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Rousay
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Rousay is an island within the Orkney Islands, in the North of Scotland.
It is the sixth largest island in Orkney, at 11,937 acres, and has a population of approximately 229.
The name 'Rousay' comes from the Old Norse, 'Hrólfs-øy' (meaning 'Rolf's Island'). Orkney was under Norse rule from the 800s until 1486 - when it was subsequently
surrendered to Scotland - with the name 'Hrólfs' a common first name for Norsemen. In the late 1300s, the name developed into 'Rollesay', before becoming 'Rolsay' in the 1400s,
and into the more familiar, 'Rowsay' in the early 1500s, with the island finally first referred to as 'Rousay' in the year 1549.
Rousay has been nicknamed 'The Egypt of the North' due to its richness in archaeological sites - a total of 166, including Midhowe Broch and Cairn, an immensely popular tourist
destination.
There are also many designated walks on the island, such as Faraclett Head Walk, from which you can see a
number of varied species of bird, including the Arctic Tern - a seabird which can live for up to 30 years, feeding on a diet of fish and other small sea creatures.
There is so much to see on Rousay, that you may want to stay overnight. There are a number of places for
visitors to stay, including B&Bs, a hostel, and self-catering accommodation. And if you want to try some local food, you are welcome to eat at
The Taversoe - a 3-star Inn with an on-site restaurant and public bar - or at the
The Pier - a restaurant and public bar situated at the Ferry Terminal.
Picnic lunches are also available from both The Taversoe and The Pier.
Rousay is a very self-sufficient island, with a
Grocery Shop,
Primary School,
Doctor's Surgery,
Post Office,
Fitness Centre,
and Church, as well as
Restaurants/Pubs, Builders, Gardening Services, Hairdressers, a Fuel Station and a Haulier/Refuse Collector. Rousay also has a Fire Station, the services of which are shared between
Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre, as is the Ambulance. Orkney Ferries continues to provide regular ferry sailings between Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre, and Tingwall, with RAFT Services providing
public transport on Rousay. Orkney's Mobile Library continues to make monthly visits. There are also many social
groups and activities on the island, including: an Over-60s Lunch Club, Badminton and Table Tennis, Youth Club, Womens Activity Group (WAG), Folk/Circle Dancing, Yoga Classes,
Clay Pigeon Shooting, Spinning Group, Film Showings, and loads more; you're welcome to join in the fun!
Due to its close proximity to the Mainland of Orkney, Rousay residents are able to make use of the many services elsewhere in Orkney too - there's shops, dentists, vets, butchers,
supermarkets, a cinema, a leisure centre, many sports facilities, swimming pools, and plenty more!
Please click on an image below, to read more about each of the five districts on Rousay.
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