Eday

Eday is one of the most easterly of the Orkney Islands in Scotland. It lies to the east of the mainland Orkney and is part of the parish of Eday and Stronsay. The island has a population of approximately 150 people. Its name is thought to derive from Old Norse, meaning "eider duck island." Eday's landscape is characterized by rolling hills, moorland, and a coastline dotted with small bays and cliffs.

The island has a history of human settlement stretching back to the Neolithic period, with evidence of prehistoric sites such as standing stones and burial cairns. During the Viking era, Orkney was a Norse earldom, and Eday was likely inhabited and used by Norse settlers. In more recent centuries, the island's economy has been based on agriculture, fishing, and peat extraction. Eday is also known for its ruby-red granite, which has been quarried and used in construction.

Modern Eday has a small community with essential services including a primary school, a shop, and a post office. The island is connected to the Orkney mainland and other islands by ferry services. Tourism plays a role in the local economy, with visitors attracted by the island's natural beauty, historical sites, and opportunities for birdwatching and walking. The ruins of the historic Carrick House, once a stronghold of the pirates, are a notable landmark.