AN island in Scotland that was abandoned after a disease outbreak in the 19th century is only available for visits one day of the year, in summer.
Eynhallow is a small, uninhabited island located between Orkney Mainland and the island of Rousay, off the north coast of Scotland.
And an annual trip that takes place in July each year is the only way people can see it.
The island was inhabited until 1851, when the four families who lived there fled after a disease epidemic broke out.
To be sure that no one would return, the roofs of their homes were removed.
Eynhallow has an important place in Norse folklore – its name derives from the old Norse Eyin-Helga, meaning ‘Holy Isle’.
Historians believe that for many years the island was considered a place of pilgrimage.
Along with preservation of its natural beauty and the wildlife that live there, and the fact the island is too small to be worth inhabiting, this is why the island remains unpopulated today.
The annual trip to Eynhallow is organised by the Orkney Heritage Society, where visitors are accompanied by experts, guides and storytellers.
One of the stories told about the island is that it’s not always visible to human eyes and could disappear suddenly if not kept within sight.
The Orkney Heritage Society trip uses the services of the Tingwall-Rousay ferry.
Visitors can arrange their own transport to the island by hiring a boat from Rousay or Orkney Mainland.
But getting there can be difficult because of its location and the strong tides.
One of the island’s main attractions is the ruins of Eynhallow Church.
The church was originally used as a dwelling, but its true purpose was only revealed after the thatched roof was lost.
The porch walls, nave gables, and lower section of the chancel walls show traces of the original Norse kirk.
Today, the island is used for grazing sheep and is an important sanctuary for nesting birds, in particular the Arctic tern.
Orkney is one of the top destinations in the UK for seal spotting.
And Eynhallow is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest as a breeding ground for the common seal.
Sanday – this is the largest of the northern Orkney islands, with miles of white sandy beaches and hidden coves.
Hoy – home to the famous Old Man of Hoy sea stack, which is one of the tallest sea stacks in the UK. You can reach Hoy by ferry from Stromness to Moaness, or by car from Houton to Lyness.
Westray – known for its beautiful beaches, puffins and shops.
Papa Westray – a small island with a vibrant artsy community, a heritage/craft center, and an annual festival. You can fly between Westray and Papa Westray on the world’s shortest scheduled flight, which takes about 90 seconds.
North Ronaldsay – home to seaweed-eating sheep.
Tickets for this year’s trip to Eynhallow were £35.
They can be purchased on Eventbrite via the Orkney Heritage Society website, although the date for next year is yet to be announced.
THE Chase star Paul Sinha has revealed his future on the ITV quiz show after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s aged 49.
Popular TV quizzer Paul, 54, known as The Sinnerman, has featured on the ITV hit show since 2011.
Paul has now revealed that he will leave the show if his Parkinson’s begins to impact his quizzing performance on the show.
“If it ever did, I’d point it out to the producers. I know that one day that point will come, and I don’t want to be a burden on the show,” he told the Daily Star.
Paul recently opened up about his fears since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019.
Paul previously said he was terrified that his Parkinson’s diagnosis will rob him of his quizzing skills. saying “my brain is my job”.
He said he wants to remain upbeat and positive as he fights the disease.
Speaking on Loose Women, he said: “I refuse to live in the future. I only want to live in the present and enjoy the present.
“Because I don’t know what my future is. I don’t have the time scale and I don’t know when I’m going to start deteriorating.”
Parkinson’s disease is a condition where parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.
He added: “But I have to deal with it, the best that I can. How can I not? The brain is my job… it worries me, I want my brain to be as good as it can be.
“What pleases me is that my brain seems to be operating at full [potential].”
The Sinnerman then revealed he does get tired occasionally but he is still ‘quizzing’ really well.
“I’m tired from time to time, but anyone that’s quizzed with me in the last six months will tell you I am answering questions very very rapidly indeed.
Paul also revealed that he will quit his role on The Chase before the producers can fire him.
“I don’t know what my future is, I don’t know my time-scale, I don’t know when I am gong to start deteriorating,” he said.
“I do know that when I stop answering questions at speed, The Chase won’t fire me, I’ll say, ‘It’s been a lovely journey, you’ve treated me very well, see you later.’”
CHLOE Ferry has been praised by fans for showing off her real bikini body as she ditched the filters.
The Geordie Shore star, 29, took to social media to share a selection photos including one where she sat on the edge of a hot tub.
In the photo, Chloe dons a black bikini and pops her hair up in a high pony with the Geordie beauty rocking a glam makeup look.
She has he body on display and legs up on the side of the hot tub while drinking a class of wine.
Chloe captioned her snap: “In my happy place,” followed by a heart emoji, and fans were loving the no filter photos as they praised the star.
One person wrote: “REAL for once!! Im down for that!! Keep it real always,” a second added: “Stunning no filter no air brush just a normal stunning human!!!”
A third said: “It’s nice to see pic showing real look instead of sitting straight and sucking stomach in xx,” and a fourth penned: “Nice to see you embracing your curves rather than photo shopping! So much better like this simply beautiful.”
Another added: “Authentic which makes you beautiful,” and someone else agreed, writing: “You’re perfect the way you are.”
The reality beauty has come under fire from fans in the past as they claimed she experienced Photoshop fails from editing her photos.
Chloe appeared to be enjoying the getaway with rumoured boyfriend Johnny Wilbo, whose reflection was spotted in the windows by eagle-eyed fans.
They were joined by the star’s two adorable dogs at Allerthorpe Golf and Country Park.
Recently, Chloe sparked engagement rumours after stepping out with a ring on her wedding finger.
The reality TV stunner could be seen wearing the subtle piece of jewellery as she enjoyed a night out with pals in Newcastle.
Chloe, who is understood to be in a relationship with her on-off partner Johnny Wilbo, proudly flaunted the ring as she enjoyed her night out in the city centre.
The glamorous star ensured that all eyes were on her thanks to a very daring ensemble that she opted to wear for the evening.
Chloe risked a wardrobe malfunction in her tiny snake print top as her surgically-enhanced chest threatened to spill out as she sauntered down the street.
She showed off her toned stomach and enviable curves in the barely-there top and matching trouser set.
Rumours of a potential engagement for Chloe come amid her rocky romance with Johnny.
For years, the pair have been plagued by cheating allegations, on-off splits and other claims that have derailed their romance on more than one occasion.
