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Papa Westray - Papay to locals - is one of the most northerly islands in the Orkney group. Around four miles long and a mile or so wide, Papay has been described as Orkney in miniature with archaeology, bird life, cliffs, sandy beaches, seals and wonderful walks. The short Islander hop from Westray to Papay (under 2 minutes, if the wind is right) is listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the shortest scheduled flight anywhere in the world. Getting to Papa Westray - There are at least two 2 flights a day from Kirkwall (one on Sundays) and 2 direct ferries each week. In summer frequent links to Westray link with daily ferries from Kirkwall. Papa Westray has the oldest standing domestic structure in Northern Europe: the Knap of Howar, dating back almost six thousand years. There is also a neolithic chambered cairn on the Holm of Papay and numerous other smaller neolithic and bronze age burial structures and 'burnt mounds'. The kirk at St Boniface dates from the 12th century and is built on the Munkerhoose settlement which was probably a Pictish bishopric and power centre in Orkney. On the North Hill, the RSPB bird reserve is a major breeding site and colonies of Arctic Terns and Fulmars nest elsewhere on Papay. |
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The islanders have formed a Development Trust under the Scottish Executive's Initiative at the Edge programme. You can read the development plan. The island has a tiny population these days, but in the last century hundreds lived in stone farmhouses such as Hinsobrae (pictured before renovation). Trace your ancestors: |
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