Its single street stretches north from the pier and is lined with beautiful stone cottages. The village was built in the 1780s and was originally named ‘Shoreside’, before being renamed by the namesake island lairds of the time.

By 1841 it was a real hive of activity, with 28 houses and 116 residents, with occupations including fishermen, shoemakers, tailors, blacksmiths, and millers.

These days it’s a quieter place but bursts into life when the ferry from Kirkwall comes and goes, and residents and workers carry out their commutes.

It’s a beautiful place for a stroll and is home to the island’s Heritage Centre and the Smithy Café & Restaurant. There’s also the excellent Thomas Sinclair shop which is full of everything you need for a visit to Shapinsay. It’s also a great vantage point to spot some of the island’s resident seals who often bask on the shoreline below the shop.

Other points of interest include the Dishan Tower, known locally as the Douche, on the south side of the pier as you approach on the ferry. Built in the 1600s, it was originally a dovecot but with the completion of Balfour Castle in 1848 it was converted into a salt water shower.

The castle itself dominates the village but is currently privately-owned with no public access.

Just before the Shapinsay School, you’ll see the remains of the Gas House, used to serve Balfour Village and Balfour Castle. It remained operational until the 1920s.

The island’s Development Trust offices can be found at The Boathouse building, where e-bikes are available to hire (book ahead before arriving in the island).