Port information & tips for Westray (Orkney Islands)
Westray is the enchanting "Queen of the Isles" in the north of the Orkney archipelago and impresses with its untouched nature and warm Scottish hospitality. The island welcomes visitors with a wild and romantic backdrop of rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and a fascinating history. Cultural highlights include the imposing 16th-century Noltland Castle and the Westray Heritage Centre, where the famous Stone Age figurine known as the "Westray Wife" can be admired. In addition, the cliffs of Noup Head offer breathtaking views and ideal conditions for observing rare seabirds. Ships dock at Gill Pier in the picturesque main village of Pierowall, from where the sights and charming shops are easily accessible on foot.
Westray, one of the picturesque North Isles of the Orkney Islands, is a charming destination whose accessibility for cruise guests from the DACH region requires careful planning. There are no direct motorways or railway stations to Westray; travel is primarily via a combination of flight and ferry, typically with a stopover on the main island, Mainland (Kirkwall).
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region usually begins with a flight to one of the larger Scottish airports such as Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA), or Aberdeen (ABZ). From there, connecting flights with Loganair operate to Kirkwall Airport (KOI) on Mainland Orkney, the nearest major airport. The flight time from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Kirkwall is approximately 60-75 minutes. Arriving in Kirkwall the day before is strongly recommended to allow sufficient buffer for any travel delays.
Ferry
From Kirkwall, you can reach Westray using the inter-island ferry from Orkney Ferries. The ferries depart from Hatston Pier in Kirkwall, and the crossing to Rapness on Westray takes about 1.5 hours. For travel to Orkney from the Scottish mainland, there are ferry connections from Scrabster to Stromness (approx. 1.5 hours) or from Aberdeen to Kirkwall (approx. 6 hours). These connections offer a great opportunity to enjoy the scenic coastal landscape before reaching your final destination.
Pre-Cruise Stay & Local Transfers
Due to the multi-stage journey and the potential weather dependency of ferry connections, a pre-cruise stay on Mainland Orkney, especially in Kirkwall, is highly recommended. Numerous hotels and B&Bs are available in Kirkwall. From Kirkwall Airport (KOI), you can easily reach the city centre and Hatston Pier by taxi; the journey takes only about 10-15 minutes. On Westray itself, the port of Rapness is the point of arrival; smaller cruise ships often anchor off the coast or use the small pier at Rapness, depending on the ship's size and local conditions.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Westray, one of the picturesque North Isles of the Orkney Islands, is a charming destination whose accessibility for cruise guests from the DACH region requires careful planning. There are no direct motorways or railway stations to Westray; travel is primarily via a combination of flight and ferry, typically with a stopover on the main island, Mainland (Kirkwall).
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region usually begins with a flight to one of the larger Scottish airports such as Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA), or Aberdeen (ABZ). From there, connecting flights with Loganair operate to Kirkwall Airport (KOI) on Mainland Orkney, the nearest major airport. The flight time from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Kirkwall is approximately 60-75 minutes. Arriving in Kirkwall the day before is strongly recommended to allow sufficient buffer for any travel delays.
Ferry
From Kirkwall, you can reach Westray using the inter-island ferry from Orkney Ferries. The ferries depart from Hatston Pier in Kirkwall, and the crossing to Rapness on Westray takes about 1.5 hours. For travel to Orkney from the Scottish mainland, there are ferry connections from Scrabster to Stromness (approx. 1.5 hours) or from Aberdeen to Kirkwall (approx. 6 hours). These connections offer a great opportunity to enjoy the scenic coastal landscape before reaching your final destination.
Pre-Cruise Stay & Local Transfers
Due to the multi-stage journey and the potential weather dependency of ferry connections, a pre-cruise stay on Mainland Orkney, especially in Kirkwall, is highly recommended. Numerous hotels and B&Bs are available in Kirkwall. From Kirkwall Airport (KOI), you can easily reach the city centre and Hatston Pier by taxi; the journey takes only about 10-15 minutes. On Westray itself, the port of Rapness is the point of arrival; smaller cruise ships often anchor off the coast or use the small pier at Rapness, depending on the ship's size and local conditions.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Westray is located directly in the charming main village of Pierowall and, thanks to its central location, allows you convenient access to the island's natural beauty.
On Foot
From the pier, you can reach the village center of Pierowall and local sights in about 5 to 10 minutes. The path leads directly along the picturesque bay and offers wonderful views of the coast right from your first walk.
Local Bus
The Westray bus serves the island reliably and also connects the port with other highlights such as the cliffs of Castle o' Burrian. Thanks to the friendly drivers and good accessibility, you can explore the rich wildlife and green landscapes in total relaxation.
Taxi
Local taxi companies are available at the pier and also offer individual island tours to historical sites. With a short reservation, you can secure private onward travel and reach archaeological sites as well as the famous bird colonies directly.
To experience Westray in all its natural beauty and history, we recommend focusing on the picturesque main village of Pierowall and exploring the fascinating historical sites in its immediate surroundings.
Pierowall
This charming fishing village forms the vibrant heart of the island and invites you on a tour of discovery with the informative Westray Heritage Centre and local craft businesses, which, thanks to its direct location on the water, is perfect for a relaxed start to your shore excursion.
Noltland Castle
This impressive 16th-century fortress ruin fascinates with its massive walls and architectural details while offering a deep insight into the history of the Orkneys; furthermore, it is easily accessible from the harbor.
Grobust Beach
This dreamlike sandy beach impresses with its clear water and the adjacent archaeologically significant dunes; additionally, the bay is ideal for a refreshing walk in untouched nature and offers a perfect combination for a day trip thanks to its proximity to the castle.
Pierowall and Notland Castle
The picturesque village of Pierowall is located directly at the harbor and, thanks to the Westray Heritage Centre and the imposing ruins of Notland Castle, offers an ideal insight into the fascinating history of the Orkney Islands. In the Heritage Centre, you can admire the legendary "Westray Wife," a Neolithic figure over 5,000 years old, and also reach the massive 16th-century fortress of Notland Castle after a short, panoramic walk. The infrastructure in the village includes charming local cafes for a quick refreshment and, thanks to the warm atmosphere, ensures a first-class, authentic island flair. It is best to visit the Heritage Centre immediately after your arrival to explore the exhibitions at your leisure, and plan your comfortable walk back to the pier at least sixty minutes before departure.
The journey back to the harbor on Westray is very relaxed and safe, thanks to the island's manageable size and the warm hospitality of its residents.
Shuttle Service & Local Buses
A local minibus runs regularly between the main village of Pierowall and Gill Pier, with departure times coordinated with your ship's layover. These buses usually wait for the return trip directly in front of the Westray Heritage Centre or on the main street in the village center and will take you reliably to the pier.
Taxi & Private Transport
Since there are no classic taxi stands on the island, advance telephone reservation through local providers is advisable and convenient. Drivers will pick you up directly from sights such as the ruins of Notland Castle or the Noup Head Lighthouse and guarantee a punctual arrival at the ship.
On Foot
If your ship is docked directly in the harbor of Pierowall, you can easily reach the berth via a short walk along the picturesque coastal road. Due to the short distances, the path is easy to find and also offers the opportunity to enjoy the last impressions of the island in peace.
