Could Do List – Orkney in August 2026

August is the peak of summer in Orkney, characterised by golden fields, coastal wildlife, and lively agricultural shows. Here are some suggestions for what you could do in August.

The high points of the farming year and brilliant days out for all the family, farmers wake up early on the morning of a show to display their best stock. Cattle, Sheep, Poultry and other animals are groomed to look their best and to make off with a winning rosette! There are also stalls run by Orkney’s many businesses and organisations, fun fair rides, trade stands with stationary tractors that children can climb into and ‘drive’, horse riding competitions, sheep dog trials, vendors selling delicious Orkney food and drink and much more! The show dates are as follows:

Sanday Agricultural and Industrial Show (31st July 2026)
East Mainland Agricultural Show (1st August 2026)
Shapinsay Agricultural Show (4th August 2026)
South Ronaldsay & Burray Agricultural Show (5th August 2026)
Dounby Show (6th August 2026)
Orkney County Show at Bignold Park, Kirkwall (8th August 2026)

Get a taste of Orkney this summer with Orkney Food & Drink’s new Market Days in the centre of Kirkwall. This months Market Day is the 1st of August 10-4pm.

The Orkney Classic Motor Show is an annual event run by the Orkney Vintage Club which showcases cars, tractors, motorcycles and engines from the past. There is also an indoor exhibition of crafts or trades from a bygone era on show. The Orkney Classic Motor Show starts at 12-5pm on Saturday 1st – 10-5pm Sunday 2nd August at the Orkney Auction Mart in Kirkwall and is a superb weekend out for all the family.

The Shoreline Rambles connect the Museum’s natural history collection with the Stromness shoreline. You’ll get a sneak peek at some of the research collections in the museum before heading outdoors to ramble along the Stromness coast, visiting beaches to find out more about the plants and animals which live there. Stromatolites, seashells and seaweed, as well as coastal plants will all be encountered. Shoreline Rambles run until the 21st of August 2026. See more information here.

If you’re looking for a great walk this August, why not go to the Hole O’Rowe? This is a cave worn right through the headland on the north side of the Bay of Skaill. Once you pass Skara Brae you will have to move from the beach onto the land. Please take care as the ground is uneven. On a particularly windy day this is especially rewarding – you can watch the Atlantic waves pounding into the Bay of Skaill, and the sea will explode through the hole itself! If you would like to explore further, walk a bit further up to the cairn at the top of the hill which will reward you with a spectacular view over the coastline of Yesnaby, you may even spot the Old Man of Hoy in the distance!

Historic Environment Scotland’s ‘after hours’ tours offer a special opportunity to tour Skara Brae when the site is closed to the general public. Tours will be held Monday – Thursday until the 27 August 2026, with tour times every 30 minutes between 5.30pm and 8pm (5.30-7.30pm from 24 – 27 August). Select your time slot when booking your tickets. Booking in advance is essential. Visit the official website for more information and to book your tickets.

These are just a few of the things to enjoy in Orkney throughout the month of August. We hope whatever you do you have a fantastic time exploring the islands this Summer.

By 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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