Accommodation and meals
The Observatory offers full-board accommodation to a high standard in the north-east of the island. We have a choice of single and twin en-suite rooms, with two disabled-access rooms on the ground floor and one family room - many with spectacular views. Our accommodation rates include all meals (see below). All rooms have en-suite shower and toilet facilities. Towels, bed linen and a few basic toiletries are provided.
Observatory facilities and services are available to both guests and visitors. Please note there may be a small charge/request donation for some services. All Ranger Service activities are free of charge.
Meals
Meals are provided on a set menu, set time basis (breakfast, light lunch and 2-course evening meal). Guests and staff eat together, providing a good opportunity to discuss the day or find out more about living and working on the isle, with meal times set to fit the working routine of the Observatory. A packed lunch option is available if ordered at breakfast the previous day.
Meals are available to non-residents and must be booked and paid for in advance (at least 24 hrs where possible).
Our catering staff will endeavour so far as is reasonably practicable to accommodate special diets such as for example vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free but we require to be notified of this in advance at the time of your booking.
Due to our remote location, the constraints on the catering operation and the limitations on access to medical care in the event of an emergency, the Observatory is regretfully unable to accept guests with serious contact allergies or those whose medical conditions may be triggered at low levels of exposure.
Lounge and bar
Our comfortable, bright and spacious lounge has great views of Sheep Rock, the Haven and of course the Observatory garden (for birding in comfort!). It is a place to relax, socialise and celebrate.
- Well-stocked 'Kenny's' bar with range of Orkney ales, wines, spirits and soft drinks. Open from 5.30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Free internet access for guests; a small charge applies to non-guests.
- Whiteboard showing meal times, bird news, weather forecast and other useful information
- Tea and coffee facilities (free to guests) and tuck shop
- Occasional social events with local entertainment
- Enjoy the TV-free experience!
Boot room
There is a 'boot room' for outdoor clothes and footwear (remember to bring some indoor shoes/slippers!)
Mobile phone coverage
Mobile phone coverage on the island is generally good, but patchy inside the Observatory itself. Good signal on the isle is limited to Vodafone, O2 and EE. You may wish to consider buying a cheap pay-as-you-go SIM card to bring with you if you are not on one of these networks, as SIM cards aren't available on the island. There is no payphone in the Observatory.
You are free to join our WhatsApp groups - rare and scarce bird news, more general bird and island news and travel updates. QR codes are posted in the Observatory. Please leave the groups if you no longer need access to them.
Dogs
FIBO regrets that it cannot accommodate dogs (except assistance dogs).
Activities
Amongst various activities available, visitors can see birds being ringed, take part in guided walks and the evening bird log and listen to talks. Learn more about activities at the Observatory and elsewhere on the island.
Visiting us
Day visitors, and those staying elsewhere on the island, are welcome to make use of the Observatory facilities and participate in activities offered by the Observatory whilst they are on the island.
Although we do not have set opening hours at the Observatory, we ask visitors to be mindful that staff and guest meals are usually served at 8.30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. and there may therefore be no-one around to assist you at these times.
Visitor showers & toilets
Shower and toilet facilities are available for non-residents to use. There is a £8 charge for showers (towel and soap provided), £5 with own towel.