Puffins in Orkney
There's a real joy about seeing puffins in Orkney.
You sneak along a coastal edge, hoping to spot one. And then suddenly, a small, black-and-white bird with a comically oversized, technicolor beak lands clumsily just feet away, clutching a beak-full of shimmering sandeels. You might see them landing - and wondering how they ever land properly. What a treat, what a treasure. It's why our puffin jewellery collection is one of our best sellers.
This is the magic of puffin watching in Orkney. Or Tmmy Norries as we call them!
Despite Orkney being one of the best places in the UK to see them, many visitors leave disappointed. Why? because these "clowns of the sea" operate on a strict schedule and favor specific, often remote, locations.
If you are asking, "Where is the best place to see puffins in Orkney?" or "When do puffins arrive in Scotland?", you are in the right place.
This comprehensive guide will strip away the guesswork. We will cover the exact cliff-tops to visit, the specific months (and hours) to be there, and how to capture that award-winning photograph without disturbing these fragile creatures.
The Life of an Orkney Puffin
Before you pack your binoculars, it helps to understand why the puffins are here. Understanding their behavior will drastically increase your chances of a successful sighting.
Puffins spend the vast majority of their lives out at sea, bobbing on the waves of the North Atlantic. They only touch land for one reason: to breed.
The Breeding Cycle
In Orkney, the puffins return to the cliffs in late April. They don't build nests from sticks; instead, they are burrowers. They dig holes in the soft, grassy earth atop cliffs or reuse old rabbit warrens.
Fact: Puffins mate for life. Watching a pair reunite at their burrow is a touching spectacle. Look for "billing," a behavior where partners rub their beaks together—it looks remarkably like kissing.
The Puffling: Puffin chicks, or "pufflings," hatch deep underground. You likely won't see them until they fledge, usually under the cover of darkness to avoid predators like the Great Skua (known locally as "Bonxies").
When to Visit
Timing is everything. If you arrive in September, the cliffs will be silent. And in winter time - the puffins have disappeared and the cliffs can be dangerous with the weather, so best to settle for trying to find the Northern Lights.
Arrival: Late April to Early May. (Sighting chance: High, but activity is building).
Peak Season: June to Mid-July. (Sighting chance: Very High). This is when adults are busiest fishing to feed their chicks. You are most likely to see puffins flying in with sandeels during this window.
Departure: Early to Mid-August. By mid-August, the colonies empty rapidly as the birds return to the ocean for winter.
Pro Tip: The Time of Day Matters. Puffins often spend their middays fishing out at sea.
Actionable Tip: Plan your visits for the early morning (before 9 AM) or, even better, the late afternoon and evening (4 PM onwards). The birds are more likely to be socializing outside their burrows at these times,
Top Puffin Hotspots in Orkney
While you can spot puffins at various points along the coast, there are three distinct locations that offer the most reliable and spectacular viewing experiences.
The Castle o’ Burrian (Westray)
If you only visit one place, make it this one. Located on the island of Westray, the Castle o’ Burrian is widely considered one of the best places in the entire UK to see puffins close up.
The Experience: It is not an actual castle, but a sea stack. The geography here is perfect; the cliffs form a natural amphitheater, allowing you to sit safely on the grassy bank while puffins land on the stack and the slopes right in front of you.
Accessibility: It requires a journey to the "Queen of the Isles" (Westray), followed by a 1-mile coastal walk from the parking area. The path can be muddy, so hiking boots are essential.
Why it wins: The puffins here are surprisingly tolerant of humans. If you sit quietly, they may hop within a few meters of you.
Logistics: How to Get to Westray
Since the Castle o' Burrian is the premier spot, getting to Westray is a key part of your itinerary. You have two exciting options from Kirkwall (Mainland Orkney):
The Ferry: Orkney Ferries run from Kirkwall to Rapness (Westray). The journey takes about 85 minutes and is a scenic tour in itself.
Tip: Book your car slot weeks in advance if traveling in summer.
The Flight (and a World Record): You can fly from Kirkwall Airport to Westray. If you fly between Westray and Papa Westray, you will experience the world’s shortest scheduled commercial flight - officially 2 minutes, but often done in under 60 seconds!
Marwick Head (Mainland Orkney)
For those who cannot make the trip to the outer isles, Marwick Head on the West Mainland is a spectacular alternative.
The Experience: This is a dramatic location. A circular stone tower (the Kitchener Memorial) stands atop sheer cliffs that drop into the churning ocean. The cliffs here are a "seabird city," teeming with thousands of guillemots and razorbills.
Locating the Puffins: Unlike Westray, where they are everywhere, the puffins at Marwick tend to nest in specific pockets among the other birds. Look for the grassy areas near the cliff edge rather than the bare rock ledges.
Safety Warning: These cliffs are high and unguarded. Keep a safe distance from the edge, especially on windy days.
The Brough of Birsay (Mainland Orkney)
A tidal island accessible only at low tide, adding a sense of adventure to your birdwatching.
The Experience: You cross a concrete causeway revealed by the receding tide. Once on the island, head to the lower cliffs on the western side.
The Window: You must check the tide tables at the visitor center or online. You generally have a 2-3 hour window around low tide to explore. Do not be one of those tourists that needs to be rescued.
Bonus: The Brough is also excellent for spotting whales and dolphins and other fabulous wildlife off the coast.
Beyond the Puffins: What Else to Look For
While you wait for the puffins to appear, Orkney’s cliffs offer plenty of other distractions:
Great Skuas (Bonxies): Large, aggressive predatory birds. Impressive, but they dive-bomb intruders!
Northern Gannets: These are one of my favourite seabrids. Watching these large white birds dive into the ocean like arrows is unforgettable. Noup Head on Westray is a massive gannetry.
Marine Life: Keep one eye on the water for Grey Seals, Harbor Porpoises, and even Orcas, which are spotted with increasing frequency in Orkney waters.
A Journey Worth Taking
Seeing a puffin in the wild is one of those travel experiences that lives up to the hype. Their sad, clown-like faces and frantic flying style make them impossible not to love.
Whether you trek to the remote cliffs of Westray or take a sunset walk at Marwick Head, the effort is always rewarded.