Port of St. Margaret's Hope
About St. Margaret's Hope, Guide and Tourist Attractions
(St. Margaret's Hope, Orkney Islands, Scotland, UK)
St. Margaret's Hope is situated on the southernmost island known as South Ronaldsay which is connected to Mainland Orkney by the Churchill Barriers. It was a rather sleepy place but nowadays the town is busier due to the opening of a ferry link in 2001, to Gill's Bay in Caithness.
The village is named after Edward II's Norwegian child bride. The bride, who should have become queen of Scotland, died in 1290 at the age of eight, onboard the ship which was on the way to Scotland.
About St. Margaret's Hope: What to do in St. Margaret's Hope - Margaret's Hope, Orkney Islands, Scotland, UK
The craft co-operative and the Smiddy Museum, which is a blacksmith museum where you can see artefacts and tools of a once much practised craft, are two interesting places worthwhile a visit. The town itself is the most picturesque place on South Ronaldsay. A must see is Windwick bay, which is a stunning location with breathtaking cliff scenery. In the autumn grey seals with their pups can be spotted as the area is a breeding ground for these animals. The Sands O' Right is a pleasant and clean sandy beach which is the location where the annual Boys Ploughing Match is held. This traditional match of boys using miniature ploughs dates back for centuries. The boys compete for the prizes and the horses wear grotesque costumes while the children participating in the game are dressed in historic costumes as well. South Ronaldsay is also an ideal place to get away from it all. Diving around ship wrecks, fishing and bird watching are popular activities on the island.
About St. Margaret's Hope: Tourist Attractions - Margaret's Hope, Orkney Islands, Scotland, UK
The main tourist attractions in St. Margaret's Hope are the Smiddy Museum and a craft co-operative. Strolling around town give you the impression that you have travelled back in time. For those who love to shop, there are several quaint outlets in town and in the tapestries at the Hoxa Tapestry Gallery, here you can purchase a real item unique to the Orkney Islands. The tomb of the eagles is a 5,000 year old chambered tomb. When the tomb was discovered it contained numerous of eagles claws.
South Ronaldsay can easily be explored by car and it is possible to drive from the island to Mainland Orkney where you can find many ancient Pictish and Neolithic constructions. The East and West parts of Mainland Orkney each have their remarkable characteristics combining to make the area the ideal getaway. Breathaking cliffs, an abundant wildlife, archaelogical sites and sandy bays mainly can be found in West Orkney. East Orkney boasts modern historical sites including the Italian Chapel which was constructed by imprisoned Italian soldiers during the last World War. Compromising rolling meadows with grazing beef cattle is another typical characteristic of East Orkney.
At Orphir, situated between Kirkwall and Stromness, one of the only Medieval churches in Scotland can be found. Its ruins date back from the 12th century. Not far away from the ruins you might find the Earl's Bu', which are the remains of an ancient drinking hall built by the Vikings.
When climbing to the summit you will find a spectacular 200-foot drop straight down into the roaring ocean. Numerous birds nest in the crannies and nooks of the cliffs. The Kitchener Memorial can be found here as well. It is a large, square tower which was constructed to commemorate the 600 men who tragically died when the HMS Hampshire hit a German mine and sank.
