Saturday, March 5, 2011

Sanday, Orkney - Seals, Waders and Skylarks

By Edward J. Brightlingsea


Sanday is a beautiful island in Orkney's 'Northern Isles' off the Northern coast of Scotland. It is a place of unique charm and character. Sanday literally means 'sandy' in Norse. This has given the island some fantastic beaches. You can literally have mile after mile of white sand to yourself, even in high summer. The ocean is clean and clear and divers will appreciate Sanday's incredible kelp forests. The island's wildlife includes large colonies of grey seals containing a high proportion of the UK's entire population of these beautiful animals. Spring and summer find thousands of birds breeding in the fields and you can easily see the chicks of curlew, lapwing, snipe and oystercatcher as skylarks soar overhead. Throughout the year the beaches the beaches harbour countless waders on their migrations - Sanday is a year round bird watching paradise. The island's fly fishing is legendary, boasting some of the largest trout found in Orcadian waters. Visitors often can't believe the fly fishing is free!

Archaeology, from prehistoric times|, up to and including world war two abounds on Sanday. Though not as large as its Mainland cousins, Quoyness is still an accessible example of a chambered cairn. 1985 saw the discovery of an amazing Viking boat burial at Scar. On the island you will find farms on strange mounds - these are heaps of waste from continuous habitation of the site over thousands of years. The imposing remains of a Victorian 'model' farm can be found at Stove, complete with a huge steam engine shed and chimney. Abandoned or converted kirks and schools evidence former religious fervour and the beginning of universal schooling. A positional battery at Colligarth and a fine Victorian drill hall and instructors cottage are evidence of the Volunteer movement on Sanday. The B98, a World War 1 German destroyer can still be seen in the form of two boilers and turbines on the beach at the Bay of Lopness. You can visit the remains of two World War Two air defence radar stations at Whale Head and Lettan at the North end of the island.

There are lots of activities on the island, even if you choose not to participate in the island's thriving social calendar. The Sanday Ranger runs events throughout the summer for visitors and locals alike themed on Sanday's amazing natural and archaeological heritage.

A complete network of well planned walks awaits the keen walker or anyone wanting a casual stroll on the island. An excellent Walking Guide is available from shops, post offices and hotels throughout the island. Our island's weather, however can be changeable, so even take packable waterproofs, even on the sunniest of days! Kettletoft has two hotels a great general store, a butcher's and a garage. There are also shops at Lady and Roadside.

Sanday, above all, is a getaway. Visit to experience real peace and quiet under big skies. The milky way is astonishing in the dark skies of the Northern Isles. Take a few afternoons to walk our beautiful island's amazing beaches and listen to the calls of countless birds and seals. Bring a friend or spouse for the ideal relaxing retreat.




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