The Orkney Blueprint
This is a fully custom day, built entirely around what you want to see. Orkney doesn't do "standard," so neither do I. Your list, your pace, I sort the logistics.
Built for:
- Off-map explorers
- Photographers
- Returning guests
- Craft and heritage fans
Max group size: 4 people
Physical intensity: Up to you
Families: All ages
Includes:
- Private driver, up to 7 hours
- Full route planning
- Weather, tide and ferry handling
- Standard site tickets covered
- Door-to-door pickup
Your custom day, planned around you
No two Blueprint days look the same, because no two guests want the same thing. Here's where they tend to go.
Off-map exploration
The coastal spots and single-track backroads that never make it onto a standard route.
Island hopping
Westray, Papa Westray, Hoy, Rousay. I handle the ferries so your day doesn't live or die by a timetable.
Specialist pursuits
Genealogy digs, research trips, media projects. Bring the brief, I'll bring the local knowledge.
The side quest
Already done the stone circles? Good. Let's find what's past them.
Craft and heritage
A day built around Orcadian makers, from chair building to jewellery casting. History you can hold.
What you're actually getting
This isn't a guided tour with a script, ticking off the same six sites everyone else sees. It's me, working the phones and the tide tables in the background, so the day you actually wanted stands a fighting chance against Orkney weather.
Here's how it plays out in practice:
- No fixed route. We agree the shape of the day beforehand, then adapt as we go. Wind picks up, ferry's running late, you spot something you want longer at? We move with it.
- Craft and workshop visits arranged. Fancy watching a chair get built at the Orkney Chair, jewellery cast at Sheila Fleet, or clay thrown at The Harray Potter? I'll get you in the door, weekday visits work best for seeing makers actually at work.
- Highland Park tastings and floor malting tours. From a quick dram to the full technical tasting, sorted in advance so you're not queuing.
- A pace that suits the terrain, not the clock. Outer islands run on ferry time, not yours. I build the day around what's realistically achievable, so you're not sprinting for a boat.
Guaranteed return
You'll make it back for your ferry or flight. I track sailings, flights and sea conditions all day. Getting you home on time is non-negotiable (the bar afterwards is entirely your call).
Items not included:
- Lunch or refreshments
- Workshop or activity tickets
- Bad moods
Hi, I’m Calum.
I know these islands properly: the shortcuts, the tide tables, the folk worth knowing. The Blueprint is for travellers who want a private driver and a flexible day, without a script. Tell me what you're after and I'll work out how to get you there, and back, in one piece.
Got tour questions? Let's talk
Skip the chatbot. Book a free 10 minute call and we'll cover routes, timings, tides and anything else on your mind. Bring your oddest ideas, I like a challenge.
Create your own Orkney blueprint today
Fill in the form below and I'll be in touch within 24 hours to start planning.
A 50% deposit (£425) secures your date once we've agreed the itinerary, with the rest due on the day.
Expect to hear back within 24 hours
Additions & special requests: Need extra tickets, a private charter, or a specific workshop? Just ask and I'll send a separate quote.
(I’ll be here. The date might not be.)
Your questions answered
What is the Orkney Blueprint?
It's a fully custom, private day tour of Orkney, built around your interests, with a private driver and up to 7 hours of flexible exploration.
What about site tickets?
A portion of your fee covers standard site tickets and basic island crossings. Anything extra gets quoted separately.
Do you charge per person?
No, every tour is priced per group, so bring the whole crew for the same price.
When's the best time to visit Orkney for decent weather and fewer crowds?
April, May, September and October give you fewer crowds and better odds of good weather. Pack a jacket regardless, we're further north than most of Scotland.
Can I alter a suggested itinerary?
Yes, just give me a heads up so I can check it's safe and doable in the time we've got.
Can you accommodate groups larger than 4?
Possibly, depending on my extended team's availability. Get in touch and we'll see what's doable.
Can you accommodate four larger adults comfortably?
Usually, yes. I use the biggest, comfiest vehicles I can find, though Orkney's roads and parking are narrow. For maximum comfort, three's the sweet spot.
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