Westray, Scottish island in Orkney archipelago, United Kingdom.
Westray is a Scottish island in the Orkney archipelago with high cliffs on its western side, golden sandy beaches, and the main village of Pierowall at its centre. The landscape rolls gently with grassland and moorland, dotted with scattered houses and farms across open terrain.
Human settlement here dates back to the Stone Age, with evidence of people living through Norse times and into the medieval period. Excavations have uncovered the foundations of old buildings that reveal how the population changed and adapted over thousands of years.
The heritage centre displays prehistoric carvings and figurines that show how early inhabitants expressed themselves through art. These objects reveal what the people who lived here valued and created with their own hands.
Getting to the island is easiest by ferry from Kirkwall to Rapness pier, though small aircraft also connect here regularly. Late spring through early autumn offers the longest daylight hours and the most comfortable weather for exploring.
The cliffs on the northwestern side become home to over 100,000 seabirds each summer, which nest together among the rocks and make for an extraordinary wildlife show. From certain viewing spots, you can watch thousands of birds moving in and out of the cliff face throughout the day.
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