


01
St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall
The commanding presence of St Magnus Cathedral graces the Kirkwall skyline, the principal town of Orkney, an archipelago situated off the northern coast of mainland Scotland. This cathedral, a prime illustration of Romanesque architecture, was constructed for the bishops of Orkney during the Norse Earls of Orkney's reign over the islands. Remarkably, it stands as the northernmost cathedral in the United Kingdom. Its ownership lies not with the church but with the burgh of Kirkwall, a consequence of an edict by King James III of Scotland following Orkney's integration into the Scottish Crown in 1468. Notably, the cathedral boasts its own dungeon.
The inception of its construction dates back to 1137, with continuous additions spanning the subsequent 300 years. The inaugural bishop, William the Old, oversaw the diocese, which fell under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Nidaros in Norway. Bishop William also saw the construction of the nearby Bishop's Palace. Prior to the Reformation, the cathedral was overseen by the Bishop of Orkney, whose episcopal seat was located in Kirkwall.

02
Skara Brae
Skara Brae stands as a Neolithic settlement crafted from stone, situated along the Bay of Skaill on the western coast of Mainland, the largest island in Scotland's Orkney archipelago. Comprising eight closely clustered houses, it was inhabited from approximately 3180 BC to around 2500 BC, earning the distinction of being Europe's most comprehensive Neolithic village. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Skara Brae is part of "The Heart of Neolithic Orkney," a collection of four sites. With an age surpassing that of Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, this site is often referred to as the "Scottish Pompeii" due to its remarkable state of preservation.

03
The Ring of Brodgar
The Neolithic henge and stone circle known as the Ring of Brodgar is located in Orkney, Scotland. Unlike most henges, Brodgar stands out by incorporating a stone circle into its design, placing it in the company of notable sites like Avebury and, to a lesser extent, Stonehenge. Positioned on a narrow isthmus between the Lochs of Stenness and Harray, the circle comprises standing stones. In contrast to structures like Avebury, there are no apparent stones within the circle. However, as archaeologists have not excavated the interior, the possibility lingers that there might have been structures, possibly wooden, within. The site has proven resistant to scientific dating, leaving its age uncertain. Generally believed to have been constructed between 2500 BC and 2000 BC, the Ring of Brodgar represents the last of the significant Neolithic monuments erected on the Ness. In an effort to address the age uncertainty and explore other aspects of this relatively enigmatic site, the Ring of Brodgar Excavation 2008 project was initiated during that summer. The excavation results are still in the preliminary stages.

04
Maeshowe
Maeshowe stands as one of the largest tombs in Orkney, featuring a mound that envelops the tomb with a diameter of 115 feet (35 m) and a height reaching 24 feet (7.3 m). Encircling the mound, situated at a distance ranging from 50 feet (15 m) to 70 feet (21 m), is a ditch extending up to 45 feet (14 m) in width. Concealed within the grassy mound is an intricate network of passages and chambers meticulously constructed from flagstone slabs weighing up to 30 tons. The tomb is strategically aligned so that the rear wall of its central chamber, supported by a bracketed wall, is illuminated during the winter solstice—a phenomenon also observed at Newgrange. The entrance passage, spanning 36 feet (11 m), guides visitors to the central, almost square chamber measuring about 15 feet (4.6 m) on each side. The original roof may have reached a height of 15 feet (4.6 m) or more. Notably, the entrance passage is only about 3 feet (0.91 m) in height, requiring visitors to stoop or crawl into the central chamber. This central chamber primarily consists of flat stone slabs, with many extending nearly the entire length of the walls. In each corner, substantial angled buttresses rise to support the vaulting.

05
The Broch of Gurness
Located on the northeast coast of Mainland Orkney in Scotland, overlooking Eynhallow Sound, the Broch of Gurness stands as an Iron Age village, once home to a substantial community, positioned approximately 15 miles northwest of Kirkwall.
Established sometime between 500 and 200 BC, the focal point of the settlement is a stone tower or broch, believed to have originally stood at a height of around 10 meters. Its interior is compartmentalized by upright slabs, featuring two drystone walls forming the tower with stone-floored galleries in between, accessible via steps. Evidence of stone ledges suggests a potential upper storey with a timber floor, and the thatched roof would have been surrounded by a wall walk connected to the ground floor by stairs. The broch includes two hearths and an underground stone cistern with steps leading down, resembling the setup at Mine Howe. This structure is believed to hold religious significance, possibly associated with an Iron Age cult focused on underground practices.

06
The Pier Arts Centre
Situated in Stromness, Orkney, Scotland, the Pier Arts Centre stands as an art gallery and museum established in 1979. Its inception aimed to provide a permanent residence for a significant collection of fine art generously donated by Margaret Gardiner (1904–2005), an author, peace activist, and philanthropist, intended to be safeguarded "in trust for Orkney." In addition to the permanent collection, the Centre organizes a year-round schedule of rotating exhibitions and events designed for the education and enjoyment of the general public, with free admission.
The historical significance of The Pier Arts Centre is deeply embedded in Orkney's past. The street-facing house, constructed in the 18th century, had, for much of the 19th century, been the residence of Edward Clouston, a prosperous merchant and Agent of the Hudson's Bay Company. Clouston erected stores and offices on the pier behind his house. The first floor of his residence featured a meticulously panelled drawing room adorned with books, family portraits, and a pianoforte.

07
The Italian Chapel

08
Tomb of the Eagles
The Isbister Chambered Cairn, also known as the Tomb of the Eagles, is a Neolithic chambered tomb situated on a cliff edge at Isbister on South Ronaldsay in Orkney, Scotland. In 1958, Ronald Simison, a farmer, first explored the site while digging flagstones. In 1976, Simison conducted his own excavations, prompting archaeologist John Hedges to undertake a comprehensive study, preparing a technical report and authoring a widely-read book that solidified the tomb's name. The excavation unearthed 16,000 human bones and 725 bird bones, with a predominant focus on the white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), representing approximately 8 to 20 individual eagles. Initially interpreted as a foundation deposit, this understanding has been challenged by new dating techniques, revealing that the eagles perished between approximately 2450–2050 BCE, up to 1,000 years after the tomb's construction. This discovery aligns with a growing body of evidence from other sites, indicating that Neolithic tombs in Orkney were used over multiple generations.

09
The Old Man of Hoy
The Old Man of Hoy is a sea stack rising to a height of 449 feet (137m) on Hoy, a part of the Orkney archipelago situated off the north coast of Scotland. Composed of Old Red Sandstone, it ranks among the tallest sea stacks in the United Kingdom. Climbers are drawn to the challenge of scaling this formation, with the first ascent recorded in 1966. Carved by hydraulic erosion from a cliff, the stack is relatively young, dating back no more than a few hundred years. However, its precarious future is evident as it faces the potential of collapsing into the sea.
Located near Rackwick Bay on the west coast of Hoy, Orkney, Scotland, the Old Man is visible from the Scrabster to Stromness ferry. Certain perspectives of this geological wonder suggest a resemblance to a human figure.

10
Earl's Palace
Situated near St Magnus's Cathedral in the heart of Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland, the Earl's Palace stands as a dilapidated Renaissance-style structure. Initiated in 1607 by Patrick, Earl of Orkney, its construction heavily relied on forced labor. Today, the palace's remnants are accessible to the public. Earl Patrick, recognized as one of Scotland's most tyrannical noblemen, commissioned the palace due to his dissatisfaction with the Bishop's Palace accommodations. Determined to expand the complex, he embarked on constructing a new palace on adjacent land, despite not having legal ownership. To acquire the property, he unjustly accused the owner of theft, orchestrated a trial, and ultimately executed him. In 1609, while imprisoned in Edinburgh, Earl Patrick's illegitimate son, Robert, initiated a rebellion, capturing the palace, St Magnus's Cathedral, and Kirkwall Castle. An army under the command of the Earl of Caithness besieged the castle, resulting in its destruction. Earl Patrick and his son faced execution for treason.

11
Marwick Head
In Birsay, the northernmost parish on the Orkney Mainland, a memorial stands with the following inscription:
"This tower was raised by the people of Orkney in memory of Field Marshal Earl Kitchener of Khartoum on that corner of his country which he had served so faithfully nearest to the place where he died on duty. He and his staff perished along with the officers and nearly all the men of HMS Hampshire on 5 June 1916."
However, this simple yet poignant structure does not convey the full extent of the tragedy. Only 12 men survived the sinking, and around 736 other men, including Lord Kitchener, lost their lives in harrowing circumstances. This amounted to a total loss of 737 souls. To more accurately commemorate those who perished, the Orkney Heritage Society took action. The Kitchener Memorial was meticulously restored to its original state, and a curved commemorative wall for HMS Hampshire was constructed alongside it. Crafted from local stone and adorned with granite, the wall bears the engraved names of all 737 men who met their fate in the tragic incident.

12
The Brough of Birsay
The Brough of Birsay is an unpopulated tidal island situated off the northwest coast of The Mainland of Orkney, Scotland, within the parish of Birsay. Positioned approximately 13 miles north of Stromness, the island boasts the remnants of both Pictish and Norse settlements, alongside a contemporary lighthouse.
Access to the island is possible on foot during low tide through a predominantly natural causeway. At high tide, the island is separated from the mainland by a 240-meter (790-foot) stretch of water known as the Sound of Birsay.
Coastal erosion has partially dismantled the Norse settlement, leading to concrete rip-rap reinforcement along the cliffs to prevent further deterioration.

13
Knap of Howar
The Knap of Howar, situated on the island of Papa Westray in Orkney, Scotland, represents a Neolithic farmstead that could be the oldest well-preserved stone house in northern Europe. According to radiocarbon dating, the site was inhabited from 3700 BC to 2800 BC, predating similar structures in the Skara Brae settlement on the Orkney Mainland. The farmstead comprises two adjoining rounded rectangular buildings with robust walls and very low doorways oriented toward the sea. The larger and older structure connects to the other building through a low passageway, often interpreted as either a workshop or a second dwelling. Built on an earlier midden, the structures are surrounded by midden material that has served to protect them. Devoid of windows, these buildings likely relied on fire for illumination, with a hole in the roof for smoke ventilation. Although they now stand near the shoreline, their original location was likely inland. The nearby shore provides a convenient source of construction material, as the local stone naturally splits into thin slabs.

14
Noltland Castle
The Neolithic henge and stone circle known as the Ring of Brodgar is located in Orkney, Scotland. Unlike most henges, Brodgar stands out by incorporating a stone circle into its design, placing it in the company of notable sites like Avebury and, to a lesser extent, Stonehenge. Positioned on a narrow isthmus between the Lochs of Stenness and Harray, the circle comprises standing stones. In contrast to structures like Avebury, there are no apparent stones within the circle. However, as archaeologists have not excavated the interior, the possibility lingers that there might have been structures, possibly wooden, within. The site has proven resistant to scientific dating, leaving its age uncertain. Generally believed to have been constructed between 2500 BC and 2000 BC, the Ring of Brodgar represents the last of the significant Neolithic monuments erected on the Ness. In an effort to address the age uncertainty and explore other aspects of this relatively enigmatic site, the Ring of Brodgar Excavation 2008 project was initiated during that summer. The excavation results are still in the preliminary stages.

Noltland Castle is located near Pierowall on the island of Westray in the Orkney Islands of Scotland. It dates mainly to the later 16th century, although it was never fully completed. The castle is protected as a scheduled monument. In 1560, Adam Bothwell, Bishop of Orkney, granted the lands of Noltland to his brother-in-law Gilbert Balfour, who built the castle. Balfour was Master of the Royal Household to Mary, Queen of Scots, and was involved in the plot to kill her husband, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. After Mary's deposition and exile, he continued to support the queen. Noltland was seized by Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney, an opponent of Mary's supporters, but he was forced to hand it back to Balfour in the early 1570s. Balfour died in Sweden in 1567, and, in 1598, the castle was again seized by the Earl of Orkney (now Patrick Stewart, son of Robert). By 1606, the castle had been restored to the Balfours once more, when it was sold to Sir John Arnot, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, who later became Sheriff of Orkney
Article Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noltland_Castle
Image Source: Dumgoyach - geograph.org.uk

15
Sanday
The Neolithic henge and stone circle known as the Ring of Brodgar is located in Orkney, Scotland. Unlike most henges, Brodgar stands out by incorporating a stone circle into its design, placing it in the company of notable sites like Avebury and, to a lesser extent, Stonehenge. Positioned on a narrow isthmus between the Lochs of Stenness and Harray, the circle comprises standing stones. In contrast to structures like Avebury, there are no apparent stones within the circle. However, as archaeologists have not excavated the interior, the possibility lingers that there might have been structures, possibly wooden, within. The site has proven resistant to scientific dating, leaving its age uncertain. Generally believed to have been constructed between 2500 BC and 2000 BC, the Ring of Brodgar represents the last of the significant Neolithic monuments erected on the Ness. In an effort to address the age uncertainty and explore other aspects of this relatively enigmatic site, the Ring of Brodgar Excavation 2008 project was initiated during that summer. The excavation results are still in the preliminary stages.

Sanday is one of the inhabited islands of Orkney that lies off the north coast of mainland Scotland. With an area of 50.43 square kilometres (19.5 sq mi), it is the third largest of the Orkney Islands. The main centres of population are Lady Village and Kettletoft. Sanday can be reached by Orkney Ferries or by plane from Kirkwall on the Orkney Mainland.
The Picts were the pre-Norse inhabitants of Sanday but very few placenames remain from this period. The Norse named the island Sandey or Sand-øy because of the predominance of sandy beaches and this became "Sanday" during the Scots and English speaking periods. The similarly named Sandoy is in the Faroe Islands.
Article Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanday,_Orkney
Image Source: Dr Julian Paren - geograph.org.uk
