Rousay
| Scottish Gaelic name | Romhsaigh |
|---|---|
| Scots name | Rousee |
| Old Norse name | Hrólfsey |
| Meaning of name | Old Norse for "Hrolf's island" |
Trumland House on Rousay, designed by David Bryce who also designed Balfour Castle on Shapinsay. | |
| Location | |
| OS grid reference | HY407309 |
| Coordinates | 59°10′N 3°02′W / 59.17°N 3.03°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Orkney |
| Area | 4,860 hectares (18.8 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 23 |
| Highest elevation | Blotchnie Fiold 249 metres (817 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Council area | Orkney Islands |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 219 www.aroundrousay.co.uk/rousay.shtml |
| Population rank | 30 |
| Population density | 4.51 people/km2 |
| Largest settlement | Brinian |
| References | www.aroundrousay.co.uk/rousay.shtml |
Rousay (/ˈraʊziː/, Scots: Rousee; Old Norse: Hrólfsey meaning Rolf's Island) is a small, hilly island about three kilometres (1+1⁄2 nautical miles) north of Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney Islands of Scotland. It has been nicknamed "Egypt of the north", due to its archaeological diversity and importance.
Like its neighbours Egilsay and Wyre, it can be reached by ro-ro ferry MV Eynhallow from Tingwall. This service is operated by Orkney Ferries, and can take up to 95 passengers (reduced to 50 in winter), and 10 cars. The ferry links the islands of Rousay, Egilsay, and Wyre with each other, and with the mainland of Orkney.