Centuries before Orkney joined Scotland, Kirkwall was a bustling Norwegian port.In 1486, King James III of Scotland elevated Kirkwall to the status of a royal burgh. On the west edge of the town, surrounded by Hatston Industrial Estate, is a prehistoric ancient monument, Grain Earth House, a short low stone-walled passage deep underground leading to a small pillared chamber.

Bishop's and Earl's Palaces

In Kirkwall you will find beautiful villages, each with their own ancient church. Explore the narrow lanes, browse the local shops and then enjoy a lazy lunch on a shady terrace.
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Highland Park Whisky Distillery

Highland Park is Scotland’s northernmost whisky distillery, lying just to the North-east of fellow Orcadian, Scapa. Orkney is a rugged, beautiful island and the Highland Park distillery sits on a hillside near Kirkwall.
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St Magnus Cathedral

Set in the heart of Kirkwall, the capital city of the Orkney Islands, it is a place of stillness, of inspiration, of warmth. The worshipping community over the centuries has been part of the Roman Catholic Church, the Norwegian Church, the Scottish Episcopal Church..
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