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 Tourist Information Centre.