island off the north west coast of Mainland in Orkney, Scotland, in the parish of Birsay.
2.6 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Loch of Boardhouse, Birsay
66 min walk • The Loch of Boardhouse is a freshwater loch in the parish of Birsay in the north west of the mainland of Orkney, Scotland. It acts as a reservoir for public water supply and is popular for trout fishing.
4.5 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Loch of Swannay, Mainland
116 min walk • The Loch of Swannay is the most northerly loch on the mainland of Orkney and lies within the parish of Birsay in the north west of the island. It is an elliptically shaped, freshwater loch and is close to the lochs of Hundland and Boardhouse.
3.8 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Loch of Hundland, Birsay
98 min walk • The Loch of Hundland is a shallow freshwater loch in the parish of Birsay in the north west of the mainland of Orkney, Scotland. The loch lies between the larger lochs of Swannay and Boardhouse and acts as the main water catchment for Loch of Boardhouse.
6.5 miSE
Watermill
Dounby Click Mill, Mainland
166 min walk • Dounby Click Mill is a mill located on the Mainland of Orkney, in Scotland. It is the last of the horizontal or "Norse" watermills of Orkney still in working order. The mill is constructed with drystone walls and roofed with flagstones and turf.
0.4 miSE
Stela
Buckquoy spindle-whorl, Birsay
12 min walk • The Buckquoy spindle-whorl is an Ogham-inscribed spindle-whorl dating from the Early Middle Ages, probably the 8th century, which was found in 1970 in Buckquoy, Birsay, Orkney, Scotland.