Eday

Eday is one of the islands in the Orkney archipelago, off the northeastern coast of mainland Scotland, and is a sparsely populated, agricultural island. The island’s landscape comprises moorland, coastal cliffs and bays with a largely rural character.

Settlement is dispersed in small hamlets and crofting communities, and local services are limited; many visitors come for walking, birdwatching and quiet coastal scenery rather than built attractions. There are ferry connections to other Orkney islands and the Mainland, which provide the primary public access.

Archaeological traces from prehistoric and Norse periods occur across Orkney islands including Eday, reflecting long-term human settlement and land use. Land use on Eday today remains dominated by grazing and small-scale agriculture.

Eday sits in the northern part of the Orkney island group, north of the Orkney Mainland; the island is reached by short ferry crossings from other islands in the archipelago.

• Ferry connections: Regular Orkney Ferries services operate between Eday and neighbouring islands and the Orkney Mainland; schedules vary seasonally and are important for access.