General Information

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

The Pierowall Hotel is open for meals over lunchtime and all evenings except Tuesdays.  (Residents only on Tuesday evenings).  Takeaway meals are also available from the Pierowall Hotel.
 
Jack’s Chippy is open on Wednesday and Saturday evenings 4.30 – 7.30 p.m. and will also be open on a Friday evening for June to September.  They have a wide menu and arguably the best fish and chips in Orkney, divine puddings and much more.  Free delivery within Pierowall Village.  They also sell fresh fish each weekday.
 
Groatie Buckie’s is a new café in the village within W I Rendall’s shop.  Opening in 2017 they have provided an excellent coffee and lunchtime facility in the heart of the village and offer a choice of fresh soups each day, beautiful sandwiches and excellent cakes.  For 2018 they will open some evenings each week for two course buffet nights (bookings essential).
 
The Wheeling Steen Gallery boasts a relaxing environment surrounded by stunning photographs and illustrations of Westray.  They sell lovely tea and coffee and Westray shortbread along with frozen yoghurt on Westray’s warmer days.  It is situated on the road to the airport.
 
Drinks, snacks and crafts can be enjoyed at Richan’s Retreat, a short walk from the Rapness ferry terminal.
 
Peter Miller’s Shop (Skello Shop) now has a few tables and chairs and a coffee machine for anyone who wishes to call along there.  There are always homebakes for sale too.

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.