4th May, 2008

Puffins:

They are back!!   15th April this year again - that’s the same date for the past 4 years - amazing birds!

Book your evening Puffin Tour with Westraak.   We promise you an unforgettable Puffin experience.  

Westraak's promise  - No Puffins, no charge!

Wildlife:

Quite a number of unusual birds have been spotted over the last few days.   This is quite normal at this time of year as birds are busy migrating.   Three White Storks were seen near Noltland Castle a few days ago and on Monday, I saw a Green Sandpiper, also near Noltland.   (That was a 'first' for me).   A single Hawfinch was seen in Pierowall.   Also, unusual for here are Wood Pigeons and Chaffinches!

A Redstart was seen in a private Garage at Aikerness earlier in the week.

Wheatears are now back in considerable numbers for the Summer.

At Noup Head, the Razorbills and Guillemot are well established as are the Kittewakes.   Gannet numbers are increasing and it is my estimation that these numbers are well up on last year.    I watched a fantastic feeding spree at Noup last Friday.  

There were 4 Minke Whales also feeding there at the same time, just below the Lighthouse.

Skuas,  the birds which do so much damage to the nesting birds, are also back and I saw 3 Great Skua and 1 Arctic Skua last Friday, also.

Weather:

For the past few days the weather has been dry and mostly sunny.   The forecast for the week ahead seems to be much the same - mostly bright and sunny.  

Ferries:

Orkney Ferries are operating to the Summer timetable now.   This then runs until 29th September.   A good idea, when planning your trip to Westray, is to have a look at their website at www.orkneyferries.co.uk so that you can view the range of services, including the Papay service from Gill Pier.

Westraak:

Book your Westraak Tour for 2008, if you want to make sure you don’t miss out!   Westraak is open all year round for Tours of Westray and bookings for Summer 2008 are coming in.   You can check our ’Bookings’ page for availability.  
 
Should you have a date in mind for 2008, please check the Bookings page and book online or call us on 01857 677777 or E-mail on info@westraak.co.uk.   
 
If you want to see the other services available here on Westray, please visit www.westraypapawestray.co.uk
 
Come to Westray and get a ’feel’ for the remoteness and experience real island life.   If there is any aspect of your proposed trip to Orkney that we can help with, call us or E-mail and we’ll be delighted to help. 
 
Fair Trade:
 
Westray and Papay have both been accredited with ’Fair Trading’ status and, of course, we are delighted with that.   A lot of hard work, commitment and determination, as well as a sound belief in ethical trading, has resulted in this award.
 
We are proud to say that we, at Westraak and the Haff Yok Cafe, are Fair Traders.   Try our Westray tablet - made with Fairly Traded sugar!
 
Haff Yok Cafe:
 
The Haff Yok Cafe is open daily from 1230 to 1700.   (From 19th May, the opening time will be 1030)   Come to the Haff Yok and browse the Information at our Tourist Information Point over lunch, or try some of our traybakes with fresh coffee or tea.
 
Evening meals are being served (by prior arrangement)  2 nights a week, through the Winter and this will change to 3 nights a week from next month.  Take a look at these sample Menus below:
 
We have a Restaurant Licence, so you can enjoy a glass of wine or Orkney beer with your meal.
 

HAFF YOK CAFE

EVENING MENU (Sample)

Carrot Soup served with Bere Bannock

Melon Boat

Chicken and Bacon Casserole

Vegetarian Hot Pot

Served with a selection of fresh vegetables

Rhubarb Crumble

Orkney Ice Cream

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EVENING MENU (Sample)

Minestrone Soup served with Bere Bannock

Florida Cocktail

Orkney Beef Olives

Vegetarian Lasagne

Served with a selection of fresh vegetables

Lemon Meringue Pie

Orkney Ice Cream

Meals served from 6p.m. – 8.30pm

To reserve a table call 677777 or call into the cafe
Check out our Menu - contact Kathy on 01857 677777
 
Tours:
 
Another way to see Westray is from the sea.   You can find out more if you visit this website at www.pierowallcharters.co.uk
 
More later .....................