Living in Shapinsay

We have created small welcome packs with information on living in Shapinsay – although most of the information is on our website, if you would like a pack, please stop past the Boathouse – opposite the community centre.

There’s been some debate recently about whether you live “on and island” or “in an island”. We think that you live “in” a community, therefore, we say we live IN Shapinsay as we’re all part of this vibrant peedie (little) community! Living in Shapinsay is, like all the islands, a unique experience. Although we are our own peedie community and we are cut off from the mainland, we have a very regular boat service, taking only 20 minutes! It leaves from central Kirkwall and arrives right in the heart of Balfour Village. After that service stops in the evening, the Development Trust have a run after hours to allow people to work, study, eat out etc in the evening.

In some ways, Shapinsay residents enjoy the best of both worlds, we get to enjoy all that island life has to offer while also being a stone’s throw (or ferry ride) from the mainland of Orkney and all that it has to offer, it makes a fantastic base to live and work, or just to stay for a few days.

Shapinsay has a lot to offer. It’s incredibly picturesque from the moment you arrive on the ferry.

As you approach, you can see Helliar Holm on your right which is a small uninhabited island with an automatic lighthouse. As you enter Elwick Bay, on your left, you will see the beautiful Victorian structure of Balfour Castle, built by the late David Balfour, whose influences can be seen throughout Shapinsay. The castle is surrounded by one of the few woodlands left in Orkney, so is quite a sight to see!

We’d be lying if we said that there weren’t drawbacks to living in an island community, but, most of us that live here would agree, that the benefits far outweigh those! The long Summer nights are when you wonder to yourself why anyone would want to live anywhere else, it makes up for the long winters!

The sense of Community in the isles, Shapinsay being no exception, is like nowhere else. Because we have such a small community, everyone knows everyone and for the most part, it’s very tight knit and welcoming, with a helping hand always there when you need it.

Throughout the year there are so many activities from dinner dances, to barbecues, coffee afternoons, bingo, table top sales, ceilidhs, sports days, cattle shows, stock judging, ploughing matches, the list goes on. In the hall there are activities from dancing, to badminton, carpet bowls to music club, there’s a felting club, a knitting group, a mens shed and more! There is no need to ever be bored when you live on Shapinsay.

If you aren’t into socialising or organised activities, there are plenty beach walks and private spaces to walk, you can enjoy sea swimming, kayaking, fishing, We also have a great, recently renovated playpark with the new addition of an outside toilet!

We’ve all been upgraded to fibre broadband, so you can be connected to the rest of the world like never before!