About Sanday and the Ranger Service

Dominated by sand dunes and unspoilt beaches, Sanday is the largest of the northerly Orkney Isles. The name of the island comes from the stunning sandy beaches that fringe many of its long bays - fine sweeps of white sand and clear blue sea. All this sand is good for the soil, which is very fertile so the way of life for most islanders is an agricultural one.

The island has a distinctive lighthouse which was engineered by Robert Stevenson, over 200 years ago. Visitors to the island will also discover an abundance of sea birds, seals and other wildlife. Rich in natural and man-made history, Sanday has a wealth of wildlife, heritage and archaeology to offer the interested visitor.

Our beautiful island can be reached by sea with Orkney Ferries or by air from Kirkwall and attracts many visitors from around the globe, as well as those looking to move here for a lifestyle change. Sanday is the perfect place to escape, take time out and relax.

Meet the Sanday Ranger

Sanday's Ranger is Emma Neave-Webb who moved to Sanday in October 2015. Emma has worked as a wildlife officer, marine wildlife surveyor and tour guide specialising in wildlife and the marine environment for the past 15 years and has been lucky enough to work all over the world doing this. She has also managed busy Visitors Centres for various Wildlife Trusts and Councils as well as providing outdoor education sessions for schools.

The Sanday Ranger service provides a year-round service of free events open to all.

The Sanday Ranger is jointly funded by Scottish Natural Heritage and Sanday Development Trust.