General Information in Westray
Mobile phone users should note that reception is quite dependent on the provider in Westray, with Vodafone and O2 providing coverage reasonable outdoor coverage and EE/BT working quite well more or less everywhere.
Shops
There are 3 shops on Westray, all stock general provisions but each with their own individual flavour.
W I Rendall is found in Pierowall village and has a good selection of gifts and souvenirs. It also boasts the only fuel pumps on the island and stocks Calor Gas. It is open from 9am -6pm Monday to Saturday (Sunday 2-4:30pm, Summer only)
JC Tulloch is also in Pierowall village and along with a wide range of produce also has an off licence and the Post Office. Opening hours are 9 am – 7.30 pm Monday to Saturday and during the afternoon on a Sunday.
Peter Miller’s shop is found in Skelwick, in the southern part of the island, signed off the main road between the village and the Rapness ferry terminal. Here you will find a very well stocked rural shop with an off license. There is also a small post office run to community hours, but the friendly staff are always willing to open it for you. Open 9am – 6pm Monday to Saturday, 2pm – 5pm Sunday.
All 3 shops sell Westray baked bread and biscuits, from WFM Brown, fish from Pierowall Fish and crab products from Westray Processors.
Eating out
Kirk services
There are 3 kirks on the island and a Quaker meeting.
The Church of Scotland (The Old Kirk), the Baptist Kirk and the Brethren Gospel Hall all hold Sunday morning services at 11:30 am. Evening services are held at the Gospel Hall 6:30pm prayer meeting, &7pm Gospel meeting. All welcome. See local shops for details of services for Church of Scotland and Baptist during holiday periods as they are often united.
Westray and Papa Westray Quaker Meeting: Meetings in Friends homes, children welcome. Contact Sandy: 01857 677482 for further information.
Swimming pool
The swimming pool is open at various times during the week for public session, please see notices in shops and at the Healthy Living Centre. The swimming pool can be hired for £15/hour with a life guard, excellent for wet days.
Doctors
There is a Doctors Surgery at Gill Pier, Pierowall, serving both Westray & Papa Westray. See the Westray Surgery website for details of services and surgery times.
General Information in Papa Westray
Access is free to all historical sites. The island is rich in birdlife; listen out for calling corncrakes. The RSPB North Hill reserve is famous for Scottish primrose and breeding birds including skuas and puffins. Guided tours by the RSPB Warden are on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons – ring 01856 850176 to book.
There is a coastal walk all round the island, with stiles. The Bothy Museum, located at Holland Farm, is always open.
Coffee Mornings are held in the community room, St Ann’s Kirk, from 10.30 to 11.30 on Wednesdays, raising money for charity. All are welcome.
The Kelp Store Craft & Heritage Centre is open all the time. This beautifully renovated building has cabinets of information about all aspects of the island’s rich heritage and displays of locally-made crafts.
The Saturday Pub is at Beltane House, the Papa Westray hostel. The bar cupboard is opened at 9pm.
Shops
The Papay Community Cooperative Shop at Beltane House provides a very wide range of food, drink, fuel and other supplies. The shop is open from 10am – 12 noon on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, from 3 – 5pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and from 6 – 7pm on Saturday. Phone 01857 644 321.
The Post Office at Daybreak is open from 10am – 2pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The island wool and craft shop is also at Daybreak – ring the bell to get the shop opened. Phone 01857 644275.
Eating Out
Self-service tea, coffee and homebakes are available at Beltane House in the hostel dining room. Look out for local events including dances and cinema screenings on the Papay Facebook page. Phone 01857 644 321.
Kirk Services
There are Sunday services at St Ann’s Kirk (Church of Scotland) at 2.00 pm and at the Gospel Hall at 6.00 pm.