April 2012
What's happening in Orkney in October 2011
Despite the fact that the summer months are traditionally the busiest in the Orkney calendar, there still remains plenty to do in October for the visitor to the isles.
This October sees the return of the Orkney Storytelling Festival from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 October 2011. Orkney has a rich story-telling tradition - folklore from the islands has a rich blend of Norwegian, environmental and archaeological influences. Storytellers will be visiting from Norway, Sweden and Crete, and there will be local storytellers also. Information about the events, including venues and ticket prices, can be found on the following website - www.orkneystorytellingfestival.co.uk
For younger visitors to Orkney, The Singing Kettle will be performing at The Pickaquoy Centre on Friday 21 October from 3pm - 4pm. The Singing Kettle are Scotland's leading children's entertainers and their performances combine traditional Scottish children's music with fun action singalong songs. This year Cilla, Artie, Gary and Kevin will bring some animal antics with their new show Farmyard Party. Children can come along dressed as their favourite animals to join in the fun!
For sightseeing in Orkney during October, we recommend a trip to Orphir. This lovely parish in the south west corner of the mainland has stunning views of Scapa Flow and wild heather hills. The Round Kirk in Orphir is well worth visiting - though not much remains of Scotland's only surviving circular medieval church. 
Stones were removed for it for a newer church, which is now entirely gone. The apse of the Round Kirk remains today, along with a small section of the nave's eastern section - and it is clearly a lovely building in a lovely part of the world.
During early Norse rule, Orphir was a centre of power - and next to the Round Kirk in Orphir are the vaguest remains of the great drinking hall (The Earl's Bu) mentioned in the Orkneyinga Saga.
Whilst you visit Orphir, we also recommend the view from the Scorradale hill - which has a stunning panorama across to Stromness and Hoy. Scorradale Hill is ideal for watching the MV Hamnavoe dock in Stromness when returning from Scrabster on the Scottish Mainland. Also, no trip to Orphir would be complete without a visit to Waulkmill Bay. A long shallow sandy bay, Waulkmill can be reached by a staircase (with bannisters) down a cliff and is a lovely place to walk in any weather, though is best when the tide is out! Children will especially like Waulkmill as it is an ideal beach for paddling!
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!
