Egilsay Island

Address: Egilsay, Orkney Islands, Scotland, UK

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.

Egilsay is one of the Orkney islands and is served by Orkney Ferries from Kirkwall (the main ferry/town pier). Ferries to the northern isles call at the small piers serving Egilsay (check the Orkney Ferries timetable for the exact route and seasonal sailings). Kirkwall’s ferry terminal and harbour are a short walk from the town centre and Kirkwall railway is not applicable (Orkney is reached by air or ferry from mainland Scotland).

• Check Orkney Ferries timetables and weather forecasts before travelling-schedules can be limited and crossings are weather-dependent.
• There are almost no visitor services on Egilsay; plan time to walk to the St Magnus church ruins and bring everything you need for the short visit, leaving no trace on farmland and shoreline.