The Area
Brecks is located in the heart of South Ronaldsay, Orkney.
The connection between the Mainland and South Ronaldsay as well as Burray was established through the construction of the Churchill Barriers in the 1940s. These barriers were primarily erected as naval defenses, aimed at safeguarding the anchorage at Scapa Flow during World War II.
The fourth and final Churchill Barrier linking Burray with South Ronaldsay now has an extensive stretch of sand on its eastern side, concealing the concrete blocks composing the causeway. This transformation has given rise to a splendid beach, offering abundant opportunities for observing wildlife in its natural habitat.
Other great beaches can be found at Sands Of Wright and Eastside.
Hoxa Head, located at the southern tip of the island, boasts stunning coastal scenery and panoramic views of the surrounding seas. The rugged cliffs and expansive vistas make it a haven for birdwatchers, with puffins, guillemots, and other seabirds making their homes along the coastline.
On your way to Burwick, a small village with a harbour on the southern tip of South Ronaldsay where in the summer you can also catch the the ferry to John O’ Groats on the Scottish Mainland, make a stop at Olad Summit Viewpoint for amazing panoramic views across Orkney.
Eat & Drink
Robertsons Coffeehoose & Bar in St Margaret’s Hope
The Murray Arms Hotel also in St Margaret’s Hope serves food and drink daily.
The Sands Hotel in Burray is very popular all year round for al a carte meals and bar suppers and has a beautiful conservatory overlooking the sea.
The Fossil Centre is run as a community cafe offers food daily and Fossil Visitor Centre and gift shop.
There are two grocery shops in St Margaret’s Hope: Doull’s and The Trading Post. The Trading post is also a Post Office which sells newspapers and magazines as well as a wide range of groceries. Doull’s is an Aladdin’s cave of groceries, household items, meat and bread and well worth a look around. The staff are very helpful and are always keen to provide visitors with any help or assistance they can providing local knowledge.
See & Do
You may be interested in the following places and events on South Ronaldsay;
Beautiful beaches among which are Sands Of Wright and Eastside Beach
The South Ronaldsay and Burray Agricultural Show in early August has a large variety of farm animals and pets as well as stalls from local clubs, food and entertainment for children. There is also a horticultural show the same day in the school next to the Show Park which has entries of vegetables, flowers, baking and crafts from people living in the area.
The Boys’ Ploughing Match and Parade of Horses in mid August is based at the Sands of Wright beach. The event dates back to the early 19th century.
The Hoxa Tapestry Gallery is popular featuring handwoven tapestries by local artist Leila Thomson.
The Workshop and Loft Gallery in St Margaret’s Hope is a knitwear and craft co-operative selling handmade knitwear and a variety of local crafts.
There is a nine hole golf course in the village as well as tennis courts, bowling green and a gym at the Community School.
Useful Links
TRAVELLING TO AND IN ORKNEY
- Northlink Ferries – Orkney and Shetland car ferries
- Pentland Ferries – Crossing to Orkney in under one hour
- Loganair – Flights to Orkney
- Orkney Ferries – Local ferry information
- The John O’ Groats to Orkney Ferry
TOURISM
- Visit Orkney – The official Visit Orkney tourism website
- Walk Orkney – A range of walks around Orkney with downloadable maps
- See Orkney – Orkney Tour Guide Service
FOOD & DRINK
- Sands Hotel – Located in Burray and very popular all year round for a la carte meals and bar suppers with beautiful conservatory overlooking the sea
- Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre – Fossil museum, gift shop and cafe offers lovely fresh lunches daily throughout the summer
- Robertsons Coffeehoose & Bar – St Margaret’s Hope
- The Murray Arms Hotel – St Margaret’s Hope
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
- Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre – Fossil museum, gift shop and cafe as well as WW1 and WW2 displays.
- The Italian Chapel – Catholic chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney, Scotland built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II
ARTS AND CRAFTS
- Hoxa Tapestries – Leila Thomson’s handwoven tapestries and studio
- Workshop and Loft Gallery – Craft producers’ co-operative in St Margaret’s Hope
- Orkney Arts and Crafts
LOCAL NEWS AND COMMUNITY
- The Orcadian – Daily news online
- Orkney Communities website – Information about local organisations, clubs etc.
- Orkneyjar – Dedicated to the preserving, exploring and documenting the ancient history, folklore and traditions of Orkney