To really appreciate the beauty of Rousay, it is advised to spend an evening on the island. Due to the last ferry leaving the island at 5.30pm, many people leave with the regret of not being able to cram everything into the day! However, we do have many people who return, even from as far afield as America.
Rousay (from the Old Norse Hrolfs-oy meaning Rolfs Island) is a small hilly island about 2 miles from the Orkney mainland. Archaeological evidence has shown that Rousay has been inhabited during every stage in the history of mankind.
Due its tremendous archaeological diversity and importance it has been nicknamed ‘the Egypt of the North’ and large parts of the island are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
The best known of these sites has to be Midhowe broch and chambered cairn. Constructed and used between 200BC and 200AD as a defensive structure for a close lying village it still stands proudly looking out over the mythical island of Eynhallow.
Midhowe is also the starting point for the Westness Walk, described as the most important archaeological mile in Scotland it spans settlements from the first Stone Age settlers, the Pictish Iron Age, the Viking invaders, the period of the Earls and the troubled crofting times.
Rousay's richest habitats are its moors (with birds such as Red-throated Divers, Hen Harriers and Merlins) and its maritime heaths which are home to colonies of Arctic Terns and Arctic Skuas while, in addition, the western cliffs hold considerable colonies of Guillemots, Kittiwakes and Fulmars. In contrast, Egilsay is famed for its wetlands, with many breeding ducks and waders, and its traditionally managed farmland which has allowed that increasingly rare species, the Corncrake to survive. Seven calling Corncrakes were present in 1997 and a reserve, newly acquired by the RSPB, is being managed specifically with their needs in mind.
There is also a large population of Seals and Otters on Rousay. The Seals can be seen most often at Saviskaill Bay but the Otters tend to be more elusive!
Trumland House is a Jacobean style mansion situated above the Pier, designed by David Bryce and finished in 1876. Burroughs, known as the ‘Little General’, created such difficulties for crofters that he gained a reputation of being the worst landlord in Orkney. His efforts resulted in troubled times and shaped the recent history of the Island. Since that time the house has had a number of owners and became increasing run down due to ever increasing costs. In 1985 workmen were called in to repair the roof. They camped out in the house and one night the ghost of the Little General was clearly seen. The following night the roof caught fire and considerable damage was done to the house. The house and gardens are in the process of being restored to former splendour, and the gardens are now open to the public May to October, Monday to Friday.
For those who have an interest in discovering about the past, for those who believe history can teach us what we need to know about the future, for those who simply stand in awe at the achievements of our ancestors when confronted with it face to face, visit these islands and let your imagination take you back to a time when the world was a much bigger place.
For those wanting a more structured introduction to Rousay why not get in touch with Rousay tours and taxi's who provide a comprehensive tour of the island as well as a general taxi service.