This small island secured its place in history when, in 1116, Earl Magnus met his cousin Earl Hakon to discuss peace terms. Hakon came with evil intent and had Magnus murdered. The spot is now marked by a Cenotaph, which was erected in 1938. After the death of Magnus many pilgrims visited the island and a church was built which to this day dominates the skyline. It is one of only two such remaining examples of distinctive round- towered churches built by the Vikings.

Although Rousay lacks rich wetland habitat Egilsay more than makes up for it with a range of lochs on which are found breeding waders such as Red Shank and Snipe, a number of duck species and a large black headed gull colony. Egilsay is one of the few islands where you can find the rare Corncrake, whose rasping, double call note still evokes memories of bygone days when they were common all over Orkney. The R.S.P.B. has acquired farmland on the island to protect this species.