St Margaret's Hope facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Margaret's Hope
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 Buildings on the shore at St Margaret's Hope |
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 St Margaret's Hope
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| Area | 0.42 km2 (0.16 sq mi) |
| Population | 550 (approx.) |
| • Density | 1,310/km2 (3,400/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | ND445935 |
| 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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St Margaret's Hope is a charming village located in the Orkney Islands, which are off the northern coast of Scotland. Locals often call it The Hope or The Hup. With about 550 people living there, it is the third largest settlement in Orkney. Only Kirkwall and Stromness are bigger.
This village is the main community on the island of South Ronaldsay. It sits in a calm bay on the island's northern shore. St Margaret's Hope is connected to the Orkney Mainland by the A961 road. This road crosses the famous Churchill Barriers.
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What's in St Margaret's Hope?
St Margaret's Hope is a small but lively village. It has a primary school where local children learn. You can also find a few shops for your needs. There's a cozy cafe, a pub, and a wine bar for visitors and locals.
Getting There by Ferry
A company called Pentland Ferries runs a reliable boat service from the pier. This ferry takes people from St Margaret's Hope to Gills Bay on the Scottish mainland. It's a great way to travel to and from the islands.
Exploring Local History
The village is home to a small blacksmith's museum. Here, you can learn about how blacksmiths used to work. It shows tools and items from the past.
The Village's Name: A Royal Mystery
The name St Margaret's Hope has an interesting history. People believe it was named after one of two important historical figures.
Saint Margaret of Scotland
One possibility is Saint Margaret of Scotland. She lived from about 1045 to 1093. Margaret was the wife of King Malcolm III. She was known for her kindness and good deeds.
Margaret, Maid of Norway
The other possibility is Margaret, Maid of Norway. She was a young queen who died in Orkney in 1290. Some think she might have died right here in St Margaret's Hope. Her death was a big event in Scottish history.
Unique Traditions: The Boys' Ploughing Match
St Margaret's Hope is famous for a very special event. It's called the Boys' Ploughing Match. This tradition has been happening for at least 200 years.
The Festival of the Horse
The event takes place on the third Saturday of August. Young boys gather to plough the sand at the nearby Sands of Wright. Girls, and sometimes boys, wear special 'horse' costumes. These costumes look like a horse's harness. It's a fun and unique part of the village's heritage. This event is also known as The Festival of the Horse.
Ancient History: Iron Age Broch
If you look closely, you can find traces of ancient history near the village. There are very faint signs of an Iron Age broch in a field. This field is off the Ontaft road, above the village.
Finding the Broch
A broch is an old stone tower from the Iron Age. Victorian maps used to show where this broch was. But over time, most of it has disappeared. Now, only a 'crop mark' remains, which is a faint outline seen from above. Modern maps no longer show its exact spot.
A Beautiful Village
Many people in Orkney consider St Margaret's Hope to be the prettiest village. Its lovely waterfront location is often seen as more picturesque than other places like Stromness. It's a truly charming place to visit.
