Hoy, the second largest island of the chain, lies to the south west of Scapa Flo thus making the western wall, if you like, of the great haven. There are a few villages on the west side of the island but most of the bigger ones are all to the east, Longhope and Lyness being the two main ones. Hoy is known as the 'high island' because unlike most of the other islands, which are low lying, this one stands out because of its height.

Longhope is a quiet little village surrounded by fertile farmland and sits on the south side of North Bay. The village is pehaps better known for its lifeboat station which covers this area and its unpredictable waters. In 1969 the station lost the 8-man crew of its boat whilst trying to help a stricken ship. The gratitude we owe these brave men, up and down the land, who selflessly give their all to help others can never be quantified.
To the south there are two towers built as warning stations against the incursions of American warships and privateers during the NapoleonicWars.

Lyness to the north was a base of the Royal Navy up until 1957 when it was closed. Today it is a centre for visitors. Close by is the Naval Cemetery which attracts many visitors. The village has a new a ferry terminal serving the other islands.

Further north we can see that famous edifice 'the Old Man of Hoy' that hundreds of rockclimbers attempt to personally conquer and when you see it one wonders at the madness of one even trying, for such is the magnitude of the thing. There is an ancient tomb nearby that has been cut out of the rock making it the only one of its type in Britain. For whatever reason its called the 'Dwarfie Stane'. Hoy village is a nice little place typical of these islands. The shops serve the local community and tourists alike with the usual island hospitality.

The island offers some good fishing, ancient sites, museums, birdlife and some great walks.

Travel is by bus or car.
For tourists from abroad the nearest airports are Kirkwall. Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Wick all connect to Kirkwall.

Ferry service to Hoy is via Stromness which is about 40 minutes from Kirkwall by bus or taxi.

A Tourist Board Brochure is freely available from this site.

Comments or photos to improve this page most welcome.

back to top

Hom

e