St Margaret's Hope named after the Norwegian princess who, was betrothed to Edward II before he became king, but, died on the island whilst on the journey to meet her prince in the year 1290.

The village sits to the north of South Ronaldsay and is the ideal starting point for exploring the island. It's a smashing place renowned for it's eating establishments.
The village has two museums, namely the Wireless Museum dedicated to the men and women who served in the communications units during the war, and, the Smithy dedicated to that once vast trade.

At nearby Sands O' Right an annual event takes place where the locals lock horns in a ploughing contest which attracts good crowds. The beach is not bad either for a laze or some good sea angling. To the south lies two archealogical sites of interest, Wind Wick Bay and the Tomb of Eagles, both a must to see. A little further on we come to Burwick which is a lovely little ferry port with a connection to John O' Groats.

On the north side of St Margarets lies the village of St Mary's in the region known as Eastern Mainland. At the Norwood Museum a fine collection of antiques is on display. There's a chapel built by Italian prisoners during the war and recently restored, at Lamb Holm. At Mull Head there's a seabird colony of a wide variety which should enthuse the birdwatching ( I do mean the feathered variety ) fraternity.

Fishing, walking, cycling and boating are the attractions for the energetic whilst walking, sightseeing and good eating is there in abundance for the more refined amongst us.

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

Ferries to Burwick, South Ronaldsay leave from John O' Groats and ferries to Stromness leave from Scrabster and Aberdeen and on to South Ronaldsay by bus.

A Tourist Board Brochure is freely available from this site.

Comments or photos to improve this page most welcome.

back to top

Hom

e