Rousay

The Scottish island of Rousay ( Old Norse Hrolfs -ey - Rolfs island, medieval and Rauland ) belongs to the northern Orkneys. It is separated by 2-4 km wide Eynhallow sound, which is named after the now uninhabited island in the Strait, the main island of Mainland.

The 10 km long and up to 8.5 km wide island has an area of 48.4 km ². Blotchnie Fiold is 250 meters the highest mountain. Most of the roughly 200 residents live on scattered farms, a " capital " does not exist. The main economic activities are, like most of the small Orkney Islands agriculture, fisheries and tourism.

The island with its bogs and lakes is a haven for birds that are rare in the rest of the UK. On Rousay there is nature and bird reserves, which can be explored on marked trails. They are like those of the neighboring islands Egilsay and Wyre supervised by the Trumland reserve.

Prehistory

Rousay is the location of tombs from the Neolithic period. Particularly noteworthy is the two-storey passage tomb Taversoe Tuick. Near the plant Black Hammer Midhowe and the Knowe of Yarso are ( enclosed or provided with a modern concrete roofing).

At the entrance of Eynhallow sounds is under a protective Hall the 23 m, grave of Midhowe. Next to it, on the flat cliffs lies the 4.5 m high Broch of Midhowe, one of the better-preserved Iron Age tower structures of the Orkneys.

The Yetnasteen and the grave of Bigland Round lie at the foot of Faraclett Head to the northeast of the island.

In addition to other stone and Bronze Age remains are evidence of Rousay 's recent history, the ruins of the church of St. Mary's Church and the stately mansions Trumland House and West Ness House.

Infrastructure

From the pier in Brinian in the southwest of the island there is a regular ferry service to Tingwall on Mainland and the smaller neighboring islands Wyre and Egilsay. There are places to stay. All attractions listed here are close to the most leading along the coast about 30 km long road.