The History of Orkney: A Local Guide’s Perspective
Orkney isn’t just where I live — it’s where my family has lived for centuries. I can trace my roots back to the 1700s, and in Orkney we like to say: “Scratch the surface, it bleeds archaeology.” That’s not just a saying, it’s the truth. Every stone, every field, every coastline hides a story older than most countries.
When you join me on a tour, you’re not just visiting sites — you’re stepping into the living history of these islands. Here’s how I see Orkney’s story.
The Neolithic Heart of Orkney
Long before the Vikings, Orkney was already a powerhouse of culture. Skara Brae — a 5,000-year-old village — is older than the Pyramids. The Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness form a ceremonial landscape that rivals Stonehenge, but here, you can walk right up to the stones and feel their weight.
Norse and Viking Orkney
From the 8th century onwards, the Norse shaped everything here — from place names to laws. St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall still stands as a monument to that Viking legacy. Even today, Orcadian culture feels more Norse than Scottish at times — fiddles instead of bagpipes, knitwear instead of tartan.
Orkney Through War and Change
Scapa Flow became Britain’s naval base in both World Wars, and its waters hold haunting wrecks of German battleships. The Italian Chapel, built by prisoners of war, is one of the most moving historic sites you’ll ever see — born of hardship, built with faith and creativity.
Why Orkney’s History Matters Today
For me, guiding isn’t about dusty scripts — it’s about connecting people to living stories. Orkney’s history isn’t locked in museums; it’s under your feet, in the cliffs, and in the voices of locals. That’s what I share on every tour.
If Orkney’s history has caught your imagination, come and experience it first-hand. My private tours of Orkney take you beyond the guidebook and into the heart of the islands’ past.
Book your Orkney tour today and let’s uncover history together.
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