Birsay

Ancient Capital of Orkney

*************

BIRSAY TODAY

  Now a parish of Orkney, Birsay was already ancient when it became the centre of Viking power in the days of Earl Thorfin of Saga fame. Orkneys' first cathedral was in Birsay, and St Magnus was buried here following his foul murder, c 1116. St. Magnus Church now stands on these foundations. Centuries later Earl Robert Stewart, bastard brother of King James V, built his palace here, testimony to the richness of the area. Today peace reigns over good farm land, fishing grounds, bird colonies, convenient services and quiet, beautiful scenery.

WHY COME TO BIRSAY?

  Birsay - in fact, all of Orkney - has been settled continuously since Neolithic times more than 5000 years ago, and Birsay has remains and reminders from every chapter of this long history. Earliest are the chambered cairns and standing stones; in the Iron Age tall stone towers called brochs were built for reasons still unknown. Later, the Picts lived here, as archaeologists have found from their house sites and workshops. Most famously, the Norse swept all before them, as place names and the ruins of buildings testify. The Norse blended with the incoming Scots leaving a record of activity up to the present day.

  Come to absorb the sense of continuity wrought by the evidence of this long history. Come to walk along the sea cliffs and across the open moorland while studying the bird life. Come to explore the archaeological treasures, or just to relax in the glow of the open sea and sky.

• Historic Birsay Today

• Birsay Heritage Trust

• Barony Mills

• Birsay in the Defence of Britain  

• Scenic Walks

• Craft Shops and Galleries

• Food, Accommodation and Services

• Getting Here

• Links

The BIRSAY HERITAGE TRUST was established in 1998 by the citizens of Birsay concerned that historically interesting sites are rapidly decaying or disappearing, and that living memory of these will soon fade.

BARONY MILLS is operated by the Trust for the Orkney Islands Council.  The Barony Mill produces stone ground Beremeal and oats during the winter months.  The Mill is open to the public for guided tours during the summer months.  Please check baronymill.com and Barony Mill on Facebook for latest updates and contacts.

BIRSAY IN WARTIME is a new initiative commemorating the role of the parish during the World Wars.  Undertakings include the renovation of the Control Tower and other buildings at the former Naval Air Station, HMS TERN, in cooperation with ARGOS, the Aircraft Research Group. Another is the repair of the KITCHENER MEMORIAL in conjunction with the centenary of the loss of the Hampshire soon after the Battle of Jutland in WW I.

Latest Newsletter (August 2020)