About Historic Orkney
Historic Orkney runs small, private tours across Orkney and wider Scotland. We only take one group a day, so you get our full attention, not a slice of it. No rushing, no corners cut, just straight dealing and a genuine soft spot for the islands.
Professional reliability
0% cancellation record:
Not one cancelled tour in the last 15 months. When we say we'll be there, we'll be there.
One booking a day:
Just one group, full stop. No splitting your guide's attention, no rushed handovers.
Why we bother:
Staying small means we can actually deliver what we promise, not just print it on a leaflet.
Honest pricing:
Rates are published and fixed. No surprise fees waiting at the end.
Technical integrity & safety
The fleet:
Checked every four months and kept in proper nick. Comfortable MPVs and luxury BMWs. No coaches, no panel vans.
Accredited:
Members of SITOA (Scottish Independent Tour Operators Association) and fully insured across Scotland and Europe.
Port access:
Licensed for dockside pickups and drop-offs, so cruise guests can step straight off the gangway.
Background checked:
Enhanced PVG certified by the Scottish Government. Vetted, not just vouched for.
Tools of the trade
Drone footage:
Used now and then for a better view of a site, always kept well clear of wildlife.
Boats too:
We can reach the North Isles and Scapa Flow by water when the trip calls for it.
Cleaner vehicles:
Euro 6 compliant and ULEZ ready. Easier on the islands, and your lungs.
Trusted partners:
For anything outside our own patch, we lean on a small network of people we actually rate.
Land management & responsibility
We prioritise real-world action over labels.
Leave no trace:
We tread carefully around ancient sites and the land local farmers let us cross.
Wildlife left in peace:
No chasing seals or whales for a photo. We watch from a respectful distance.
Carbon offset:
Ongoing tree planting and land management. Trees do a better job of it than a spreadsheet.
Local support:
Years of quietly backing Orkney's animal rescue and community groups.
The decision
We run a small operation on purpose. It means the logistics work, the guiding is properly good, and your time on Orkney feels unhurried, exactly as it should.
Historic Orkney Limited trading as Historic Orkney. Registered in Scotland: SC838496
Got questions? Let's talk
Skip the chatbot, talk to an actual human. A free, no-pressure ten-minute call to sort logistics, timings, tides and access. Bring your oddest ideas, I like a challenge.
Your questions answered
How many people are on a Historic Orkney tour?
Just one group a day. We don't share your guide, your vehicle, or your day with anyone else.
Is Historic Orkney a legitimate, insured tour operator?
Yes. We're members of SITOA (Scottish Independent Tour Operators Association), fully insured across Scotland and Europe, and PVG background checked by the Scottish Government.
Does Historic Orkney offer cruise ship pickups?
Yes, we hold the necessary Orkney port permits for dockside collection and drop-off.
What's Historic Orkney's cancellation record?
0% in the last 12 months. If we've booked you in, we'll be there.
Are Historic Orkney's prices fixed?
Yes. Rates are published upfront, no hidden fees or surcharges added later.
What vehicles does Historic Orkney use?
Comfortable MPVs and luxury BMWs, all Euro 6 compliant. No coaches, no panel vans.
Can Historic Orkney arrange tours by boat as well as by car?
Yes, we can reach the North Isles and Scapa Flow by water when the trip calls for it.
Is Historic Orkney environmentally responsible?
We follow Leave No Trace principles, keep our distance from wildlife, and support ongoing tree planting and land management.