Rousay
| Norse name | Hrólfsey |
|---|---|
| Meaning of name | Old Norse for "Hrolf's island" |
 Trumland House on Rousay, designed by David Bryce who also designed Balfour Castle on Shapinsay. |
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| Location | |
 Rousay
Rousay shown within Orkney
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| OS grid reference | HY407309 |
| Coordinates | 59°10′N 3°02′W / 59.17°N 3.03°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Orkney |
| Area | 4,860 hectares (18.8 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 23 |
| Highest elevation | Blotchnie Fiold 249 metres (817 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Orkney Islands |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 216 |
| Population rank | 30 |
| Population density | 4.4 people/km2 |
| Largest settlement | Banks |
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| References | |
Rousay (Old Norse: Hrólfsey meaning Rolf's Island) is a small, hilly island about 3 km (1.9 mi) north of Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney Islands of Scotland, and has been nicknamed "the Egypt of the north", due to its archaeological diversity and importance.
It is separated from mainland Orkney by the Eynhallow Sound, and, like its neighbours Egilsay and Wyre, can be reached by ro-ro ferry MV Eynhallow from Tingwall, on the mainland of Orkney, which takes 20–25 minutes. This service is operated by Orkney Ferries, and can take up to 95 passengers (reduced to 50 in winter), and 10 cars. The ferry links the islands of Rousay, Egilsay, and Wyre with each other, and with the mainland of Orkney.
In the 2001 census, Rousay had a population of 212 people. Most employment opportunities are in farming, fishing or fish-farming; there are also craft businesses and some seasonal tourism-related work. There is one circular road round the island, about 14 miles (23 kilometres) long, and most arable land lies in the few hundred yards between this and the coastline. With an area of 4,860 hectares (18.8 square miles), it is the fifth largest of the Orkney Islands.
There are several freshwater lochs on the island, the biggest of which is Muckle Water.
Rousay is a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest' with notable cliff formations and wildflower colonies, and has an RSPB bird reserve. The hilliest Orkney island after Hoy, it offers good views of neighbouring islands from Blotchnifiold 249 metres (817 ft), and Keirfea or Knitchen (both over 229 metres (750 ft)).
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Wikipedia