Location
Separated from mainland Scotland by the Pentland Firth ,South Ronaldsay & Burray are two of the most southerly islands of the group that make up Orkney. They are connected by road to the largest island of Orkney by way of the Second World War Churchill Causeways, thus making easy access to the main town, Kirkwall (15 miles).
Two of the three ferry companies making frequent daily crossings to the mainland of Scotland operate out of South Ronaldsay.
As well as the sea routes connecting Orkney to the mainland there are regular daily flights from Kirkwall airport to Aberdeen , Glasgow, Inverness, Edinburgh and Shetland.
Although the two islands are now united as one parish each maintains its own, individual, greatly valued , thriving community. Since the recent closure and sale of the church building on Burray the residents have been very much encouraged to look upon St. Margaret’s, the church on South Ronaldsay, as ‘their kirk’. (For some, this transition has been readily accepted; for others this has been a more difficult process)
Though mainly an agricultural community, many of the inhabitants of Burray and South Ronaldsay work outwith the islands, commuting daily to and from work by road ( as do the secondary school pupils attending Kirkwall Grammar School ). There is a primary school on each island offering an excellent standard of education--a standard which is maintained at Kirkwall Grammar School. The Communities are very well resourced, including doctor’s surgery, situated in the village of St. Margaret’s Hope on South Ronaldsay, general merchants, grocers, post office, news agents, off-licence and several fine pubs, restaurants and hotels. There are many clubs, sports and pastimes as well.
In addition to these modern amenities, and a long, fascinating history, to which the numerous archaeological sites in the area give witness, these islands offer peace and tranquillity and the chance for a gentle pace of life.
Those who live in South Ronaldsay and Burray are often described as having ‘the best of both worlds’, with the unique opportunity to be part of a thriving island community with easy road access to Mainland Orkney, as well as the space and time for reflection.
The Church
St. Margaret’s Church Interior
St. Margaret’s Church serves both islands with the two communities united as one parish. Situated within the village of St. Margaret’s Hope, the church and adjoining manse enjoy beautiful views overlooking the village, farmland and coastline.
The church has just completed a substantial programme of development and refurbishment and although externally the original building remains unchanged, all the internal space has been completely redesigned providing a modern, multi-purpose church which has the potential to offer much more to both the congregation and community.
The sanctuary space has been downsized and the pews have been replaced by modern, comfortable chairs. There is also a new hall as well as vestry, meeting room, kitchen and toilets. The church now meets all the legal requirements regarding disabled access etc. A ground source heat pump has been installed providing under-floor heating throughout the building.
Weekly Sunday worship is held here at 11am throughout the year, apart from the months of June and August when the services are held at St. Peter’s.
St. Peter’s Church
The historic church of St. Peter’s, also on South Ronaldsay, is situated two miles from St. Margaret’s Hope. Nestled on a bay on the east side of the island, surrounded by the main churchyard, this ancient kirk contains many unique features and has remained unchanged for many years. Services are held here instead of St. Margaret’s during the months of June and August.
The Kirk Session
The Kirk Session consists of 12 elders from both South Ronaldsay and Burray with an additional 6 members of the congregation making up a Board of 18. Meetings of the Session and Board are held regularly.
Elders visit the members of the congregation in their district at least four times a year to deliver a quarterly magazine along with communion cards, ensuring continual contact between church and congregation, especially those who have difficulty attending services due to age or infirmity.
The congregation has always met its financial obligations and the people of the parish always respond favourably to requests for help when fabric work is required to be undertaken - however large or small, our refurbishment programme being the most recent example of this.
The Church and Manse
Adjoining the church, and surrounded on three sides by a large walled garden, the manse enjoys beautiful views overlooking the village, Hope Bay and surrounding countryside. Accommodation consists of: on ground floor - entrance vestibule, hallway, toilet/cloakroom, study, sitting-room, kitchen and utility room.
First floor -four bedrooms and family bathroom. The manse is double glazed throughout.
The congregation has seized the opportunity during the period of vacancy to upgrade the existing central heating system and undertake a programme of redecoration and refurbishment as required.
Our ‘Wish List’
We are looking for an approachable, compassionate, enthusiastic leader to join our midst, who will help shape the lives of both the congregation and community. Our new minister should be able to both encourage and inspire the congregation through preaching and Christian Fellowship -- someone who would both care for, and be part of, the community.
Our ‘church’ is not only for Sundays but will hopefully be seen as a place of encouragement and inclusion, providing a welcome for all ages throughout the week especially pre-school children, youth and the elderly.
The two local primary schools are under one headship and would welcome more contact with the Church whether it be on special occasions or more frequently
throughout the year. This would hopefully lead to even more young people becoming involved in the life of the Church and eventually improve the attendance of the 12-25 year age group, which is particularly lacking within the congregation.
As well as weekly Sunday services other congregational activities include:-
Nursery - 20
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