Located off the far North Eastern coast of Scotland,
the Orkney & Shetland Islands are rich in terms of pre-historic
sites and are renowned for their bird reserves. Comprising a group
of islands, the Orkneys are located closer to the mainland and are
accessible by either air or ferry. More compact in nature, the Shetland
Islands lie north of the Orkneys, some 112 miles from the mainland
and were in fact once part of the Danish Kingdom. The Shetlands
are also accessible by air and sea.
ORKNEY ISLANDS
Earl's Palace
Bishop's & Earl's Palaces, Kirkwall,
Orkney
The Bishop's Palace dates from the 12th century and has been
much altered over the years, with one of the most significant additions
being a 16th century round tower built by Bishop Reid. The notorious
Patrick Stewart, Earl of Orkney, built the adjacent Renaissance
style Earl's Palace circa 1600. Phone: + 44 1856 875461
Broch of Gurness, Evie, Near Kirkwall, Orkney
Protected by three lines of ditch and rampart, the base of this
broch is surrounded by an Iron Age village, the internal fittings
of the buildings being of particular interest. It is thought that
the Vikings may have built the long house on top of the ruined broch,
while the grave of a Viking woman was found nearby. Phone: + 44
1856 751414
Corrigall Farm Museum, Harray, Near Dounby, Orkney
This late 19th century Orkney farmstead with stone furnishings and
heather thatch features a working barn, grain kiln and traditional
livestock. Phone: + 44 1856 873191
Highland Park Distillery & Visitor Centre,
Kirkwall, Orkney
Founded in 1798 by notorious smuggler Magnus Eunson, the distillery
is one of only six remaining in Scotland which malts its own barley.
Visitors have the opportunity to see the entire process from malting
to distillation, as well as enjoying the audio-visual presentation
and a dram of whisky. Phone: + 44 1856 874619.
Hoy Nature Reserve, Hoy, Orkney
Comprising a mixture of moorland and cliffs and including the famous
Old Man of Hoy rock stack, this is the place to see a range of wildlife,
including red grouse, golden plovers, guillemots, razorbills and
kittiwakes.
Maes Howe, Stennes, Near Kirkwall, Orkney
A seemingly ordinary mound from the outside, this is one of the
finest megalithic sites in the country. A narrow stone passage leads
to a burial chamber containing a number of cells set into the walls,
while of equal significance are the inscriptions, carved on the
walls by Vikings in the 12th century. Phone: + 44 1856 761606
Old Man of Hoy
Old Man of Hoy, Hoy, Orkney
One of Orkney's most famous landmarks, this 450-foot sea stack
is located just off the coast of Hoy and walkers can reach the site
via a path from Rackwick. A round trip takes about three hours.
Phone: + 44 1856 872856
Orkney Museum, Tankerness House & Gardens,
Kirkwall, Orkney
Covering 5,000 years of history, the museum tells the story of Orkney
from Medieval times to the present day. Stone Age, Pictish and Viking
artefacts are on display, including a Norse whalebone linen smoothing
board. Phone: + 44 1856 873191
Orkney Wireless Museum, Kirkwall, Orkney
Along with a collection of radio equipment, such as receivers, gramophones
and transistors, the museum profiles the history of Orkney's
war years and the part played by radio and telephones in protecting
the home fleet. Phone: + 44 1856 871400
Ortak Visitor Centre, Kirkwall, Orkney
Visitors can learn how jewellery is made through a video and demonstrations,
while the shop offers a wide range of Ortak jewellery and gifts.
Phone: + 44 1856 872224
Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
Skara Brae Prehistoric Village, Sandwick, Orkney
Comprising ten one-roomed houses, this Stone Age village is the
best-preserved Neolithic village in Europe. The rooms contain an
array of stone furniture and give an insight into how people lived
in 3,000 BC. The museum provides information on the site and displays
a number of artefacts. Phone: + 44 1856 841815
Tomb of the Eagles, Liddle, South Ronaldsay, Orkney
Offering a valuable insight into the life of our Neolithic ancestors,
the museum here affords an opportunity to handle some of the original
artefacts. Visitors can also enjoy a talk at a Bronze Age house.
Westray Heritage Centre, Westray, Orkney
This is the ideal place to learn about the island's history,
natural heritage and way of life over the years. Local artists,
craftsmen and writers have designed interpretation panels, models
and interactive displays to aid the visitor. Phone: + 44 1857 677414
SHETLAND ISLANDS
Auld Rock Brewery, Baltasound Unst, Shetland
Opened in December 1997, Valhalla Brewery currently produces cask-conditioned
real ale. The main brew at the brewery is a dark ale, known as "Auld
Rock". Phone: + 44 1957 711658
Bonhoga Gallery, Weisdale Mill, Weisdale, Shetland
This is the first purpose built Gallery in Shetland and it shows
a varied programme of local, national and international work. Phone:
+ 44 1595 830 400
Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, Sumburgh,
Shetland
Situated south of Lerwick and set within 3 acres, this important
site boasts a complex of ancient settlements. The oldest is a Bronze
Age village of oval stone huts, while there is also an Iron Age
broch and an entire Viking settlement. The Visitor Centre has displays
on prehistoric life and the history of the site. Phone: + 44 1950
460112
Old Scatness Broch
Old Scatness Broch, Lerwick, Scatness, Shetland
Visitors can enjoy guided tours of what is one of the worlds best
preserved Iron Age villages as the excavation unfolds. Phone: +
44 01595 694688
Quendale Watermill & Interpretative Centre,
Dunrossness, Shetland
Situated on Quendale Farm, this is an excellent example of a restored
overshot watermill. A video shows the working mill, while there
is also a small craft shop on site. Phone: + 44 1595 859251
Shetland Museum, Lerwick, Shetland
The Shetland Museum provides an interesting insight into island
life past and present. It has extensive displays of archaeology,
folk life, maritime and social history, as well as exhibitions
of
contemporary art. Phone: + 44 1595 695057
Shetland Textile Working Museum, Weisdale, Shetland
The Shetland Textile working museum at Weisdale Mill houses a collection
of textiles and artefacts illustrating history of traditional textile
crafts. Its exhibitions and demonstrations vary. Phone: + 44 1595
830419
Tangwick Haa Museum, Eshaness, Shetland
Built in the late 17th Century for the Cheyne family, lairds of
the Tangwick Estate, all aspects of life in Northmavine over the
years are well illustrated here. The museum boasts many fascinating
artefacts and photographs. Phone: + 44 1806 503347
Unst Heritage Centre, Haroldswick, Shetland
This Centre explores the history of Unst through displays depicting
crofting, fishing, geology and unique examples of spinning and
lace
knitting. It also offers information on family history. Phone:
+ 44 1957 711528
