Drinks, snacks and crafts can be enjoyed at Richan’s Retreat, a short walk from the Rapness ferry terminal. 

The name comes from Captain William Richan who is in who’s who as being Captain of the Hire Cutter Norfolk – a kindly Captain who never had to conscript a crew.

He was dishonourably discharged from the merchant navy for running contraband – they even found tea in the barrels of his guns.

He was the Laird of Rapness for a while with the second floor of this house being the deck of a boat. there is a load bearing pillar supporting the ceiling as he had a hole cut to get up on to his deck.

His wife Ester was a spendthrift and William ended up poor but the West End Hotel in Kirkwall was their town residence.

We also sell crafts made by island crafts people.

Opening hours are usually from half an hour before the first ferry till half hour after last one but like many island residents we cover many activities including fire safety at the islands airport on occasion  so on the odd morning or afternoon we have to close for an hour. On these occasions we put a notice up letting people know reopening time.

Enquiries

Telephone: 01857 677877

No. 1 Broughton stands at the water’s edge looking across the sweep of Pierowall Bay and out across to Papa Westray. Across the bay creel boats and other sea traffic set out and return to Gill Pier – and from there you can take a day trip to Papay (Papa Westray).

Jerry’s artwork is on display throughout the house. Prints, paintings and postcards can be purchased. A selection of the works available can be viewed at Jerry’s studio.

We hope that you will come to visit us, and come back again. A warm welcome awaits you.

Enquiries

No1 Broughton
Pierowall
Westray
Orkney
KW17 2DA

Telephone: 01857 677726

website

The Westray population is of unknown size but this animal is by no means scarce, possibly 500-1000 individuals. Several small colonies exist around the coast with greatest numbers occurring at Sponess and on the Holm of Aikerness. They can be seen very easily when they haul up on shore below No.1 Broughton at certain times of tide. Please stay on the roadside of the sea wall to avoid disturbing these comical creatures. Bay of Swartmill is a common summer haul-out. Pups are born in June to mid-July and these can swim soon after birth. Many adults are ashore in August when they moult.

Grey Seal

A small breeding colony of perhaps 100 adults exists at the Point of Weatherness, some 25 minutes walk from the Rapness Quarry. Pupping takes place in October-November and the young remain ashore for up to a month while they moult the whitish coat they are born with. A large haulout can be seen at low water on the Skerry below Noup Head. Typically this species prefers more isolated and exposed breeding and loafing sites than its’ smaller cousin above.

The Island is renowned for its sparkling light, dramatic sky and contrasting sea and landscapes.

Since 2004 The Gallery has been the home, studio and exhibition gallery of artist Peter Brown. Westray has a progressive community, which is attracting a growing number of artists and crafts people.

The aim of The Gallery is to present ongoing exhibitions of contemporary paintings, prints and artworks by Peter in an inviting and stimulating setting. Also on show is the work by guest artists.

Visit my website at www.westrayartgallery.co.uk

Enquiries

[contact-form-7]Westray Art Gallery
Pierowall
Westray
Orkney
KW17 2BZ

01857 677770

Recently the business has diversified to include fashion accessories such as wraps, scarves and bags. All the products are produced on the premises and each incorporates a pebble button gathered from local beaches.

Our well-stocked shop is situated in Pierowall village and carries a wide range of unique gift items. You are welcome to visit and view the products at your leisure.

Visit our website and online store at www.humesweethume.co.uk

Enquiries

[contact-form-7]Hume Sweet Hume
Pierowall
Westray
Orkney
KW17 2DH

01857 677259

You can choose from a wide range of photos or use your own photo or design. Private orders welcome.

Opening to the public by arrangement, or whenever sign is displayed.

Visit my website at www.aakwork.co.uk

Enquiries

[contact-form-7]Aakwork
Helzie House
Rapness
Westray
Orkney
KW17 2DE

01857 677877

Inside there is an an annual display plus permanent exhibition panels on walls, and a simulated geo with model seabirds and authentic bird sounds. There are also interactive displays which will attract youngsters. Many records of the island’s history and gravestone records available to browse.

Over the years the Heritage Centre has built up a large collection of black and white photos of historic significance, collated the kirk yard records from the island’s three cemeteries and gathered memories of past activities in Westray e.g. schools, kirks, sports, sea transport, Noup Head lighthouse, royal visits, fishing, crafts, World Wars 1 and 2, and the Heritage Trust continues to research a fresh subject each year.

In the Heritage Centre there is now a database of many local families dating back to early 17th Century and the Trust has published a number of books and booklets on local subjects.

Admission is £4 per person with concessions at £3, or you may choose to become a friend of the Heritage Centre for an annual fee.

The Heritage Trust has its own web site at www.westrayheritage.co.uk

Join us for a relaxed day tour of the beautiful island of Westray.

Explore Westray’s history, archaeology, nature and culture with a warm welcome into our family home, where we provide coffees and a home cooked lunch.

Our tours, for up to eight guests, are relaxed and informal and we aim to tailor the pace and focus to the needs of the group.

We look forward to meeting you.

Andy and Karen

For more information on the tours offered visit their website.

Enquiries

[contact-form-7]Westraak

Edwin Rendall established the Wheeling Steen Gallery in 1995. It has since developed into a family business along with his wife Elaine and their daughter Rosemary. The family is descended from a long line of Westray islanders. Their island heritage is very important to them and greatly influences their creative work and is a constant source of inspiration.

Wheeling Steen is an old Norse term for a ‘Resting Stone’. The aim in building the new gallery – which opened in 2008 – was to create a restful, relaxing space for visitors where they could sit with a coffee and view the art, craft and photographic work produced by Edwin and Rosemary.
Original art, prints, photographs, gifts and souvenirs are available.

A unique feature within the gallery is the original deck cabin from a 19th century shipwreck.
It is now an art studio and display area – read the full story when you visit!

We serve freshly ground Fairtrade coffee along with a choice of other hot and cold drinks.
Pre-packed bakes, crisps, sweets and whippy ice cream are also available. Sit in or take away.

The gallery is 2 miles north of Pierowall on the Airport road.
Whether you walk, cycle or drive you will enjoy the stunning views of the northern isles.

We look forward to seeing you when you visit Westray – Edwin, Elaine and Rosemary.

Opening hours:

June – September. Mon, Wed, Thurs, Frid, Sat 1pm – 5pm (closed Tuesday and Sunday)
Winter. Wednesday and Saturday 1pm – 5pm
Closed January and February

Find more information on our website!  www.wheeling-steen.co.uk

We’re also on Facebook at – https://www.facebook.com/wheelingsteengallery

Enquiries

[contact-form-7]Wheeling Steen Gallery
Westray
Orkney
KW17 2DN

01857 677292

High quality hostel accommodation with excellent self-catering and lounge facilities.

Situated near Pierowall village. Superb views over Pierowall Bay.

Ideal base for exploring Westray. Warm welcome guaranteed.

Enquiries

[contact-form-7]The Barn Hostel Westray
Michael & Teenie Harcus
Chalmersquoy Accommodation
Westray
Orkney

01857 677214