In this section of our guide, we will explore Kirkwall, the largest town in Orkney, an archipelago north of mainland Scotland.
Its harbours are in the Bay of Kirkwall to the north and Scapa Flow to the south. West of Kirkwall is Stomness, another significant town in Orkney. Kirkwall is about one hundred and thirty miles north of Aberdeen.
The earliest evidence of human habitation in Kirkwall goes back to the Iron Age. At the western edge of the town is a prehistoric monument. Known as the Grain Earth House, it is a short, low, stone-walled passage, deep underground, leading to a small pillared chamber. This type of earthen dwelling is characteristic of the Northern Isles, although the Grain Earth House is considerably deeper below ground than others discovered. Further west, a similar structure was found, known as the Rennibister Earth House.
The town itself originated as a Norse settlement in the 11th century. Its name is derived from the Old Norse Kirkjuvágr, meaning "church bay." The Orkneyinga Saga, a historical narrative of the history of the Orkney and Shetland islands, mentions Kirkwall in 1046 as the residence of Rögnvald Brusason, the Earl of Orkney. In 1486, King James III of Scotland elevated Kirkwall to a royal burgh.
As might be expected given its location, Kirkwall's early economy was based on agriculture and fishing. Today, its tourism and service industries employ more than half the local workforce. The town also has a manufacturing sector that supports boatbuilding operations, agricultural processing, whisky distillation, cheese making, and egg packing. Oil operations in the North Sea also contribute to the local economy.
As a historic town, Kirkwall has several significant buildings and landmarks besides Grain Earth House, which has already been mentioned.
Saint Magnus Cathedral dominates the town's skyline. Initially serving the Roman Catholic Church, it is the oldest cathedral in Scotland. It was built when the Norse Earls of Orkney ruled the islands. Construction began in 1137 and was added to over the next three centuries. The cathedral has a dungeon, which once held people accused of witchcraft. It is a parish church of the Church of Scotland today, although the burgh of Kirkwall owns the building.
Bishop's and Earl's Palaces are twin palaces that sit side by side in the centre of Kirkwall. The Bishop's Palace dates back to the 12th century, while the Earl's Palace was added in the early 17th century. While deserted for centuries, they remain standing.
Kirkwall has several 17th-18th-century houses and other buildings.
Founded in 1683, the Orkney Library and Archive is the oldest public library in Scotland. Originally housed in a local mansion, it was moved to St. Magnus Cathedral until 1740, when it moved to the Publick Bibliotheck of Kirkwall, also known as the Old Tollbooth.
The Orkney Museum, formerly known as Tankerness House Museum, highlights the history of the Orkney Islands from the Stone Age through the Picts and the Vikings to the current time. The Orkney Wireless Museum houses a collection of domestic and military wireless equipment, operating entirely voluntarily.
Kirkwall is home to a few nursery schools (Glaitness Nursery School, Papdale Nursery School, Strynd Nursery School, and Willow Tree Nursery School), three primary schools (Aurrida School, Glaitness Primary School, and Papdale Primary School), one secondary school (Kirkwall Grammar School), which was established around 1200. Orkney College's main campus is in Kirkwall.
Churches in Kirkwall include St. Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall East Church, St. Olaf's Episcopal Church, Kirkwall Baptist Church, Our Lady & St. Joseph, and a Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall.
Orkney's largest leisure centre, the Pickaquoy Centre, also known a Picky Centre, is in Kirkwall. Additionally, Kirkwall Grammar School's sports centre has indoor sports facilities, as well as grass and synthetic pitches, which are available to the public.
Government facilities, businesses, industries, libraries, museums, historical places, art galleries, entertainment venues, organisations, attractions, and events in Kirkwall are appropriate topics for this category.
Recommended Resources
Representing the Our Lady & Joseph parish in Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland, a parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Aberdeen, and serving the Orkney Islands. Schedules for Mass services, sacraments, and community events are published on the website, which includes a history of Catholicism in Orkney, biographical information on Saint Magnus and Saint Rögnvald, and an introduction to the Italian Chapel in Orkney. Contacts are posted, and volunteer opportunities are included.
https://catholicchurchorkney.org.uk/
Linked with Shapinsay Church of Scotland and partnered with Bindula Parish, in the Presbytery of Thyolo in Malawi, the Kirkwall, Scotland congregation self-identifies as a Church of Scotland eco-congregation, which is defined on the website. Its in-person schedules and online access to services are highlighted, including a sermon archive, pastoral care services, and a calendar of upcoming programmes and events. Information on community use of its King Street Halls is offered.
https://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/KIRKWALLEASTCHURCH/
The secondary school in Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland, was established in 1200, although its current school building opened in 2014. It is the largest school in the Orkney Islands. The website, which includes curriculum data, its departments, and pupil, parent, and staff resources, publishes its catchment area, dress and conduct codes, KGS policies, a map of the campus, and staff contacts. It also posts its location, contacts, office hours, and downloads of various documents and forms.
https://www.kgsorkney.com/
Situated in Kirkwall, Scotland, the Orkney Library & Archive is the oldest public library in Scotland. Founded in 1683 with a bequest of 150 books from William Baikie, the library has a rich history and has been housed in various buildings over the years, including the Old Tollbooth, where it now is. The Orkney Archive was established in 1973 to preserve and provide access to archives and published materials, including local history and genealogical records, photographs, and films.
https://orkneylibrary.org.uk/
Founded by James MacDonald, who gathered a large collection of domestic and defence wireless equipment during his lifetime. The collection was originally housed in a building in St. Margaret's Hope, moving to its current location in Kirkwall in 1997, where it is staffed by unpaid volunteers and wireless enthusiasts. An introduction to the museum's founder and its collection is set forth, including photographs and descriptions. A book entitled "Churchill's Prisoners," is available for purchase.
http://gb2owm.org.uk/
Currently a parish of the Church of Scotland, St. Magnus was built in 1137 as a Roman Catholic Church, then the Norwegian Church, and the Scottish Episcopal Church. An introduction to the church's Sunday worship services, schedules, and a calendar of events are published on the website. The congregation's policies on weddings, baptisms, funerals, and blessings are noted on the website, and its Grapevine Magazine may be downloaded from the site. Contacts are posted on the site.
https://www.stmagnus.org/
St. Olaf's Scottish Episcopal Church
Although the original St. Olaf's dates back to the 11th century, the present church opened in 1876, the Scottish Episcopal Church is located in Kirkwall, Scotland. Its address, a map showing its location, and contacts are posted on the website. A member church of the Kirkwall Council of Churches, schedules for its Sunday morning and evening services, Wednesday midday prayer, and other programmes and activities are featured on the site, which includes an informational blog.
https://stolafs-kirkwall.scot/
