Only a short ferry trip away from Kirkwall, Shapinsay is a green, fertile island, home to abundant nature and wildlife and a dynamic community. It’s the perfect place to experience that unmistakable island atmosphere.
About Shapinsay
It takes around 25 minutes to reach Shapinsay from the Orkney mainland, with many islanders making use of the regular daily sailings to commute into Kirkwall and back. The ferry service helps keep the island’s population steady and attracts regular visitors too, all keen to explore the history, heritage, and wildlife found here.
It’s a unique place, with the picturesque planned village of Balfour full of homes that once housed workers on its namesake estate. Although the grand Balfour Castle is privately-owned these days, it’s still an impressive sight, visible from many points around the island and even the Orkney mainland. Agriculture has always played an important role in life here too – Shapinsay produces some of the finest livestock in Orkney - and the fields are neatly regimented after developments in the mid-1800s.
The straight roads found throughout offer an easy symmetry, and with a low-lying landscape, Shapinsay is an ideal island to explore on foot or by bike.
Useful information
- Food & drink
The Smithy Café, Restaurant & Bar was bought by the Shapinsay Development Trust in 2022 and opened the following year after an extensive refurbishment. Now it’s the island hub, offering meals, snacks and refreshments daily. Find the Smithy on Facebook for the latest opening information, or check ahead by phoning 01856 711 243.
- Shopping
There is only one shop in Shapinsay, but it’s one of the very best to be found in the north isles. Thomas Sinclair is just a short walk from the pier and stocks plenty of local food and drink, including Shapinsay’s own Orkney Isles Preserves, groceries, wines & spirits and much more. There’s a small bakery here too, and it’s also home to the island’s Post Office.
Find the shop on Facebook for the latest opening times, or phone ahead to check on 01856 711 300.
- Fuel
Petrol and diesel are available at Thomas Sinclair – find the shop on Facebook for the latest opening times or phone 01856 711 300.
- Public toilets
There are two public toilets available in Shapinsay. At the pier you’ll find one gents’ toilet and one ladies’ toilet. There is also a toilet at the playpark at the Community School in the village.
Shapinsay is well-connected to the Orkney mainland. Daily sailings between Balfour and Kirkwall help make the island a popular destination for day trippers and commuters.
Getting to Shapinsay
Orkney Ferries offers daily crossings between Shapinsay and Kirkwall throughout the week. Bicycles are accepted on-board. Book your ferry tickets online via the Orkney Ferries website, and contact the ferry company directly for more information on all its services.
The Shapinsay Development Trust also provides an out-of-hours passenger-only service which must be booked in advance. Find out more and book on the Shapinsay website, email shapinsaybookings@gmail.com, or phone, WhatsApp or text on 07901 575 162.
Getting around Shapinsay
Like many of Orkney’s islands, the low-lying nature of Shapinsay lends itself to those keen to visit on foot or with their bicycles. Bikes can be carried for free with Orkney Ferries, or you can make use of one of the island’s e-bikes for an added boost. Book online via the Shapinsay website. Our Shapinsay walking and cycling routes are an excellent introduction to the island.
If you’re planning to bring your car, you’ll find the roads are quiet but do remember that the island is very much a farming community, so be prepared to meet oncoming agricultural equipment and machinery now and again.
There are no car hire or taxi options available in Shapinsay.
Guided tours
There are no guided tours available in Shapinsay but the staff at the Heritage Centre, The Smithy, the local shop and the Development Trust offices will all be happy to offer help and advice to visitors.
The island is made up of neatly symmetrical fields and roads meaning it’s hard to get lost, and its low-lying nature means views of either Balfour Castle or Kirkwall are readily available for anyone looking for a waymark.
Shapinsay might not be the largest island in Orkney but there are still plenty of attractions and points of interest to keep you occupied if you’re planning a visit.
From a fascinating Iron Age broch to one of the finest birdwatching sites in Orkney, you’ll easily fill a day’s touring here. Browse our listings below.
Our Shapinsay walking and cycling routes are an excellent introduction to the island.
Find your perfect home from home in Shapinsay.
