Co-Working Space in Orkney: Why Remote Workers Love Scotland’s Northern Isles

Calvin Cooper Founder and Lorraine Nicolson Community Manager

If you’ve ever dreamed of working somewhere with fresh sea air, historic charm, and reliable high-speed internet, Orkney might just be your perfect destination.

When the working day ends, Orkney offers a world of adventure. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Ring of Brodgar, take a sunset walk along the beach, or try sea kayaking.

Old Library meeting space
Old Library meeting space photo © Copyright The Old Library

The Old Library is a modern coworking hub in Kirkwall, Orkney, housed within the town’s former public library. It’s a welcoming space for all kinds of businesses – a place that connects people, sparks new relationships, and opens doors to fresh opportunities.

Have you ever found you can’t relax on holiday without the idea of returning to an overflowing inbox invading your thoughts? Do you need to go somewhere to put in a bit of work allowing you to enjoy your holiday, guilt-free? Whether you’re staying for a week, a month, or the long term, here’s why choosing a co-working space in Orkney can be a game-changer for your productivity and wellbeing.

The St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, Orkney
The St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, Orkney photo © Copyright Stephen Mercer Productions

Scenic Inspiration for Your Workday

In Orkney, your morning commute might involve walking past Viking-age ruins or taking a ferry with panoramic sea views. Studies show that natural environments boost focus and problem-solving. A wander at lunchtime around the historic town of Kirkwall, will provide you with the opportunity to explore some of the most magnificent buildings in the islands including the spectacular St Magnus Cathedral.

The Ring of Brodgar, Orkney
The Ring of Brodgar, Orkney photo © Copyright Charles Tait

When the working day ends, Orkney offers a world of adventure. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Ring of Brodgar, take a sunset walk along the beach, or try sea kayaking. With The Old Library co-working space as your base, you can enjoy both productivity and exploration, making it easy to keep your work routine on track while still having the freedom to explore Orkney’s world-class heritage sites and wildlife.

Old Library Boardroom View
Old Library Boardroom View photo © Copyright The Old Library

A Friendly, Supportive Professional Community

The Old Library is more than desks and Wi-Fi, it’s about connection. It is surprising how surrounding yourself with other people working can sharpen your motivation and make you feel more focused. You’ll share ideas with other professionals, meet designers, software experts, swap tips over coffee, and maybe even collaborate on projects – you never know how your work might be improved by an accidental meeting within a small business community. The islands’ famously friendly culture means you won’t stay a stranger for long.

Old Library a comfortable space
Old Library a comfortable space photo © Copyright The Old Library

Reliable Tech in a Remote Setting

Housed in a beautifully restored Carnegie Library, the building blends heritage and character with sleek, modern design – perfect for inspiring creativity. Despite their rural location, The Old Library offers high-speed internet, hot desks, meeting rooms, a projector, and modern facilities, so you can work efficiently without worrying about connectivity. Perfect for video calls, large file uploads, and day-to-day business operations. The area can be used for both corporate and social events making it the ideal place for work and play!

Extended Stays Made Easy

If you’re visiting, The Old Library’s co-working spaces provide a professional base that lets you stay longer. If you combine staying in accommodation like one of Orkney’s charming guesthouses, hotels or self-catering properties, with using a flexible workspace such as the Old Library, you’ve got the perfect blend of productivity and exploration.

Old Library kitchen space
Old Library kitchen space photo © Copyright The Old Library

Great Coffee and Relaxed Breaks

Enjoy coffee from the Orkney Roastery, teas, and communal kitchen facilities with plenty fridge space for you to store your own goods! There’s also a great choice of cafes, bakeries and grocery stores on the high street. Fuel for productivity and socialising!

Old Library meeting room
Old Library meeting room photo © Copyright The Old Library

Flexible Membership Options

Choose from half-day passes, day passes, multi-day bundles, or monthly memberships. There’s even corporate and team access if your business needs a base offsite for interviews or training days away from distractions, or a beautiful professional space to impress a client! Event hire is also an option, with buffet and drinks reception’s available upon request, a perfect setting for a staff Christmas party, particularly for those businesses who may work closely with the public who want a little more privacy to relax and enjoy the evening.

Old Library 2-4 person meeting pod
Old Library 2-4 person meeting pod photo © Copyright The Old Library

Smart Access and Security

Digital key entry and smart access control mean you can come and go as you please with your own digital key. CCTV keeps the space safe whilst giving you flexibility all day. Located in the main coworking space there is a comfortable, sound proof 2-4 person pod providing a place for you to have any calls or meetings in private.

Ready to Work from Orkney?

Orkney is internationally recognised for its renewable energy projects and creative industries. Choosing to work here means being part of a forward-thinking community that’s shaping the future of island living.

Whether you’re a freelancer seeking focus, a team on retreat, or a remote worker planning a Scottish workation, Orkney offers a rare mix of productivity and peace.

Victoria DixonBy Victoria Dixon
Orkney and Shetland fanatic, likes to capture life through a lens, loves creating, eclectic taste in music, enjoys being a Mum; would secretly love to be a star of the West End!

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Header image: Calvin Cooper Founder and Lorraine Nicolson Community Manager photo © Copyright Kirstin Shearer Photography