A Quick Stop In The Orkney Islands
After we visited Edinburgh, we headed to our second port in Scotland for a quick stop in the Orkney Islands. The ship docked in Kirkwall on the Mainland Island. This is the largest of about 70 that make up the Orkney Islands.
As with many of the places we stopped on our cruise of the Nordic countries, the Orkney Islands were originally part of Norway. But in 1468, the king of Norway Christian I lost the islands to Scotland as part of the dowry for his daughter.
On our quick stop in the Orkney Islands, we chose to tour and see the countryside. And a bit of the Neolithic past. It was a grey, moody day. But it seemed to fit the islands.
A Country Drive
Our bus headed out of Kirkwall and into the countryside. At times the road was so narrow, our bus could barely make it down the road. Vehicles had to pull over to let us pass. As we drove along, we saw farms all along the route. Cows and sheep lazed in the fields. And the horses watched as we passed. The mist hung over the water and the countryside, constantly moving in and out.
Our guide talked about the fact that the Orkney Islands relied heavily on renewable energy. Solar panels and wind turbines were visible in many areas. We even saw the Wello Penguin boat that was being used to generate power from the waves. This move to 100% sustainable energy was demonstrated again when we visited Iceland on this trip.
A quick stop in the Orkney Islands provided us with a view of the beauty of these remote islands.
The Fishing Village Of Stromness
Our bus stopped in the fishing village of Stromness and we had some time to wander this village. Many people stayed close to the harbour and looked at the boats. When we looked down the coast, we got a view of the hills in the distance.
When we wandered the town we found the Town Hall and statues of explorers from this town with a connection to Canada and Sir John Franklin. But we were surprised to see a sign that talked about the Hudson’s Bay Company. This was the early trading company we learned about in Canadian history. It turns out that in the 17th century, the overwhelming majority of employees of the Hudson’s Bay Company were from the Orkneys. The locals were well suited to working in the Canadian climate at that time.
Before we re-boarded our bus, we took a look at some local art on the building side. And a colourful mural in the ferry building.
We were glad we stopped in the small village of Stomness on our quick stop in the Orkney Islands.
A Snack Stop
When the bus pulled into the Standing Stones Hotel, we were happy for a break. The homemade scones with cream and jam were served with tea.
But David was drawn to the bar. We learned that the Orkney Islands had an active beer industry. He looked at the colourful beer pulls to see what this hotel offered. But we did not get to try the Highland Park 12-year-old single malt whisky made on the island and smoked with local peat beds. We were a bit sorry that we missed that tour! But made up for it when we made sure to taste test Irish whiskey in Ireland.
After our snack, we wandered outside to see the view out over the water. Far off in the distance, we could just see our next stop at the Standing Stones of Stenness.
Refreshed on our short stop in the Orkney Islands, we moved on for our next discovery.
Orkney Islands Neolithic History
We were now in the Neolithic heartland of Orkney. This area was designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. The earliest archeological discovery was from 6820–6660 BC and indicated the presence of Mesolithic nomadic tribes. But ruins show that the Orkney Islands have been inhabited through history.
We first passed the Standing Stones of Stenness. This 5,000-year-old circle of 12 stones was surrounded with a rock-cut ditch. It appeared to be on the path to the larger Ring of Brodgar.
The Ring of Brodgar henge monument was a much larger ring of standing stones. Today only 27 of the 60 original stones are standing. Each of the stones were 6 degrees apart. The stones are encircled by a ditch that was more than 10m across and 3m deep. We saw a new archeological dig being worked on when we visited.
As we travelled around, our guide pointed to other smaller standing stones in the fields. We were excited to see this first view of standing stones. It was a great introduction before we stopped later in the trip to visit the stunning sight of Stonehenge. On a quick stop in the Orkney Islands, you will quickly get an appreciation for the ancient history of these islands.
The Ruins Of Scottish Nobility At Earl’s Palace Birsay
Our final stop was to see the ruins of the Earl’s Palace on the Birsay Bay. Earl Robert Stewart was the illegitimate son of King James V of Scotland. He built Earl’s Palace Birsay in two phases using forced labour starting in the late 1500’s. The ruins stand as a monument to royal pretensions and Robert’s oppression of the people of Orkney.
The building was largely constructed of sandstone. Time and the elements have not been kind the ruins. We wandered around to see a bit of what remained. Only the sheep were at home!
When we finished we looked out over the water. On one side we could just see the Birsay Tidal Island. At high tide it is separated from the mainland. In the other direction we saw the stunning vertical cliffs that we so characteristic of the Orkney Islands.
There was a much larger Earl’s Palace in Kirkland. On this fast visit to the Orkney Islands we did not have time to visit. But more ruins awaited us when we visited Grey’s Abbey on our visit to Northern Ireland.
Orkney Islands During WWII
We learned a lot about the ancient history of the Orkney Islands on our bus tour. But we also learned about the strategic role that the Orkney Island played during both World Wars. The British Royal Navy base in the Orkney Islands was at Scapa Flow.
After WWWI, the German naval fleet was interned on the coast of Scapa Flow to await a decision on its future. To avoid the ships being used by the British, the crew scuttled the entire fleet in June 1919. As scuba divers, we were fascinated to learn that this site now contains one of the highest concentrations of diveable wrecks in the world. Although some of the ships have been raised and there there has been much salvaging on others.
On the southern part of the island was the Churchill Barriers. This was originally built from cement blocks to protect the eastern approaches of Scapa Flow following the sinking of HMS Royal Oak in 1939. The roadway has been surfaced and now provided vehicle access to different islands, which were previously connected only by ferry.
On a quick stop in the Orkney Islands, there was so much history to absorb.
An Interesting Quick Stop In The Orkney Islands Scotland
We had a great country break when we did a quick stop in the Orkney Islands Scotland. The countryside and waterways were beautiful in the gloomy mist. We learned so much history about the islands. From the distant Neolithic standing stones, to the royal linkages and through to the World Wars. Local beer and single malt scotch will warm you up when you visit!
We got one more surprise when local girls put on a great Scottish dance show for us on the pier. The welcomes and send-offs were always so touching when we cruised the smaller ports.
Our short visit to the Orkney Islands Scotland whetted our appetite for our next stop in the Faroe Islands. This stop made us excited to see yet more great countryside vistas on this cruise to the Nordic countries.
Have you done a quick stop in the Orkney Islands Scotland? Did you find something else we missed?
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What a fantastic tour of the area, it is so lush and wild, but I also loved the tours of the gorgeous stone villages. I love to visit places like this!
Noel, We were happy to get this small taste test of the Orkney Islands. Certainly so much more to explore on a longer visit. Linda
I did all these places in the Orkney’s back in 2014. Loved my road trip around the islands (drove all the way from London) in the summer months. The amount of history up there is totally amazing. I had two full days up there and it wasn’t enough.
Danik, we were so glad to get this quick look at the Orkney Islands. I can see why two days was not enough for you either. Linda
OMG, just like the Shetland Islands which we visited in Lerwick, Scotland on a cruise after our stops in Iceland!
Carol, We would love to visit the Shetland Islands too. Such scenic spots to visit. Linda
The Orkney Islands look beautiful, and I love that they are making the effort toward 100% sustainable energy. How exciting that you saw the Wello Penguin boat in action! I’d love to just wander that fishing village, taking in the scenery and meeting people. And I had never even heard of The Ring of Brodgar henge monument, and now I’m completely intrigued.
Patricia, I am glad to introduce the Orkney Islands to you. So many interesting things to see. We were fascinated on our last cruise with how many countries are making serious attempts to get self sustaining. Linda
I always love your pictures and ability to draw me into your travel stories. I’ve never heard of Orkney Islands until now and it is incredibly rich in history. You covered quite a bit in one day and you give me reason to go and explore.
Rosemary, I am glad you enjoyed our journey to the Orkney Islands. You will find so much to see and do if you visit. But one day is not enough! Linda
Gosh, your pix are incredibly beautiful. I’ve heard that Scotland is a beaut – and it has been rotting on my list forever. After this post, I definitely make sure to find a gap in my calender for it.
Renata, I am glad this has been a great tease to get Scotland on your planning board. We definitely are going to plan a trip back. Linda
What a lovely excursion. I did not know the Orkney Islands used to belong to Norway! You learn something new everyday! I love the very green countryside, the peaceful cows and sheep, and the welcoming Scottish dancers. Exploring the ruins would be icing on the cake.
Tami, We were delighted with the variety in what we got to see and do on this short stop. A great tease to make us want to go back. Linda
Orkney Islands looks like a very interesting place to visit! Loved the bit about Churchill Barriers. Interesting information about a WWII artifact. Would love to visit someday 🙂
Adonis, We learned so many interesting tidbits on our day tour of the Orkney Islands. Hope you get to visit one day. Linda
The Orkney Island looks so adventurous! But what drags me in is the ruins at Earl’s Palace Birsay. Historical land marks have always been interesting for me and I would love to visit there someday!
Shreya, There are a lot of landmarks to visit in the Orkney Islands. We are sorry we missed the Earl’s place in Kirkwall. More to see on a return visit. Linda
Ive always wanted to visit Scotland! I used to live in London and I was always planning a trip but it never worked! Orkney Islands looks like a wonderful place! The views, the animals and the ruin, everything looks so great!
Ada, I hope you get to visit the Orkney Islands. They were a great discovery for us. Linda
Scotland is my husband’s number one dream destination! We both loved Ireland and are dreaming of a trip to Scotland. I want to go, but it wasn’t super high up on my list. Now I’m thinking it might have to be moved up! The Orkney Islands look and sound amazing!
Chloe, I am so glad to have stirred up a desire to visit Scotland. We just got a taste test on this trip. We definitely want to go back for more. Linda
I always knew that the Orkney Islands were beautiful but they are more than beautiful. Your photos have really captured the beauty. The Ring of Brodgar monument was a surprise, I did not know there was something similar to Stonehenge in the Orkney Islands.
Jane, I am glad that you enjoyed our photos of our visit to the Orkney Islands. This was a great discovery for us. So much history. Linda
Fantastic tour of the place! Knowing for the first time and loving the place a lot. The neolithic history connection is really interesting. Gives me goosebumps to think how people would have lived there then.
Indrani, It was interesting to see some of the very ancient history on the Orkney Islands. So surprised to see the variety we found. Linda
We are big time divers, so that ship wreck area is particularly interesting. I wonder how the visibility is down there, and the water temps….hahahaha. We spent a month in Scotland but totally missed the Orkney Islands!
Mike, We too are scuba divers and the wrecks would be a draw. But not without a dry suit. I am not sure the water ever gets reasonable. For me at least! The Orkney Islands may give you a reason to go back. Linda
I love the bucolic atmosphere of the Orkney Islands, with horses and cows. Visiting the ruins of the Earl’s Palace and the Ring of Brodgar henge monument will get on my list right now, as we are planning to go to Scotland next summer. Thanks for letting me know about his place.
Anda, We were surprised to hear about so much history on the Orkney Islands. This is a great spot to add to a Scotland itinerary. Hope you love it. Linda
What a beautiful rendition about the things to do in Orkney Islands . This islands are a beauty to withhold for any tourist, with all the rawness in nature, yet the abundance of culture and historical significance. Its a shame, that i wasn’t able to visit Scotland when I was in the UK earlier this year, but definitely doing a dedicated tour in the future.
Arnav, I am sure you are not the only one that misses the Orkney Islands on a trip to Scotland. We certainly do now know that it is a great spot to visit. Hope you get your Scotland trip planned. We too want to head back for a longer visit. Linda
The Orkney Islands are my dream. But I would like to go there with a sailboat. However, it’s nice to hear your story even from the ship’s perspective. Love those pictures reminding me of Iceland or Faroe islands. Standing Stones of Stanness reminds me of those in other parts of Scotland. Maybe my sailboat dream will come true one day? Who knows
A sailboat to the Orkney Islands sounds like the perfect plan. Hope you get to do it one day. Linda
The place looks really relaxing. It would be a joy to experience the countryside and see these animals up close. It is amazing to find places that are more eco-friendly and relies on renewable energy. I wish there would be more places like that. Looking forward to visit Orkney Islands in the future if given a chance.
Clarice, The Orkney Islands were a wonderful surprise for us. We only got a small taste test. But would love to go back and explore more. Hope you get to visit. Linda