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South Ronaldsay

Island

South Ronaldsay, an Orkney island linked by causeways, attracts coastal walkers and birdwatchers to its fishing villages such as St. Margaret's Hope, sandy bays, and low-lying shoreline drives.

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In this guide

South Ronaldsay essentials

Country: United Kingdom
Driest months: May-Jul
Pay in: Pound (£)
Language: English

South Ronaldsay at a Glance

About South Ronaldsay

South Ronaldsay is an island within the Orkney archipelago, off the northeast coast of Scotland, notable for its archaeological sites and wartime causeways. It forms the southern part of the Orkney group and is linked to neighbouring islands and the Orkney Mainland by the Churchill Barriers.

Key attractions include prehistoric burial sites and coastal archaeology, most famously the Tomb of the Eagles, along with wartime heritage associated with the construction of the barriers. The nearby Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, created by Italian prisoner-of-war labourers during World War II, is frequently visited as part of the barriers route.

The Churchill Barriers were built during the Second World War and remain in use as road links between islands. The island’s landscape mixes farmland, rocky coastline and sandy bays with scattered settlements and local services.

South Ronaldsay sits in the southern Orkney group, southeast of Kirkwall, and is reached by road via the causeways that form the Churchill Barriers from the Orkney Mainland.

  • Access: The island is part of the Orkney archipelago and is connected to the Mainland of Orkney by the Churchill Barriers, making it accessible by road rather than ferry.
  • Heritage highlights: Important archaeological sites from the Neolithic and Bronze Age are concentrated around the island’s coastline and are the main draw for heritage visitors.

What to See#

  • Tomb of the Eagles: A Neolithic chambered tomb on the island’s east coast containing human remains and artefacts dating to around 3000-2000 BC, now presented to visitors in an on-site visitor centre.
  • Churchill Barriers: A series of WWII-era causeways known as the Churchill Barriers link the island to neighbouring islands and the Orkney Mainland; these were constructed during the 1940s.
  • Italian Chapel (nearby): The well-known Italian Chapel is located on nearby Lamb Holm, built by Italian prisoner-of-war labourers during World War II and now a listed visitor site accessible via the barriers.

Tips for Visiting South Ronaldsay

  • Make time to visit the Tomb of the Eagles, the island's best-known archaeological site; check its opening times before you go as they are seasonal and limited.
  • Drive the Churchill Barriers that link South Ronaldsay to the Orkney Mainland and plan a low-tide stop along the coast to see exposed skerries and intertidal wildlife - tides strongly affect what you can see on the shore.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit South Ronaldsay

Late spring through early autumn (May-September) offers the mildest weather and best conditions for coastal walks and wildlife on South Ronaldsay.

Summer
Jun-Aug · 8-15°C
Warmest, sunniest period with the most birdlife and outdoor activity; longest daylight and the busiest time for visitors.
Spring/Autumn
Apr-May, Sep-Oct · 4-11°C
Cool, changeable weather with fewer tourists and good chances for quiet coastal walks and wildlife sightings.
Winter
Nov-Feb · 0-6°C
Chillier, windier and much quieter - good for solitude but expect shorter days and occasional stormy conditions.

Weather & Climate near South Ronaldsay

Climate

South Ronaldsay'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 (1062 mm/year), wettest in November.

Air Quality: AQI 20 Good
Best Time to Visit
MayJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
21°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor 2° - 7° -1° 111 mm overcast 83% 7.7 m/s 0.0 low 6.9h
February Poor 2° - 6° -1° 86 mm overcast 83% 7.4 m/s 0.1 low 9.1h
March Poor 2° - 7° 0° 98 mm overcast 83% 7.3 m/s 0.2 low 11.6h
April Poor 3° - 8° 2° 64 mm overcast 84% 6.3 m/s 0.6 moderate 14.2h
May Acceptable 5° - 11° 5° 53 mm overcast 84% 5.6 m/s 0.9 moderate 16.6h
June Acceptable 7° - 13° 10° 55 mm overcast 85% 5.3 m/s 1.1 high 17.9h
July Acceptable 9° - 15° 12° 61 mm overcast 86% 5.0 m/s 1.1 high 17.2h
August Acceptable 10° - 15° 12° 73 mm overcast 86% 5.0 m/s 0.8 moderate 15.1h
September Poor 8° - 13° 11° 100 mm overcast 85% 6.1 m/s 0.4 low 12.6h
October Poor 6° - 11° 5° 117 mm overcast 84% 6.8 m/s 0.2 low 10.0h
November Poor 4° - 9° 2° 127 mm overcast 84% 7.1 m/s 0.0 low 7.6h
December Poor 3° - 7° 0° 117 mm overcast 83% 7.2 m/s 0.0 low 6.2h