Faray Island
Small Orkney island noted for seabird colonies
A small island in Orkney, Faray attracts boat trips and birdwatchers for its seabird colonies, coastal cliffs and quiet walks across peat and grassland.
Faray at a Glance#
About Faray#
Faray is a small, uninhabited island in Orkney, Scotland. It lies within the northern island group off the northeastern coast of mainland Scotland.
The island offers natural, undeveloped terrain with rough grassland and coastal cliffs that support seabird colonies. There are no visitor facilities, and visits are primarily by private boat for wildlife observation.
Faray was occupied in past centuries but has been uninhabited in modern times; like many small Orkney islands it was shaped by crofting and maritime activities historically.
Positioned in Orkney between the larger islands of Westray and Eday, Faray is part of the Orkney archipelago off Scotland’s northern coast.
- Uninhabited island: Uninhabited and reached only by private boat; seabird colonies and rough grassland make it of interest to naturalists.
How to Get to Faray#
Access by private boat from Orkney mainland ports; check local operators and weather forecasts.
Tips for Visiting Faray#
- Check local ferry timetables as services to small Orkney islands can be infrequent and weather-dependent.
- Bring warm layers even in summer - sea winds make island conditions cooler than mainland Scotland.
Best Time to Visit Faray#
Late spring to early autumn is the easiest time to visit small islands in Orkney for transport and wildlife.
Weather & Climate near Faray#
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1083 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 3° - 7° | 1° | 114 mm | overcast | 83% | 8.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
| February | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 87 mm | overcast | 83% | 8.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.0h |
| March | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 99 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | 4° - 8° | 2° | 68 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.6 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.3h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 10° | 5° | 50 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.8h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 12° | 7° | 54 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 18.2h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 14° | 12° | 60 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.5h |
| August | Acceptable | 10° - 15° | 12° | 74 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.3h |
| September | Poor | 9° - 13° | 11° | 103 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 11° | 6° | 121 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 10.0h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 9° | 3° | 132 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| December | Poor | 4° - 8° | 2° | 121 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.9h |
