The Orkney Tour

Here is a tour to give you a taste of the many aspects of Orkney which makes this a rich and diverse place to live and of course visit.

Visit the Italian Chapel hearing about the building of the 4 Churchill Barriers and the influence 1300 Italian Prisoners of War had on both the building and the local community during WW2.

Head back to Kirkwall and visit the Highland Park Distillery.  Touring the most northerly distillery in the world where you will hear about the founder, Magnus Eunson, and why a locally sourced fuel called ‘peat’ is such an important factor in creating one of the world’s best whisky.

The St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall is our next stop, where you will be able to hear about the Viking rule in Orkney and how important this magnificent building was back in the 12th century right up to today.

Driving out of Kirkwall we will follow the coastline of Scapa Flow when you will hear about the importance of this natural deep anchorage.

Heading out towards the World Heritage Site we will visit the Standing Stones of Stenness and the remains of a Neolithic village situated next door.

Passing the Ness of Brodgar we will stop at The Ring of Brodgar placed between two lochs and an important site for both our Neolithic and Bronze age forefathers.

Heading further west you will hear about the island’s history over the past 5000 years which includes the Viking influence.  The Brough of Birsay is a great stop and when the tide fits we can cross the tidal causeway to visit this attractive green island. 

Stepping into the Iron Age we will visit the Broch of Gurness which looks across to the ‘Egypt of the North’ known as the island of Rousay. 

Heading back into Kirkwall we will take a look at a Neolithic burial site with the most beautiful views across the Bay of Firth.