We took a short ferry ride from Kirkwall to the Island of Shapinsay. We haven’t been to the island since the summer of 1985. Not much has changed, but we did visit a couple of new places.
We first stopped at the Burroughston Broch. It was first excavated in 1862. The site overlooks the North Sea on the northeast part of Shapinsay. Burroughston Broch is still well-preserved. The drystone walls are up to four metres thick in some parts and there is a complete chamber intact off the entrance passage. Some remains of stone fittings are evident in the interior.
We then travelled to a beach at the very north end of Shapinsay that is well know for Otters. Unfortunately, they were very camera shy, but we sent some time enjoying the sunshine and hunting for sea shells on the beach.
We had to head back to the pier head to be on time for our ferry back to Kirkwall and I got some great pictures of Balfour Castle and the village.
