Why Hoy
Situated in the Orkney archipelago of Scotland, Hoy is the region's second-largest island and takes its name from an Old Norse word meaning "high island." Covering 143 square kilometres, it is linked by a road built over a natural shingle causeway called the Ayre to the adjacent landmass of South Walls. Hoy is known for being the most mountainous, wild, and wet area in Orkney, receiving approximately 1,500 millimetres of annual rainfall. Together with parts of the neighbouring region, it is recognized as a National Scenic Area.
The northern portion of Hoy contains Ward Hill, which rises to 481 metres and marks the highest summit in the entire archipelago. The island's dramatic coastline features St John's Head, where cliffs reach heights of 350 metres. Near Rackwick along the northwestern shore stands the Old Man of Hoy, a 137-metre sea stack carved from Old Red Sandstone. First scaled in 1966, this prominent pillar was created by cliff erosion after 1750. Much of northern and western Hoy is designated as an Important Bird Area and Special Protection Area, hosting around 120,000 breeding seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, arctic skuas, and red-throated divers. Small patches of rare local woodland are also scattered across the island.
Human history on the island spans thousands of years. In the Rackwick valley lies the Dwarfie Stane, a chambered tomb dating from around 3000 BCE that shares architectural traits with ancient Mediterranean structures. Defensively, Hoy features the United Kingdom's two northernmost Martello Towers, erected in 1814 to protect merchant ships in Longhope harbour during wartime. Near the end of the 19th century, Melsetter House was rebuilt by the architect William Lethaby. The island also holds a place in Norse mythology as the setting for the legendary battle of Hjaðningavíg.
In the 20th century, Lyness on the southeastern coast served as a primary British naval base for Scapa Flow during both World Wars. Known as HMS Proserpine in World War II, the facility housed more than 12,000 personnel and included structures such as the Golden Wharf and a communications centre on Wee Fea. Maritime safety remains central to the island's culture. Longhope Lifeboat Station has operated since 1874, and a historic 1906 station now functions as the Longhope Lifeboat Museum, displaying the historic lifeboat Thomas McCunn.
Hoy's primary settlements include Lyness, Rackwick, and Quoyness, while Longhope lies on South Walls. Local culture is supported by venue spaces like the 75-seat Gable End Theatre. Travel across Hoy and South Walls is serviced by a community bus network. The island is accessible from Mainland Orkney via regular ferry connections, including a vehicle ferry running between Houton and Lyness, and a passenger service connecting Stromness with Moaness.
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