Shapinsay
Island Orkney island with historical sites and rural landscapes
An Orkney island with Neolithic remains and the Broch of Burroughston, a small Balfour estate house and quiet single-track roads popular with cyclists and birdwatchers.
Shapinsay is one of the Orkney Islands off the northeast coast of Scotland, characterized by low farmland, scattered settlements and a small permanent population. The island has a mix of agricultural land, coastal views and a few notable buildings.
Its most prominent landmark is the 19th-century country house known as Balfour Castle, set within landscaped grounds and visible from the main harbour. The island also contains archaeological remains typical of Orkney, including prehistoric and Norse-period sites.
The modern settlement pattern and land use on Shapinsay are dominated by farming and small-scale tourism rather than dense urban development. Ferry services link the island to Kirkwall on Mainland Orkney, which is the local transport hub.
Shapinsay lies in Scapa Flow northeast of Mainland Orkney; the short ferry crossing from Kirkwall is the usual access route. The island’s coastline and low interior make it distinct from the higher, more rugged northern isles.
- Access and character: Served mainly as agricultural land with a small resident population and is reached by a short ferry from Mainland Orkney via Kirkwall.
What to See #
- Balfour Castle: Balfour Castle, a 19th-century country house in castellated style set in gardens and parkland on the island, visible from the ferry and coastal approaches.
How to Get to Shapinsay #
Shapinsay is reached by ferry from Kirkwall on Mainland Orkney; Orkney Ferries operates regular sailings from Kirkwall Pier to Shapinsay (crossing time typically around 20-30 minutes). Kirkwall is reachable by scheduled flights (Loganair) from mainland Scotland or by road from mainland ferry ports; the ferry terminal in Kirkwall is a short walk from the town centre (5-10 minutes) and the Shapinsay pier is a short walk into the main settlement (Balfour) once you disembark.
Tips for Visiting Shapinsay #
- Take the morning ferry from Kirkwall to Shapinsay to arrive with the day's first light and quieter lanes; the ferry lands at Balfour Pier close to the island's main sights.
- Rent a bike or hire local transport on arrival - the island's short distances and very low traffic make cycling the quickest way to see multiple sites in a single day.
- Many visitors concentrate on Balfour Castle; walk or cycle the quieter northern and western coastal tracks for seabird viewing and far fewer people, and consider staying overnight to enjoy dusk and dawn wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Shapinsay #
Late spring through summer (May-August) is the best time to visit Shapinsay for milder weather, long daylight and regular ferry service.
Weather & Climate near Shapinsay #
Shapinsay's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1082 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (128 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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