Overview of Egilsay

The island of Egilsay in Orkney is located to the east of the larger island of Rousay, from which it is separated by Rousay Sound, 12 miles (19 km) north of Kirkwall. Extending to 650 ha (1606 acres), the island had a population of 190 in 1840. This has fallen to 54 (1961), 39 (1971) and 23 (1981), before growing to 46 (1991) and 37 (2001). Associated with St. Magnus, its most noted landmark is the ruined 12th Century Church of St Magnus with its 15m (49 foot) round tower. A monument nearby commemorates the murder of St Magnus here in 1117. The island is accessible by vehicle ferry from Tingwall on the Orkney mainland.