Westray and Papa Westray have much to offer the visitor interested in either natural or archaeological history.
In Westray
The Heritage Centre is a "must see" starting point for anyone interested in Westray's past. Situated in the centre of Pierowall village The Heritage Centre is a Visit Scotland 4 Star Visitor Attraction.
The photograph right shows the Quoygrew Norse Settlement site.
Inside there is an an annual display plus permanent exhibition panels on walls, and a simulated geo with model seabirds and authentic bird sounds. There are also interactive displays which will attract youngsters. Many records of the island’s history and gravestone records available to browse.
Over the years the Heritage Centre has built up a large collection of black and white photos of historic significance, collated the kirk yard records from the island’s three cemeteries and gathered memories of past activities in Westray e.g. schools, kirks, sports, sea transport, Noup Head lighthouse, royal visits, fishing, crafts, World Wars 1 and 2, and the Heritage Trust continues to research a fresh subject each year.
In the Heritage Centre there is now a database of many local families dating back to early 17th Century and the Trust has published a number of books and booklets on local subjects.
There are now two new sections on the Centre's web site, taking visitors to Noltland Castle and Westray's milestones. Both these sections are in the process of construction and are being updated as and when information is available.
Admission is £2 per person with concessions at £1.50, or you may choose to become a friend of the Heritage Centre for an annual fee of £6 per household (or £3 retired) or a lifetime member for £60 (or £30 retired).
The Heritage Trust has its own web site at www.westrayheritage.co.uk
In Papa Westray
Papay has five principle ancient and historic monuments:
STONE AGE- THE KNAP OF HOWAR. The earliest standing dwellings in north-west Europe were occupied by neolithic farmers. Local stone, easily split to form large flagstones, is ingeniously used to make room partitions, cupboards and hearths.
BRONZE AGE-
The Island’s dead were buried separately in small circular mounds to be found on the North Hill. Burnt mounds were associated with kitchens.
IRON AGE-
Part of a huge settlement can be seen in the eroding cliff face to the west of ST BONIFACE CHURCH.
PICTISH AND EARLY CHRISTIAN-
Triduana (Tredwell), one of the saints associated with Pictland, is said to have traveled north with St Boniface in 710 AD. King Nechtan fell in love with her and praised her beautiful eyes; to spare him from temptation and to preserve her chastity she is said to have torn her eyes out and presented them to him skewered on a thorn branch. Waters associated with Triduana, such as the Loch of St Tredwell, were thought to cure eye diseases. ST TREDWELL’S CHAPEL was an important pilgrimage centre. ST BONIFACE’S CHURCH, founded in the 8th century, recalls the arrival of Christianity in Orkney. The main fabric of the former parish church is 12th century.
EARLY NORSE-
There are few conspicuous reminders of Papay’s Norse connections. FARM MOUNDS have certainly a very restricted distribution, the most significant being in Arctic Norway, and NAUSTS may have sheltered bea”hed longships. Papay’s most obvious link with the Viking age is the “hog-backed” stone in St Boniface churchyard. The Orkneyinga Saga states that Earl Rognvald Brusason, was buried on the island, but not where. Perhaps this stone, in the shape of a Norse house, is a clue.
Islanders recall being told the stone came from the beach and was laid over a witch’s grave to make it secure.
A permanent exhibition of Westray's history, flora and fauna can be seen here next to the Pierowall Hotel. In addition to the permanent exhibition, each year sees a new exhibition on a specific local topic. Local crafts can be purchased; coffee, limited opening hours. Now has an extensive database of churchyards and houses and a growing genealogy section.