Backaland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Backaland |
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 A farm overlooking the Bay of Backaland, Eday |
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 Backaland
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| OS grid reference | HY565302 |
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| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ORKNEY |
| Postcode district | KW17 |
| Dialling code | 01856 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Backaland is a small place located on the island of Eday in Orkney, Scotland. It's a quiet settlement found in the southwestern part of Eday. Backaland is at the very end of the B9063 road, which is the main road on the island.
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Discovering Backaland and Eday
Backaland is part of the larger Orkney archipelago, a group of islands off the northern coast of Scotland. These islands are known for their beautiful landscapes and rich history. Eday itself is one of the smaller, quieter islands in Orkney.
What is Eday Like?
Eday is a long, narrow island. It's mostly made up of Old Red Sandstone, which gives it a unique look. The island is quite flat in some areas, but it also has some low hills. The highest point is a hill called Ward Hill, which is about 101 meters (331 feet) high.
Eday is home to a small community. People on the island often work in farming or fishing. Life here is peaceful and connected to nature.
Nature and Wildlife
Eday is a great place for nature lovers. The island's coastline is rugged and beautiful. You can often spot different kinds of seabirds nesting on the cliffs. Look out for fulmars, kittiwakes, and guillemots.
The island also has areas of heather and moorland. These habitats are important for local wildlife. If you're lucky, you might even see a seal swimming near the coast.
A Glimpse into History
Like many places in Orkney, Eday has a long history. There are ancient sites on the island that tell stories of people who lived here thousands of years ago. These include chambered cairns, which are old burial mounds.
One famous site is the Vinquoy chambered cairn. It's a prehistoric tomb that you can explore. These sites show that people have lived on Eday for a very long time. They built impressive structures even without modern tools.
Getting Around Eday
The B9063 road, which ends at Backaland, runs through the island. It connects the different small settlements. To get to Eday, you usually take a ferry from the Orkney mainland. The ferry journey offers amazing views of the sea and other islands.
Life on Eday is a blend of quiet island living and a deep connection to history and nature. Backaland is a small part of this unique island experience.
