Imagine an island shrouded in mystery, a place where time stands still, and history whispers from every corner. Such a place exists, and it's closer than you might think. Nestled between the Orkney Mainland and the island of Rousay, off the north coast of Scotland, lies Eynhallow, an island with a past as enigmatic as its limited visiting hours.



Eynhallow, a small, uninhabited island, has captured the imagination of many, not just for its natural beauty and wildlife but also for its intriguing history. Abandoned since 1851 following a devastating disease outbreak, the island has remained untouched by modern habitation. The last residents, four families, were forced to flee, and to ensure the island remained uninhabited, the roofs of their homes were removed. This act of desolation has left Eynhallow frozen in time, a ghostly relic of its former self.


The island's name, derived from the old Norse Eyin-Helga, meaning 'Holy Isle,' hints at its significance in Norse folklore. Historians believe that Eynhallow was once a revered place of pilgrimage, a sacred site that drew the faithful from afar. Today, the island's spiritual allure remains, though it is the curious and the adventurous who seek its shores.



Access to Eynhallow is as elusive as its history. A ferry to the island runs only once a year, each July, when the Orkney Heritage Society organizes a trip that has become a much-anticipated event. For £35 – roughly $A70 – visitors can embark on a journey to this mystical isle aboard the Tingwall-Rousay ferry, accompanied by experts, guides, and storytellers who bring the island's past to life.

The annual pilgrimage to Eynhallow is not just a historical tour; it's an adventure into the unknown. The island is said to be veiled in magic, with legends claiming it can disappear from sight and is not always visible to human eyes. This adds an element of the supernatural to the already extraordinary experience of setting foot on a land that is off-limits for the rest of the year.

One of the island's most captivating features is the ruins of Eynhallow Church. Initially used as a dwelling, the church's true purpose was only revealed after its thatched roof was lost to time. The remaining porch walls, nave gables, and chancel walls bear the marks of the original Norse kirk, a testament to the island's ancient religious significance.



Beyond its historical and cultural importance, Eynhallow is a haven for wildlife. It serves as a grazing ground for sheep and is a vital sanctuary for nesting birds, including the Arctic tern. The surrounding waters of Orkney are also renowned for seal spotting, and Eynhallow itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest as a breeding ground for the common seal.

For those unable to secure a ticket for the annual ferry trip, private boat hire is an option, though the island's location and the strong tides that surround it can make access challenging. It's a journey that requires planning and respect for the island's delicate ecosystem and heritage.

As we await the announcement of next year's visiting date, the allure of Eynhallow grows. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite via the Orkney Heritage Society website when available. For those of us who cherish the rare and the historical, the opportunity to visit Eynhallow is a precious one, a chance to step back in time and experience a place untouched by the rush of modern life.




So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, if you're seeking an adventure that's out of the ordinary, keep an eye on the Orkney Heritage Society's announcements. Who knows, you might just be one of the lucky few to tread upon the Holy Isle's sacred ground next July. Share with us your thoughts or experiences of such unique travel destinations in the comments below!