Exploring Eday: Sustainable Community and Natural Beauty

Positioned centrally among Orkney's North Isles, Eday offers a unique blend of dramatic natural landscapes, significant archaeological sites, and pioneering renewable energy projects. Quieter than its neighbours Westray or Sanday, Eday provides a tranquil escape with a strong sense of community resilience and a forward-looking approach to sustainability. From towering red cliffs and vast peat bogs to ancient standing stones and world-leading tidal energy technology, explore the diverse attractions of this fascinating island.

Eday's Landscape: Moorland, Cliffs, and Lochs

Eday's geography is distinct within Orkney:

• Shape & Terrain: A long, narrow island (approx. 8.7 miles long) 'nipped at the waist' in the middle. Much of the interior is covered by heather moorland and peat bog, rising to Ward Hill (101m / 331ft) in the centre.
• Coastline: Features dramatic red sandstone cliffs, particularly at Red Head on the northern tip, which hosts seabird colonies. Sheltered bays and inlets punctuate the coastline.
• Mill Loch: The island's largest freshwater loch, located centrally, is a haven for birdlife, including red-throated divers.
• Geology: Primarily composed of Eday Sandstone (part of the Old Red Sandstone group), giving the cliffs their characteristic colour. Peat deposits formed over millennia cover much of the island's interior.

Echoes of the Past: Archaeology on Eday

Eday holds important clues to Orkney's long human history:

• Stone of Setter: Orkney's tallest standing stone, an impressive weathered monolith over 4.5 metres (15 ft) high, likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age. It stands dramatically on the moorland in the north of the island.
• Chambered Cairns: Several significant Neolithic tombs are found on Eday, including:
  • Vinquoy Chambered Cairn: A well-preserved Maeshowe-type tomb with a main chamber and four side cells, located on Vinquoy Hill with commanding views.
  • Huntersquoy Chambered Cairn: A rare example of a two-story Neolithic tomb.
  • Braeside Chambered Cairn: Another stalled cairn accessible to visitors.
• Carrick House: A 17th-century laird's house with a turbulent history, most famously associated with the capture of pirate John Gow in 1725. Later home to physicist Balfour Stewart.
• Castle of Stackel Brae: The ruins of a Norse stronghouse located on a coastal promontory, gradually being eroded by the sea.
• Green Farm Settlement: Ongoing excavations near Calf Sound are revealing a multi-period site with Neolithic structures and artefacts.

Pioneering Sustainability: Renewable Energy Hub

Eday plays a crucial role in Orkney's world-renowned renewable energy sector:

• Community Wind Turbine: Eday Renewable Energy operates a large (900kW) community-owned wind turbine, generating income that supports local projects and development.
• EMEC Tidal Test Site: The powerful tidal streams in the Fall of Warness, off Eday's coast, host the European Marine Energy Centre's (EMEC) grid-connected tidal energy test site. This is where cutting-edge tidal turbines from around the world are deployed and tested.
• Orbital O2 Turbine: The world's most powerful operational tidal turbine, developed by Orbital Marine Power, is currently deployed at the Fall of Warness site, feeding clean electricity into the grid.
• Green Hydrogen Production (Surf 'n' Turf): Eday was central to the pioneering Surf 'n' Turf project, which used surplus electricity from the community wind turbine and EMEC's tidal turbines to power a 500kW electrolyser on Eday, producing hydrogen gas. This hydrogen was then transported for use in Kirkwall.

Island Life and Amenities

• Community: Eday has a small but active population of around 130 residents. The Eday Partnership, the island's development trust, plays a key role in managing community assets and projects, including the wind turbine and heritage centre.
• Amenities: Services are centred around the island's main settlements and include a well-stocked community shop and post office (Millbounds), a primary school, and the Eday Heritage & Visitor Centre (located in a converted church), which also houses a hostel.
• Local Life: Farming (mainly livestock) and fishing remain important. Community events and activities help maintain a strong social fabric.

Wildlife Highlights

• Birdwatching: The Red Head cliffs host seabird colonies in summer. Mill Loch attracts wildfowl and waders. The moorland is home to birds of prey like hen harriers and short-eared owls.
• Seals: Both grey and common seals can be seen hauled out on skerries or swimming in the bays around the island.
• Coastal Walks: Offer the best opportunities for spotting wildlife and enjoying the island's natural beauty.

Getting To and Around Eday

• Ferry: Orkney Ferries operate regular roll-on, roll-off services from Kirkwall to Eday's ferry terminal at Backaland. The journey takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Booking is advisable, especially for vehicles.
• Flight: Loganair operates short flights (approx. 10-12 minutes) between Kirkwall Airport and Eday London Airport (EOI).
• Getting Around: Eday's roads are quiet. Bringing a car or bike on the ferry is recommended for exploring the dispersed sites. Walking parts of the Eday Heritage Trail is also popular.

To find relevant videos, search YouTube for "Exploring Eday Orkney" or "EMEC tidal energy Eday".

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eday best known for?

Eday is known for its important archaeological sites (like the Stone of Setter and chambered cairns), its role as a hub for renewable energy testing (especially tidal power at EMEC), and its tranquil, natural landscape.

Can I visit the EMEC tidal test site?

While you cannot access the turbines directly, there are viewpoints on Eday overlooking the Fall of Warness where you can see deployed devices from a distance (binoculars recommended).

Are there places to stay and eat on Eday?

Yes, accommodation includes a community hostel at the Heritage Centre and some self-catering options. Limited food options are available (community shop, potentially seasonal cafe - check locally).

Is Eday suitable for a day trip?

Yes, the ferry schedule usually allows for a day trip from Kirkwall, giving enough time to see key sites like the Stone of Setter and Carrick House, especially if using a bike or car.

Eday offers a compelling mix for visitors interested in archaeology, renewable energy, wildlife, and experiencing life in a forward-thinking island community. Its quiet charm and significant heritage make it a rewarding destination within the Orkney archipelago. Check Orkney Stays for accommodation options if planning an overnight visit.