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.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
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.
