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Kirkwall

Kirkwall is the largest town and administrative capital of the Orkney Islands, an archipelago off the north coast of Scotland, situated on the island known as Mainland.^[1] With a population of 7,390 as recorded in the 2022 census, it serves as the principal seaport and commercial hub for the islands, accommodating about one-third of Orkney's total residents.^[2] The town derives its name from the Old Norse "Kirkjuvágr," meaning "church bay," reflecting its deep Viking roots dating back to the 9th century.^[1] Historically, Kirkwall emerged as a key settlement during the Norse earldom of Orkney, with its prominence solidified by the construction of St Magnus Cathedral in 1137, founded by Earl Rognvald Kali in honor of his martyred uncle, Saint Magnus Erlendsson.^[3] The cathedral, built from local red and yellow sandstone in a predominantly Romanesque style, stands as the town's most iconic landmark and one of Britain's few complete medieval cathedrals still in use, holding international significance for its architectural and cultural value.^[4] Nearby, the ruins of the 12th-century Bishop's Palace (substantially rebuilt in the 16th century) and the early 17th-century Earl's Palace further highlight Kirkwall's role as a center of ecclesiastical and secular power under Scottish rule after the islands' transfer from Norway in 1468.^[1] Today, Kirkwall functions as the economic and cultural heart of Orkney, supporting industries such as tourism, fishing, agriculture, and renewable energy, while its harbor facilitates ferry services to the Scottish mainland and inter-island travel.^[1] The Orkney Museum, housed in a 17th-century building, preserves artifacts from prehistoric times through the Viking era, underscoring the town's connection to Orkney's ancient heritage, including nearby Neolithic sites like the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage area.^[1] Annual events such as the St Magnus Festival blend music, arts, and literature, drawing visitors to celebrate the islands' enduring Norse-Scots fusion.^[1]

History

Etymology

The name Kirkwall originates from the Old Norse term Kirkjuvágr, which translates to "church bay" or "church inlet," referring to a sheltered harbor associated with an early church site.^[5]^[6] This nomenclature highlights the introduction of Christian influences in the region during the Norse period, as the settlement developed around a church and market area where a stream met the bay.^[6] The earliest recorded reference to the settlement appears in the Orkneyinga Saga, a 13th-century Icelandic chronicle, which mentions Kirkjuvagr around 1046 as the residence of Earl Rögnvald Brusason and describes it as a modest market center with few buildings.^[6]^[7] According to the saga, Rögnvald constructed a church dedicated to Saint Olaf there, potentially linking the name directly to this early ecclesiastical structure, remnants of which include a surviving arch from St. Olaf's Church.^[6]^[7] Over time, as Norse control waned and Scots and English linguistic influences grew following the islands' transfer to Scotland in 1468, the name evolved through intermediate forms such as Kirkvoe and Kirkwaa before settling into its modern English spelling, Kirkwall.^[8] This gradual anglicization preserved the core meaning while adapting to Lowland Scots and broader British usage.^[8]

Prehistory and early settlement

The area around Kirkwall, on Orkney's Mainland, shows evidence of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period, around 3500 BC, with the construction of monumental structures that suggest organized communities focused on ritual and burial practices. Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn, located approximately five miles west of Kirkwall, exemplifies this era; built around 3000 BC, it features a central chamber with a corbelled roof accessed via a low passage, containing human remains and pottery indicative of communal burial rites.^[9] Nearby sites, such as the Stones of Stenness—a circle of standing stones erected circa 3100 BC—and the Maeshowe burial cairn (c. 2800 BC), further demonstrate Neolithic investment in the landscape, with these monuments likely serving ceremonial purposes and influencing settlement patterns by anchoring communities to prominent topographical features.^[10] The cairn’s conspicuous position on Wideford Hill, for instance, may have shaped early habitation by providing a focal point for social and ritual gatherings in the region.^[9] During the Bronze Age (c. 2500–800 BC), activity continued with additional cairns and potential ritual sites, though evidence is sparser than in the Neolithic; these structures, including unroofed variants near Kirkwall Bay, reflect a transition to more dispersed farming communities while maintaining ties to ancestral monuments. Iron Age developments (c. 800 BC–AD 400) are marked by the appearance of souterrains, underground stone-lined passages associated with defensive or storage functions. Rennibister Earth House, an Iron Age souterrain roughly three miles southwest of Kirkwall and dating to about 2,000 years ago, consists of a curved passage leading to a small chamber, possibly used for refuge during conflicts or for storing perishable goods in a farming settlement.^[11] Similar structures, like Grain Earth House on Kirkwall's outskirts, underscore a pattern of semi-subterranean architecture adapted to Orkney's harsh climate and indicating stable, agrarian populations in the vicinity.^[12] From the 6th century AD, Pictish influences became prominent in Orkney, which formed part of the Pictish kingdom until the 9th century, with symbol stones and carved slabs bearing abstract motifs discovered across Mainland, including near Kirkwall, evidencing a distinct artistic and cultural identity.^[13] Early Christian conversions overlapped with this period, beginning around AD 580 when Irish saint Cormac Ua Liatháin arrived, as recorded in Adomnán's Life of Columba, establishing monastic outposts that blended with Pictish traditions.^[14] By the 7th–8th centuries, papar (Celtic monks) had founded settlements on nearby islands like Papa Westray, and archaeological finds such as a 6th-century ogham-inscribed spindle whorl at Buckquoy confirm the gradual adoption of Christianity, marked by cross-slabs appearing from the early 8th century.^[14] These shifts are evident in sites like the Brough of Birsay, where Pictish houses transitioned to early churches around the 6th–8th centuries.^[15] Initial settlement patterns in the Kirkwall area gravitated toward natural harbors, such as Kirkwall Bay, which provided shelter for early maritime activities and fishing, fostering continuity from prehistoric times through the Pictish era and setting the foundation for later urban development.^[16] This coastal orientation, combined with fertile inland soils, supported sustained habitation, with evidence from cairns and earth houses indicating communities that exploited both sea and land resources.^[17]

Norse and medieval era

The Norse period in Kirkwall commenced with Viking settlements in the late 8th century, as part of the broader colonization of the Orkney Islands by Scandinavians seeking strategic coastal sites for trade and raiding.^[18] Kirkwall emerged as a key harbor in the Earldom of Orkney, likely established as an early trading area known as 'the Burgh,' which archaeological evidence traces to Norse activity around what is now the town center.^[19] By the 12th century, it served as a thing site for local assemblies, possibly shifting there from earlier locations like Maeshowe in the late 13th century, reflecting its growing role as a Christian and administrative hub within the earldom.^[19] A pivotal development occurred in 1137 when Earl Rognvald Kali, nephew of the martyred Earl Magnus Erlendsson, commissioned the construction of St Magnus Cathedral to honor his uncle's relics, marking Kirkwall's elevation as an ecclesiastical center.^[20] Built primarily in Romanesque style from local red and yellow sandstone, the cathedral became the most complete medieval cathedral surviving in Scotland, symbolizing the earldom's Norse-Christian identity and drawing pilgrims to the site.^[20] Orkney's integration into Scotland accelerated after 1468, when King Christian I of Denmark-Norway pledged the islands as security for the unpaid dowry of his daughter Margaret upon her marriage to James III of Scotland, effectively transferring control to the Scottish crown by 1469.^[21] This shift brought Scottish administrative influences to Kirkwall, culminating in 1486 when James III granted it royal burgh status via charter, conferring privileges such as local courts, weekly markets on Tuesdays and Fridays, and three annual fairs to bolster trade and governance.^[22] The 16th-century Reformation further reshaped Kirkwall's institutions, with early signs of Protestant influence appearing by the 1540s under Bishop Robert Reid, who in 1544 imposed a reforming constitution on St Magnus Cathedral requiring sermons in the vernacular and measures against heresy.^[23] The official Scottish Reformation of 1560 reached Orkney slowly due to its isolation, leading to the suppression of Catholic practices and the abolition of "papistic" elements, though resistance persisted and some traditions lingered into the 17th century, altering the cathedral's role from a Catholic shrine to a Protestant parish church.^[24]

Modern history

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Orkney's agriculture underwent significant transformations driven by the broader Scottish agricultural revolution, shifting from subsistence farming to more intensive practices that influenced local migration patterns. Traditional runrig systems, involving shared arable land, gave way to enclosure, drainage, and consolidation of holdings, enabling the cultivation of improved crops like oats and bere on better-drained soils, while introducing liming and crop rotation to boost productivity.^[25] These changes, part of the "improvements" era, led to the consolidation of smaller tenancies into larger farms, prompting rural depopulation and emigration, particularly to North America and urban Scotland, as families sought opportunities amid rising rents and limited land access.^[26] In Kirkwall, as the islands' administrative center, this period saw urban growth tied to trade in agricultural exports, though overall population pressures contributed to sustained outward migration.^[25] The 20th century brought profound infrastructural and military developments to Kirkwall, largely due to its strategic position near Scapa Flow. During World War II, Scapa Flow served as the primary base for the British Home Fleet, hosting thousands of personnel and vessels, with Kirkwall functioning as a key support hub for logistics, defense, and anti-submarine operations following incidents like the 1939 sinking of HMS Royal Oak.^[27] The war spurred airfield construction; Kirkwall Airport originated as RAF Grimsetter in 1940 to protect Scapa Flow, and by 1943, it was transferred to the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm as HMS Robin, facilitating torpedo bomber operations and coastal patrols.^[28] Post-war, the airport transitioned to civilian use in the late 1940s, becoming a vital link for the islands' connectivity and economic recovery.^[28] Local governance evolved significantly in the late 20th century, reflecting Orkney's push for autonomy within Scotland. The Orkney Islands Council was established on 16 May 1975 under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, replacing the previous county and town councils to provide unified administration tailored to island needs, including education, infrastructure, and harbor management.^[29] Scottish devolution in 1999, with the reconvening of the Scottish Parliament, granted greater powers over areas like transport and environment, benefiting Orkney through policies such as enhanced ferry services and renewable energy support, though initial concerns in Kirkwall focused on potential centralization from Edinburgh overshadowing island priorities.^[30] The council has since leveraged revenues from Scapa Flow's oil operations to fund community projects, solidifying Kirkwall's role as the administrative heart.^[29] In recent years up to 2025, Kirkwall and Orkney have prioritized climate resilience and heritage preservation amid global challenges. Following the 2019 climate emergency declaration, community responses have centered on achieving net zero emissions by 2030 through initiatives like peatland restoration, energy efficiency upgrades in social housing, and a 2024 Climate Change Vision statement promoting renewable jobs—already numbering around 400—and adaptation to flooding and sea level rise via collaborative planning with local businesses and academia.^[31] Heritage efforts have focused on the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, with the 2020-2025 Historic Environment Scotland Climate Action Plan addressing erosion at sites like Skara Brae through sea wall repairs and the Orkney World Heritage Site Gateway Project to enhance sustainable tourism and visitor management.^[32] By 2025, ongoing accessibility audits and buffer zone reviews ensure community involvement in conserving these prehistoric monuments against climate threats.^[32]

Geography

Location and physical features

Kirkwall is situated on the eastern side of Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney archipelago, at coordinates 58°59′N 2°57′W.^[33] The town lies approximately 13 miles northeast of Stromness, the other principal settlement on Mainland, and about 130 miles north of Aberdeen on the Scottish mainland.^[33]^[34] This positioning places Kirkwall at the heart of the islands' central lowlands, facilitating its role as a key administrative and transport hub. The town's physical layout encompasses roughly 4 km² of predominantly flat coastal terrain, centered around the sheltered natural harbor of Kirkwall Bay, which opens into the broader Wide Firth.^[35] This bay provides deep-water access protected from the open North Sea, supporting maritime activities since Norse times. Surrounding the urban area are expansive farmlands typical of Orkney's fertile soils, with the landscape gently undulating toward the coast and inland hills.^[36]^[25] Kirkwall's proximity to inland water bodies, including the Loch of Stenness approximately 11 miles to the southwest, contributes to regional drainage patterns and a rich ecological mosaic of wetlands and coastal margins.^[37] These lochs and surrounding peatlands influence local hydrology, fostering diverse habitats amid the agricultural expanse. Geologically, the area features Devonian Old Red Sandstone formations, which form the underlying bedrock and give rise to the characteristic red hues in exposed cliffs and quarried stone used in local buildings.^[38]^[25] This sandstone substrate, shaped by ancient rift basin deposition and later glacial modification, exposes the town to prevailing North Atlantic winds and weather systems.

Climate

Kirkwall has a temperate oceanic climate classified as Cfb in the Köppen-Geiger system, characterized by mild temperatures year-round due to its maritime position. Winters are relatively mild, with January featuring an average daily mean temperature of 4.4°C, derived from a mean maximum of 6.6°C and minimum of 2.3°C based on 1991–2020 data from Kirkwall Airport. Summers remain cool, with July averages at 13.2°C (mean maximum 16.1°C, minimum 10.3°C), reflecting the moderating influence of the surrounding North Sea and Atlantic Ocean.^[39]^[40] Precipitation is moderate and evenly distributed but peaks in autumn and winter, totaling about 1,050 mm annually, with over 190 days of measurable rain. Frequent westerly winds from the Atlantic, averaging 13 knots yearly, contribute to the region's changeable weather, often bringing cloudy conditions and occasional gales. Sunshine hours average 1,210 per year, below the UK national average of 1,403 hours, primarily due to the high latitude reducing solar exposure.^[40]^[41] Extreme temperatures are rare but notable; the record high reached 26°C in August 1976 at Kirkwall Airport, while the lowest was -11°C in January 1982. Climate change projections indicate an increasing frequency and intensity of storms through 2025, exacerbating coastal erosion and flooding risks in Orkney.^[42]^[43]^[44]

Demographics

Population trends

Kirkwall's population has experienced gradual growth since the early 19th century, reflecting broader trends in Orkney's urbanization and economic development. In 1801, the combined population of Kirkwall and the adjacent parish of St Ola stood at 2,621. By 1951, this had risen to 4,524, representing a post-World War II peak influenced by wartime activities and subsequent resettlement. The figure continued to climb, reaching 5,720 by 1971, as the town solidified its role as Orkney's administrative and commercial center. More recent census data highlights a moderated pace of expansion. The 2022 Scotland Census recorded Kirkwall's population at 7,393, a 2.8% increase from approximately 7,190 in 2011, aligning closely with the 2.9% growth observed across the Orkney Islands during the decade. Mid-year estimates from around 2020 placed the broader Kirkwall locality, including surrounding areas like St Ola, at roughly 10,000 residents. With a land area of 4 km², this yields a population density of 2,505 per km², underscoring Kirkwall's status as one of Scotland's more densely settled small towns.^[45]^[2] Projections from the National Records of Scotland anticipate a modest population increase for Kirkwall through 2029, potentially reaching around 7,600, supported by net inward migration from the Scottish mainland that offsets natural decrease from an aging demographic. However, recent Orkney reports from 2022 to 2025 indicate a slowdown in overall growth, with the islands' expansion stalling amid concerns over sustained migration levels; without continued inflows, a decline of up to 2.7% is forecasted for Orkney by 2043. As of mid-2024, the Orkney Islands' population was estimated at 22,000 by NRS, indicating stalled growth post-2022.^[46]^[47]^[46] Factors such as seasonal tourism fluctuations contribute to temporary population swells but do not significantly alter long-term resident trends.

Ethnic composition and language

Kirkwall's population is overwhelmingly White, with 98.1% identifying as such in the 2022 census, predominantly of Scottish or British background.^[45] Minority ethnic groups are small, comprising 0.7% Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh; 0.2% Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean or African; 0.7% Mixed or Multiple; and 0.3% Other ethnic groups.^[45] These minorities largely stem from Europe and Asia, drawn by opportunities in tourism and the oil sector, including the Flotta oil terminal; country of birth data shows 160 residents from Europe (excluding the UK) and 94 from Asia.^[2] English is the main language for 95.2% of Kirkwall residents aged three and over, with 0.7% speaking Scots as their primary language and under 0.1% using Gaelic.^[2] The prevalent local dialect is the Orkney variant of Scots, influenced by historical Norn elements, which features in everyday speech and community interactions.^[2] Religious affiliations reflect a secular trend, with 58.0% reporting no religion in 2022, the largest category.^[2] Church of Scotland affiliation stands at 27.0%, followed by 2.1% Roman Catholic, 5.7% other Christian, and 1.9% other religions, with 5.3% not stating.^[2] Post-Brexit immigration patterns show limited change in Kirkwall's small-scale inflows, with the 2022 census capturing ongoing but modest arrivals from EU countries amid broader UK declines in EU migration; non-EU sources, particularly Asia, have sustained minor growth tied to energy and service sectors up to 2025.^[2]^[48]

Governance

Local government structure

Kirkwall serves as the administrative hub for the Orkney Islands, housing the headquarters of the Orkney Islands Council at School Place since the council's establishment in 1975 as one of Scotland's original all-purpose local authorities. This unitary council governs the entire archipelago, providing essential public services while operating under the devolved framework of the Scottish Parliament. The council's structure emphasizes community representation and efficient administration, with its main offices centralizing operations in Kirkwall to support the islands' unique geographic and demographic needs.^[49] The Orkney Islands Council comprises 21 elected councillors, serving across six multi-member wards: East Mainland, South Ronaldsay and Burray; Kirkwall East; Kirkwall West and Orphir; North Isles; Stromness and South Isles; and West Mainland. Councillors are elected every five years, with the most recent election held on 5 May 2022, resulting in a composition of 19 independents and 2 Scottish Green Party members. This electoral arrangement ensures balanced representation, with each ward electing 3 or 4 members to address local priorities. The council's governance includes full council meetings, committees, and a chief executive leading directorates for education, infrastructure, and community services.^[50] Under devolved powers from the Scottish Parliament, the council manages key areas such as local planning through the preparation of development plans and education via schemes like devolved school management, which empower individual schools in improvement planning. Kirkwall also hosts vital judicial services, including the Kirkwall Sheriff Court at Watergate, which handles civil and criminal cases for the region as part of Scotland's court system. These functions underscore Kirkwall's role in facilitating accessible governance for Orkney's residents.^[51]^[52]^[53] From 2022 to 2027, aligning with the current council term, initiatives have prioritized sustainability and housing, guided by the Council Plan 2023-2028 and Strategic Plan 2025-2028. These include efforts to enhance energy efficiency in social and private homes, the development of a Local Housing Strategy 2024-2029 to address supply and affordability, and plans for up to 500 new homes over the next decade. These programs aim to support economic growth and environmental goals, such as reducing fuel poverty and promoting renewable energy integration across the islands.^[54]^[55]^[56]^[57]

Administrative functions

The Orkney Islands Council (OIC) is responsible for delivering essential public services in Kirkwall, encompassing waste management, housing, and emergency planning. Waste services include weekly refuse collection from households, operation of five household waste recycling centers and 16 additional recycling points, and processing of approximately 14,492 tonnes of municipal refuse annually as of 2024/25. Housing provision involves managing 1,020 council-owned homes across Orkney, with a focus on maintenance, new developments, and affordable rentals averaging £102.50 per week after a 7.1% increase as of 2024/25. Emergency planning is handled through the OIC Major Emergency Plan, which outlines corporate responses to incidents, supported by the Police and Fire Sub-committee for coordination with services during crises.^[58]^[59] In economic development, OIC oversees harbor operations as the statutory harbor authority for Kirkwall and other Orkney ports, generating surpluses such as £682,500 from miscellaneous piers and harbors and £1.238 million from Scapa Flow Oil Port as of 2024/25, while facilitating 171 cruise ship visits in 2025. The council promotes tourism by providing substantial annual grants to VisitOrkney, the local destination marketing organization, to execute marketing campaigns and align with the Orkney Tourism Strategy 2020-2030, which emphasizes sustainable visitor experiences across the islands.^[58]^[60]^[61]^[62] OIC collaborates within the Orkney Community Planning Partnership on strategic initiatives addressing 2022-2025 challenges, including projected population decline—estimated at 2.7% over the next decade without significant inward migration as of 2025—and climate adaptation measures to build resilience against environmental risks like coastal erosion and severe weather.^[63]^[64]^[65] Fiscal operations fund these functions through an annual revenue budget of £118.2 million for 2025/26, sourced from council tax (Band D rate of £1,574.60), grants including a £106 million Aggregate External Finance settlement from the Scottish Government, and service-specific incomes like harbor fees.^[66]^[67]^[68]

Economy

Primary sectors

Kirkwall's primary economic sectors are anchored in agriculture, fishing, and an expanding renewable energy industry, reflecting the town's position as the administrative and economic hub of Orkney. Agriculture dominates the surrounding mainland farmland, where livestock farming prevails due to the islands' suitable grazing conditions. In 2023, Orkney supported 75,100 cattle, including 37,852 beef cows, and 132,086 sheep, with 47,174 breeding ewes, underscoring the sector's focus on beef and sheep production.^[69] Whisky production also contributes notably, exemplified by the Highland Park distillery, established in 1798 and recognized as Scotland's northernmost single malt facility, utilizing local barley and peated malt to produce its signature lightly smoky whiskies.^[70] The sector employed 1,922 individuals in 2023, including 698 waged workers and 1,224 farm occupiers.^[69] The fishing industry operates primarily through Kirkwall's Hatston Pier at the harbor, handling landings of whitefish such as haddock and cod alongside shellfish like crabs and scallops. In 2022, Orkney's fishing fleet of 129 vessels recorded an annual catch value of £7.7 million, with shellfish comprising £6.5 million of that total, supporting local processing and export.^[69] This sector employed 238 fishermen in 2022, many based in or around Kirkwall.^[69] Renewable energy represents a growing pillar, leveraging Orkney's wind and tidal resources, with Kirkwall serving as a key operational center. The islands generated 112,507 MWh from renewables in 2023, meeting 92% of demand through 1,405 sites, including over 700 small-scale onshore wind turbines and two tidal installations.^[69]^[71] Offshore wind projects are advancing, notably the West of Orkney Windfarm, which received regulatory consent in June 2025, with construction expected to start in 2027 and first power in 2029 to power over two million homes.^[72]^[73] Tidal energy pilots continue at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) near Kirkwall, with expansions targeting 50 MW capacity, including 24.9 MW secured but installed capacity remaining around 10 MW as of late 2025; Orbital Marine Power's 170 MW scoping in Westray Firth is ongoing.^[74]^[75] The renewables sector currently employs 300-400 full-time equivalents in Orkney, with projections for up to 1,000 additional jobs over the next decade from offshore developments.^[74] Collectively, agriculture and fishing accounted for approximately 10% of Orkney's workforce in 2022, with 936 direct employees amid total employee jobs of around 11,000 in 2023, though shifts toward green energy are evident as renewables attract investment and skilled labor.^[69]^[76]

Tourism and services

Tourism plays a pivotal role in Kirkwall's economy, contributing significantly to the broader Orkney Islands' visitor sector, which generated over £114 million annually. In 2024, Orkney recorded 173,000 visits, marking a 10% decline from the 192,000 visits in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting ongoing recovery challenges in the industry.^[77]^[78] Cruise tourism has been a major driver, with 171 ship calls in 2025, bringing approximately 170,000 passengers and stimulating local retail and hospitality businesses. These visits often coincide with peak demand periods, leading to expansions such as the Albert Hotel in Kirkwall, which added 12 new rooms and relocated its reception in July 2025 to accommodate growing visitor numbers.^[60]^[79]^[80] The service sectors, encompassing retail, finance, and health, form the backbone of employment in Kirkwall and Orkney, accounting for around 60% of the workforce based on recent economic analyses that highlight their dominance over primary industries. Retail and hospitality benefit directly from tourism inflows, while health services support both residents and visitors; however, the sector faces challenges, including the closure of Kirkwall's VisitScotland iCentre in October 2025, which local businesses have criticized as potentially detrimental to visitor guidance and economic activity.^[69]^[81] To address pressures from tourism growth, Orkney has implemented sustainability efforts through its Tourism Strategy 2020-2030, which promotes responsible practices to mitigate overtourism impacts on sites and communities. Key initiatives include a Visitor Management Plan funded at £185,000 for infrastructure like additional facilities at popular attractions; however, proposals for a visitor levy were rejected by the council in September 2025. These measures aim to balance economic benefits with preservation, drawing on primary sector elements such as guided tours of agricultural and fishing sites to diversify visitor experiences without overburdening resources.^[62]^[82]^[83]

Culture and community life

Arts, media, and festivals

Kirkwall serves as a vibrant hub for artistic expression in Orkney, with the St Magnus International Festival anchoring the town's cultural calendar since its founding in 1977 by composer Sir Peter Maxwell Davies and local advocates. This annual midsummer event, held in late June, spans a week of music, drama, dance, literature, and visual arts, drawing international performers to venues like St Magnus Cathedral in the heart of Kirkwall.^[84]^[85] Local media plays a central role in documenting and promoting Kirkwall's creative scene. The Orcadian, established in 1854 as Orkney's oldest newspaper, remains a weekly publication based in Kirkwall that covers arts events, community stories, and cultural heritage, fostering a sense of local identity.^[86] Complementing print, BBC Radio Orkney, launched in 1977 from studios in Kirkwall, broadcasts daily programs on music, literature, and festivals as an opt-out service of BBC Radio Scotland, reaching audiences across the islands.^[87] Community arts initiatives enrich Kirkwall's cultural landscape, exemplified by the nearby Pier Arts Centre in Stromness, which since 1979 has showcased 20th-century British and contemporary works, including pieces by Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson, supporting regional artistic exchange.^[88] Kirkwall's own Orkney Library & Archive, Scotland's oldest public library dating to 1683 and located on Junction Road, holds over 145,000 items, including literary collections on Orcadian authors like George Mackay Brown and music CDs preserving folk traditions.^[89] Orkney's musical heritage, deeply embedded in Kirkwall's community life, emphasizes fiddle and accordion playing, with tunes passed through generations via informal sessions and groups like the Orkney Traditional Music Project.^[90] These folk traditions blend Scottish and Nordic influences, often featured in local performances and events that highlight the islands' seafaring history.^[91] In recent years, Kirkwall's arts sector has gained recognition through the 2024 Orkney Tourism Awards, which celebrated innovative cultural experiences contributing to the local economy.^[92] Post-2020, digital media has seen notable growth, with online platforms like The Orkney News experiencing a surge in readership during lockdowns, enabling broader access to arts coverage and virtual events.^[93]

Community facilities

Kirkwall's primary leisure complex is the Pickaquoy Centre, a multi-use facility opened in late 1998 that includes two swimming pools, a fitness suite, a multi-activity arena, a climbing wall, and a cinema, serving as a central hub for community recreation and events.^[94] Managed by a non-profit trust established in 1999, the centre supports a range of fitness classes, badminton, and soft play areas, accommodating all ages and promoting physical activity in the local population.^[95] Additional expansions, such as a £6.6 million swimming pool and health suite upgrade completed in 2013, have enhanced its capacity for aquatic and wellness programs.^[96] Community centres in Kirkwall include the Kirkwall and St Ola Town Hall and Community Centre, which offers a games hall, conference facilities, and spaces for weddings and social gatherings, fostering local events and meetings.^[97] The KGS Sports Centre, affiliated with Kirkwall Grammar School, provides public access to a gymnasium, dance studio, games hall, and fitness suite during evenings and weekends, extending educational infrastructure for broader community use.^[98] The Orkney Library & Archive, Scotland's oldest public library founded in 1683 and located on Junction Road in central Kirkwall, offers free access to books, magazines, digital e-books, e-audio, computers, and Wi-Fi, supporting lifelong learning and research for residents.^[89] Complementing this, the Orkney Museum, established in 1968 within the historic A-listed Tankerness House built in the 16th century, houses exhibits on Orkney's social history, archaeology, and natural heritage, providing educational and cultural resources free to the public.^[99] Healthcare services are centred at the Balfour Hospital, a 48-bed rural general facility opened in 2019 near Kirkwall's centre, which delivers emergency care, inpatient services, a day unit, and outpatient treatments as part of NHS Orkney's integrated offerings.^[100] Designed as Scotland's first net-zero carbon hospital, it emphasizes sustainable healthcare delivery for the islands' approximately 22,000 residents.^[101] Social services in Kirkwall are coordinated through Orkney Health and Care, which operates community-based care centres, social work support, and targeted programs for vulnerable groups, including youth and older adults.^[102] Youth clubs, such as The Zone in Kirkwall, provide safe spaces for children and young people aged 8-25 with activities, peer support, and skill-building opportunities, run by the Orkney Islands Council's Youth Services Team.^[103] Volunteer groups, facilitated by Voluntary Action Orkney, engage residents in community projects, including youth volunteering initiatives that promote local involvement and skill development.^[104] Post-2022 efforts under Orkney's Mental Health Strategy 2020-2025 have focused on aging populations, addressing depression prevalence (22% in men and 28% in women aged 65 and over) through community wellbeing programs and connections, aligned with the Scottish Government's National Islands Plan.^[105]^[106] Public recreational spaces include the harbor promenades around Kirkwall Pier and the Peedie Sea, which feature accessible walking paths offering scenic views of the waterfront and supporting daily exercise and social interaction.^[107] Wideford Hill, on the outskirts of Kirkwall, serves as a popular recreational area with hiking trails leading to panoramic viewpoints over the town and surrounding isles, ideal for outdoor leisure.^[108]

Historic sites and landmarks

Religious buildings

St Magnus Cathedral, founded in 1137 by Viking Earl Rognvald Kali as a shrine for the relics of his uncle, the martyred Earl Magnus Erlendsson, stands as the preeminent religious structure in Kirkwall. Constructed primarily from local red and yellow sandstone, the cathedral exemplifies Romanesque architecture with its soaring arches, massive round pillars, and intricate Norman detailing, though later expansions incorporated Gothic elements such as pointed arches and ribbed vaulting. The relics of St Magnus, a 12th-century Viking noble executed in 1117, were interred within a pillar of the choir; in 1919, a wooden reliquary containing bones with axe wounds consistent with his martyrdom was discovered in a hidden cavity, confirming the site's Viking-era significance. Ongoing restorations, including structural conservation and recent 2025 archaeological analysis of the reliquary, continue to preserve this medieval masterpiece against weathering and historical damage. The ruins of St Olaf's Kirk, dating to the 12th century and likely established around 1137, represent an earlier phase of Kirkwall's Christian heritage under Norse rule. Initially serving as the town's principal church and housing St Magnus's shrine before the cathedral's completion, it functioned as a parish church through the medieval period before falling into disuse by the 17th century, when it was repurposed as a poorhouse, warehouse, and eventually a private residence. Today, only fragments remain visible, including a preserved southern doorway arch in St Olaf's Wynd and scattered medieval architectural pieces incorporated into nearby buildings like St Olaf's Episcopal Church and the Orkney Museum, underscoring the site's role in the transition from pagan Viking settlements to organized Christianity. Following the Reformation, St Magnus Cathedral transitioned into the Kirk of St Magnus, serving as the primary parish church for Kirkwall's Church of Scotland congregation from the 16th century onward, with notable 17th-century features including finely carved gravestones lining the nave aisles that commemorate local notables buried beneath the floor for a fee. This period marked a shift from Catholic episcopal use to Protestant worship, with the building enduring iconoclastic damage yet retaining its core structure. Kirkwall's religious landscape diversified in the 19th century with the establishment of non-conformist chapels, reflecting growing denominational variety amid industrialization and migration. The Kirkwall Baptist Church, designed in Romanesque style by local architect T.S. Peace, was constructed in 1888 on Victoria Street, featuring triple windows and a prominent oculus to accommodate the Independent Baptist community. Methodist influences also appeared through preaching houses and small chapels during this era, contributing to the town's pluralistic worship traditions alongside the dominant Presbyterian presence.

Secular landmarks

Kirkwall's secular landmarks reflect the town's evolution from a Norse trading hub to a modern administrative center, with buildings that highlight mercantile prosperity, civic pride, and industrial heritage. Among the most prominent are the 17th- and 18th-century merchant houses clustered in the town center, which served as residences and business premises for wealthy traders. Tankerness House, originally constructed in the 1530s as ecclesiastical residences but repurposed after the Reformation, exemplifies this architecture; it features a courtyard layout with later additions, including a west wing built around 1680 by the Baikie family, who owned it for over three centuries until 1951.^[109] Now housing the Orkney Museum, the building preserves period furnishings and artifacts that illustrate domestic life in a prosperous merchant household.^[109] Adjacent to St Magnus Cathedral, the ruins of the Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace stand as testament to Kirkwall's medieval prominence. The Bishop's Palace, constructed in the early 12th century likely by Bishop William the Old, served as the residence for the bishops of Orkney under Norse rule and later Scottish oversight; it hosted King Haakon IV of Norway in 1263 before his death there. Expanded in the 1540s with a round tower, the palace fell into ruin after the Reformation but retains significant stonework illustrating early domestic architecture in the region.^[110] The adjacent Earl's Palace, built in the late 16th century by Earl Robert Stewart and completed by his son Patrick Stewart around 1600, exemplifies Renaissance style with its turrets, corbelled balconies, and ornate interiors; known as "the most modern and magnificent house in Scotland" at the time, it was a seat of Stewart power until the earls' execution for treason in 1615, after which it decayed into its current roofless state.^[110] The 19th century brought further development to Kirkwall's skyline through civic and maritime structures. The Kirkwall Town Hall, completed in 1886 and designed by local architect T.S. Peace in the Scottish Baronial style, stands as a Category B listed building opposite the cathedral; its asymmetrical facade includes corbelled bartizans, crowstepped gables, and a castellated tower, originally accommodating a public hall, library, post office, and municipal offices.^[111] Along the harbor, 19th-century warehouses underscore the town's role in the herring fishing boom; The Storehouse, a B-listed structure dating to 1880, was built as a curing and storage facility for fish exports and has since been restored as a hotel, retaining its industrial character.^[112] Modern additions to Kirkwall's landmarks blend cultural preservation with technological history. The Orkney Wireless Museum, established in 1983 in a former bakery near the harbor, houses an extensive collection of domestic and military radios spanning from the early 20th century to the present, including wartime communication devices like Spitfire sets and a spy suitcase radio, offering insights into Orkney's role in 20th-century broadcasting and defense.^[113] Complementing this is the Grain Earth House, an Iron Age souterrain discovered in 1827 and dating to the late first millennium BC; this well-preserved underground chamber, accessed via a 5-meter passage, likely served for storage and is now a key archaeological site amid the Hatston Industrial Estate.^[114] Preservation efforts ensure these landmarks endure, supported by targeted funding. In October 2025, Orkney was selected as one of six new "Heritage Places" under the National Lottery Heritage Fund's £200 million initiative, enabling community-led projects to revitalize listed buildings and sites across the islands, including Kirkwall's historic structures like Tankerness House and harbor warehouses.^[115] Historic Environment Scotland also provides ongoing grants for repairs to Category A and B listed properties, emphasizing sustainable maintenance amid climate challenges.^[116]

Transport

Maritime and road

Kirkwall Harbour, a key maritime facility since the 15th century when the town was granted royal burgh status facilitating trade under Scottish rule, has evolved into a vital hub for passenger and cargo ferries.^[117] Originally serving as a sheltered anchorage for medieval traders, including Hanseatic merchants exchanging dried fish and goods, the harbor's infrastructure was significantly modernized in the 19th century with piers constructed around 1811-1813 and further rebuilt in the 1880s.^[118] Today, it handles NorthLink Ferries services to Aberdeen on the Scottish mainland, with sailings taking approximately 6-7 hours depending on direction and conditions, operating daily with overnight options.^[119] Inter-island connections are provided by Orkney Ferries, offering frequent short crossings to nearby islands such as Shapinsay (25 minutes), Rousay (30 minutes), and Stronsay (1 hour), supporting both residents and tourists.^[120] In 2025, upgrades began as part of Phase 2 of the Orkney Harbours Masterplan, including planned pier enhancements and alignments with new ferry vessel designs to accommodate larger ships and improve efficiency for future traffic growth. As of August 2025, the second round of public consultations for Phase 2 commenced, focusing on alignment with new ferry designs.^[121]^[122] These developments build on the harbor's historical significance in global trade routes and its strategic role during World War II, where it served as a convoy assembly and inspection point for Arctic routes to the Soviet Union, with operations like Convoy QP 3 terminating there in 1941. The road network in Kirkwall and surrounding areas lacks motorways, reflecting the islands' rural character, but features well-maintained single-carriageway routes like the A965, which connects Kirkwall westward to Stromness over approximately 15 miles through scenic coastal and inland terrain.^[123] Cycling is actively promoted via dedicated paths along key routes, including segments of the A965 and coastal trails, as part of Orkney's sustainable transport initiatives to reduce car dependency.^[124] Public bus services, primarily operated by Stagecoach Highlands under contract with the Orkney Islands Council, link Kirkwall to rural mainland areas and South Isles communities, with routes like the X1 circling the island and the T11 serving sites such as Skara Brae.^[125] These services run frequently during peak hours, providing affordable access to remote spots, though supplementary private coach operators like Orkney Transport Ltd offer chartered links for events and tours.^[126] The town center faces ongoing challenges with parking shortages and congestion, particularly during tourist seasons, prompting strategies for better on-street management and expanded car parks near Bridge Street.^[127] The harbor's operations contribute to the local economy by facilitating goods movement, though detailed economic impacts are covered elsewhere.^[128]

Aviation

Kirkwall Airport, situated approximately 2.5 nautical miles southeast of the town center, serves as the principal aviation hub for the Orkney Islands, providing essential connectivity to mainland Scotland. Originally constructed in 1940 as RAF Grimsetter to defend the nearby Scapa Flow naval base, the airport transitioned to civilian use following World War II and has since been managed by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) since 1986.^[129] The airport operates daily scheduled flights to key destinations including Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, exclusively served by Loganair, with typical flight times ranging from 30 to 50 minutes depending on the route. These services support both passenger travel and limited cargo operations, with no direct international flights available; travelers must connect through mainland airports for overseas journeys. Passenger numbers averaged around 100,000 annually in the years leading up to 2020, declined sharply due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and have since recovered to approximately 137,744 in the 2024-25 period.^[130]^[131] Equipped with a single runway measuring 1,430 meters in length, the airport includes facilities for cargo handling that play a vital role in exporting Orkney's fresh seafood, such as fish, to mainland markets via air freight for time-sensitive deliveries. In 2025, a UK-first hydrogen combined heat and power trial was completed at Kirkwall, powering the terminal, runway lighting, and heating without the need for boilers; funded by the Scottish Government, it marks a key step in HIAL's sustainability goals, with ongoing initiatives including potential electric ground support equipment.^[132]^[133] Beyond routine operations, Kirkwall Airport fulfills a critical function in emergency response, accommodating air ambulances, search and rescue missions, and military flights to ensure rapid intervention in remote island settings. It also underpins tourism by offering convenient access for visitors exploring Orkney's archaeological sites and landscapes, with seamless links to local transport networks.^[134]^[135]

Education

Primary and secondary education

Primary and secondary education in Kirkwall serves the town's population and pupils from surrounding Orkney islands, providing compulsory schooling from age 5 to 16 through a network of local authority institutions under Orkney Islands Council.^[136] Nursery provisions for children aged 3 to 5 are integrated into primary schools and community settings, offering funded early learning and childcare sessions to support early development and school readiness. Key facilities include the nurseries at Papdale Primary School and Glaitness School, alongside independent options like Willow Tree Nursery for younger children aged 6 months to 3 years, with a new 0-5 nursery provision adjacent to UHI Orkney completed in 2025 but remaining without an operator as of November 2025, with efforts ongoing to find one to expand capacity.^[137]^[138]^[139] Kirkwall's primary education is delivered by two main schools: Papdale Primary School, enrolling over 400 pupils from primary 1 to 7, and Glaitness School, with around 200 pupils serving the north-west sector of the town and adjacent rural areas. Both institutions follow Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence, a national framework that promotes skills in literacy, numeracy, health, and wellbeing through broad, experiential learning tailored to individual needs from early level to fourth level.^[140]^[141] Secondary education centers on Kirkwall Grammar School, a co-educational institution with origins in a cathedral school established around 1200 AD by Bishop Bjarni, though its modern form dates to later developments, including the current building opened in 2014. The school accommodates approximately 900 pupils from S1 to S6, drawing from 11 associate primary schools and providing a comprehensive curriculum leading to Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) awards, including National 4 and 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher qualifications.^[142]^[143] Total enrollment across Kirkwall's nursery, primary, and secondary provisions has remained stable at around 1,500 pupils through 2025, reflecting steady population levels in the area and a commitment to inclusive education that accommodates additional support needs for diverse learners.^[140]^[144]^[145]

Further and higher education

Kirkwall's primary provider of further and higher education is Orkney College UHI, a constituent college of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), established in 1995 with its main campus opening in Kirkwall in 2000.^[146] The college delivers a range of vocational and academic programs tailored to local industries, including HNC/HND qualifications in renewable energy technologies such as wind and marine power, and aquaculture courses focusing on sustainable fish farming practices and marine biology.^[147]^[148] Adult learning opportunities in Kirkwall emphasize community-based programs rather than a full university campus, with Orkney Islands Council offering free or low-cost classes in essential skills like literacy, numeracy, digital competencies, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), and recreational subjects such as languages and crafts.^[149] These initiatives, often delivered through partnerships with local organizations, support lifelong learning without requiring formal enrollment, and Orkney College UHI complements them with short courses and evening classes in areas like mathematics and psychology.^[150]^[151] The college facilitates access to higher education through UHI's distributed network, enabling distance learning partnerships with mainland institutions for degrees in fields like business, engineering, and environmental science, often via online platforms.^[152] Recent expansions in 2024-2025 include enhanced online maritime training modules, such as STCW certification updates for fire fighting and personal safety, alongside specialized programs in hydrogen-powered vessel operations to meet growing demands in Orkney's offshore sector.^[153]^[154] In 2022-23, approximately 4% of Orkney school leavers entered further education, typically vocational programs at Orkney College UHI, though many opt for higher education destinations elsewhere or direct employment due to limited on-island options; in 2023-24, leavers showed higher employment rates around 42% compared to national averages, reflecting local economic opportunities. This participation supports regional economic needs, with positive leaver destinations of 96.5% in 2021-22 and 93.8% in 2022-23.^[155]^[156]

Sports

Local clubs and facilities

The Pickaquoy Centre, located in Kirkwall, serves as the primary multi-use leisure facility for sports and community activities in Orkney. Opened in 1997, it features two swimming pools, an eight-court badminton arena, a multi-purpose indoor sports hall suitable for football and basketball, a climbing wall, and fitness classes. The centre also includes Orkney's only outdoor 400-metre synthetic athletics track with six lanes (eight for sprints), which is floodlit for evening use and was refurbished in 2024 to support training and competitions.^[94]^[157]^[158] Football is a prominent community sport in Kirkwall, with local clubs competing in the Orkney Amateur Football Association leagues. Kirkwall Hotspur FC, founded in 1921, fields senior, reserve, and junior teams and plays home matches at local pitches including those at the Pickaquoy Centre. Thorfinn FC, established in 1891, is another historic club based in Kirkwall, known for its competitive presence in the association's 'A' League and cup competitions. Rugby is supported by Orkney RFC, Scotland's most northerly national league club, which trains and plays on the synthetic grass pitches at the Pickaquoy Centre and the nearby Kirkwall Grammar School Sports Centre.^[159]^[160]^[161]^[162]^[98] The Orkney Golf Club, founded in 1889, offers an 18-hole parkland course on the slopes of Wideford Hill overlooking Kirkwall, providing panoramic views of the town and surrounding isles. The club maintains modern facilities including a clubhouse with changing rooms, a bar, and practice areas, catering to members and visitors year-round. Athletics is facilitated through the Orkney Athletic and Running Club (OARC), based at the Pickaquoy Centre track, promoting pathways from grassroots to competitive levels. These clubs contribute to strong local participation, with facilities like the Pickaquoy Centre hosting sessions for basketball and other arena sports alongside major events such as the 2025 International Island Games.^[163]^[164]^[165]^[166]^[167]

Major events

One of the most iconic sporting traditions in Kirkwall is the annual Ba' Game, a medieval street handball match played on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The event divides participants into two teams—the Uppies (from the upper town) and the Doonies (from the lower town)—who compete to carry a cork-filled leather ball to their respective goals at either end of the town, often resulting in chaotic, hours-long play across the streets.^[168]^[169] This Norse-influenced custom, dating back to at least the 17th century, draws crowds of locals and visitors, embodying Kirkwall's communal spirit without formal rules or referees.^[170] Running events have gained prominence, particularly the Orkney half-marathon featured in the International Island Games, which in 2025 attracted over 300 participants from island communities worldwide. Complementing this, the St Magnus Marathon, held annually from 2016 to 2024 on the first Sunday in July, started and finished near Kirkwall, offering a challenging 26.2-mile coastal route that highlighted the islands' scenery and drew runners from across the UK.^[171]^[172] These races underscore Kirkwall's role in endurance sports, with the Island Games edition boosting local participation and spectatorship to around 5,000 at key venues.^[173] Sailing regattas in Kirkwall Bay form a key part of the summer calendar, organized by the Orkney Sailing Club, which hosts dinghy races and selection events for international competitions. The 2025 Island Games sailing program, held in the bay from July 12 to 18, featured races for over 100 athletes from 24 islands, emphasizing skill in variable winds and tidal conditions.^[174]^[175] Cycling events tied to tourism include guided e-bike tours and road races, such as the West Mainland circuit during the 2025 Island Games, which promote exploration of archaeological sites and coastal paths while attracting adventure seekers.^[176]^[177] In recent years, Kirkwall has seen growth in e-sports through educational integration at the University of the Highlands and Islands Orkney campus, where computing programs now incorporate competitive gaming curricula to engage youth.^[178] The establishment of Orkadia Esports Ltd in Kirkwall further supports this expansion, fostering local tournaments and online competitions.^[179] Parallel to this, adaptive sports have advanced for inclusivity, highlighted by the annual Parasport Festival, now in its fourth year as of 2025, which provides accessible activities like boccia and goalball for children with disabilities at the Pickaquoy Centre.^[180] This event, supported by Scottish Disability Sport, has grown to include diverse impairments, promoting community participation and echoing broader investments in Orkney's sports infrastructure.^[181]

Notable people

Historical figures

One of the most prominent historical figures associated with Kirkwall is Saint Magnus Erlendsson, who served as Earl of Orkney from 1106 until his martyrdom around 1117.^[182] Born circa 1075 into a powerful Norse family, Magnus was known for his piety, refusal to engage in Viking raids, and efforts to promote Christianity in the islands.^[183] His cousin and co-earl, Haakon Paulsson, jealous of his influence, lured him to Egilsay under pretense of peace negotiations and ordered his execution by axe on April 16, 1117.^[184] Magnus's relics were later enshrined in Kirkwall's St Magnus Cathedral, construction of which began in 1137 under his nephew Earl Rognvald, transforming the site into a major pilgrimage center and symbol of Orkney's Christian heritage.^[185] He was canonized in the 12th century, with his feast day celebrated annually on April 16.^[186] John Gow, a notorious pirate active in the early 18th century, became entwined with Orkney folklore after his capture near Kirkwall.^[187] Born around 1698 in Wick, Scotland, Gow turned to piracy in 1724 after mutinying on a merchant ship, commandeering the vessel Revenge and raiding coastal settlements from Portugal to the Caribbean.^[188] Seeking refuge in Orkney waters, his crew scuttled the ship off the Calf of Eday in late 1724, but Gow and several accomplices were apprehended by local laird James Fea, who used cunning tactics to prevent their escape to France.^[189] Tried in London for murder and piracy, Gow was hanged at Execution Dock on June 11, 1725, alongside seven crew members; his brief, violent career inspired Daniel Defoe's novel The King of Pirates.^[190] In the 19th century, Rev. Charles Clouston, minister of Sandwick parish near Kirkwall, emerged as a key contributor to Orkney's historical and scientific documentation.^[191] Serving from the early 1800s until his death in 1847, Clouston founded the Orkney Natural History Society in 1837, promoting local research in archaeology, geology, and meteorology.^[192] He conducted excavations of Bronze Age barrows at sites like Upper Lyking in 1838, uncovering urns and artifacts that advanced understanding of prehistoric Orkney, and authored the detailed Sandwick entry for the New Statistical Account of Scotland in 1839, chronicling parish antiquities, agriculture, and folklore.^[193] As both clergyman and amateur scientist, Clouston's multifaceted work preserved vital records of Orkney's cultural landscape amid rapid 19th-century changes.^[194] George Mackay Brown (1921–1996), though born in nearby Stromness, forged deep ties to Kirkwall through his literary career and personal experiences, becoming Orkney's foremost chronicler of island life.^[195] Afflicted with tuberculosis in the 1940s, he spent time as a patient in Kirkwall's sanatorium, where he began writing poems, reviews, and articles for The Orkney Herald, under the pseudonym "Islandman."^[196] Brown's oeuvre, including novels like Greenvoe (1972) and poetry collections such as Fishermen with Ploughs (1971), evocatively depicted Orkney's rhythms—from fishing communities to ancient rituals—often drawing on Kirkwall's historical and communal fabric for inspiration.^[197] A convert to Catholicism in 1961, he infused his work with themes of myth, faith, and the enduring Norse legacy, earning nominations for the Booker Prize and cementing his status as a 20th-century literary icon of the islands.^[198]

Contemporary residents

Liam McArthur has served as the Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Orkney Islands constituency since 2007, representing the Scottish Liberal Democrats, and resides in Orkney with his family.^[199] In September 2025, he was named MSP of the Year at the Holyrood Garden Party and Political Awards for his advocacy on issues including assisted dying legislation and local infrastructure.^[200] In the arts, Kris Drever, born in Kirkwall in 1978, is a prominent folk musician known for his guitar work and vocals, having collaborated with groups like Lau and released solo albums drawing on Orcadian heritage.^[201] Ola Gorie, born in Kirkwall in 1937, pioneered modern Scottish jewellery design in the 1960s, founding a workshop there that continues to produce Celtic- and Norse-inspired pieces under her name, with her family-run business remaining a key cultural exporter from the town.^[202]^[203] Sports figures include Taylah Paterson, a sprinter from Orkney who won gold in the women's 100m and 200m at the 2025 International Island Games hosted in Kirkwall, marking her as a rising local talent in athletics.^[204] In business, Martin Fleet serves as managing director of the Orkney-based Sheila Fleet Jewellery and chairs Destination Orkney, the islands' tourism partnership, where he has advocated for sustainable visitor management amid growing cruise traffic.^[205] Community influencers encompass Kristopher Leask, a councillor for Kirkwall West and Orphir since 2022, who holds an MSc in renewable energy and chairs the Orkney Islands Council's Development and Infrastructure Committee, promoting local decarbonisation projects like harbour enhancements for marine renewables.^[206]^[207]

International relations

Twin towns

Kirkwall maintains formal twinning relationships with international partners to promote cultural exchange, historical understanding, and economic ties, reflecting its Norse and wartime heritage.^[208] The town is twinned with Moena in Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy, since 1996. This partnership originated from the World War II-era Italian Chapel on Orkney, constructed by Italian prisoners of war including Domenico Chiocchetti from Moena, symbolizing reconciliation and friendship.^[209] The connection fosters student exchanges, such as annual visits where groups from Kirkwall Grammar School stay with Moena families, participate in local school activities, and engage in recreational pursuits like skiing, with reciprocal trips to Orkney.^[209] These initiatives enhance youth cultural awareness and sustain the chapel's role as a heritage site drawing around 92,000 visitors yearly, boosting tourism.^[209] At the broader Orkney level, which centers on Kirkwall, there is a twinning with Vestland county in western Norway, established in 1983 and reaffirmed in 2022. This agreement highlights shared Viking history dating to the 8th century and supports ongoing cultural and economic collaboration.^[208] Key activities include the annual gift of a Christmas tree from Vestland, erected and lit on Kirkwall's Kirk Green in front of St Magnus Cathedral, and celebrations of Norwegian Constitution Day on 17 May with delegations and events.^[208] Informal ties extend to Bergen, Vestland's largest city, through historical ferry links and heritage-focused exchanges, promoting tourism and trade delegations that emphasize Scandinavian-Scottish connections.^[208]

Cultural partnerships

Kirkwall, serving as the administrative and cultural hub of the Orkney Islands, engages in non-twinning international collaborations that emphasize cultural exchanges, heritage preservation, and sustainable development. These partnerships, often project-based and facilitated through regional and supranational bodies, foster connections with Nordic and European communities, enhancing Kirkwall's role in preserving its Neolithic legacy while promoting artistic and educational dialogue. Through the Nordic Atlantic Cooperation (NORA), an intergovernmental organization uniting the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, and coastal Norway, Kirkwall-based initiatives collaborate with Icelandic and Faroese communities on heritage preservation efforts. In May 2023, the Orkney Islands Council formalized an agreement with NORA to support joint projects in culture, education, and sustainable development, enabling Orkney partners to access funding for cross-border activities that highlight shared North Atlantic heritage.^[210] This framework has facilitated targeted funding, such as a £20,000 pot opened in October 2024 for Orkney-led collaborations with Faroese and Icelandic groups, focusing on cultural preservation and community exchanges to safeguard intangible heritage like traditional practices and archaeological sites.^[211] These efforts align with broader Nordic Council objectives for inclusive regional cooperation, including heritage initiatives that connect Kirkwall's World Heritage sites with similar Nordic landscapes.^[212] Educational exchanges involving Kirkwall schools occur primarily through the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) network, which connects Orkney with Shetland and Highland institutions to facilitate student mobility and joint programs. UHI's Islands Strategy (2024-2029) emphasizes collaborative learning across these regions, supporting initiatives like shared curricula in arts, history, and environmental studies that promote cultural understanding among island communities.^[213] A UHI Islands Forum held in Kirkwall in September 2024 underscored these ties, gathering educators from Shetland and the Highlands to discuss enhanced exchanges and knowledge sharing.^[214] Complementing this, arts residencies hosted in Kirkwall attract EU artists, providing spaces for creative exploration tied to Orkney's heritage; programs at venues like the Pier Arts Centre and Linkshouse offer residencies that encourage international practitioners to engage with local themes, fostering cross-cultural artistic output.^[215] In 2024, Kirkwall advanced UNESCO collaborations to support the ongoing World Heritage status of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, focusing on management and preservation rather than formal extension. Orkney representatives presented at the Sisimuit I Conference in March 2024, uniting delegates from North Atlantic UNESCO sites to exchange best practices in site protection and sustainable interpretation.^[216] This built toward a revised management plan for 2025-2035, developed in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and involving international input; a draft was released for public consultation in March 2025 to ensure the site's outstanding universal value amid climate pressures.^[217]^[218]

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Exploring the Socio-cultural Impact of Scottish Island Airports
In 1943, the base was transferred to the Admiralty and became the Royal Naval Air Station, HMS Robin. Following WWII, the airfield reverted to the RAF, and in ...
[29]
Council 'shaped by unique needs of community' marks half century
part of a new era of local government across ...
[30]
20 years of devolution and Scotland's parliament: First Minister's ...
Jun 24, 2019 · But measures such as land reform; the ban on smoking in public places; the most ambitious climate change legislation in the world; equal ...
[31]
Climate Change - Our Approach - Orkney Islands Council
We support local initiatives and the ambition from the Orkney Community Planning Partnership set out in the 2024 Climate Change vision statement. All Public ...Missing: responses 2020-2025
[32]
[PDF] Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site Management Plan ...
The critical challenges and themes identified are the climate emergency, planning for uncertainty, tourism and access, community involvement, sustainability, ...
[33]
GPS coordinates of Kirkwall, United Kingdom. Latitude
Latitude: 58° 59' 5.24" N Longitude: -2° 57' 31.43" W. Read about Kirkwall in the Wikipedia ... miles northeast of Stromness on the mainland of Orkney, Scotland ...Missing: Aberdeen terrain
[34]
T11 Orkney Tour - Great Scenic Journeys
Journey fact: Kirkwall is 130 miles north of Aberdeen and 528 miles north of London. Journey Overview. Wow, wow, wow!
[35]
Kirkwall (Town/city) - Mapy.com
population: 7,420 ; area: 3.6 km² ; postal code: KW15 ...
[36]
Overview of Kirkwall - Gazetteer for Scotland
The 'capital' of the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall stands on a narrow neck of land that divides east and west Mainland. It was established by the Norse in the ...
[37]
Kirkwall to Standing Stones of Stenness - 4 ways to travel via bus ...
Yes, the driving distance between Kirkwall to Standing Stones of Stenness is 11 miles. It takes approximately 16 min to drive from Kirkwall to Standing Stones ...
[38]
Geology | Orkney.com
Orkney's geology is quite breathtaking, and thanks to millennia of wild weather and seas crashing ashore, much of it can be found in plain sight for everyone ...Missing: coordinates terrain harbor
[39]
Average Temperature by month, Kirkwall water ... - Climate Data
As per the Köppen-Geiger classification, the prevailing weather conditions in this region are categorized under Cfb. In Kirkwall, the mean yearly ...
[40]
Kirkwall Location-specific long-term averages - Met Office
This webpage provides long-term climate averages for specific locations across the UK. It is designed to display locations that provide even geographical ...
[41]
Average Sunshine a Year in the United Kingdom - Current Results
The annual totals are based on weather data collected from 1991 to 2020. The UK as a whole averages 1403 hours of sun a year.
[42]
(Unofficial) Record-breaking temperatures across the Globe
(Unofficial) Record-breaking temperatures across the Globe. (Unofficial) Record-breaking temperature across the Globe ... Kirkwall Airport, United Kingdom. 53.6 ...
[43]
Orkney's Links with Climate Study Span the Globe
Jun 2, 2020 · The hottest temperature he ever recorded was 81o F. For us, a hot summer's day is in the low 70s F. Once it gets above 20, we start looking for ...
[44]
Consultation on the impact of coastal changes
Sep 16, 2025 · The results of the survey will assist OIC in planning to manage the effects of climate change, coastal erosion and flooding into the future. The ...Missing: 2020-2025 | Show results with:2020-2025
[45]
[PDF] Kirkwall (Orkney) - local data profile - GOV.UK
Council area values have been scaled relative to the national averages which were set to 100. How to read the chart: 1. Compare the overall shape of the council ...ناقصة: square | عرض نتائج تتضمّن:square
[46]
Orkney Islands - National Records of Scotland (NRS)
Between 2018 and 2028, the population of Orkney Islands is projected to increase from 22,190 to 22,311. This is an increase of 0.5%, which compares to a ...Missing: Kirkwall 2029
[47]
Census results raise population concerns for Orkney
Mar 17, 2025 · The 2022 census return identified two areas of significant concern for the Partnership – that the growth in Orkney's population has slowed and may have stalled.
[48]
EU work migration under the post-Brexit immigration system
Jun 18, 2025 · This briefing outlines the evidence on EU citizens' migration to the UK under the post-Brexit work visa system.Missing: Orkney oil
[49]
Your Council - Orkney Islands Council
Set up in 1975, the Council was one of the 3 original all-purpose ... School Place, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1NY | 01856 873535 | Translate ...Missing: headquarters | Show results with:headquarters
[50]
Councillors and Meetings - Orkney Islands Council
May 5, 2022 · Each Councillor has the job of representing the people of the ward they are elected to serve. The Council is made up of 19 independent ...
[51]
Local authorities: factsheet - gov.scot - The Scottish Government
May 8, 2017 · Scotland's 32 local authorities are responsible for providing a range of public services. This includes education, social care, roads and transport, economic ...
[52]
[PDF] item-05-devolved-school-management.pdf - Orkney Islands Council
Sep 10, 2025 · The Scheme of Devolved School Management is intrinsically linked to the improvement planning process and enables schools to plan for improvement ...
[53]
Kirkwall Sheriff Court | Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service
Location and postal address. Sheriff Court House Watergate Kirkwall Orkney KW15 1PD ; Phone. 01856 872110 ; Sheriff Clerk. Laura Beth Macvie (Depute) ; Email.Missing: capital | Show results with:capital
[54]
[PDF] Council Plan 2023 - 2028 - Orkney Islands Council
Social and private housing is more energy efficient. • We have the digital connectivity needed to support sustainability and equality across our communities and ...Missing: initiatives | Show results with:initiatives
[55]
[PDF] Local Housing Strategy 2024-2029 - Orkney Islands Council
It is predicted that population and household growth will continue. Kirkwall and East Mainland is projected to see growth while the North Isles are projected to.
[56]
[PDF] OIC - Key Facts and Figures 24/25 - Orkney Islands Council
Responsibility for key decisions including the Council budget, the corporate management structure, political decision- making processes and specific statutory ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[57]
[PDF] OIC Major Emergency Plan - Orkney Islands Council
It sets out how Orkney Islands Council will activate and manage its corporate response to a major emergency that has the potential to impact on the Council's ...
[58]
VisitOrkney - Orkney Islands Council
The Council provides a substantial grant to VisitOrkney to enable a marketing programme for Orkney tourism to be undertaken.
[59]
[PDF] Orkney Tourism Strategy 2020-2030
Holidaymakers will consider visiting the inner and outer islands an essential part of their Orkney experience and find it easy and affordable to visit the.
[60]
[PDF] Orkney Community Plan 2025/30
For the 2025/30 Orkney Community Plan, the Partnership has adopted a new priority: to improve the health of Orkney's population and reduce health inequities. ...
[61]
The Orkney Partnership | Sustainable Development
In May 2021, Orkney Partnership Board adopted an action plan to combat the climate emergency and improve Orkney's resilience to climate change. Achieving ...
[62]
[PDF] Orkney Economic Review 2023
This document aims to bring together and review the latest data available on the. Orkney economy and statistics and information which might influence the ...Missing: harbor | Show results with:harbor
[63]
Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky & Distillery
Discover the award-winning Highland Park Whisky & Orkney distillery. Shop lightly-peated & subtly smoky single malt whisky.Missing: agriculture beef sheep
[64]
West of Orkney Windfarm
The West of Orkney Windfarm has the potential to power more than two million homes and deliver long-term economic benefits to communities across the north of ...
[65]
[PDF] Item 07 OIC Offshore Energy Development Strategy
Jun 17, 2025 · The economy in Orkney is generally considered to be relatively diverse and buoyant, with key sectors of agriculture, tourism, aquaculture, food ...
[66]
Orkney Islands - Nomis - Official Census and Labour Market Statistics
Employee jobs (2023). Orkney Islands (employee jobs), Orkney Islands (%), Scotland (%), Great Britain (%). Total employee jobs, 11,000, -, -, -. Full-time ...
[67]
Orkney Visitor Levy - Orkney Islands Council
Orkney has a population of approximately 22,500 people and welcomes around 450,000 visitors who contribute more than £114M a year to the local economy.
[68]
Orkney Visitors Survey: 2/3 Best Trips, Visitor Numbers Down 10%
Jun 4, 2025 · Two-thirds of visitors to Orkney who took part in a recent survey said that it was one of the best trips they had ever taken.
[69]
https://www.orkney.gov.uk/media/rfpiuao0/orkney-economic-review-2023.pdf
[70]
Albert Hotel Boosts Orkney Tourism: New Rooms And Expansion To ...
The Albert Hotel in Kirkwall expands with 12 new rooms and a relocated reception to meet the rising tourism demand in Orkney, supported by RBS funding. ... Published on July 28, 2025. Albert hotel. In the ...
[71]
Kirkwall iCentre centre closure concerns businesses
Sep 29, 2025 · Kirkwall iCentre will shut its doors for the last time on October 14th. Image: Andrew Stewart / DC Thomson. Speaking to three businesses near ...
[72]
[PDF] item-08-orkney-responsible-tourism-management.pdf
The Orkney Islands Council Visitor Management Plan would: • Align with the vision and objectives of the Orkney Tourism Strategy 2020-2030 and complement the ...Missing: harbor | Show results with:harbor
[73]
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2lezxxgg0yo
[74]
ABOUT US - St Magnus Festival
Set against the backdrop of land, sea, sky, history and heritage, Orkney's annual celebration of the Arts throws a midsummer spotlight on a magical part of ...Missing: biennial | Show results with:biennial
[75]
St Magnus International Festival - Orkney.com
The St Magnus International Festival is Orkney's annual arts celebration, founded in 1977, held at midsummer, and includes music, drama, dance, literature and ...
[76]
Orkney newspaper printed off the islands for first time in 164 years
Mar 7, 2018 · THE Orcadian newspaper has been printed outwith Orkney for the first time since it was established in 1854, marking the beginning of a new ...
[77]
BBC Radio Orkney - Scotland On Air
May 9, 1977 · BBC Radio Orkney is a community radio station for the Orkney Islands, broadcasting since May 1977 as an opt-out service of BBC Radio Scotland.
[78]
Pier Arts Centre
The Pier Arts Centre is an Art Gallery and Museum in Stromness, Orkney. Home to a permanent collection and year round exhibitions and events.What's OnCurrent & Upcoming ExhibitionsVisitAbout UsShop
[79]
Orkney Library & Archive
Orkney Library & Archive in Kirkwall and the Warehouse Buildings in Stromness provide a wide range of library and archive services across Orkney.Orkney Archive · Archive Catalogue · Mobile Library · Photographic Archive
[80]
Music | Orkney.com
Orkney has a rich and diverse musical heritage and, in particular, a long tradition of fiddle and accordion music.
[81]
Orkney Traditional Music Project
Traditional accordion and fiddle music has always been popular in Orkney, with musical talent and tunes passing from one generation to the next. The project ...
[82]
Orkney's tourism businesses celebrate another busy season
Mar 2, 2025 · 2025 is set to be a busy year in Orkney and we know our incredible businesses will help make it something special.” Orkney Tourism Awards 2024 ...Missing: revenue | Show results with:revenue
[83]
Surge in Readers Since Lockdown to The Orkney News
Jul 2, 2020 · The bulk of the research is done but the costs involved, mostly to pay for image use and film making, make this impossible to achieve in 2020.
[84]
The Pickaquoy Centre | Sports, Arts, Leisure, Conferences in Orkney
The Pickaquoy Centre offers a cinema, two pools, cafe, fitness classes, badminton, climbing wall, kids camp, soft play, room hire, and a campsite.Climbing Wall and Bouldering... · Pool Timetable · What's On · NewsMissing: history | Show results with:history
[85]
The Pickaquoy Centre - Orkney.com
The Pickaquoy Centre offers a cinema, pools, cafe, fitness classes, badminton, climbing wall, soft play, gym, and a 4-star campsite.
[86]
HRH The Princess Royal opens The Pickaquoy Centre's new £6.6m ...
Jul 10, 2013 · The Pickaquoy Centre's new £6.6m swimming pool, health suite and squash courts opened its doors to the public on Saturday 22 June.
[87]
Kirkwall Community Centre - Orkney Islands Council
Contact Details. Kirkwall and St Ola Town Hall and Community Centre, Broad Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1DH. Telephone: 01856873354. Fax: 01856875665.
[88]
KGS Sports Centre - Orkney Islands Council
The KGS Sports Centre has a Games Hall, Gymnasium, Studio, 3G pitch, and two grass pitches. The gym is open evenings and weekends.Missing: annex | Show results with:annex
[89]
The Orkney Museum
However, in 1642 it was bought by the Baikie's of Tankerness who owned the building up until 1951 when it was sold to the Kirkwall Burgh Council. In the museum ...
[90]
Hospital Services - NHS Orkney
The Balfour is situated near the centre of Kirkwall. It is a small rural general hospital with 48 beds. Day Unit · Emergency Department · Inpatient Unit 1 ...
[91]
Scotland's first net-zero hospital leads the way - BBC
Oct 17, 2021 · The hospital is small compared to most in Scotland, just 49 beds, but it is the country's first built to a net-zero standard, ...
[92]
Orkney Health and Care
The Partnership aims to improve and develop social care, community health and wellbeing. We want to provide the best possible care for people in Orkney ...Missing: centers | Show results with:centers
[93]
https://theorkneynews.scot/2020/07/02/surge-in-readers-since-lockdown-to-the-orkney-news/
[94]
Youth Volunteering Groups - Voluntary Action Orkney
We run volunteering projects to help young people get involved in their local community. They work around the busy times in the academic year and provide ...
[95]
[PDF] Orkney's Mental Health Strategy 2020 – 2025.
Research indicates that 22% of men and 28% of women aged 65 years and over suffer from the effects of depression. Older people are affected by similar mental ...
[96]
National Islands Plan: annual report 2024 - gov.scot
Mar 31, 2025 · The Scottish Government is helping people in island communities maintain good mental health and wellbeing and encouraging connections within ...
[97]
Kirkwall Pier and Peedie Sea Circular - Orkney Islands - AllTrails
Rating 3.9 (19) Kirkwall Pier and Peedie Sea Circular is a loop trail that covers 2 mi, with an elevation gain of 114 ft. It takes about 0.5–1 hr to complete. Loop trails have ...Missing: promenades public spaces
[98]
OLAF and Countryside Committee | Wideford HIll Walk
Wideford Hill Walk. From Pickaquoy to Wideford Hill - Fantastic Orkney views! This walk starts from the outskirts of Kirkwall, by the Picky Leisure Centre.<|separator|>
[99]
The Tankerness House Story - Orkney Museums
The Baikies of Tankerness gave their town house the name Tankerness House, as it is still called. More work was carried out on the building during the 18th and ...
[100]
BROAD STREET, TOWN HALL (LB45980) - Portal
Mar 15, 1999 · An exuberant and heavily detailed municipal building designed by Orkney's foremost architect, T S Peace, to house a public hall, a post office, ...Missing: 1885 | Show results with:1885
[101]
Work to start on The Storehouse, Kirkwall - Orkney Islands Council
Mar 28, 2017 · Local firm Casey Construction Ltd are due to start work on the 19th century B listed building at the beginning of April. The project will ...Missing: warehouses | Show results with:warehouses
[102]
Orkney Wireless Museum, Kirkwall - Visit Scotland
A museum collection that spans the development of wireless in Orkney from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day.
[103]
Grain Earth House | Public Body for Scotland's Historic Environment
Grain Earth House is an Iron Age underground chamber with a 5m passage, likely from the end of the first millennium BC, and is well-preserved.
[104]
Orkney to benefit from £200 million heritage fund - The Orcadian
Oct 15, 2025 · Orkney is one of the places set to benefit from a £200 million fund for revitalising heritage. The National Lottery Heritage Fund has ...
[105]
Grants and Funding | Historic Environment Scotland
Explore the wide range of grants and funding available to projects that share our aims to protect and promote our historic environment.
[106]
Kirkwall Feature Page on Undiscovered Scotland
The name comes from the Norse "Kirkjuvagr", or "Church Bay" and comes from the foundation of a church to St Olaf here in the early 11th Century.Missing: evolution | Show results with:evolution
[107]
KIRKWALL HARBOUR (LB46001) - Historic Environment Scotland
Mar 15, 1999 · Description. Harbour comprising 2 piers, shorter, hook-ended pier to west, long angled pier to east, forming a basin.Missing: harbor warehouses
[108]
Ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall - NorthLink Ferries
The ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall departs at 17:00, arriving at 23:00. The return journey is overnight, arriving at 07:00. The distance is 154 miles.
[109]
Orkney Ferries | Bookings, timetables and information
Welcome to Orkney Ferries. Our 9 dedicated Inter-Island ferries operate between Orkney's mainland and thirteen beautiful island destinations.FAQs · Timetables and Fares · Bookings · News and Updates
[110]
Marine engineer appointed to lead next phase of Orkney Islands ...
Jul 9, 2025 · Phase 2 of the Orkney Harbours Masterplan is poised to get underway, with a focus on harbour and pier upgrades to ensure “a cohesive and future ...
[111]
Convoy QP 3 - Wikipedia
Convoy QP 3 was an Arctic convoys of World War II that sailed from Arkhangelsk in the USSR to Iceland and terminated at Kirkwall in Orkney from 17 November ...
[112]
Driving in Orkney: Road Rules, Single-Track Etiquette, and Parking ...
May 4, 2025 · General Road Conditions and Rules. Orkney's main roads, like the A965 between Kirkwall and Stromness and the A960 serving the airport, are ...
[113]
6 Fantastic Cycling Routes in Orkney - NorthLink Ferries
Cycle uphill till you meet the A964 and turn left. You'll have an easy 6 mile run through Orphir and Stenness until you meet the main Kirkwall to Stromness road ...
[114]
Public Bus Services - Orkney Islands Council
Public Bus Services. Bus travel in Orkney provides easy access for the local population and visitors alike to many areas of the Orkney Mainland and Islands.St Margaret's Hope, Kirkwall... · Community Transport · Kirkwall Airport
[115]
Orkney Transport Ltd
Orkney Transport Ltd is a private hire company with an offering of coaches, and minibuses. We offer: Get in touch today to get a personalised quote.
[116]
[PDF] Parking Strategy for Orkney
In Kirkwall there are a number of parking issues to be analysed and considered including pay and display car parks, long stay car parks and on-street parking in.
[117]
Steering a steady course: Why Orkney Harbours flourished in 2025
Sep 26, 2025 · Making the most of their traditional assets and a programme of continued development saw Orkney Harbours continue to thrive in 2025.Missing: upgrades | Show results with:upgrades
[118]
Airport Information for Kirkwall Airport – About us
Built in 1940, the airport was originally used for the defence of the Scapa Flow naval base. In 1986 the airport passed to Highlands and Islands Airports ...
[119]
Flights from Kirkwall Airport | Loganair
Fly from Orkney's capital to the mainland and beyond with Loganair's services from Kirkwall. With direct flights to Edinburgh and Inverness, and seamless ...
[120]
Highland and Islands report steady air passenger figures for 2024-25
May 7, 2025 · The biggest annual increase was seen at Islay where figures rose by 4.9% to 31,392, followed by Kirkwall airport which received 137,744 ...Missing: 2020 | Show results with:2020
[121]
5. Scotland's Key Transport Hubs
This chapter provides an overview of some of Scotland's ports, airports, and road and rail terminals which play a vital role in handling Scotland's freight.
[122]
Hydrogen powers Kirkwall Airport in 'UK-first' - Energy Live News
Oct 31, 2025 · Seeing hydrogen deployed in a live airport environment is a significant step forward in exploring practical decarbonisation solutions and we're ...Missing: sustainability electric vehicles
[123]
Kirkwall Airport - Highlands and Islands Airports Limited
The team work as one to provide vital connectivity to the Orkney Islands and a lot happens in one day at the airport. Learn more about what goes on by watching ...
[124]
Kirkwall Airport (KOI) | VisitScotland
Kirkwall Airport (KOI) is the main airstrip serving the Orkney Islands, situated on mainland Orkney near the islands' largest town, Kirkwall.Missing: runway | Show results with:runway
[125]
Schools - Orkney Islands Council
There are 18 Primary Schools and a Halls of Residence, located in Kirkwall, to permit island pupils to attend Kirkwall Grammar School. The Council encourages ...
[126]
Early Learning and Childcare - Orkney Islands Council
Orkney offers Willow Tree Nursery (0-3 years) and funded early learning for 3-5 year olds, including eligible 2 year olds, in local authority nurseries and ...
[127]
Willow Tree Nursery
Willow Tree Nursery in Kirkwall provides childcare for children aged 6 months to 3 years, with programs for 6 months to 2 years and 2 to 3 years.Explorers · Adventurers · Information · Blog
[128]
Provision of Nursery Operator Services - Find a Tender - GOV.UK
Sep 15, 2025 · In June 2020, Orkney Islands Council agreed to build a new 51 place 0-5 nursery provision next UHI Orkney in Kirkwall. It was agreed that ...
[129]
Papdale Primary School | Reviews, Admissions and Catchment Area
Phone Number, 01856 872650 ; Phase, Primary School ; Number of Pupils, 409 ; Number of Pupils per Teacher, 17.3 ; Local Authority, Orkney Islands ...
[130]
Glaitness School | School Guide
Attendance. 96.2% ; Average Class Size. 15.3 ; Meeting PE Target. Target Met ; Pupil Numbers. 199 ; Teacher Numbers. 18 ...
[131]
[PDF] The History of KGS - Kirkwall Grammar School
The history of a school in Kirkwall goes back to about 1200 AD, when Bishop Bjarni founded a Cathedral school where the clergy probably taught singing and ...
[132]
About KGS - Kirkwall Grammar School
11 associate primary schools and 3 junior highs. School roll: approx. 900, of whom 260 are in S5 and S6. Teaching complement: approx. 100 (including part-time ...
[133]
[PDF] Item 8: School Roll Forecasts - Orkney Islands Council
Feb 3, 2021 · forecast to see a drop of 7 pupils from the current 2020 school roll to 11 by 2025/26 . ... pupils into Kirkwall Grammar School. For the forecasts ...
[134]
UHI Orkney: Home
From foundational access programs through to advanced PhD studies, we support learners of all ages and backgrounds at every stage of their learning journey.Courses · Vacancies · Study at UHI Orkney · Short Courses
[135]
UHI Orkney - Wikipedia
Its main campus is a purpose-built site opened in 2000 on the outskirts of Kirkwall. It is one of very few non-incorporated colleges in Scotland and is the ...
[136]
Departments - Maritime Studies - UHI Orkney
Our renewables programme aims to train not only mariners but also to address the health and safety needs of technicians and researchers. Contact. Telephone ...Missing: expansions 2024 2025
[137]
Education, Training and Skills Development in Aquaculture - UHI
A wide array of training opportunities to the aquaculture sector. From quick, focused short courses designed to meet industry standards and regulations.
[138]
Adult Learning - Orkney Islands Council
We help adults with reading, writing, numbers, digital skills and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) support and provision.
[139]
Evening Classes - Short Courses - UHI Orkney
UHI Orkney provides a range of evening classes. Information on these can be found via the links below: National 5 Mathematics · Higher Psychology ...Missing: programs | Show results with:programs
[140]
Open Evening & Numeracy Classes – News from UHI Orkney
Jan 16, 2024 · Numeracy Classes. UHI Orkney has secured funding to run numeracy classes for adults, to delivered in Kirkwall. The classes are free to attend ...
[141]
Distance Learning - Study at UHI Orkney
with the same high- ...Missing: education | Show results with:education
[142]
Forthcoming Courses - Maritime Studies - UHI Orkney
2025 ; STCW Updated Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting. This is available online through StreamMarine. 0900-1700. 1 Day. £120, Essential ; STCW Updated ...Missing: expansions 2024
[143]
Preparing Crews for Hydrogen-Powered Vessels
Apr 7, 2025 · Explore how to train crews for hydrogen vessels with innovative programs from IRClass, DNV, and more, while supporting mental health with ...
[144]
Positive News of Orkney's School Leavers
Feb 28, 2018 · For the period of 2016/17 initially on leaving school 204 young people in Orkney went to: Higher Education: 41%; Further Education: 16% ...
[145]
96.5% of Orkney's School Students Have Positive Destination on ...
Feb 24, 2022 · 87.7% of school leavers achieved at least one pass at SCQF Level 5 (eg National 5) or better – up from 85.7% in 2019-20 and 77.1% in 2009-10; 66 ...Missing: participation Kirkwall
[146]
Picky running track reopens to a resounding welcome from athletes
Sep 12, 2024 · Extensive refurbishment of the Picky running track was completed this week, with the painting of the white lines.
[147]
Athletics Track & Sport Pitches - The Pickaquoy Centre
The Pickaquoy Centre is where you will find Orkney's only 400 metre, six lane synthetic running track (eight sprint lanes), which is completely floodlit.
[148]
Kirkwall Hotspurs FC - Facebook
Formed in 1921, Spurs are members of the Orkney Amateur Football Association with the Senior club consisting of an A Team, Reserve Team and a Junior Team.
[149]
Orkney Islands - List of Foundation Dates - RSSSF
Jul 24, 2025 · Orkney Islands - List of Foundation Dates. 1891 Thorfinn FC (Kirkwall) 1894 Stromness Athletic FC 1912 Rovers FC (Kirkwall) 1921 Hotspurs FC ...
[150]
Kirkwall Thorfinn Football Club - Facebook
Our annual Brian Anderson Memorial Cup will be on Sunday 14th September 2025! ⚽️ Give us a message if you'd like to be added to a team everyone welcome.
[151]
Sport and leisure in Orkney
Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall, Orkney. Other sports facilities. You'll also find a swimming pool in Stromness, with a steam room, sauna, spa and fitness centre ...
[152]
Club History - Orkney Golf Club
In the 1890's Orkney Golf Club began its move from the links at Birsay to a site at Pickaquoy on the edge of Kirkwall.
[153]
Orkney Golf Club
Orkney Golf Club has an 18 hole course, situated on the side of Wideford Hill, on the outskirts of Kirkwall, adjacent to the main road to Stromness.
[154]
About | Orkney Athletic and Running Club
When the Pickaquoy Centre opened in Kirkwall in 1997, the Club decided to make the track at Picky their home and rebrand as Orkney Athletic Club. Orkney ...
[155]
Athletics - Orkney Island Games Association
Based at the Pickaquoy Centre, a multi-use sports facility in Kirkwall, the Club currently has around 130 Junior Members (9 -18 years) and 40 Senior Members.
[156]
Our 8 badminton court sized Arena is home to many sports including
The Arena is a multi-purpose space used for a large variety of sports, courses and events. · Badminton · Netball · Walking Football · Basketball · Table Tennis ...
[157]
New Year's Day Ba' - Orkney.com
Every Christmas and New Year's Day, the streets of Kirkwall become the venue for a mass games of street football which it's said has its roots in the Norse era.
[158]
Kirkwall Ba - Atlas Obscura
Mar 27, 2019 · Twice a year, usually on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, the Uppies play the Doonies (also known as the "Up-the-Gates" and "Doon-the-Gates ...
[159]
Ba': Chaos in Kirkwall - Mashable
The Kirkwall Ba', which dates back to the 1650s, is played uninterrupted each Christmas and New Year's Day until one team reaches their goal. The match ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
[160]
St Magnus Marathon & 10k - Orkney.com
Jul 5, 2020 · The marathon is organised by the Birsay Community Association and the route replicates that of the followers of Orkney's patron saint, Magnus, ...Missing: International participants
[161]
Half-marathon IOM magic on Island Games' final day - BBC
Jul 18, 2025 · Christa Cain and Corrin Leeming take the Manx medal tally to 80 at the 2025 Island Games in Orkney.
[162]
[PDF] Athletics Programme
Jul 13, 2025 · She is currently the Orkney Record holder for the 10,000m, 10k and half marathon. Taylah Paterson is going into her fourth Games, having ...
[163]
[PDF] Orkney Sailing Club The Girnel
Mariners are advised that from Saturday 12th July 2025 until Friday 18th July there will be a dinghy sailing regatta held in Kirkwall Bay.
[164]
Home sailors selected for Orkney Island Games | News
Apr 16, 2025 · Excitement is building for Orkney 2025, following a Selection Regatta in Kirkwall Bay on Saturday 12 April, the final stage in a process under ...
[165]
Cycling | Orkney.com
If you'd like a guided cycle tour, the Ride Orkney team offer a range of sightseeing cycles, including routes through Orkney's World Heritage Site and island ...
[166]
One month to go until Orkney Island Games - News - VisitScotland.org
Jun 12, 2025 · Opening ceremony and athletes' parade · the triathlon in Stromness · cycling road races through the West Mainland · the half marathon in Kirkwall.
[167]
Check out NQ Computing with eSports from UHI Orkney ... - Instagram
Start Date: August Location: UHI Orkney, East Road campus. Our updated curriculum includes the latest in computing and eSports. Enrol Now: https:// ...
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Orkadia Esports Ltd - Company Profile - Endole
Orkadia Esports Ltd is an active company located in Kirkwall, Orkney. View company profile, shareholders, contacts, financials, industry and description.
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On your marks, get set, go for Orkney's fourth Parasport Festival!
Feb 13, 2025 · On your marks, get set, go for Orkney's fourth Parasport Festival! Date: 13 February 2025. Time: 12:00 PM. Parasport Festival 5.
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Events – Parasport Festivals - - Scottish Disability Sport
Forth Valley, Grangemouth SC, Tuesday 23rd September 2025 ; Grampian, Aberdeen Sports Village, Friday 26th September 2025 ; Highland, TBC, TBC ; Orkney, TBC, TBC ...
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Saint Magnus: Biography on Undiscovered Scotland
Håkon subsequently betrayed and murdered Magnus, who later achieved sainthood and was commemorated by the building of St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. The wider ...
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Magnus Erlendsson, Medieval Ruler Martyrs and Realization of ...
Like Christ, who gave his life for the peace and redemption of the world, Magnus gave his life for the peace and redemption of the people of the Orkneys. This ...
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Visiting the Cathedral and St Magnus Centre
... Magnus being martyred on the island of Egilsay. His bones are now interred within a pillar in the cathedral. Visiting Hours. Entrance to the cathedral is free.
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St Magnus Cathedral - Orkney's Light in the North - Orkneyology.com
It was at this time that Magnus Erlendsson (later to become St Magnus) ... St Magnus Cathedral Choir on the 900th anniversary of his martyrdom here. A ...
[175]
Celebrating St Magnus - Orkney.com
Apr 14, 2025 · Every year on April 16th, Orkney celebrates St Magnus Day. It's the date that marks the martyrdom of Magnus Erlendsson, the former Viking Earl of the islands.
[176]
John Gow, the Pirate - jstor
1725, and executed in London on nth August 1729. The foregoing covers a period of twenty years, and tells the story of the Gows in Orkney so well that little ...
[177]
An account of the conduct and proceedings of the late John Gow ...
Apr 1, 2009 · An account of the conduct and proceedings of the late John Gow alias Smith, captain of the late pirates, executed for murther and piracy committed on board the ...Missing: Orkney | Show results with:Orkney
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'A rogue and a rascal': John Gow, the Wick-born pirate executed 300 ...
Jun 11, 2025 · With mutiny and murder to answer for, Gow was eventually hunted down in Orkney and he suffered a grisly death at London's Execution Dock 300 years ago today.
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John Gow - The Orkney Pirate - History Undressed
Nov 8, 2016 · Eight pirates, including Gow, were executed by hanging on June 11, 1725. That was a short piratical career—less than a year. But the story ...
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Archaeology | Stromness Museum
Dr. Charles Clouston, the Society's first President. In 1838, he excavated a series of Bronze Age barrows at Upper Lyking in Sandwick, and recorded the ...Missing: 19th | Show results with:19th
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[PDF] Newsletter 2000/2001 - Orkney Heritage Society
In 1839, Charles Clouston wrote the Sandwick section for the New. Statistical Account, giving a detailed account of the parish and its people. A man of his ...
[182]
The Stones of Via - The Ness of Brodgar Project
Dec 23, 2022 · The earliest account I have found dates to 1831. In it, the parish minister, Rev Charles Clouston, wrote: “Between the top of Lingafiold and the ...
[183]
Orkney's Pioneering Plant Fossil Collectors
Aug 21, 2023 · The study of the remains of early plant life in Orkney was undertaken by Rev Charles Clouston of Sandwick in the first half of the 19th Century.
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About George Mackay Brown - Library
Aug 21, 2024 · George Mackay Brown (1921-1996), was a key figure in 20th-century Scottish literature, achieving equal prominence as poet, novelist, and short-story writer.
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George Mackay Brown - Orkney's Skald - Orkneyology.com
During his time as a patient in the sanatorium in Kirkwall he wrote poems, articles and book reviews for The Orkney Herald. He read deeply in Orkney history ...
[186]
George Mackay Brown in Orkney: For the islands he wrote
Oct 27, 2022 · For George Mackay Brown, the Orkney Islands, where he was born, grew up and spent almost all his adult life, are at the heart of practically everything he ...
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[PDF] The Looms of History in George Mackay Brown's Literary Landscape
and Brown is careful to Christianise St. Magnus as much as possible, so that his life in An Orkney Tapestry is probably more pious, and his death more ...
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About Liam - Orkney Liberal Democrats
Liam was elected as Liberal Democrat MSP for Orkney in 2007 and moved back to Orkney with his family - Tamsin and their two sons Calum and Tom, who entered ...
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Liam McArthur named MSP of the Year - The Orcadian Online
Sep 19, 2025 · Orkney parliamentarian Liam McArthur has been named the MSP of the Year. Mr McArthur, who was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in ...
[190]
Kris Drever - Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Hailing from Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, Kris Drever has been a leading light on the UK roots scene for well over a decade, renowned for a guitar style ...
[191]
https://stromnessmuseum.org.uk/collections/archaeology
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Ola Gorie Jewellery | Orkney.com
A pioneer of the Scottsh craft scene, Ola was born in Kirkwall, and founded Orkney's first jewellery workshop here in 1960. Her designs are admired around the ...
[193]
Island Games close after a week of wins, friendship and memories
Jul 19, 2025 · A full list of Island Games 2025 results can be found here. Family of bakers on a roll as they take four Island Games medals ...<|separator|>
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Cruise control: could a £5 'entry' fee help balance Orkney's needs ...
Oct 26, 2025 · Orkney council argues a point of entry levy treats every visitor equally. It covers the 214,000 cruise ship visitors who landed there in 2024 ...Missing: revenue | Show results with:revenue
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Kristopher Leask - Councillor for Kirkwall West & Orphir (Orkney ...
Currently a local councillor in Orkney representing Kirkwall West & Orphir, and Chair of Orkney Islands Council Development and Infrastructure Committee.
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Strong Orkney presence at major renewables and low carbon event
May 12, 2025 · Councillor Kristopher Leask, chair of OIC's Development and Infrastructure Committee, said: “Orkney Islands Council has been a key partner ...
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Orkney and Vestland twinning agreement reaffirmed
Apr 4, 2022 · Links between Orkney and Norway were further sealed last week with the reaffirmation of the friendship agreement between the county and Vestland.Missing: Moena | Show results with:Moena
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Dalle isole Orcadi a Moena storia di un gemellaggio antico - Trentino
MOENA. Per una settimana 33 studenti della Kirkwall Grammar School delle lontane isole Orcadi hanno fatto visita alla valle di Fassa.
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Council signs agreement with Nordic Atlantic Cooperation
May 16, 2023 · Orkney Islands Council has today (9 May 2023) signed an agreement with the Nordic Atlantic Cooperation - or NORA. NORA's focus is on making the ...
[200]
NORA funding opens for bids - Orkney Islands Council
Oct 4, 2024 · A £20,000 funding pot aimed at supporting Orkney projects to collaborate with communities in the Faroes, Iceland, Greenland and coastal Norway ...Missing: heritage | Show results with:heritage<|separator|>
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Nordic Council reform: Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Åland join ...
Oct 30, 2025 · The Nordic Council has decided to take a historic step towards more inclusive and modern co-operation. A change to the rules of procedure ...
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Interreg North Sea: Pushing change, driving transitions
The Interreg North Sea Programme 2021-2027 supports cooperation to stimulate a green and sustainable future. We enable people across the North Sea Region to ...North Sea Conference 2025 · Explore projects · Fostering sustainable farmingMissing: Kirkwall tourism
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3ST: Speeding up Sustainability Skills in Tourism - Interreg North Sea
The 3ST project brings together almost all seven countries of the North Sea Region to strengthen collaboration and disseminate skills and successful approaches.Missing: Kirkwall | Show results with:Kirkwall
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UHI launches new Islands Strategy for 2024-2029 - UHI Orkney
May 16, 2024 · The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has published its second Islands Strategy (2024-2029), reaffirming its commitment to island communities.
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Education - National Islands Plan: annual report 2024 - gov.scot
Mar 31, 2025 · Heriot-Watt's Online teaching platform is used to export Orkney-led education programmes to a global audience including HWU ENABLE scholars ...Missing: devolved powers
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Linkshouse Orkney Arts Resdency - Pier Arts Centre
A dedicated residential and creative space on the north-west coast of Orkney's Mainland. It offers a spectacular location for creative endeavour.Missing: Kirkwall schools EU
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[PDF] Item 08 International Engagement - Orkney Islands Council
Jun 17, 2025 · The Orkney World Heritage Site programme is also a vehicle to strengthen links with Vestland. With an agreement to focus on sustainable tourism, ...
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[PDF] Item 08 Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site Management ...
Nov 27, 2024 · The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated the Heart of Neolithic Orkney as a World Heritage Site ...