Papa Westray Island

Address: Papa Westray, Orkney, Scotland, UK

Papa Westray is a small inhabited island in the Orkney archipelago of Scotland known for its archaeological sites and rural character. It is sparsely populated and retains strong links to Neolithic and Norse heritage.

Prehistoric monuments including the well-preserved Knap of Howar Neolithic dwellings, coastal birdlife and small local museums or interpretation points. The island is reached by ferry or by the short scheduled flight from neighbouring Westray.

The island has been occupied since the Neolithic period, as evidenced by the Knap of Howar, and later saw Norse settlement and traditional crofting communities through the medieval and modern periods. Archaeological remains attest to long-term human habitation.

Part of the Orkney Islands off the north coast of mainland Scotland, Papa Westray lies a short sea crossing from neighbouring Westray and is connected to the wider archipelago by ferry and air services.

• Shortest scheduled flight: Home to the world’s shortest scheduled airline flight between Papa Westray and Westray, a route of about 1.7 miles that typically lasts under two minutes.

What to See#

• Knap of Howar: The Knap of Howar is a pair of stone-built Neolithic farmhouses on the island, dated to around 3500-3100 BC and among the oldest preserved stone houses in northwestern Europe.

Papa Westray is one of the Orkney islands and has no road link to the Scottish mainland. The island is served by Loganair scheduled flights from Kirkwall (and by the extremely short inter‑island flight between Westray and Papa Westray). Orkney Ferries operates boat connections to Westray from Kirkwall, and onward connections to Papa Westray are available; schedules vary seasonally. The Papa Westray airstrip and ferry landing are a short walk into the main settlement (generally under 10 minutes).

• Check Loganair's Westray-Papa Westray timetable and book ahead if you want the famous short flight (often under a few minutes) or need a guaranteed return-schedules are limited and change seasonally.
• Plan visits in late spring and summer for long daylight and best chances to see seabirds and the island's archaeology; ferry services are also seasonal, so confirm crossings before you travel.
• Don't expect many facilities: services are minimal, so coordinate transfers and accommodation in advance and use a local contact to arrange guided walks to sites like the island's Neolithic remains.