St Margarets Hope Orkney

St Margaret’s Hope is the third largest settlement in Orkney and is part of the Orkney mainland, sitting at the head of a sheltered bay at the northern end of South Ronaldsay. The village has become a busier place than it used to be following the opening of a car ferry link to Gills Bay near John o’ Groats by Pentland Ferries in 2001
The village's growth owed much to the establishment of a herring fishery here in the early 1800s, and this was consolidated through the development of a naval base in Scapa Flow during the two world wars. Fishing has diminished in importance, but the harbour,
boatyard and slipway areas remain very active, even when the ferry, the Pentalina B isn't berthed.

St Margaret’s Hope itself offers visitors a step back in time with its interesting streets and attractive waterfront. There are a number of things to do in the village, including a visit to the William Hourston Smiddy Museum celebrating the role of the village blacksmith in local communities.
Browse around The Workshop on Front Road with its array of sweaters, felts, glassware etc. and above it the Loft Gallery, displaying pictures by local artists.Please click here to see all Orkneys main tourist spots

In St Margarets Hope there are two village shops and a post office within a few minutes walk from Westend House. Many of of guests chose to eat at The galley inn Orkney where bar snacks are served using local produce. There is also the Murray arms orkney with a fine selection of local ales and food,

many of our guests enjoy dining out at The Creel St Margarets Hope, a fish restaurant with an excellent reputation. If you want to enjoy fresh Orkney produce, there is no better place to go. The Creel is 2 minutes from West End house. To quote Rick Steins Sea lovers food guide:“If ever a restaurant could be said to stick to what's good and local, this is it.” The Creel Orkney is a popular place to eat

Main Dishes:
Roasted Monkfish Tails served with ratatouille and a chervil sauce.

Trio of Steamed Fish seared Sea Trout, steamed Wolf-Fish and Lemon Sole, served with a cherry tomato and basil salsa.

Grilled Fillet Steak served with shallot and onion marmalade

There is also a new golf club that has just open 5 minutes away from our house in St Margarets Hope