Reservations 877·97·CRAFT  (877·972·7238)

Kirkwall, Scotland

Kirkwall is the busy heart of the Orkney Islands, an archipelago of islands some 10 miles off the north coast of Scotland. Kirkwall is a stunning place filled with history. It has been around for many hundreds of years and was perhaps first mentioned in the Orkneyinga saga in the year 1046.  Spend an afternoon exploring the main street and visit the quirky craft shops and cozy cafes. Although Kirkwall is Orkney’s largest town, it is still small when compared to other Scottish towns. It is also a great base for entertainment; listen to local music and enjoy some Orkney ale in the local pubs or nightclub. Many of the characteristics of Kirkwall are more Scandinavian in nature than they are Scottish. Orkney only became Scottish when it was acquired in 1468. Kirkwall has seen many tumultuous years but it has also seen long periods of peace which have slowly carved it into the beautiful and homely place it is today.