Egilsay

Egilsay is a small island in the Orkney archipelago of northern Scotland, noted for the ruined 12th-century St Magnus Church located on the island.

The island’s main highlight is the single medieval church ruin and the surrounding agricultural and coastal landscape. The shoreline and low-lying interior give a compact, easy-to-walk island experience with simple coastal scenery rather than formal visitor facilities.

Egilsay is historically significant because Magnus Erlendsson, later venerated as St Magnus, was killed on the island in 1116; the surviving church dates from the 12th century and commemorates that event. The island has retained a largely rural, Norse-influenced character through the medieval and modern periods.

Egilsay sits within the Orkney Islands north of mainland Scotland, among the small islands of the northern archipelago. It lies close to other small Orkney islands and is reached by local island boat services or private craft from nearby islands.

• St Magnus Church: One of Orkney's best-preserved small medieval church ruins, dating from the 12th century and closely linked to the saga of St Magnus.

What to See #

• St Magnus Church: 12th-century Romanesque church ruin on the island associated with the killing of Magnus Erlendsson in 1116; the nave and chancel remains are visible and form the island's principal historic monument.