Kirkwall is the major settlement upon the Northern Isles and capital of Orkney, an archipelago in the north of Scotland. as well as the most popular northern island settlement in Scotland..

It hads a long and proud history from the Norman Days of 1046 when it was first recorded as the residence of Rognvald Brusason, the first Earl of Orkney. Kirkwall dates back to Norse times when it was called Kirkjuvagr ( Church of the Bay). At that time the sea lapped at the steps to the Cathedral., but from that time much land has been reclaimed. In 1486 Kirkwall was granted royal Burgh status by King James !!! of Scotland. Kirkwell’s skyline continues to be dominated by the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral. Known as the Light of the north, visitors cand and do enjoy guided tours of one of the finest examples of medieval architecture to be found in Northern Britain.

Close by the Earl’s and Bishop’s palaces provide a stark and tangible reminder of Orkney’s turbulent past, while at the Orkney Museum in Tankerness house there is much to be learned as well as enjoying a walk through the closed gardens.

The most attractive part of this township relates to the central Alley, which passes from Bridge Street by the Harbour and widens into Broad Street with the Cathedral and Palace ruins.

Kirkwall manufacturing activities include a proud tradition of boat building and processing of the area’s strong production of agricultural products - whisket distilling, egg packing, creameries, beef and cheese making.

But the significant changes of emphasis through the exploitation of the North Sea oil and the building of a terminal at Scappa Flow 12 miles to the south West have been important ingredients in the changing framework of commerce and industry.

The town functions as a commercial centre for the Orkney Islands and serves as the Island’s historic county town.

We had an enjoyable excursion to Scappa flow and did the south Island Panoramic. When we left the whole area was covered in extensive fog. We then drove south and around the island through several tunnels and eventually came to a day with clear blue skies and perfect sunshine and a means of seeing this island at its very best.

We visit several different sites take in the hanging frames, visit the fishing villages outside the centre, see the fish farms, take in several supply ships for the North Sea Oil rigs.

There are also discussions as to how over several nights there has been very good viewing of the northern night, although several people suggest that it is on;y with several camera types that you can observe the colours. We had seen several nights from 11.00 pm to 1.15 am with clouds rolling in the skies, yet these were actually the Northern lights and several guests had great photos taken with Samsung 22 ( latest cameras) and the colours were wonderful.

We have enjoyed a terrific excursion over the 5 hours. Great guide etc.

As we travelled back we were informed of the changes needed as we visit Edinburgh during the Queen’s transfer from Holyrood into Edinburgh and lying in State at the St Giles Cathedral in the main street of Edinburgh. We hear that our ship will now berth at Rosyth, Edinburgh. this is another major change in the itinerary and nothing Oceania can do. This requires shuttles into the top of Edfinburg’s main street and we are a long way from the Centre of the city and the Royal Mile.