Working Holidays 2021
Help rebuild the unique Grade A listed dry stone wall to protect the infamous seaweed-eating sheep
Experience life on the beautiful and rugged island of North Ronaldsay, with plenty of free time for your own adventures. Learn the island's unique dry stone walling technique that has been passed down through generations. Staying at the Bird Observatory, which offers panoramic views of Sanday and other Orkney Islands.
Dates:
28th May - 4th June
11th - 18th June
9th - 16th July
20 - 27th August
10th - 17th September
If you are a group please contact me for bespoke options at sheepdykewarden@northronaldsaytrust.com
Prices:
Single supplement in guest house (single person in double or twin room): £105 per person (£15 per night)
The price includes:
-
Seven nights accommodation at the Bird Observatory
-
Welcome pack
-
Bike hire
-
Dry stone dyking tuition
-
Broch of Burrian and seal viewing tour
-
Seaweed-eating sheep and dyke tour
-
Film night and quiz night
-
Celebratory bonfire on the beach at the end of the week
-
An exclusive sheep dyke buff
** Please note that travel to and from North Ronaldsay is not included in the price. See information on getting to the island here
** If you would like to arrange your other self catering accommodation, details for other accommodation options are available here
Group size
Groups are a maximum of 6 to ensure quality tuition.
Accommodation
Camping/campervan: beautiful sea views and includes the use of hostel facilities
Hostel: the 4 star hostel is self-contained with 10 bunk spaces, a well-equipped self catering kitchen and two washrooms
Guest house room: The guest house offers double rooms, twin rooms or a single
Catering
Catered: full cooked breakfast, packed lunch, table d’hôte evening meal (two courses plus tea/coffee) at the Bird Observatory
Self catered: groceries can be bought at the Observatory shop and Easting Road store. Eating out options include the Observatory, Easting Road store and Lighthouse cafe. The Observatory also does a takeaway night on Fridays.
What to bring
-
Sturdy boots, warm and waterproof clothing are essential
-
Steel capped boots are highly recommended
-
Gloves, knee pads and goggles will be provided
**There are no toilet facilities at the dyke
Activity add-ons
Guided bird watching tour £20:
Lighthouse tour £6: a guided tour of the tallest land-based lighthouse in the British Isles. The North Ronaldsay Lighthouse was built in 1854 by Alan Steven and is still in operation. Measuring 139 ft in height, visitor can climb the 176 steps to the top and see the massive Fresnel lens at the top that concentrates the beam emitted by the lighthouse over the North Atlantic. Take in the breathtaking views which on a fine day stretch over the other north isles of Orkney and sometimes as far as the Fair Isle in Shetland. Nearby is the Old Beacon, a ruined lighthouse located at Kirk Taing on Dennis Head. The building dates from 1789 and was the first lighthouse in Orkney.
Wool mill tour £6: the mill produces a wide range of natural high quality yarns, batts, rovings, and felt. The natural colours of the sheep available range from white through various shades of grey and brown to black, colours can be mixed to produce variegated yarns. Tours cover the process from choosing the fleece through to finished yarn and felt.
Cream tea with seaweed-eating sheep £20: enjoy homemade scones and jam, served with Cornish clotted cream and Orkney blended tea, in the company of friendly hand reared North Ronaldsay sheep. Situated at Westness Nature Reserve, with panoramic views of the sea, the sheep will join you for cuddles and a bit of mischief!
Covid-19, cancellation and refunds
All holidays will be subject to the Covid-19 restrictions in place at the time of the holiday and may be cancelled at short notice in line with restrictions. We therefore advise that caution is taken when making travel arrangements as you may need to cancel any arrangements at short notice. Although we will be happy to make full refunds on holiday bookings for cancelled holidays, any loss relating to travel will be your responsibility. If you want to reserve a place, please fill in the booking form below. Payment due 4 weeks before arrival.
