Shapinsay is a low-lying green and fertile island due to the breakdown of the Rousay Beds sandstone, which covers all of it except the southeast corner. Shapinsay was one of the first areas of Orkney to be "improved"; as a result of land reform in the 1850's the islands landscape features regular 10-acre square fields and straight roads. As you can see on the map it is situated close to Kirkwall.
Its history goes back to1263 when King Haakon assembled his large fleet of galleys in Elwick before sailing south to Largs but the island itself was never mentioned in the sagas. Elwick has an excellent harbor. On the west side of it is a fine beach, ferry pier and a village with shops and a post office.
Agriculture has always been the backbone of the Shapinsay economy but in the 18th century the island produced over 3000 tons of burned kelp every year that brought in about £20,000 of income for the inhabitants.
Beside Elwick is the Victorian extravaganza of Balfour Castle. In the 18th century John Balfour of the Balfours of Trenabie made a fortune in India and then married the widow of a certain Colonel Mackennan one of many who had lent money to Rajah of Tanjore. The Rajah refused to pay the loans so the lenders appealed to the British government for help. John Balfour then MP for Orkney promoted the claim and finally they were paid. Balfour's wife benefited greatly from this and they began building Balfour Castle. His son built the little village of Balfour that is populated with imported craftsmen such as joiners and weavers. The village has a watermill built on a natural marsh.
Although Shapinsay has few archaeological sites fully on display to the public there are several brochs, mounds and underground structures, some remaining partly or completely unexcavated. Some of these sites are situated on private land, so visitors should seek permission before visiting -locals will usually be delighted to oblige. Castle Bloody is a chambered cairn and stands on Shapinsay's only remaining heather and moorland.
There are several broch sites situated at Howe,
Burroughston, Ness of Ork and Steiro. Burroughston was excavated in the 1860s
and is in the care of Orkney Islands Council.
It dates back to the Iron Age and is one of the finest examples in
Orkney. Odin's Stone is a large stone situated on the beach below Lairo Water.
It is believed that offerings to the Norse God,
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