Eday tourist information

The small island of Eday lies at the very centre of the north Orkney isles, and is a tranquil place of rolling farmland, moor and beautiful coastal scenery.

These landscapes support a great variety of wildlife, and the rocky cliffs and sandy beaches are home to seabirds, otter and seals, while offshore whale and dolphin can be seen. There is a dedicated ranger on the island who arranges guided walks, rockpooling and other activities.

In common with the other islands, Eday is particularly rich in ancient remains, from a wealth of Neolithic stones and burial sites, to Norse ruins and abandoned churches and crofts (farms). One of these is the Red House, a 19th century croft undergoing restoration. The site welcomes visitors and there is also a cafe open in the summer months. The 17th century Laird's residence of Carrick House is also open in season.

One of the best known monuments is the Setter Stone, a prehistoric megalith shaped like a giant hand, and at 4.5m tall one of Orkney's largest. You can learn more about the history and wildlife of this fascinating island at the Eday Heritage and Visitor Centre.