Kirkwall

Shopping in Kirkwall

While you’re unlikely to find many high street brands on the Orkney Islands, there are many independent retailers to be found offering fantastic local produce. If you’re looking to add a few new items to your wardrobe, the Quernstone Knitwear shop found in Stromness and the Aurora clothing and jewellery store in Kirkwall are well worth a visit. The highstreets of the Orkney Islands are almost entirely made up of local businesses, so exploration is the best way to find hidden treasures and keepsakes.

Food & Drink in Kirkwall

With its unique geography and climate, the Orkney Islands play host to many local delicacies. Meat lovers must try the North Ronaldsay Mutton which can only be found on the island and is produced by a hardy breed of sheep that eats only seaweed. Those with a sweet-tooth will be happy to know that the island also makes its own ice cream, made using only milk produced in Orkney. And if you fancy something a little different, you can pick up some Partan toes, which are locally sourced crab claws in a rich sauce.

Events in Kirkwall

Drawing upon thousands of years of history, the Orkney islands have many unique festivities that visitors will love:

Ba

A traditional game of street football played on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day through the streets of Kirkwall. Ba sees hundreds of men, split into the Uppies and Doonies, clash over a single leather ball as they attempt to either get it to the street opposite the Cathedral or the harbour. The game is played over hours and is a sporting spectacle unlike anything else.

Orkney Folk Festival

One of the biggest folk festivals in Scotland, the Orkney Folk Festival is held between the 24th and 27th of May as thousands of visitors flock to the town of Stromness for a series of incredible live performances. This is a great way to get a feel for the history of the island and its traditions.

St. Magnus Festival

Set around midsummer, St. Magnus Festival offers many exciting events as local performers and visiting artists take over the Orkney Islands for a week of fantastic musical acts, plays, poetic recitals and much more.