Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
Onziebust
EgilsayOpenSee opening timesDiscover Onziebust, a mosaic of glorious wildflower meadows, grassland fields and wetland areas on this island paradise for wildlife.
About
Sitting snugly within the Orkney islands archipelago, this hidden gem is home to Curlews, Lapwings and Redshanks.
You can get to the island of Egilsay by hopping on the ferry as a passenger, or with your car if you're comfortable driving on tight roads. Make sure to use the loo at the ferry waiting room, and bring a picnic, as we don't have a café or facilities at Onziebust.
Onziebust is a mixed grassland farm, with wildflower meadows full of bees, including the nationally scarce Great Yellow Bumblebee. The site's extensive wetland areas are home to a range of birds, including Curlews and Redshanks. The two tranquil lochs, rocky coast and white sandy beaches provide important feeding opportunities for wintering waders and wildfowl.
In winter, explore the eastern coastline of Onziebust and discover flocks of waders and wildfowl from the far north, including whistling Wigeons, bleeping Teals, busy Turnstones and squelching Snipes. Weather conditions can be challenging and at the same time spectacular. It's worth the effort to see swirling wader flocks and feeding wildfowl within the big sky amphitheatre which surrounds the island.
At a glance
There is parking at the pier, and four parking spaces at the Community Centre near the reserve entrance. No height restrictions. No lighting.
There are no accessible toilet facilities on Egilsay.
There are no baby changing facilities on Egilsay.
Please contact the reserve directly for detailed information. Some of the trail has a loose surface. There are large loose stones along the trail and there is a narrow grass bank. There are two field gates along the track and a narrower pedestrian gate. The trail is sloped.
Please contact the reserve directly for detailed information. Please check ahead for suitability for your access needs. There is no overnight accommodation available on the island. Some of the trail has a loose surface. There are large loose stones along the trail and a narrow grass bank. There are two field gates and a narrower pedestrian gate. The trail is sloped.
There are no toilets here. Nearest toilets, without accessible facilities, are at the ferry waiting room at the pier.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. During the ground-nesting bird breeding season (1 April to 15 August) and in areas with livestock, we would ask that you keep your dog on a short lead and clean up after them.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Onziebust
orkney@rspb.org.uk Onziebust, Onziebust House, Orkney, Orkney Islands, KW17 2QD 01856 850176