Sanday is one of the beautiful islands that make up Orkney's 'Northern Isles'. Sanday's character is quiet and well natured. This is a green low lying island whose sands give it its name. Sanday has some of the best beaches in Orkney. You can literally have miles of white sand to yourself, even in high summer. The island's clean, clear waters contain a wealth of marine life in their impressive kelp forests. There are many hundreds of grey seals in the surrounding waters and they will follow you up and down the beach calling as they go. Spring and summer in Sanday see thousands of birds in the fields and you can easily see the young of curlew, lapwing and oystercatcher as skylarks sing overhead. There are seasonal migrations of waders with Orkney being in a strategic position on many migration routes. The fly fishers among you will discover Sanday has some of the finest trout in Orkney. Visitors often can't believe the fly fishing is free!
Archaeology, from prehistoric times, up to and including world war two abounds. There is a fine and accessible chambered cairn at Quoyness - warning, not for the claustrophobic! 1985 saw the discovery of an amazing Viking boat burial at Scar. Around the island you will see farms on strange mounds - these are heaps of waste from continuous habitation of the site over thousands of years. At Stove you will see the ruins of an impressive Victorian model farm with a massive engine shed and chimney. As religion has wanted and schooling has been centralised, the countryside is littered with former Kirks and schools. A positional battery at Colligarth and a fine Victorian drill hall and instructors cottage in Lady Village are evidence of the Artillery Volunteer movement and Territorial Force on Sanday. In the aftermath of World War One, a surrendered German destroyer, the B98, parted its tow and ran aground in the Bay of Lopness - two of its boilers and turbines can be seen to this day at low tide. Whale Head and Lettan contain the remains of two WW2 and early post war air defence radar sites, complete with bunkers.
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 rambler or anyone wanting a casual stroll on the island. An excellent Walking Guide is available from shops, post offices and hotels throughout the island. However, the island has very unpredictable weather - the islander's sometimes refer to this as 'four seasons in a day'! Kettletoft has two hotels, an amazingly well stocked general store, a butcher(!) and a garage. Lady also has a village shop as does Roadside.
Sanday is an ideal place for a relaxing retreat. At night you can see the milky way as no city dweller can enjoy it. Walk the endless sandy beaches and dunes and listen to the seabirds and seals. Bring your family to the island and discover a slower pace of life.
Archaeology, from prehistoric times, up to and including world war two abounds. There is a fine and accessible chambered cairn at Quoyness - warning, not for the claustrophobic! 1985 saw the discovery of an amazing Viking boat burial at Scar. Around the island you will see farms on strange mounds - these are heaps of waste from continuous habitation of the site over thousands of years. At Stove you will see the ruins of an impressive Victorian model farm with a massive engine shed and chimney. As religion has wanted and schooling has been centralised, the countryside is littered with former Kirks and schools. A positional battery at Colligarth and a fine Victorian drill hall and instructors cottage in Lady Village are evidence of the Artillery Volunteer movement and Territorial Force on Sanday. In the aftermath of World War One, a surrendered German destroyer, the B98, parted its tow and ran aground in the Bay of Lopness - two of its boilers and turbines can be seen to this day at low tide. Whale Head and Lettan contain the remains of two WW2 and early post war air defence radar sites, complete with bunkers.
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 rambler or anyone wanting a casual stroll on the island. An excellent Walking Guide is available from shops, post offices and hotels throughout the island. However, the island has very unpredictable weather - the islander's sometimes refer to this as 'four seasons in a day'! Kettletoft has two hotels, an amazingly well stocked general store, a butcher(!) and a garage. Lady also has a village shop as does Roadside.
Sanday is an ideal place for a relaxing retreat. At night you can see the milky way as no city dweller can enjoy it. Walk the endless sandy beaches and dunes and listen to the seabirds and seals. Bring your family to the island and discover a slower pace of life.
About the Author:
Backaskaill is a charming Sanday bed and breakfast run by Jane and Geoff who moved to Sanday to start a alternative to Sanday self catering focused on providing excellent customer service. Geoff is a trained chef and offers quality local produce and fine cuisine including vegetarian. Well behaved pets are most welcome.
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