Orkney’s outer islands each have their own unique character and are definitely worth a visit. Shapinsay, Gairsay, Stronsay, Wyre, Rousay, Egilsay, Eday, Sanday, Westray, Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay are the main islands to the north. The islands of Graemsay, Hoy, Burray, Flotta and South Ronaldsay lie to the south. Although Burray and South Ronaldsay are ‘islands’ they are connected to Mainland Orkney by the Churchill Barriers, built in the 1940s as naval defences to protect the anchorage at Scapa Flow. Hoy is home to the well-known sea stack, the Old Man of Hoy - one of Orkney’s major tourist attractions.