Guide to Orkney
The mysteries of the Orkney Islands never fail to attract young and old from far and near. The long-gone voices from the ancient sites dotted around these islands could tell us many tales of ancient civilisations, religious customs, and much more at which we can only guess. The voices may be quiet now, but they have left extraordinary remains of villages, howes, stone circles, and tombs which fire the imagination of all who visit them.
Of Orkney’s incredible allure and huge range of attractions, though, there is perhaps less mystery. Green, rolling fields bordered by huge seascapes, the festivals and shows, stacks and crashing seas, the sunken fleet at Scapa Flow, wonderful food and drink, island-hopping, golf at midnight in mid-summer, Orcadian music and crafts and of course spectacular wildlife.
In Orkney you can even feel the air and the pace of life doing you good.
A Guide to Events and Festivals in Orkney
Orkney has a packed calendar of diverse events. With annual events and festivals, from summer agricultural shows to the Ba’ game and with classical, jazz, rock and traditional folk music mixed in between, Orkney has every possible taste covered.
Read moreOrkney Fudge Cheesecake Recipe
The most popular pudding on our ships - easy to make but hard to keep around for very long! You'll find a delicious recipe to make your own Orkney Fudge Cheesecake here!
Read moreOrkney men in the Nor’Wast
Orkney has had links to Canada and the Arctic since the 17th century. Stromness was often the last port of call for Hudson's Bay Company ships, Arctic Whalers and explorers before they set sail across the Atlantic. Find out how the Nor'Wast left its mark on Orkney.
Read moreSavoury Orkney Cheddar and Chive Scones
George O’Neill, Sous Chef on MV Hamnavoe provided us with his delicious savoury Orkney Cheddar and chive scones recipe. These are easy to make and taste and smell heavenly! The recipe makes 15 scones which are yummy hot or cold with butter or margarine.
Read moreWild Swimming with Sarah Kennedy Norquoy
Sarah Kennedy Norquoy moved from Cambridge to Orkney in 2008. When she’s not doing her day job, you will probably find her swimming in the sea around the islands. We spoke to Sarah about her wild swimming experiences and her book 'Salt on my Skin’.
Read moreMince and clapshot recipe
A recipe for delicious mince (with a thick gravy sauce) and clapshot (an Orcadian dish of mixed mashed tatties and neeps), with a bit of advice from Orcadian poet George Mackay Brown.
Read moreRemembering George Mackay Brown
George Mackay Brown was one of Scotland's best poets, who lived in the waterfront town of Stromness, Orkney for nearly all of his 74 years. 2021 marks what would have been his 100th birthday. Read our introduction to George Mackay Brown and his work.
Read moreAll about Orphir
Orphir is a dramatic dark parish in the southwest corner of the Orkney mainland. It has impressive views of Scapa Flow, wild heather hills, beautiful beaches, and fascinating stories to hear from Norse times and the two World Wars.
Read moreA walk from Yesnaby to Skaill
A very fine walk in Orkney is from the Yesnaby cliffs to the Bay of Skaill, hiking along the cliffs of the West Mainland. Head to Yesnaby and walk north to see an Iron Age broch, amazing fossils and much more!
Read more12 great places to see in Sanday
We spent a couple of very fine days on Sanday this summer. The largest of Orkney's North Isles, it is a fascinating and friendly place, with some stunning white beaches backed by impressive dunes. We've compiled a list of 12 great places to visit in Sanday in Orkney.
Read moreAll about Orkney Ice Cream
Makers of Orkney Ice Cream, the Orkney Creamery is also the main producer of milk in the islands. We spoke to Graham Bichan, the Production Director at Orkney Creamery, to find out more about the business of making delicious Orkney Ice Cream.
Read moreOrkney’s finest beaches
Throughout the islands of Orkney there are many distinctive beaches to discover. In anticipation of warm weather this summer, we thought we’d display a list of the fifteen best – most beautiful, peaceful, and fun – beaches to visit in Orkney!
Read moreKirkjuvagr Gin from Orkney
Stephen and Aly Kemp are the owners of Orkney Distilling Limited and they create a range of Kirkjuvagr craft gins inspired by their island heritage. Kirkjuvagr is the old Norse name for Kirkwall, and this bold drink has a home, the Orkney Distillery, which stands on the shore of the town.
Read moreTen additional hidden gems of Orkney
For the first time visitor, the most well-known Orkney places such as Skara Brae are a must-see. For those visiting for their second time, for islanders, and for those who are keen to see something a little different, we have compiled this list of Orkney hidden gems!
Read moreOrkney Dark Island Beef Stew
This is a super-easy recipe for a beef stew that works every time. The recipe serves 6 and uses Dark Island, a beer from the Orkney Brewery, which is a rich, dark ale. When eaten with beef, it tastes divine.
Read moreFascinating facts about the Ring of Brodgar you may not know!
In Orkney, on a dark moor between the Loch of Harray and the Loch of Stenness, there is a vast circle of 36 standing stones. The Ring of Brodgar was built 4,000 years ago but its purpose remains a mystery.
Read moreOrkney Cheddar Beremeal Scones
George O’Neill's 11 year old daughter, Eva made up a recipe for Orkney Cheddar Beremeal Scones using ingredients produced locally. We hope you enjoy this recipe which makes roughly 15 heavenly scones!
Read moreA walk up Wideford Hill
Wideford Hill is one of the most distinctive hills on the Orkney Mainland but not many have ventured to the summit. We recommend a walk (or a drive, as there is a road to the top) to view the amazing panorama across the islands and to visit Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn.
Read moreHand-made in the Northern Isles – Orkney Gin Company
Orkney Gin Company is run by Orcadian couple Gary and Andrea Watt who are passionate about their hand-made spirits, using botanicals grown in the isles and bottles decorated with selkies from Orkney folklore.
Read moreRed onion chutney
This is a recipe for delicious chutney that I made up myself, using the best bits of a few different recipes. It makes approximately two jars and goes really well with cheese and oatcakes. I'm also particularly fond of using the chutney with ham sandwiches!
Read moreOrkney Quiz
Fancy becoming the Northern Isles quiz champion amongst your family and friends? We’ve gathered a selection of quiz questions about the Orkney islands for you to try, ideal for household or zoom quizzes!
Read moreOrkney Beremeal and Oat Farmhouse Loaf
This old Orkney recipe makes one loaf with a fabulous flavour. Making this is a very fine way to spend a couple of hours on a winter's day. We hope you enjoy this delicious and rich taste of Orkney!
Read moreThe story of Rackwick
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.
Read moreSimple Farmhouse Cheese from Orkney
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.
Read moreGrandma’s Gingerbread – A recipe from Orkney
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.
Read moreA walk in Deerness
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.
Read moreChristmas Crumble
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.
Read moreIsland in Focus – South Ronaldsay
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.
Read moreClootie Dumpling in 30 Minutes
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!
Read moreTen fascinating facts about the Bishop’s Palace and the Earl’s Palace
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!
Read moreIsland in Focus – Stronsay
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.
Read moreA walk at Marwick
Marwick in the West Mainland of Orkney is a great place to visit. Find out about the tidal lagoon in Marwick Bay, enjoy a walk to the fishermen’s huts at Sand Geo and learn about the history of HMS Hampshire and Marwick Head.
Read moreOrkney Honesty Boxes
Honesty boxes are left filled with treats such as baking or home-grown produce. In exchange for an item within the unattended box, you deposit some cash. These Orkney honesty boxes are well worth visiting.
Read moreOrkney words to know
The dialect of Orkney and Shetland has been influenced by the islands’ Scandinavian past and Norn was the most commonly used language. Today, Scots is spoken but some words are still influenced by Norn. Do you know what Birl, Puggie and Plitter mean?
Read moreTen fascinating facts about Puffins
The Orkney and Shetland islands are places where you can spot comical, colourful puffins in the summer. This bird is called a Tammy Norrie in the Northern Isles. We hope you will enjoy these 10 facts about puffins!
Read moreLook closely at St Magnus Cathedral
Patricia Long, a tour guide from About Orkney, takes an insightful look at St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, the faces around the tower and the medieval gravestones. Founded in 1137, St Magnus Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in Scotland.
Read moreHighland Park Whisky Bread and Butter Pudding
Bread and butter puddings are a traditional British dessert, and MV Hamnavoe chef George O'Neill has made a delicious Orkney-inspired version which uses a dash of Highland Park whisky!
Read moreAround the Loch of Stenness and the Loch of Harray
The Loch of Harray is Orkney’s largest loch and is filled with Brown Trout, while the Loch of Stenness is partly salty as it is connected to the sea. Around these lochs are some impressive archaeological sites!
Read morePorridge oat biscuits recipe
For an easy sweet treat made from ingredients found in most cupboards we'd recommend this recipe for Porridge oat biscuits from the 1979 Birsay SWRI Recipe Book. These biscuits spread out to cookie size and become lovely and chewy when cool!
Read moreHidden Brochs in Orkney
Iron Age brochs are massive round buildings from around 300 BC. The most well-known of these is the Broch of Gurness. However, there are over 100 other brochs in Orkney, many times hidden in plain view in the landscape. This list of some of them may surprise you!
Read moreOrkney’s wetlands and the birds to see there
Orkney offers an ideal habitat for many breeds of birds. The seas and cliffs support thousands of seabirds. The hills, moors and fields are teaming with small birds and raptors. Find out more about Orkney's wetlands and the birds you'll find there!
Read moreTry delicious Fattie Cutties from Orkney
Fattie Cutties are a delicious traditional treat from Orkney that could be described as being halfway between a biscuit and a fruit bun. They are both sweet and salty and very moreish. Try our easy Fatty Cuttie recipe today!
Read moreThe Stromness Yule Log pull
The Stromness Yule Log pull is a 'tug of war' competition, pitting those living in the North end (Northenders) against those from the South End (Soothenders) in a battle of strength as a large log is dragged through the streets of the town to opposing goals.
Read moreOvaltine Loaf recipe
This Ovaltine Loaf from the Deerness SWRI recipe book is easy to make and is an ideal treat with a cup of tea or coffee. It has a lovely malt taste, and is both moist and salty, and peppered with juicy raisins.
Read moreThe Orkney Folklore Trail
In the summer of 2019 Orcadian storyteller Tom Muir and his wife Rhonda launched the Orkney Folklore Trail App together. This is a brilliant resource for discovering Orkney’s places and its fascinating folklore. NorthLink asked them all about it and got a tale or two...
Read moreOur day on Egilsay
Egilsay is tied to one of the most well-known stories in Orkney's history; the martyrdom of St Magnus. However it is also a fantastic place to visit for a day; and we loved exploring the island, seeing the cenotaph, St Magnus Chruch, the RSPB reserve and the brilliant beach.
Read moreDeerness Distillery and the journey to create a multi-award winning distillery and spirits!
Deerness Distillery create 'Sea Glass' gin and 'Into the Wild' vodka. Owner Stuart Brown told us about the importance of taking your time to get things just right!
Read moreA universal recipe for delicious jam
This method of making jam should work for any fruit. I have made this with strawberries, raspberries, and rhubarb before and each time it worked. This Rhubarb and Ginger jam was my Granny Cursiter’s signature recipe when I was growing up!
Read moreThe Scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet
100 years ago, the German navy did the unthinkable: it deliberately sank 52 of its own ships in one day. The scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet at Scapa Flow on 21 June 1919 was a deliberate act of sabotage at the end of the First World War.
Read moreThe Highlights of the North Isles of Orkney
We love visiting Orkney's North Isles; each one is quite different from the other and from the Orkney Mainland. We have picked out the one thing you must see when visiting; a highlight for each of North Isles. We hope you agree with our choices!
Read moreCrafting J.Gow Rum: an interview with Collin Van Schayk
VS Distillers create bottles of hand-crafted rum, named after Orkney's pirate, John Gow. NorthLink were pleased to speak to Collin Van Schayk, who spoke passionately about distilling Scottish rum.
Read moreA Guide to The Brough of Birsay in Orkney: all you need to know before you go!
The Brough of Birsay is a tidal island in Orkney which can be reached by a causeway when the tide is low. On the island there are the remains of a Viking settlement, the earlier Pictish community and many puffins!
Read moreOrkney Trike Tours – an interview with John Foster
Why not see Orkney while riding in style with Orkney Trike Tours? We caught up with John Foster, who talked about his passion for bikes, Orkney adventures and his journey to doing his dream job.
Read moreDrop scones recipe – works without fail!
Drop scones are sometimes called Scottish pancakes and they are delicious served warm with butter and jam. This is the only drop scone recipe my granny used, it makes about 16 and was passed down to us when she taught us to bake when we were peedie.
Read moreIsland in Focus – Shapinsay
Shapinsay is a picturesque island with a rich history, fascinating archaeological sites, beautiful ayres, charming Balfour village and Balfour Castle. Best of all, it is only a short, 30 minute ferry trip from Kirkwall.
Read moreOur trip to Wyre in Orkney
We visited Wyre and visited Cubbie Roo's Castle on a sunny but windy April day, catching a ferry from the Orkney mainland. We found an amazing island and in the castle, testament to how a big personality can live on for many years after they pass away.
Read more30 birds to see in Orkney
The wild landscapes of Orkney and the rich seas that surround the islands attract a large variety of birds. Our beginner's guide offers a guide to where to find 30 birds in the Orkney islands. Can you see them all during your holiday?
Read moreA Complete Guide to the Wrecks of Scapa Flow
Thinking of diving in Orkney? There are many shipwrecks in Scapa Flow in Orkney that can explored by divers. Read our guide to the shipwrecks of Scapa Flow to organise your next Orkney scuba diving adventure!
Read more25 outstanding pictures of Orkney
Orkney really is a photographer's paradise; make sure you don't forget your camera when visiting! We hope you enjoy our 25 outstanding pictures of Orkney's birds, seals, ancient monuments, beaches, cliffs and sunsets.
Read moreTen fascinating facts about the Broch of Gurness
The Broch of Gurness is one of our favourite archaeological sites in Orkney. We love exploring the site and children love playing hide and seek amongst the ruins! Find out more about the fascinating Iron Age building.
Read moreHighland Park Clootie Dumpling
If you're searching for a dessert with an Orkney flavour to wow your guests at a dinner table then try our Highland Park Clootie Dumpling! George o’Neill, Sous Chef on MV Hamnavoe offers us his take on a beautiful traditional Orcadian pudding.
Read moreThe Place Names of Orkney
Orkney and Shetland have been populated for over 6000 years, and the languages spoken there have changed many times. However Old Norse has had the greatest influence on modern place names. Find out what the island and house names of Orkney mean!
Read moreA recipe for perfect Orkney Patties
Pattie suppers are popular in Orkney chip shops. Patties are mince, tattie and onion mixed together, battered and deep-fried. Use George o’Neill's foolproof recipe to make 12 perfect Orkney Patties in your own kitchen. Enjoy a pattie supper tonight!
Read moreFive reasons why Orkney is great!
NorthLink Ferries ask P6 and P7 pupils to tell us five reasons why they think Orkney is a great place to visit. This article, written by Amelia Tomalin, features rich descriptions of the folklore and landscape of Orkney which we think you'll love!
Read moreHow to take photos of the Northern Lights
Visitors to Orkney in autumn and winter will hope to see the Northern Lights. If you’d like to take good photos of these curtains of green and red light swaying and shifting in the night sky, you may find that it is easier than you might think!
Read moreA trip to Hoy in Orkney
Hoy is the second biggest Orkney Island, and it's quite distinctive; characterised by heathery hills and vast red sandstone cliffs. Hoy is a favourite destination for those looking to visit an enchanting island to get away from it all!
Read moreWhat is the Ness of Brodgar? Ten essential facts
During the summer months in Orkney, there's an amazing archaeological dig at The Ness of Brodgar. These buildings were used for ceremonies 5,000 years ago. Find out more in our beginner's guide to the Ness of Brodgar!
Read moreMy fifteen favourite things in the Orkney Museum
Within the Orkney Museum in Kirkwall are some of Orkney's most prized artefacts. We’d recommend a visit if you are captivated by history. We've compiled a list of 15 of our favourite things there.
Read moreOrkney Fudge Chocolate Brownies
If you're looking for a delicious sweet treat with an Orkney flavour for parties and treats, then look no further! Try our easy recipe from the Chef on MV Hamnavoe to make 16 delicious Orkney Fudge Chocolate Brownies in your own kitchen.
Read moreFamily adventures in Orkney
If you dream of a family island adventure, look no further than Orkney! We welcomed one of the most influential UK adventure bloggers, The Travel Hack, to Orkney for a week of family adventuring. Here’s what Monica and her family got up to!
Read moreOrkney Bere Bannock Recipe
Learn how to make traditional Orkney Bere Bannocks with this recipe from the Barony Mill in Birsay. Bere is an ancient form of barley which has grown in the islands since the Stone Age. A Bere Bannock is a flat bread, best served warm with butter!
Read moreOur day on Rousay
We spent a fantastic day in Rousay. The island is described as the Egypt of the North because there are over 140 archaeological sites to be found within Rousay's 19 square miles. We saw chambered cairns, Iron Age brochs and beautiful beaches!
Read moreSeals in Sanday with Emma Neave-Webb
The Sanday Ranger Emma Neave-Webb has been remotely operating the Sanday Seal Cam, which is sponsored by NorthLink Ferries, and shows two seal pupping beaches in Orkney. We spoke to Emma and she offered a fascinating insight into seal behaviour!
Read moreA fantastic day out at Fern Valley Wildlife Centre
Fern Valley is a fabulous animal centre and tearoom in Rendall, Orkney. All of the animals that live there are exotic rescue animals. Visit for a chance to get up close to African Pygmy Hedgehogs, Meerkats and Raccoon dogs!
Read moreJewellery Designers of Orkney
In recent years, the Orkney craft industry has developed a reputation for producing many talented designers of beautiful and unique jewellery. Read on to find out what inspires these amazing people.
Read moreA Brief History of Stromness
The town of Stromness in the Orkney Islands has a fascinating salt-encrusted history. Find out how the town began and the events, including wars, explorers, whalers, traders and fishing, which shaped Stromness through the years!
Read moreFood from the Orkney Islands that you must try!
Orkney has some unique and very tasty food to try! The Orkney menu owes much to the fresh air, fertile fields and rich seas around the islands. Make sure you sample some of our suggestions before you take your ferry home.
Read moreOur trip to the Barony Mill
The Barony Mill in Birsay is a working watermill, the only one in Orkney. We'd highly recommend the Barony Mill as a must-see to any visitor to Orkney. It has a fascinating tour and the children particularly enjoyed making the mill come to life.
Read moreWhere in Orkney do you find…
Looking for puffins, standing stones, sea stacks, owls, otters, groatie buckies or Viking runes in Orkney? We've written a handy guide to the Orkney islands which should answer your questions and point you in the right direction!
Read moreFifteen fascinating facts about Stromness you may not know!
NorthLink Ferries are proud that our ferry, MV Hamnavoe arrives in Stromness. The town offers a wonderful first impression for visitors to Orkney. We’ve compiled fifteen fascinating facts about Stromness!
Read moreTwelve great Stromness places to see
Stromness is a unique and picturesque town in Orkney hemmed in by a steep hill on one side and the sea on the other. It has a lovely waterfront of houses, piers and jetties. We've compiled a list of 12 great places to see around the town!
Read moreFly Fishing in Orkney
Many of the lochs of Orkney are filled with Brown Trout and are popular with fishermen from Orkney and further afield. We asked Neil Chalmers, the Freight Supervisor for MV Hamnavoe and a keen fly fisherman all about his experiences fishing in Orkney!
Read moreTen further hidden gems of Orkney
There are many great places to see in Orkney and it's a shame that not all of them are as well known as Skara Brae and the Old Man of Hoy. We've compiled a list, an insider's guide, to some less familiar but still brilliant places to see in Orkney.
Read moreTwelve essential historical places to visit in Orkney
One of the best places in Scotland to visit for history and archaeology, Orkney has an average of three archaeological sites per square mile! Read our list of essential historical places to visit in Orkney.
Read moreA walk to the Knowes of Trotty
The award for the best named archaeological site in Orkney should go to the Knowes of Trotty. It is the largest Bronze Age burial site in Scotland. We would also recommend the walk to reach this hidden archaeological treasure in Harray.
Read moreFascinating facts about Skara Brae you may not know!
One of the most remarkable places to visit in Orkney is the perfectly preserved Stone Age village of Skara Brae. This archaeological treasure is unique in that it offers us a glimpse into everyday life 5,000 years ago.
Read more12 essential Orkney books
The culture, landscape and history of Orkney are a source of inspiration for writers. If you're looking for holiday reading then we've picked 12 books that are essential guides to the islands. Not only that; they make very fine and entertaining reads!
Read moreCharles Tait – a life in pictures
Photographer Charles Tait is the author of acclaimed guide books and his photographs have illustrated tourism brochures and postcards for many years. We asked Charles to share his story along with some tips for budding photographers!
Read moreA tour of the Orkney Brewery
The Orkney Brewery Visitor Centre is an easy destination to recommend to visitors exploring Orkney. Located in a former Victorian schoolhouse; the Orkney Brewery offers informative tours, mouth-watering local food, a warm welcome and spectacular beer.
Read moreSkaill House Falconry
Skaill House Falconry is situated in the West Mainland of Orkney next to Skara Brae. The business is run by Keith Austen along with his wife and son. Together they offer a brilliant and personal falconry experience for visitors and Orcadians alike.
Read more6 Fantastic Cycling Routes in Orkney
The landscape of the Orkney Islands is fantastic to explore by bicycle. Better yet, bikes travel free of charge on NorthLink ferries! We asked Sean Chalmers, NorthLink's resident cycling expert about six of his favourite Orkney routes for keen cyclists!
Read moreYuletide Rocky Road Log
Make approximately 10 fat slices of this moreish Yuletide Rocky Road Log as a sweet treat or homemade gift. Our fail-safe recipe comes from George o’Neill, Sous Chef on MV Hamnavoe. This amazing chocolate delight doesn't take long to make!
Read moreInside the North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory
The North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory is located on an island famed for spotting rare migrating birds. Alison Duncan, the North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory warden, told us about the fascinating work they do.
Read moreOnly have one or two days in Orkney?
We'd always recommend visiting Orkney for a few days to get a full flavour of the isles. However, if one or two days in Orkney is all you have, here are the essential sites we'd recommend you visit during that time!
Read moreAll about Orkney Chairs – an interview with Robert H. Towers
An Orkney Chair is wooden, handcrafted and has a straw back. Master craftsman Robert H. Towers has been making Orkney Chairs for over 38 years and explains the history and process of making them.
Read moreAn extra ten hidden gems of Orkney
We've been told that our previous guides to the hidden highlights of Orkney have been helpful for frequent visitors looking for something different to do! We hope you'll enjoy this guide to ten more brilliant and less well-known places to go in Orkney.
Read moreWhy Orkney is a great holiday destination for children
In Orkney there's a natural and safe landscape, with fascinating history and wildlife and delicious food and drink. Orkney is a great place to take children and here are a few reasons why!
Read moreThe Yellowbird Gallery
We've long been admirers of the artwork of Jon Thompson and Lesley Murdoch, who reside in the north west corner of Orkney, near the Brough of Birsay, and run the fantastic Yellowbird Gallery. Read on to find out more about the Gallery and their work.
Read moreTen more hidden gems of Orkney
Last year we wrote about some of the great places to visit in Orkney that don't make the front cover of the tourist brochure! Here are ten more brilliant places to visit, that are a bit more unusual, quieter and less well known than the Ring of Brodgar!
Read moreFantastic places to Camp and Caravan in Orkney
Orkney is a brilliant place to explore, and taking a caravan, motorhome or tent is a brilliant way to see the best of the islands. We've written a guide to caravan, motorhome and camp sites in Orkney!
Read moreThings to do on a sunny day in Orkney
As a companion piece to the recent 'Things to do on a rainy day in Orkney' article, we have compiled a list of great things to do in Orkney when the sun is shining and you have no business being indoors!
Read moreThe Ness of Brodgar – an interview with Nick Card
The Ness of Brodgar is an archaeological discovery located in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Nick Card, Director of the Ness of Brodgar, UHI Archaeology Institute tells us more about the fascinating site.
Read moreThe Junior Inter-County competition between Orkney and Shetland
Orkney and Shetland are naturally drawn to one another in terms of friendships and rivalries. Nowhere is this more evident than in the annual Junior Inter-county sports competition!
Read moreGreat Museums to visit in Orkney
There are many super museums to visit in Orkney, but we particularly recommend the Orkney Museum, Stromness Museum, Scapa Flow Visitor's Centre and Kirbuster Farm Museum as great places to visit. Read on to find out some fascinating facts about each!
Read moreTrout Fishing in Orkney
We recently spoke to Ian Robertson, a keen fisherman who has fished Orkney's lochs for many years. Ian kindly offered some tips about Brown Trout and Sea Trout fishing in Orkney, including favourite lochs and best techniques to catch fish!
Read more8 Great walks with your dog in Orkney
Orkney is a great place for dogs. There are wide sandy beaches, amazing cliffs, hills with stunning views and lovely moorland walks dotted with wild flowers. Your dog will have a great time in Orkney, and you’ll love the fresh air and birds overhead!
Read moreWhat makes Orkney so special
If we were asked to explain what makes Orkney so special it would be hard to name just one thing! There are many different facets that make up the essence of Orkney. To help explain, we've compiled a list of ten reasons why Orkney is a great place to visit!
Read moreBirdwatching in Orkney – an interview with Alan Leitch
Alan Leitch, the RSPB Site Manager of Orkney Reserves offers a guide to the birds you can easily see in Orkney, including short eared owls, hen harriers, red throated divers and long tailed ducks.
Read morePhotographing Orkney – an interview with Premysl Fojtu
Premysl Fojtu is a photographer from the Czech republic who has recently embarked on an ambitious project to photograph a different Orkney island each month. Here he offers tips on taking photos in Orkney.
Read moreAll about the Ba’ – an interview with James Linklater
On Christmas and New Year's Day, the traditional Ba' game is played in Kirkwall. James Linklater, who has played for many years, and won the Christmas Day Men’s Ba' in 2011, tells us about the game.
Read moreThings to do on a rainy day in Orkney
When visiting Orkney there's lots to see outdoors including standing stones, neolithic villages and birds. However, what do you do when it's a rainy day in Orkney? We've compiled a list so that you can make the most of your time in Orkney without getting soggy!
Read moreThe Geology of the Old Man of Hoy
NorthLink Ferries are very proud to sail past the Old Man of Hoy on the Scrabster to Stromness route. The sea stack stands 40m taller than Big Ben! In geological terms the sea stack is relatively juvenile, having stood for less than 400 years. Find out more here.
Read moreSpotting Seals – an interview with Roderick Thorne
The Sanday Sealcam was brought to our screens initially thanks to the hard work of former Sanday Ranger, Roderick Thorne! Roderick told us about his work and about how to spot seals in Orkney.
Read moreAll about the Dwarfie Stane
The Dwarfie Stane lies in one of the most desolate and beautiful places in Orkney. It is a giant block of sandstone dropped by the glaciers that cut the valley in Hoy. Find out more about this amazing tomb that was carved out of rock using primitive tools!
Read moreThe mystery of the Birsay whalebone
A super coastal walk in Orkney is to the whalebone at Skiba Geo. This mysterious sculpture was created from a jaw and skull bones of a whale. It has downcurved 'wings' and looks like an owl in flight. We looked into who put it there, when they did it and why!
Read moreThe day we caught an Orkney Vole
Orkney Voles are twice the size of field voles found on mainland Britain. They have a stocky body with a blunt, rounded snout and live in the rough grassland. We thought we'd try to catch an Orkney Vole. We succeeded, but in the most unexpected way!
Read moreExploring Orkney’s wartime history
Orkney has a fascinating wartime history. The vast natural harbour of Scapa Flow was used as the Naval Base for the British Fleet and many of the batteries, searchlights and gun emplacements remain scattered through the islands.
Read moreTen hidden gems of Orkney
When people come to visit Orkney they usually go to the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae and the Italian Chapel. Here you'll find a list of ten hidden gems in Orkney to visit - places that don't make the front cover of the tourist brochure!
Read moreIsland in Focus: North Ronaldsay
Low lying with lovely beaches, old customs, the UK's tallest land-based lighthouse and a 19km sheep dyke which extends around the island to keep the sheep on the beach: find out a bit more about the remote Orkney island, North Ronaldsay here!
Read moreBuilding the Italian Chapel
The Italian Chapel was built by Italian Prisoners of War in 1943 and is now visited 100,000 times a year. Read on to find out more about how the Italians created this beautiful building in their spare time, using only scrap metal and concrete!
Read moreFacts about the Old Man of Hoy and St John’s Head
The Old Man of Hoy is a 449 ft tall sea stack and St John's Head is one of the highest vertical sea cliffs in Britain. Did you know these fascinating facts about these amazing landmarks?
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