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Shapinsay
 Shapinsay (ON Hjalpand-isey, Helping Island) is only 20
minutes from Kirkwall by ro-ro ferry. It was one of the first
areas where the old runrig system was changed to larger fields,
and is nearly all cultivated today.
The Broch of Burroughston is the only archaeological site
which is on display, having been excavated in 1862. It is
surrounded by a ditch and rampart, and has a well-preserved
interior, nearly 3m high inside. There is an intact corbelled
cell in the entrance passage and a large central well accessed
by steps.
The 3m Mor Stane is of indeterminate date and is said to
have been thrown by a giant from the Mainland at his departing
wife. On the north side below Lairo Water, Odin’s Stone
may have been a Norse meeting place.
Shapinsay featured in the unsuccessful bid by King Haakon
of Norway to reassert Norse power in the west of Scotland
in 1263. The great fleet was mustered here in Elwick Bay,
before its departure for the Clyde.
Balfour Castle
 The house that is now Balfour Castle was first built in 1674.
In 1775 Thomas Balfour married Frances Liginier, whose
money paid for the Sound Estate. Soon the estate was transformed
with a new house, Cliffdale, the village, then called Shoreside,
farm buildings and dykes all being built.
In 1846 David Balfour, who had made a fortune in India,
inherited the estate, which now included the whole island.
He had the house transformed into the present building. The
Castle and gardens make a very interesting visit today, the
interior not being much changed in 150 years, with most of
the original furnishing and interior decor still in place.
The disused Elwick Mill is one of the largest water mills
in Orkney, and the artificial loch behind it is now the RSPB
Mill Dam Reserve. Good views of many kinds of waders and
waterfowl may be had from the hide on its west side. The
small lochs of Lairo Water and Vasa are also good places
for birds, while the tidal Ouse and mudflats of Veantrow
Bay are good for waders.
Beaches
 The island boasts a number of fine sandy beaches, including
Skenstoft, Sandside, Innsker, Noust of Erraby and Sandy
Geo on the north side. The best is probably the south-facing
Bay of Sandgarth in the southeast corner of the island,
said to be the Shapinsay folk’s favourite.
Shapinsay makes a pleasant short excursion from Kirkwall.
The Castle and gardens are open regularly, there is an excellent
restaurant, the Smithy and a pub in the village. B&B
accommodation is available on the island.
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