The Holm of Papay

For getting on for 20 years Cameraman has wanted to visit the Holm of Papay. The Holm is a tiny uninhabited island just off the coast of Papay (Papa Westray) which is in turn an island just off Westray. Today we made a third trip to Papay. Like our other trips there it was in glorious sunshine. But today when we got ashore we were met by Jonathan, the Papay Ranger, who took us over to the Holm in his very small and bouncy boat. The Holm of Papay is less than a mile long and has never been inhabited except by sheep and birds. The attraction lies in its two Neolithic chambered cairns which were ancient burial places. They are so old; dating from 2,500 - 3,000 years BCE. The extra shows Cameraman descending into the enormous South Cairn. He says it looks as if he is climbing out of a wheelie bin. We spent a couple of hours on the Holm before Jonathan returned for us and took us back over to Papay. My main blip shows Papay from the Holm and this is an accurate record of the colour of land, sea and sky.

Apart from the interesting archaeology the tiny island itself is perfect. We saw gannets diving, redshanks, plovers, many nesting seabirds and, to my horror, two bonxies easily my least favourite bird. However, bonxies don't nest on the Holm and I guess they were just hunting not protecting their eggs or young. They left us alone phew.

After eating our packed lunch we walked over to the Knap of Howar, another Neolithic site which we visited and I blipped last year. Then back on the ferry to Westray and our cottage. It is an absolutely beautiful evening with clear blue skies and warm sunshine. We are all tired after a lot of walking today but it has been exceptional.

Apologies for my poor blip engagement at the moment. There's so much else to do!