The Links of Noltland Neolithic and Bronze Age site near Grobust Bay on the north coast of Westray in the Orkney Islands contains the remains of both a Neolithic village and later Bronze Age dwellings.
As well as the buildings the ‘Westray Wife’ was discovered, a lozenge-shaped figurine that is believed to be the earliest representation of a human face ever found in Scotland. The face has two dots for eyes, heavy brows and an oblong nose and a pattern of hatches on the body could represent clothing. The figurine can be seen in the Westray Heritage Centre.
The site sits within the sand dunes and is under constant threat from coastal erosion.
Our 7 day weather forecast for Westray in Orkney Islands
Weather forecast from Yr, delivered by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and NRK
In this 'you may also like' section we attempt to answer what else can I do? Here you have a list by order of being the closest some more beaches, things to see and do, places to eat and upcoming events.
The Westray Heritage Centre is a museum, archive and information centre located in the island’s main village of Pierowall. The centre is also the home of the 5,000-year-old ‘Westray Wife’ found at the Links of Noltland, and the Westray Stone a large decorated stone with Neolithic carving thought to be to be 4000 – 5000 years old. The centre is Open May – September.
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Fitty Hill has some excellent views over the Westray coastline and should be part of any coastal walk. Also where the rare Scottish primrose grows. Share:
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Bay of Skaill Beach is a white sandy beach near Westray airport in the Orkney Islands. The beach has views over to Papa Westray to the east. Just to the south, you have The Ouse which is also sandy at low tide and an excellent location for birdwatching. Not to be mistaken with Bay of Skaill on Mainland Orkney. Share:
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Noup Cliffs sit over 76 metres above the sea on the north-west coast of Westray in the Orkney islands. This is home to Orkney’s largest seabird colony with guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills and a chance of puffins. A great place to walk along the cliff path with spectacular coastal scenery, wildflowers and of course the birds. Share:
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Noltland Castle is a 16th century heavily fortified castle. Built from local, grey sandstone, the castle follows as a typical “Z” plan layout, with a rectangular central structure with a square tower position at diagonally opposite corners. The castle has 7 ft thick walls and the lower floors have no accessible windows. Today, access to the castle is via this
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Noup Head Lighthouse lies on the north-west headland of Westray, in the Orkney Islands and it was constructed by David A Stevenson in 1898. The lighthouse is a cylindrical white tower with balcony and lantern, at a height of 24 metres (79 ft). Share:
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Bay of Tafts Beach is a curving sandy beach on the south of Westray in the Orkney Islands. the beach here has a south-west Atlantic aspect and is a white beach made up of fine shells. Share:
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Bay of Tuquoy beach is a huge expanse of flat sand at low tide. For bird watchers the bay is a good place to spot migratory waders. No facilities but can park by the beach. Share:
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Mae Sands Beach is a sandy beach with extensive sand dunes on the south coast of Westray in the Orkney islands. This south facing beach is both wild and beautiful. Share:
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Grobust beach is a sandy beach with some interesting rocks to explore. You will often have this beach to yourself or at least share it with the local seals. The sea can be wild with strong currents so swimmers be aware. Share:
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