Shapinsay lies within easy reach of Kirkwall by ro-ro ferry and many of the island’s inhabitants choose to commute to the ‘capital’ on a daily basis. Shapinsay was at the forefront of agricultural improvement in the c19th and there are signs of this to this day with fields laid out in a grid pattern throughout the island.
Balfour Village is the main population centre dominated by Balfour Castle and the island primary school is also situated here.
Official Orkney Shapinsay page
Shapinsay Tourism website
Shapinsay Development Trust website