Today dawned damp and cloudy, or was it mist? Our first walk on ferry ride from Tingwall to Egilsay was stuffed with working vehicles. We watched it being loaded, certain something would get hurt. We also watched the ferry bring mail and deliver fresh milk to the outlying island.
Our visit to Egilsay was to see St. Magnus Kirk and other things St. Magnus. We saw the church, and were disappointed that it was closed to exploring due to structural weakness.
This form of church building is typical of churches in Ireland, not Scotland. The round tower may have been used as much for defense or observation as a belfrey.
We were obviously not the only visitors to the site of Magnus' killing. It is said the field turned immediataly green as the axe split his skull.
We took respite in the Egilsay Community Hall where electricity, wi-fi and the makings for tea afforded a nice break for lunch.
St. Magnus Beach.
We caught the ferry to Wyre for all things Cubbie Roo, the Anglicized name of Kolbein Hruga, a "very able man ... farming on Wyre in Orkey. He had a fine stone fort built there, a really solid stronghold." (Orkneyinga Sagas)
This was our day for "monument is closed". Perhaps they are having some sort of pandemic? St. Mary's Church was also closed for exploration.
So we sat on the wall and enjoyed a mid afternoon snack. The sun had burned through the low clouds just for us on Wyre!
Cubbie Roo had a stronghold, but first he was a farmer. The farm on the left, below, may have been the site of his farm. St. Mary's Church is the walled structure on the right.
We've seen a lot of castle ruins; this is the first with a moat with water in it!
Presumably the kitchen as it has a great stove in it.
Curved castle enclosure and walls.
Waiting in the spartan ferry terminal guest lounge for our ride back to Tingwall.
