April 2012
What's happening in Orkney in December 2011
Though the days are short and the weather will be cold, there's always plenty to do during December in Orkney! With night falling as early as 4pm, the islands are characterised by darkness in December, but also by cosy places to go with warm hearths and even warmer welcomes when you get there. Throughout Orkney you'll find community Christmas Tree lightings, pantomimes, ceilidhs, concerts and dances - check the local press for weekly information.
You'll also find stress-free Christmas Shopping in Orkney in December, with shops stocking tasteful and unusual gifts 
without the bussle of city shops. Shopping in Orkney means you'll find a truly unique gift that the recipient is unlikely to have to put back because they have one already! You'll find beautiful Orkney Jewellery for sale, delicious Orkney food in a hamper, tasteful craft items and much more! In the lead up to Christmas, shops in Stromness remain open late on a Wednesday night, 
and for every £5 spent, your name will be entered into a bonanza! Kirkwall also runs special late opening evenings, sometimes with discounts - again - check the press for details.
On Christmas day itself (or Boxing Day if Christmas lands on a Sunday), one of Orkney's more unusual events takes place. Visitors at Christmas time will wonder why heavy boards of wood are placed in front of shop windows in Kirkwall. The reason is the Ba' - which is a traditional game centered around a locally made 
leather Ba’ (ball). Two teams (Uppies and Doonies) fight over the Ba in a heaving scrum of bodies which moves through the streets of Kirkwall. On a cold December day, the steam that rises from the men is quite a sight to see!
The aim of the game is to move the 'Ba to two seperate locations or goals around the town. The Uppies (who are defined by the fact that when they first entered Kirkwall, they did so from up the gate at main street) must take the Ba to the corner on New Scapa Road. The Doonies (who entered Kirkwall from down the gate at main street) must get the Ba' into the basin at the pier. The Ba begins on Broad Street, where the Ba is thrown up into the air outside St Magnus Cathedral. The Boys game begins at 10.30 and the mens at 13.00 on Boxing Day this year. The game is played again on the 2nd January (traditionally the 1st January, but New Years Day is on a Sunday).
As for interesting places to visit in December, why not take a walk in the hills and see if you can spot an mountain hare? During the winter months in Orkney, many hares (especially in the hills of Hoy) shed their brown fur and sport a white coat that is perfect camouflague for any predators. As much of Orkney is flat, climbing hills is an extremely rewarding experience - with wide panoramic views. When going into the hills, make sure you take warm clothing and go early whilst there is plenty of light to get there and back!
Booking directly with NorthLink Ferries on www.northlinkferries.co.uk is cheaper than booking 
with another website and we never charge for any amendments made to your booking!
