Westray

Westray (/ˈwɛstr/, Scots: Westree) is one of the Orkney Islands in Scotland, with a usual resident population of just under 600 people. Its main village is Pierowall, with a heritage centre, the 15th-century Lady Kirk church and pedestrian ferry service to nearby Papa Westray island. Westray has a number of archeological sites dating from 3500 BC, and remains of several Norse-Viking settlements. The spectacular sea cliffs around Noup Head are home to thousands of seabirds.

Westray
Scots nameWestree
Old Norse nameVestrey
Meaning of nameOld Norse for 'west island'

A view of the western side of the island, with West and East Kirbest in the foreground and Langskaill beyond
Location
Westray
Westray shown within Orkney
OS grid referenceHY461461
Coordinates59.3°N 3.0°W / 59.3; -3.0
Physical geography
Island groupOrkney
Area47.13 square kilometres (18.2 sq mi)
Area rank24
Highest elevationFitty Hill 169 metres (554.5 ft)
Administration
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
CountryScotland
Council areaOrkney Islands
Demographics
Population588
Population rank20
Population density12.5 people/km2
Largest settlementPierowall
References
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