One such cave around 1.6km along the coast and 18 meters above sea level is known as the ‘Gentleman’s Ha’ (hall). It is reputed to be where four of Orkney’s Jacobite Lairds hid for several months in 1746.
After the Battle of Culloden, sympathisers of Bonnie Prince Charlie (Jacobites) were ruthlessly sought out by Government supporters, so many went into hiding. One such supporter, Captain Moodie of Melsetter in Hoy, didn't know the North Isles very well, so the four Jacobite Lairds managed to use local knowledge of the coastline to evade capture. It's said they used this cave and the so-called 'Gentleman's Cave' near Noup Head in Westray and were secretly supplied with food by local residents. The four lairds were: William Balfour of Trenaby; Archibald Stewart of Brough (both based in Westray); John Traill of Westness (Rousay) and John Traill of Elsness (Sanday).
