Orkney August 2015: Part the Ninth and Last

Our last day on Orkney. What to do before we have to get to the airport for our flight? Head across the barriers to South Ronaldsay, that's what. Mid morning refreshments at the Tea Room in Hoxha (recommended), a visit to the Neolithic site called 'The Tomb of the Eagles' (also recommended), a leisurely late lunch at the Skerries Bistro (to complete the trio of recommendations) and that's it from Orkney this time around. If you can visit, do. You won't regret it.

Mrs P crawling into a Neolithic tomb.

Mrs P crawling around a Neolithic tomb.

Mrs P crawling out of a Neolithic tomb.

A seascape looking towards mainland Scotland, obscured by the mist, of course.

And for those unlucky enough to be blown off the cliffs and into the sea, help is on hand with the world's smallest life belt. At least the thought is there, if not the delivery.

The windy weather made it difficult for the adult fulmars to land on their roosting places on the cliffs. The updraughts meant many unsuccessful attempts before they finally made it.

We drove passed a flock of Golden Plovers in a field and they suddenly all took off at speed.

And the reason for this became quickly obvious when a large Hen Harrier swooped down. It alighted at the top of a field and was then bombarded by shrieking plovers. He/she doesn't look in the slightest bit worried by all this activity going on over its head.

A couple of videos to finish off with. As a finale to the Ness of Brodgar 2015 season, the site is covered up once more. The covers come off next July, funding permitting.

And here's what it is like landing at Papa Westray in a small plane.

And to complete the cycle, this is our takeoff from Papa Westray.