Balfour

Settlement in Orkney

Scotland

Balfour

Shapinsay Gas House All that remains of former gas works which dates from the mid 19th century. — Shapinsay Gas House Credit: Shirley Grant

Balfour is a small village located on the island of Shapinsay, which is part of the Orkney archipelago in Scotland. Situated approximately 10 miles northeast of Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, Balfour is a picturesque settlement that offers a serene and idyllic setting.

The village is named after Balfour Castle, a magnificent 19th-century mansion that overlooks the village and stands as a prominent local landmark. Balfour Castle was built in a Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodlands. Today, the castle operates as a luxury hotel and offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience a taste of aristocratic living.

Balfour is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with breathtaking coastal views and pristine beaches. The village is also home to a small harbor, which serves as a gateway to explore the surrounding waters and nearby islands. Fishing and boating are popular activities among locals and visitors alike.

Despite its small size, Balfour offers a range of amenities for residents and tourists. There is a village shop where one can purchase essentials, as well as a cafe and a pub for dining and socializing. The village has a strong community spirit, with various events and activities organized throughout the year, including the annual Balfour Regatta, which attracts participants from across Orkney.

Balfour is an ideal destination for those seeking peace and tranquility amidst stunning natural surroundings. Whether it's exploring the castle, enjoying coastal walks, or simply immersing oneself in the charming village atmosphere, Balfour offers a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of Orkney.

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Balfour Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.033547/-2.909018 or Grid Reference HY4716. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shapinsay Gas House

All that remains of former gas works which dates from the mid 19th century.

Shirley Grant

Mill Dam, RSPB Reserve

This reserve has a hide overlooking the dam. The reserve is home to many birds including ducks such as the pintail, waders, black headed gulls and the water rail. In winter the ducks are joined by whooper swans and greylag geese.

Shirley Grant

Main Street, Balfour Village

This village was called Shoreside and was built in the late 1700s as home for workers on the Balfour estate.

Shirley Grant

Elwick

Looking south west across the square to Balfour Castle in the distance.

Callum Black

Bathhouse/dovecot tower, Balfour Castle, Shapinsay

This curious tower was built as a doocot and sea-water shower for residents and guests at Balfour Castle.

Michael Wills

Shapinsay pier

Catherine Morgan

Saeva Ness lighthouse from Shapinsay Ferry

Saeva Ness lighthouse on Helliar Holm viewed from the Shapinsay ferry.

Bill Ross

Saeva Ness Lighthouse

Saeva Ness lighthouse looks out across The String a short distance to the Head of Work on Mainland.

Bill Ross

Balfour Castle

Grapes were once grown in the greenhouses here, in defiance of Adam Smith's assertion that a grape harvest in Scotland would be hopelessly uneconomic. Now the household confines its fruit-growing ambitions to rhubarb jam.

HelenK

The Shapinsay Ferry

Vehicles must reverse on to this shallow bottomed craft which takes about 25 minutes for the journey to Kirkwall. It serves islanders commuting to Kirkwall as well as tourists visiting this agricultural island.

Colin Smith

War Memorial at Elwick

The distinctive cross on a column stands by a road junction above Elwick, a former Viking anchorage. The round stepped stone ornaments by the memorial and the dry stone dykes are common on Shapinsay.

Colin Smith

Field near Balfour

An old mill which may become a crafts centre looms above the grassy hillside north-east of Balfour. In the foreground are the distinctive kochia or "red hot pokers".

Colin Smith

Balfour Castle

Imposing Victorian pile built around Cliffdale, the previous house. It is now an exclusive hotel.

Colin Smith

Shapinsay Harbour

Lobster boats and the Kirkwall RO / RO ferry use the small harbour at Balfour. Cannon decorate the quayside and the round tower in the background is "The Douche" - supposed to be a doocot and a saltwater shower!

Colin Smith