Shapinsay tourist information

The peaceful crofting island of Shapinsay is found just north of the Orkney Mainland, and easily accessible by a short ferry trip.

With a more low-lying and gentle landscape than some of its neighbours, it is typified by farmland, moorland, marsh, inlets of salt water and beaches. There are good opportunities for wildlife-watching, particularly seals and wading bird species, such as those seen at the RSPB Mill Dam reserve.

In common with much of Orkney, Shapinsay has a number of interesting prehistoric sites, including standing stones and the Iron Age Burroughston Broch. More modern is Balfour Castle, built by the owners of the island in the mid-19th century.

The main village of Balfour was built as a planned community for the estate, and has local amenities as well as the Shapinsay Heritage Centre, which houses a craft shop and cafe.