Orkney Things to Do

  Earl's Palace - inside, 1st floor
by iaint
 
  • Earl's Palace - inside, 1st floor
      Earl's Palace - inside, 1st floor
    by iaint
  • Earl's Palace - again, 1st floor
      Earl's Palace - again, 1st floor
    by iaint
  • the 3 main stones
      the 3 main stones
    by iaint
  • with people (and sheep) for scale
      with people (and sheep) for scale
    by iaint
  • Skara Brae
      Skara Brae
    by iaint
 
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St Magnus Cathedral - Kirkwall - Orkney

by scotlandscotour

I cannot stop photographing this amazing sandstone cathedral - it is even more beautiful inside.It is right in the centre of tiny Kirkwall (7,000 people) and free to go in, though donations for its upkeep would be good - the stone is very soft.Here are the weblinks I find best cover researching and viewing inside:http://sites.scran.ac.uk/stmagnus/http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/stmagnus/magcath.htmhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/history/society_culture/architecture/architecture_cathedral_06.shtmlhttp://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/kirkwall/stmagnus/http://www.ancient-scotland.co.uk/site.php?a=138

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Skara Brae - Neolithic Village - 5000 Years Old

by scotlandscotour

See the web links below:Skara Brae Neolithic VillageEveryone gets excited because Skara Brae is older than Stonehenge and older than the pyramids of Egypt.I get excited because Skara Brae preserves in stone the domestic houses and furnishing normally made from wood in this period (and hence mostly lost over time).As wood was scarce here - and because the stone naturally forms into these easily worked slabs - stone shelves, bed frames and so on were made. And they survived, in place, as the site has been covered by sand and so protected from later human raiding until recently. A site like this is a glimpse back in time - a link to 5000 years ago that is unspoilt by the intervening years, by war, reuse and adaptation. It has not been built upon, so only archaeologists can interpret ... everyone can see it ... walk amongst it ... and see for certain how skilled, creative and sophisticated...

Broch of Gurness

by scotlandscotour

This is a magnificent location - the best preserved Broch and well worth exploring.The Broch remains standing to about 7 feet above ground, is twin walled with complex constructions built within, a guarded entrance doorway (possibly protected by dogs and a heavy hinged door) and steps leading to upper rooms.Outside the Broch tower and within defensive ditches and dykes built concentrically around the whole site, huddles a crowded village of stone houses, similar in style to the earlier Skara Brae village. This seems to be huddled more for protection from enemies than sheltering from winter winds but I am sure both were true.The feeling is of a tightly packed, close community, self sufficient, spohisticated and well organised. The designs are creative, pragmatic and bear the hallmarks of a society well equiped to live with nature, properous and vying for a hold on this beautiful place...

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Tomb of the Eagles - Exceptional and Fantastic

by scotlandscotour

Different from all other archaeological sites on Orkney - very special, and highly recommended.Family run Tomb Of The Eagles is a refressing change from stuffy, government run sites.We arrived early and were welcomed by Kathleen. With real VIP treatment we were ushered through a delightful introductory talk before a coach party could decend. This gave us real "hands on" experience of life in pre-historic times and a chance to feel and touch finds from the tomb. Very special!Visitors are then free to walk un attended to the Bronze Age House unearthed on the farm - and amazingly one is trusted to explore this un supervised - you are free to touch the stones and ponder the purpose of tools, the design an layout ... mulling over life thousands of years back. The puzzle is delightfully uncertain and you can derive your own theories to compete with academics. This "trust" seems to work, as...

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Churchill Barriers - Sunken Ships & Scapa Flow

by scotlandscotour

Orkney Islands' Mainland is connected via a series of small islands (Lamb Holm, Burray, Glims Holm) and causeways, "Churchill Barriers", to South Ronaldsay Island.During World War II, ships were skuppered and sunk in the narrow channels between these islands to block access into the protected waters of Scapa Flow, where the British navel fleet gathered.The rusting hulks of many of these ships can still be seen and are a poingent reminder of the war.Nowadays, Scapa Flow is a divers' paradise, where you can explore the many wrecks.In 1939 the British fleet was moored within Scapa Flow, like ships have always done, for safety from weather (and enemies).HMS Royal Oak was a "sitting duck" for a German U-boat submarine which cleverly navigated through the sunken block ships, cables, and defenses.833 men died that night in Scapa Flow, as the Royal Oak turned upside down and sank. The U-boat...

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Italian Chapel - Prisoners of War - Peace symbol

by scotlandscotour

Visit this tiny gem, when crossing the "Churchill Barriers" to the islands south of Kirkwall (main town on Orkney). No charge. During the second world war, Italian prisoners from Africa were brought to Orkney to labour on the Churchill Barriers, connecting the small islands and blocking the channels to German U-boats seeking to destroy the British Navel fleet in Scapa Floe.The Chapel is exquisite and a powerful symbol - the only remaining hut from the prison camp.Click on the weblink below to see the incredible interior decor. Alternatively, to retain the element of delight and surprise, wait until you visit!This is a perfect example of those little things on a journey that make it special - so please take the time to stop and look, if only for 5 minutes. It will stay with you forever.

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Viking Village - Brough of Birsay

by scotlandscotour

Cross over the tidal causeway to the headland of Birsay, upon which the remains of a viking settlement (of some sophistication) shows how our appreciation of beautiful places to live has changed little over the years - This is idylic!Highly recommended!!Check to tides first and allow time to explore the rock pools - maybe the cliffs too (amazing aerial acrobatics by flying Fulmars). If you have a sense of adventure, be there when the tide is comming in!!See also the remains of the Bishops Palace.

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Kirkwall Town Centre

by scotlandscotour

Oh, what a joy to walk this paved street - the busiest street on all Orkney.Contrast this with most High Streets in towns in any western country! Enjoy Kirkwall and Stromness - the two towns on Orkney - places so far unspoilt by commercial greed and gaudy signs.

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View Full Size - Orkney Photography Magic

by scotlandscotour

Look, a picture says a thousand words, so I'll shut up and just let you look.Brough of Birsay - A Small Headland seperated from the Orkney "Mainland" by a Tidal Causeway, which has some of the most beautiful seaweed and stones.As well as the Birds on the cliffs and seals basking in sun, there is the remains of a sophisticated Viking village, built around a 10th century church.Close by is the ruined Bishops Palace.

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Skara Brae - It is unique and wonderful

by margaretvn

The highlight of a visit to Orkney has to be Skara Brae, it is fantastic. Its situation - overlooking the sea and its history.It was unearthed in 1850 during a storm, it had been buried for 4,500 years.This has to be one of the best known prehistoric monuments in Britain, this is because its astounding state of preservation allows us a extraordinarily evocative glimpse of times long past. Some of its houses stand to eaves level, whole stretches of passage way are still roofed and a lot of the stone furniture is still in place and easily recognised as furniture. Skara Brae is a small village consisting of 6 to 8 houses which were built, modified and rebuilt over a period of some 600 years between about 3100 and 2500 BC. Today it lies exposed on the shore of the Bay of Skaill, that is the result of marine erosion. It position today is very different from its original one when it lay in...

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Questions and Answers

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Q:  I'm just beginning to plan a trip to Scotland and have decided on visiting Orkney. We will be there end of May beginning of June... 

leics profile photo

A: If you have a car then it will be extremely easy to travel around the islands...Mainland is linked by the Churchill barriers to Lamb Holm, Burray and South Ronaldsey.... 

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