Showing 1-6 of 6 results
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Bishop's Palace
The ruined Historic Scotland (HS) Bishop's Palace is worth poking around. It was built in the mid-12th century to provide comfortable lodgings for Bishop William the Old. There's a good view of the cathedral from the tower, and a plaque showing the different phases of the cathedral's construction.
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Earl's Palace
The ruined Historic Scotland (HS) Earl's Palace is worth poking around. It was once known as the finest example of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland. It's the better of the two palaces, with many lower rooms still intact. One room features an interesting history of its builder, Earl Patrick Stewart, who was executed in Edinburgh for treason. He started construction in about 1600, but he ran out of money and it was never completed.
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Highland Park Distillery
Not only is Highland Park Distillery a very fine single malt, but the tour of the world's most northerly whisky distillery is also one of the best. You'll see the whole whisky-making process - this is one of the few distilleries that still does its own barley malting, known as floor malting. Tours are run half-hourly.
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Orkney Museum
In a fine restored merchant's house, the Orkney Museum gives an intriguing glimpse into Orkney's archaeological treasure chest, starting from the first settlers, who arrived over 5000 years ago. Exhibits include Pictish stones, 'bone' pins and Iron Age jewellery. The highlight is the photo archive downstairs, which offers snapshots of a technologically distant past. Keep an eye out for the temporary exhibitions.
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Orkney Wine Company
Orkney Wine Company produce handmade wines made from berries, flowers and vegetables, all naturally fermented. Get stuck into some gooseberry or gorse-flower plonk - not everyone's cup of tea but surprisingly addictive.
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St Magnus Cathedral
Founded in 1137 and constructed from local red sandstone and yellow Eday stone, fabulous St Magnus Cathedral should not be missed. The powerful atmosphere of an ancient faith pervades the impressive interior. Lyrical and melodramatic epitaphs of the dead line the walls inside and emphasise the serious business of 17th- and 18th-century bereavement.
Showing 1-6 of 6 results
