Westray history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the settlement of Westray island is rooted in deep antiquity, long before the appearance of modern cities. Archaeological excavations at the Links of Noltland confirm the existence of a thriving community here as early as the Neolithic and Bronze Age (around 3300 BC). It was here that the famous "Orkney Venus" was discovered — one of the oldest anthropomorphic figurines found in the territory now occupied by the United Kingdom.

The written history of the island is closely tied to the Viking Age. Scandinavian sagas mention it under the name Vestrey, which translates as "West Island". Norse settlers arrived here in the 9th century, recognizing the potential of the local lands.

Key Factors of Development

The development of Westray as an important centre of the Orkney archipelago was driven by several factors:

• Geography and Fertility: The island is often called the "Queen o' the Isles" thanks to its exceptionally fertile soils, which favourably distinguished it from its stonier neighbours and promoted the early development of agriculture.
• Strategic Position: Its location on the north-western edge of the archipelago made Westray a vital point on the sea routes of the Vikings who controlled the North Sea.
• Political Influence: In the 16th century, the island became a stronghold for influential feudal lords. A prime example is the construction of the monumental Noltland Castle by Gilbert Balfour, which underscored the status of the territory.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Westray was based on a harmonious combination of agriculture and maritime trade. Local residents grew grain crops and were actively engaged in fishing. The cultural landscape was formed under the strong influence of Scandinavian traditions, which can still be traced in place names and local dialects today.

In a later period, during the 18th and 19th centuries, the island's economy received a new impulse thanks to the kelp burning industry for alkali production, which brought temporary prosperity and contributed to population growth in the village of Pierowall.

Chronology of Island Development

• Around 3300 BC — Establishment of a Neolithic settlement in the dunes of the Links of Noltland, which is today recognised as an archaeological site of global significance.
• 9th Century — The island of Westray is settled by Scandinavian Vikings, who gave it its modern name and defined the region's cultural code for centuries to come.
• 12th Century — Construction of St Mary’s Kirk in Pierowall, the ruins of which have survived to this day as an example of medieval architecture.
• 1560 — Gilbert Balfour begins the construction of Noltland Castle, a majestic structure with a unique system of gunloops.
• Mid-18th Century — Start of active alkali production from seaweed, leading to an "industrial boom" and growth in the welfare of local residents.
• 1839 — Construction of the main pier at Gill Harbour, significantly improving maritime connections with the rest of the archipelago.
• 1898 — Commissioning of the Noup Head Lighthouse, designed by the famous Stevenson dynasty of engineers for navigation in waters owned by the United Kingdom.
• 1967 — Launch of a regular flight between Westray and the neighbouring island of Papa Westray, which is officially recognised as the shortest commercial flight in the world.
• 1998 — Opening of the Westray Heritage Centre, a museum dedicated to preserving and popularising the island's history.
• 2009 — Sensational archaeological discovery of the "Westray Wife", the oldest anthropomorphic figurine found in Scotland.

Key Stages of the Island's Transformation

The history of the island of Westray is a journey from an ancient agricultural centre to a modern community focused on sustainable development. Each era has left its mark on the economy and the appearance of the main settlement — Pierowall.

• Formation of a Neolithic Centre (c. 3300 BC). The appearance of a large settlement in the dunes of the Links of Noltland laid the foundations for settled life. Significance: This period turned the territory into one of the most important archaeological hubs that the United Kingdom takes pride in, creating a base for modern cultural tourism.
• Scandinavian Colonisation (9th Century). The arrival of the Vikings completely changed the cultural landscape, toponymy, and land tenure system. Significance: A unique island identity and dialect were formed, as well as the existing structure of crofts.
• Construction of Noltland Castle (1560s). The erection of a powerful fortress by Gilbert Balfour with elements of military architecture. Significance: It marked the high political status of the island in the Middle Ages and became the main architectural dominant of that era.
• Kelp Burning Industry (18th–19th Centuries). Mass production of alkali from seaweed (kelp) for the glass industry. Significance: The first major economic boom, which allowed the population to integrate into the industrial economy and significantly improved the standard of living.
• Modernisation of Pierowall Harbour (19th Century). Construction of a substantial pier and development of port infrastructure. Significance: Transformed the village of Pierowall into a key commercial centre, ensuring steady exports of fish and agricultural produce.
• Launch of Regular Air Service (1967). Start of Loganair flights connecting the island with the mainland. Significance: Radical improvement in transport accessibility for residents and the creation of a world-famous tourism brand thanks to the shortest flight in the world.
• Development of Green Energy (21st Century). Installation of a community wind turbine and transition to renewable sources. Significance: Ensuring energy autonomy and forming a budget to support local social initiatives.

Architectural Appearance: From Stone to Lighthouses

The architecture of Westray island is a chronicle of human adaptation to the harsh conditions of the North Sea. Here you will not find the lavish palaces or wide avenues characteristic of major cities for which the United Kingdom is known. The appearance of the island was formed over millennia under the influence of winds, a scarcity of timber, and an abundance of natural stone, creating a unique landscape where prehistoric structures sit alongside fortified castles.

Eras and Key Styles

Westray's development did not follow the canons of European fashion, but rather practical necessity and the availability of materials. Several iconic stages can be distinguished:

• Prehistoric Architecture (Neolithic). Ancient structures, such as those at the Links of Noltland, are stone houses often recessed into the dunes. This is purely functional architecture: thick flagstone walls and low entrances served as reliable protection against storms.
• Military Architecture and Renaissance (16th Century). This period is represented by Noltland Castle. The building is executed in a specific Scottish style with a Z-plan, which allowed muskets to cover all walls. Despite the severe exterior, the interiors reveal the ambitions of the feudal nobility of that era.
• Vernacular Style (18th–19th Centuries). The island's folk architecture consists of squat farmhouses (crofts) and fishing huts. Their distinguishing feature is the use of local grey stone for walls and roofs, allowing the structures to literally blend into the surrounding landscape.
• Victorian Engineering (Late 19th Century). The era of technical progress brought monumental utilitarian structures to the island, the chief of which was the lighthouse, combining brickwork with the precision of engineering calculations.

Urban Landmarks

There are no cities on the island in the conventional sense, but the layout of the main settlement and individual buildings form a recognisable architectural portrait.

• Pierowall Village. The "capital" of the island developed as a linear settlement along a picturesque bay. The urban core here is the 19th-century harbour. Around it, an ensemble of whitewashed houses, warehouses, and guesthouses formed, with facades facing the sea.
• Noltland Castle. The most imposing building on the island. Its massive stone masonry and decorative elements (despite the construction being unfinished) contrast sharply with the modest rural buildings, reminding us of the times of the political power of the Balfour clan.
• Noup Head Lighthouse. Built in 1898 to a design by David A. Stevenson, the lighthouse is an example of industrial classicism. Its strict 24-metre tower on the edge of a cliff serves not only as a navigational sign but also as an important vertical accent in the island's panorama.

Distinguished Figures of Westray

The island of Westray, despite its remoteness, is linked to the names of people whose activities have left a mark on history and culture. From influential feudal lords of the past to educators, these figures remind us that even small communities can be the cradle of great talents and ambitions in which the United Kingdom takes pride.

• Gilbert Balfour (16th Century)
  Political figure and castle builder
  An influential Scottish nobleman and Master of the Household to Queen Mary Stuart. Balfour permanently inscribed his name in the island's history by initiating the construction of Noltland Castle — a grandiose fortress intended to serve as his secure refuge. His life, full of intrigue and power struggles, symbolises the turbulent era of feudal wars in Scotland.
• Thomas Stewart Traill (1781–1862)
  Encyclopaedist, physician, and professor
  An outstanding scholar and educator belonging to the ancient Traill family, who owned the lands of Tirlet on Westray. Although born in Kirkwall, his roots and family heritage are inextricably linked to the island. Traill became famous as the editor of the eighth edition of the renowned Encyclopædia Britannica and a professor of medical jurisprudence at the University of Edinburgh, making a huge contribution to the development of science in the 19th century.

Furthermore, the island attracts modern researchers and archaeologists from all over the world. It was here, in the dunes of the Links of Noltland, that the famous "Westray Wife" was found — the oldest anthropomorphic figurine discovered in Scotland, making the local residents the guardians of a unique prehistoric heritage.