About Historic Orkney
Historic Orkney provides a high specification, independent tour and expeditions service for the North Isles and Scotland. Our service is built on honesty and respect for the Islands future. the company is structured to provide reliability and professional discipline for clients who require an uncompromising standard of service.
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Professional reliability
- 0% Cancellation Record: Over the last 9 months (as of March 2026), the company has maintained a 0% cancellation rate across every service. We manage logistics to eliminate uncertainty for international travellers. We don’t drop people for a "better gig." When you book, we are comitted to you.
- Capacity: We accept only one private booking per day. This ensures total preparation and the operational flexibility to pivot as the islands require. It allows for "island time" we never need to be in a hurry, but we always meet your required deadlines.
- Pricing: All rates are project-based and published openly. We do not use hidden fees or "luxury" surcharges.
- What you see is what you get: Our integrity, standards and deliberate non use of "stick-on" marketing ensures we do things our own way. This allows us to make you the priority.
Technical integrity & safety
- The Vehicles: Company vehicles undergo safety inspections every four months, on an island, the reality is that a vehicle is a tool of the trade. We utilize modern, high-specification platforms maintained for operational consistency in the Northern environment. Our focus is on the capability of the platform.
- Accreditation: Professional membership of SITOA (Scottish Independent Tour Operators Association).
- Verification: Externally verified for providing tours in Scotland. Fully insured for all statutory requirements.
- Pier Access: We hold the necessary permits to ensure safe dockside collection and drop off where practical.
- Security: Full PVG certification (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) certification issued by the Scottish Government.
Tools of the trade
- Aerial Footage & Investigation: Drone technology is sometimes utilized as a technical tool for site clarity and providing a perspective unavailable from ground level (conducted only where non invasive to wildlife).
- Marine Access: Operational capability for the North Isles and Scapa Flow using vessels suited for the environment.
- Fleet: We utilize MPV & executive saloon platforms for groups of up to four only. We don’t pack you in.
- Partner Affiliations: We maintain a network of local partners and trusted vendors for services outside of our core advertisements.
Land management & responsibility
We prioritize real-world action over "stick-on" labels.
- Respect for the Land: We strictly follow the Leave No Trace principle. We expect Orkney to be left exactly as it is found; our operations do not compromise the integrity of the sites or the landowners.
- Respect for the Wildlife: We are firm believers in sharing space with animals rather than disturbing it; we do not offer whale watching tours.
- Carbon Offset: Long-standing natural land sequestration and active tree planting. We believe nature does it better than we ever could.
- Community Support: Direct financial contributions to local animal rescue and community organizations, work our team still plays an active part in and has done for decades in Orkney.
The decision
We lead a disciplined, low-volume operation. Historic Orkney provides the technical expertise and logistical certainty required for a high integrity experience. The objective is a seamless encounter with the landscape, without compromise.
Historic Orkney Limited trading as Historic Orkney. Registered in Scotland: SC838496
Got questions? Let's talk
Skip the chatbots and speak in real time. This ten minute briefing is a no-pressure technical check to answer questions and check over your ideas. We’ll focus on the logistics, timings, tides, and accessibility.
To ensure your journey is built without compromise. Bring your "weird and wonderful" ideas, I enjoy a challenge.
