A Thriving Community

Scalpay supports a thriving community with two churches, a small fishing fleet, a pontoon for visiting yachts, a cafe, and a first class restaurant. You can try buying fish or shellfish directly off the boats when they return to the north harbour in the early evening.

The size of Scalpay`s indigenous community is unusual for a small island. The islanders are very helpful and hospitable. Gaelic is the mother tongue of the older generation, but all speak English. Many are devout Presbyterians, and visitors should respect their customs. For instance, fishing, walking locally, or going off on excursions are all fine as long as the activities are carried out without too much disturbance. The church services in Gaelic are well worth attending as the singing (‘precenting’) is quite unlike anything else you’ll hear in Britain.