Orcadian Outposts

In the oldest part of Kirkwall, visit Sheila Fleet’s beautiful gallery of her distinctive local jewellery.

Steaming north, we arrive at Westray, the ‘Queen of the Isles’, where the imposing 16th century Noltland Castle has links to a particularly turbulent time of Scottish history. Found on the west coast of Papa Westray, the Knap of Howar features two small structures which are the oldest standing stone buildings in north-west Europe.

The Heritage Centre on Sanday tells the history of the island from prehistoric times through to the 20th century and displays some of Sanday’s natural and man-made treasures. 

Crawl into the high central chamber of a megalithic tomb dating back 5,000 years at Quoyness Chambered Cairn. Once a tomb for the dead, its form bears some resemblance to the houses of the living, perhaps reflecting Neolithic beliefs in the afterlife.

Stronsay is an island shaped by the sea and the Vat of Kirbister was formed when the roof of a large sea cave collapsed leaving a spectacular arch.

Finally, we discover a majestic jewel, the Castle of Mey, the late Queen Mother’s home in Scotland.