Hoy is a major draw for visitors when they come to Orkney, with most heading to the spectacular cliffs and coastline at the north end of the island. But South Walls also has plenty of things to see and do.

The village of Longhope is the main hub of the area. It's a place that became known throughout the world in the late 1960s when the local lifeboat was lost in wild seas during a rescue operation in the Pentland Firth, with the loss of the entire crew of eight. You can read more about the disaster with our blog, published to mark the 50th anniversary in March 2019.

The village still has a lifeboat and a long and proud association with the RNLI. This relationship can be explored at the fascinating Longhope Lifeboat Museum at Brims. Housed in the former lifeboat shed, with paintings, artefacts and memorabilia surrounding the island's former lifeboat 'Thomas McCunn' (1933-1962), the museum is run by the community and is such a special place to visit.

Explore the story of the lifeboat service in Longhope, including the 1969 tragedy, and learn about the former crews and the equipment they used.

The museum is generally open between April and October, from 11am until 4pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. It may be possible to visit outwith these times if arranged in advance, subject to the availability of volunteers. Contact the museum via Facebook or email.