We were in Orkney a few weeks ago for a weekend and managed to see most of the historic sites despite the weather. I know it is supposed to be summer but the persistent rain and wind made it feel more like autumn. Nevermind, we still made the most of it!
Maeshowe
Our first stop was Maeshowe, an impressive Neolithic chambered cairn built over 5,000 years ago. We also visited the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae located at the Bay of Skaill. Skara Brae is one of the best preserved prehistoric settlements in Western Europe.
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| Skara Brae |
One of my favourite things about Orkney are the rugged beaches and rocky cliffs that surround the mainland.
Birsay Bay
The beach at Birsay Bay on the West Mainland has some great slanted, jagged rocks. It was great to watch the waves crashing over them.
A new discovery from this trip, was the cliffs and stacks at Yesnaby. There is a great cliff top walk that leads to Yesnaby 'Castle' a rock stack that stands on its own, detached from the mainland. There are also great views towards the Island of Hoy and you can even see the other famous rock stack: 'The Old Man of Hoy' from here.
The Rock Stacks and Cliffs at Yesnaby
Another highlight of our visit were the famous standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. The Ring of Brodger is especially impressive with 27 of its original 60 stones still standing.
The Ring of Brodgar
The Standing Stones of Stenness
Orkney is also an Island inhabited by many talented craftspeople. I was particularly inspired by the work of Jeweller Sheila Fleet. During our trip, I was able to visit her workshop and showroom in Tankerness and see her beautiful designs cast in gold and silver and finished with colourful enamel. Many of Sheila's jewellery is inspired by the Orkney landscape and some of her collections are based on the historic sites above.
The main reason for our trip was our friends' wedding, so I couldn't not mention it! It was a beautiful day despite the rain and the setting for the ceremony was very special. The happy couple got married in St Magnus Catherdral in Kirkwall.
Centrepieces and Cupcakes
The reception was also great fun with lots of ceilidh dancing and much eating and drinking. The tables were decorated with ceramic candle holders designed and made by the Groom and the 'wedding cake' were fantastic cupcakes courtesy of our friends Eion and Craig from Kilau Coffee Shop in Aberdeen. Compliments to you boys, they were so good :)