Unearth Orkney's unique history, wildlife, islands, activities and culture by taking time to browse our Orkney blogs.
Rackwick is my favourite place in the world. It’s a beautiful valley on the island of Hoy, with a beach of sea-smoothed boulders and pink sand. The first known inhabitants were religious prisoners who escaped a sinking ship. Read the story of Rackwick so far.
My friend Maureen gave me this simple farmhouse cheese recipe from Orkney. It is tried and tested, only needs 3 ingredients, and takes approximately 90 minutes to make. It is very easy for beginners and doesn’t require rennet or a cheese press.
A perfect recipe for Christmas, Grandma’s Gingerbread is a delicious moist and mildly spiced cake, which can be eaten with ice cream as a pudding or spread with butter and brought out with coffee when visitors come round.
The north-east corner of Deerness in Orkney boasts a bracing walk at the Mull Head Local Nature Reserve. This takes in the Gloup, the Brough of Deerness, Mull Head and the Covenanters Memorial. Each can be approached individually, or can be undertaken as a circular walk.
For a delicious, easy pudding that makes you feel festive with every spoonful, we’d recommend this one. We love that Christmas Crumble uses easy to find ingredients and that it only takes about ten minutes to prepare and another half hour in the oven.
Though South Ronaldsay has been joined to the Orkney Mainland by the Churchill Barriers since 1944, it still retains a distinctive island feel. It has beautiful beaches, cliffs ideal for seal spotting, fascinating archaeology and in August, unique events.
The perfect recipe for Christmas and New Year, Clootie Dumpling is traditionally made in a cloth and takes four hours. This version of the recipe however makes a delicious dessert in just 30 minutes using the microwave!
In Kirkwall, next to St Magnus Cathedral, there are two magnificent buildings; the Bishop’s Palace and the Earl’s Palace. Find out ten facts about these fascinating buildings including tales of Viking sagas and ruthless rulers!
Due to its star-like shape, Stronsay has a very long coastline. On nearly every side, this Orkney island is surrounded by bays with long white-sand beaches. Find out about the herring industry, the Vat of Kirbuster and the Stronsay Beast.
